Marine conservation in Mozambique

• Marine animal census.
• Behavior observation and underwater photography.
• Data collection: date, location, sex, distinctive markings.
• Coral reef condition monitoring.
• Photography for Manta ray identification and other endangered species.
• Humpback whale and sea turtle observation.
• Environmental preservation and beach cleaning.

Some research activities take place throughout the year, while others occur during specific periods:

• Whale shark, dolphin, coral reef, seahorse observation: year-round. However, whale sharks can be quite rare to spot.
• Turtles: November to March.
• Humpback whales: June to October.

Day 1: Arrival at Inhambane Airport, where you will be greeted by our partner NGO, which will transfer you to your accommodation.

Day 2-5: Project Introduction Your introduction will begin with a project presentation by the coordinators and researchers you will be working with. You will then take a tour of Tofo, Inhambane, and the surrounding areas. You will take a 4- to 7-day PADI diving course, depending on conditions. Upon completion, participants will receive an international diving certificate allowing dives up to 18 meters deep. If you already have this certificate, you can proceed to advanced training. Volunteers registered for a 2-week project must hold an Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver certification. If you already have all diving certifications, you will receive training in ocean research techniques.

Day 6-7: Applicable to All Weekends Take advantage of weekends to explore the incredible beaches of Tofo, relax, swim, or even surf! The first weekend can be an opportunity to finalize your PADI training with underwater dives.

Day 8-12: Applicable to Weekdays It’s time to start your project and participate in all research activities with other volunteers.

Day 15: Programme Conclusion Your adventure in this sustainable tourism destination comes to an end. The NGO will transfer you to Inhambane Airport.

Accommodation: Volunteers are housed at Tilak Lodge, located next to the diving center and just a stone’s throw away from Tofo Beach.

• Copy of Passport.
• Specify medical history, allergies, dietary requirements (if applicable).
• CV in English.
• Open to participants aged 18 and over. Children and youth aged 4 to 18 are accepted if accompanied by their parents and physically and mentally capable of actively participating in the activities.
• Proficient swimmer (able to swim 100 meters unassisted).
• Volunteers registering for a two-week project must have their PADI Open Water or PADI Advanced Open Water diving certification.
• Volunteers with pre-existing health conditions or who are over 45 years old must also bring a medical clearance letter allowing them to dive.
• Volunteers taking Lariam/Mefloquine/Mephliam/Tropicure (or any derivative) as antimalarial treatment (prophylaxis) will not be allowed to dive, as it poses increased risks during diving. Please inform your doctor that you are going on a diving vacation and request an appropriate alternative antimalarial treatment.
• Accredited divers must bring their diving card (indicating their last recorded dive) with them to the project site as proof.
• Accredited volunteers who do not require diving courses but have not recorded dives in the last six months prior to their departure will need to take a dive assessment before being able to participate in their research dives. The cost of a dive assessment is not included in the project cost, and a small fee will be paid on-site directly to the partner dive center.
• On days when you are not in the water, social project guides can take you on activities around Tofo such as Portuguese lessons, historical tours, etc.

Please note that missions may change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the control of the NGO.