GoAbroad

Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation with PADI Diving

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5.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2008Year established

Program Overview

Volunteer abroad in Mozambique on this research and conservation project in Tofo, a beach town on the eastern shores of Inhambane Peninsula. This project collaborates with a few international marine research bodies, including the Ecocean global whale shark database.

The Marine Research and Whale Shark Conservation Project provides hands-on experience in a range of activities, from coral reef monitoring to turtle nest surveys. Plus, take a PADI or SSI Dive course and have the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s best scuba diving destinations! If you already have this qualification, you may take an advanced open water diving course or an equivalent number of extra research dives.

In order to carry out your duties effectively, you need:
- To be a capable swimmer (swim 100 meters unassisted)
- The ability to hold your breath to dive down (would be advantageous)
- The ability to equalize your ear pressure and willingness to learn to scuba dive

If you’re a beginner diver, you have to volunteer for at least 3 weeks to maximize your time on conservation volunteer activities.

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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

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Program Highlights

Experience some of the best dive sites in Africa.
Gain hands-on involvement with whale shark research, coral reef monitoring, humpback whale monitoring, and turtle nest surveys.
Earn a PADI qualification through an internationally recognized scuba diving course.
Develop your marine research skills while supporting local conservation efforts.
Spend weekends on fun activities like horse riding, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Training

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Inhambane, Mozambique

Eligible Nationalities

  • American
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Belgian
  • British
  • Canadian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Maltese
  • Manx
  • Polish
  • Scottish
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Welsh
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Phone/Video Interview

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Kaya Responsible Travel

5.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
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Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

KellyAberdeenshire · November 2014

Tofo Top 5- Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks, Turtles and Manta Rays

Incredible project, incredible community, incredible wild life. This project is the perfect way of combining volunteering and diving. In one of the world's best dive sites you can help contribute to valuable research into the conservation of some of the world's rarest species. You will be heavily involved in the gather and processing of data in the most idyllic beaches. There is also the opportunity to learn the local language (Portuguese) as optional classes are provided by the volunteer group. In addition to this you have the opportunity to help other volunteers help out at the local schools and kindergartens where they teach English or swimming lessons. The project is extremely well organised with everything taking into careful consideration including the arrangement of airport transfers. Three meals are provided as part of the project costs and the meals are a variety of local Mozambican and some Western foods. Cannot recommend this project enough - I have personal participated twice in 4 years!!!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Kaya Responsible Travel.

Is Mozambique a good destination for diving?

Yes! Infact, Mozambique is one of the world’s best diving locations. You can find an astonishing variety of marine life that you can enjoy all year round! There is also a diverse range of diving spots, so divers of all levels can take part!

Do I have to be a strong swimmer for this project?

For the activities on this research project, you will need to be a capable swimmer (swim 100m unassisted), snorkel, and it would be preferable but not necessary to be able to hold your breath to dive.

Is the padi certification included in this project?

A four-day internationally recognized open water diving course (PADI or SSI) is provided as part of this project to train you to be able to carry out this coral reef monitoring. If you already have this qualification you may do an advanced open water diving course instead or an equivalent number of extra research dives.

I'm a beginner diver, can I still volunteer on this project?

Yes, however, Kaya recommends a minimum of 3 weeks volunteering on this project for any beginners so that you maximize your time spent on conservation volunteer activities. If you have any questions/worries about your diving capabilities, reach out to the Kaya advisors!

What impact can I make on this project?

As a volunteer, you will help carry out the marine research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of Kaya’s project co-ordinating project scientists. Your research contributions.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Online Program Notable Mentions
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
British Youth Travel Awards 2018 Finalist

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