- Where
- Southern Mozambique, Mozambique
- Minimum stay
- 2 weeks
- Starts
- 10–12 dives per week (weather dependent)
- You'll sleep in
- Shared accommodation
Overview
Join a hands-on marine conservation programme based along one of the most remote and biodiverse coastlines in southern Mozambique.
This region is known for healthy reefs, diverse marine life, and some of the highest sightings of manta rays in the country.
Volunteers work alongside marine biologists and researchers, contributing to conservation projects focused on:
- Manta rays
- Sharks
- Humpback whales
- Sea turtles
- Seahorses
- Reef fish
- Nudibranchs
- Coral health
This programme is ideal for those interested in marine conservation, diving, and gaining real-world field experience.
Volunteers take part in both in-water and land-based research:
What you'll do
In-Water Activities
- Underwater photo identification (manta rays, sharks, turtles)
- Assisting with telemetry and underwater ultrasounding
- Humpback whale monitoring and fluke identification
- Nudibranch searches and cataloguing
- Reef fish surveys and coral monitoring
- Turtle monitoring (nesting season)
- Seahorse monitoring
- Shark and ray identification
- BRUV deployment, retrieval, and analysis
Land-Based & Research Support
- Environmental data collection
- Research preparation and organisation
- Data entry and dive logging
- GPS and sightings recording
- Uploading identification images
- Managing underwater footage
- Supporting dive centre operations
- Beach clean-ups and outreach
Volunteers are involved in the full research cycle:
- Preparation
- Data collection
- Analysis and logging
Depending on season:
- Manta rays
- Leopard sharks
- Bull sharks
- Whitetip reef sharks
- Wedgefish & guitarfish
- Eagle rays
- Stingrays (8+ species)
- Humpback whales
- Sea turtles (Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback)
- Seahorses
- Nudibranchs (200+ species)
- Game fish (Kingfish, Tuna, Barracuda, Sailfish, Marlin)
- Diverse reef fish populations
Seasonality:
- Manta rays: year-round (peak July–November)
- Humpback whales: June–October
Training & Learning
Volunteers receive structured training and ongoing support.
Training Includes
- Species identification
- Survey methods
- Data collection & logging
- Marine biology lectures
- Manta ray identification
- Telemetry & ultrasounding
- Whale fluke identification
- Coral reef monitoring
- Research diving techniques
- Conservation communication
First 1–2 weeks focus on learning before independent work.
Why This Programme Matters
Volunteers contribute directly to long-term marine conservation in Mozambique.
Impact Areas
- Species monitoring
- Research and data collection
- Conservation planning
- Habitat protection
Participants gain:
- Real field experience
- Practical research skills
- Direct conservation impact
- Minimum age: 18
- Recommended: Advanced Open Water diver
- Courses available on-site if needed
Where you'll stay
Accommodation & Daily Life
Accommodation is simple and sustainability-focused.
Living Setup
- Shared accommodation available
- Self-catering kitchens
- Group cooking common
- Wi-Fi at research station
- Shops visited every 2 weeks
Estimated food cost:
- ±R1,400/month
- Walking distance to beach and dive centre
What's included
- Research dives
- Dive equipment hire
- Accommodation
- Transfers (Vilanculos ↔ project site on set dates)
- Marine biologist training & support
- Lectures and research guidance
- Selected excursions
- Wi-Fi
- Pre-departure support
- Emergency local support
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visa costs
- Meals (depends on package)
- Travel insurance
- Diving insurance
- Dive certifications
- Transfers outside set dates
Before you go
Key Info
- Minimum stay: 2 weeks
- Recommended stay: 1 month+
- 10–12 dives per week (weather dependent)
- ±25 dives per month
Required
- Diving insurance
- Travel insurance (recommended)
No prior marine biology experience required.
Options
- Shared research camp
- Seafront shared accommodation
- Private ocean-view accommodation
Dry Season (May–October)
- Best for diving & sightings
- Cooler water (21–22°C)
- Reduced visibility (greener water)
Wet Season (Nov–April)
- Warm water (27–29°C)
- Clear blue water
- Possible cyclones affecting conditions
Prices
Per volunteer, in rand. Flights, visas and travel insurance are not included.
| Duration | Base Camp (Shared) | Seafront Shared (En-suite) | Ocean Suite (Private, Half-board) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | R34,000 | R38,000 | R42,500 |
| 4 Weeks | R57,000 | R65,500 | R73,500 |
| 6 Weeks | R72,500 | R91,500 | R103,000 |
| 8 Weeks | R86,500 | R108,000 | R123,500 |
| 10 Weeks | R95,000 | R124,500 | R143,500 |
| 12 Weeks | R103,500 | R134,000 | R155,500 |
Check availability
Tell us roughly when you'd like to go and Vivienne will confirm what's open. No payment and no application needed yet.
“I want participants to feel comfortable asking questions, understanding the costs involved and knowing what will happen at every stage of the process.”
