Scuba Diving in Mozambique

Scuba diving in Mozambique: Marine Protection project

The marine protection project in Mozambique lies in the small coastal town of Tofo on the Inhambane Peninsula, about 460 kilometres north of Maputo, where you will be welcomed with open arms for your enthusiastic volunteer support. The region is sure to excite you with its coconut tree-lined white-sand beaches, bright coral reefs off the coast, lively people, and relaxed atmosphere. The next closest city is Inhambane, the historic spot where Vasco da Gama sailed into Inhambane Bay in the 15th century. 

Marine Protection Project

Today, more than 500 years after da Gama sailed around the Cape of Africa, the marine life of the region is seriously threatened. Problems include brutal and illegal fishing methods, the scavenging of sea turtle breeding sites, waste water and chemicals which end up in the ocean, non-native animal species which threaten the local species, as well as tourism, which also takes its toll on the fragile ecosystem. 

As a volunteer, you have the chance to go scuba diving in Mozambique to support a local marine protection project, whose goal is the long-term protection of marine life, paying special attention to the whale shark, manta ray, and sea turtles.

Scuba Diving in Mozambique: Whale sharks and manta rays

Scuba Diving in Mozambique: Marine Protection Project

The grey-blue whale shark, covered in bright stripes and spots, is an all-around impressive animal, and scuba diving in Mozambique, you’ll get to see this big fish up close. Weighing up to 12 tonnes and over 12 metres in length, the whale shark is the largest living fish on earth.

The manta ray is no less fascinating, weighing in at up to one and a half tonnes and with a “wingspan” of seven metres. Looking like an underwater flying carpet („Manta“ is Spanish for „blanket“), the manta ray has a particularly elegant swimming method.

Astoundingly, the whale shark, with its 3000 little teeth, and the manta ray, which does not have a poisonous tail, are completely harmless to humans, and you can safely scuba dive with whale sharks and manta rays in Mozambique. While the manta ray’s diet consists of plankton, whale fish eat microorganisms and fish. However, people scuba diving with whale sharks and manta rays should still exercise caution around the massive creatures, because they possess incredible strength.

Whale sharks and manta rays are most comfortable in waters well over 20°C. Therefore, the tropical and subtropical coastal waters of Mozambique are the perfect home for these animals as well as other species, such as the sea turtle. Come work in the marine protection project and help conserve these fascinating animals, scuba diving in Mozambique.

Scuba diving in Mozambique, beach house accommodation

In order to take part in all the marine protection project activities, you will receive a 4-day dive training course, which offers beginners a PADI Open Water Certificate. If you are already a certified diver, you don’t have to forgo the course; you can instead take a higher-level diving course or go on an equal number of dives as the course participants. The equipment which you need for scuba diving in Mozambique will be loaned to you over the course of your stay. Not all of your activities in the marine protection project in Mozambique will be directly related to scuba diving. You can find further information under Marine Conservation in Mozambique.

Your home during the marine protection project will be a simple volunteer house on the beach in Tofo. You will share a room with other volunteers. In the months of May through August, you should bring along your own sleeping bag.
The beach house has its own laundry rooms. You will wash your own clothing by hand. Only a few steps from your accommodation, there is a restaurant with a bar, and you will find stores, an internet café, further restaurants, and bars in the town of Tofo, which lies within walking-distance of your camp. The camp also offers various recreational activities.

Marine Protection in Mozambique

• Activities: Patrolling the beach, observing and counting the animals on land and underwater, construction and cleaning work, public work. You will usually work Monday through Friday, about 6 hours per day.  
• Free Time: Usually at the weekend.
• Specifics: It’s a good idea to bring along a sleeping bag.
• Duration: 4, 8, or 12 weeks
• Application: At least 3 to 4 months before departure. It is better to apply early, because the number of places in the programme is very limited.
• Starting Dates: Every first Monday of the month, not including December, on the following dates: 5 July, 6 Sept., 4 Oct., 1 Nov. 2010.
• Visa: You will need a tourist visa, subject to a fee. A valid passport is also required.
• Practical Experience: Not necessary, although it would make your stay easier.
• Other: Physical fitness and the ability to handle very basic living conditions is essential.