Underwater Africa offers volunteer programs where volunteers will get hands-on experience in field research in one of the most beautiful coastal locations in Africa. Southern Mozambique is home to some of Africa’s largest marine megafauna populations (e.g. whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales (between June and September), marine turtles, dolphins, etc) and is also an important refuge for other threatened marine species like the elusive dugong.
Volunteers will have a chance to engage with world leading researchers from the Marine Megafauna Foundation and assist with research and conservation efforts during their stay. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with local communities by supporting our education and outreach programs, including our unique kids swimming program (Nemos Pequenos).
Volunteers will be hosted at Tofo’s own Casa Barry Lodge, only steps away from the MMF Office, and from the beach! The spacious volunteer house overlooking Tofo Bay can accommodate up to 10 volunteers at a time. The Underwater Africa coordinator, will be on-site with participants to manage activities and oversee the research efforts of the Underwater Africa team.
The Underwater Africa program was designed by world leading manta researcher, Dr. Andrea Marshall and whale shark expert Dr. Simon Pierce, co-founders of the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Participants will assist with various research and conservation projects in the area, including with MMF's whale shark, manta ray, and marine turtle research programs. By working with Underwater Africa you will be aiding the Marine Megafauna Foundation as this program was specifically designed to collect data for our Foundation.
Daily activities will include research dives and ocean snorkel safaris with Tofo’s hottest dive centre, Peri-Peri Divers, local dhow estuary tours, underwater photography discussions, scientific equipment maintenance, data entry & analysis, etc. Volunteers will get to interact daily with scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation, and will attend weekly public and private presentations on various scientific and marine-related topics. The longer your stay, the wider range of activities you will become involved in and more increased responsibilities you will have (e.g. field trips, individual research projects, etc). Information and prices for program packages can be found on the Underwater Africa website.
While previous dive experience is recommended, diving certification is included in your package – or free additional dives if already certified. There is no specific age restrictions to our program but generally we are looking for fit, adventurous, enthusiastic people over the age of 18. Exceptions will be made by the program coordinator on a case by case basis.
