Ocean Research & Marine Conservation Program
Location
Mozambique
Ideal Duration
2 weeks
Start of Program
10–12 dives per week (weather dependent)
About the Program
Marine Conservation Volunteering – Southern Mozambique
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.
What Volunteers Do
Volunteers take part in both in-water and land-based research:
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
Marine Life You May Encounter
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
Marine Conservation Volunteering – Southern Mozambique
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.
What Volunteers Do
Volunteers take part in both in-water and land-based research:
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
Marine Life You May Encounter
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
Ryan Daly
Details
Diving & Requirements
Minimum age: 18
Recommended: Advanced Open Water diver
Courses available on-site if needed
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.
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.
Accommodation & Daily Life
Accommodation is simple and sustainability-focused.
Options:
Shared research camp
Seafront shared accommodation
Private ocean-view accommodation
Living Setup:
Shared accommodation available
Self-catering kitchens
Group cooking common
Wi-Fi at research station
Shops visited every 2 weeks
Estimated food cost:
±$80 USD/month
Location:
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
Accommodation & Pricing (USD)
Duration | Base Camp (Shared) | Seafront Shared (En-suite) | Ocean Suite (Private, Half-board) |
|---|---|---|---|
2 Weeks | $1,950 | $2,200 | $2,450 |
4 Weeks | $3,295 | $3,790 | $4,240 |
6 Weeks | $4,195 | $5,290 | $5,960 |
8 Weeks | $4,995 | $6,230 | $7,130 |
10 Weeks | $5,500 | $7,190 | $8,310 |
12 Weeks | $5,995 | $7,760 | $8,995 |
Best Time to Join
Programme runs year-round.
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
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
Diving & Requirements
Minimum age: 18
Recommended: Advanced Open Water diver
Courses available on-site if needed
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.
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.
Accommodation & Daily Life
Accommodation is simple and sustainability-focused.
Options:
Shared research camp
Seafront shared accommodation
Private ocean-view accommodation
Living Setup:
Shared accommodation available
Self-catering kitchens
Group cooking common
Wi-Fi at research station
Shops visited every 2 weeks
Estimated food cost:
±$80 USD/month
Location:
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
Accommodation & Pricing (USD)
Duration | Base Camp (Shared) | Seafront Shared (En-suite) | Ocean Suite (Private, Half-board) |
|---|---|---|---|
2 Weeks | $1,950 | $2,200 | $2,450 |
4 Weeks | $3,295 | $3,790 | $4,240 |
6 Weeks | $4,195 | $5,290 | $5,960 |
8 Weeks | $4,995 | $6,230 | $7,130 |
10 Weeks | $5,500 | $7,190 | $8,310 |
12 Weeks | $5,995 | $7,760 | $8,995 |
Best Time to Join
Programme runs year-round.
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
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
Nakia Cullian
Nakia Cullian