Whale Shark, Coral Reef & Turtle Conservation

Volunteer in Mozambique on the Whale Shark Marine Conservation Project and help with hands-on whale shark research, coral reef monitoring, humpbacked whale monitoring and turtle nest surveys, as well as, explore one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations.

The Whale Shark Marine Conservation Project involves gathering field data on whale sharks, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine life as well as creating general awareness about the marine environment. The project is run by All Out Africa and involves collaboration with the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna and Tofo Scuba, both based in Mozambique as well as the Ecocean global whale shark database and a number of international marine research bodies.

As a volunteer on the Whale Shark Conservation Project you will help carry out the marine research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of our project co-ordinator. You will join other volunteers on the project to collect the data via beach walks, boat surveys, swims and scuba dives off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. Volunteers are needed not only to carry out the field activities but also to help fund the project. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkeling and beach experience whilst gaining first hand marine research skills and contributing to a worthwhile project.

As a volunteer you will help monitor whale shark numbers, behavior and ecology and take underwater identification photographs of the whale sharks. You will also join research scuba dives to help monitor the condition of coral reefs and indicator species of reef fish. At certain times of the year it you may help survey humpbacked whale numbers and turtle nesting activity as well as other indicators of the health of marine biodiversity. You may also assist with beach cleanups and other general environmental activities. You may also help upload and analyze the field data and create awareness among the general public of the importance of the marine environment.

• All accommodation throughout your programme
• All meals
• Orientation upon arrival
• PADI Open Water course (or advanced course, or research dives for an equivalent value)
• Transfer to and from Inhambane airport to Tofo on scheduled arrival and departure days
• Full support and daily guidance from the project coordinator and assistant co-ordinator
• Project equipment
• Project activities including boat launches for whale shark snorkelling and research dives
• Backup support from All Out Africa’s head office and administrative staff

Volunteers are accommodated in a volunteer beach house (electricity and running water) sharing dorm rooms (6 people in a large dorm). Bed, mattress, sheet and pillows will be provided (a sleeping bag is needed during winter i.e. May-August).

There are communal toilet and shower facilities. You will do your own laundry by hand. The beach house is situated on the beach at the edge of Tofo village. There is a restaurant and bar within 100m. Tofo’s center is within easy walking distance, where there are very basic shops, a few restaurants and bars and a number of beach activities available.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in your programme price. For breakfast, lunch and dinner you will be provided with food and will take turns in preparing meals under the co-ordination of our project co-ordinator.

Breakfast will generally consist of cereal and toast, lunch will usually be sandwiches and your evening meal will usually be a cooked meal. Dietary preferences will be catered for where possible but you should bear in mind that the meals are basic and Tofo has limited choice for food so please be understanding of the efforts of those who have prepared the meal. Please check with us prior if you have a specific dietary need to see if we can cater for it.