Vilanculos

Assist in Marine Research & Conservation Projects

Vilanculos, in Mozambique, Africa, has a wide range of coral reefs and a huge diversity of marine life inside and surrounding the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago.  This makes it an ideal place as a research & conservation area.  There are many reefs that have yet to be explored, which enables genuine, exciting exploration.

Research activities include collection of data and photographs of the “Big Five” (turtles, mantas, whales sharks, dolphins & dugongs) and coral & fish identification.  The information collected by volunteers is passed on to the relevant research operations in Mozambique and the coral & fish identification is used to map reefs and provide information to tourists visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago, together with useful information on conservation of these reefs.  The local Maritime & National Parks authorities are also interested in information found, as it helps them to enforce correct behavior by the local fishermen and tourists.

Volunteer projects are for 2 weeks or 4 weeks and are suitable for worldwide volunteers of any nationality,who enjoy water and would like to do something to help the preservation of our underwater world whilst visiting Africa.  Applicants need to be confident swimmers and want to scuba dive, or are already certified divers.  The University Eduardo Mondlane, in Maputo, has a Department of Biological Science and students from this university may team up with the volunteers to carry out research required by them for their degrees.

Participant Research Operations:

The Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre

The Dugong & Turtle Task Group

Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna

Project Activities:

2 Week Duration                            4 Week Duration

• PADI Open Water or Advanced Certification              All that’s in the 2 week project

• Digital Photography Adventure Dive                                                   PLUS

• Reef quadrant research for coral & fish ID                

• Big Five photo & data collection                                 PADI   EFR (First Aid & CPR) Training

• Corresponding with Research Operations                    Presentations on data collected

• Reef mapping                                                                          Big Blue exploration dives on new sites

• Beach & underwater cleanup                                       Basic scuba gear maintenance

• Compressor operation                                                 

Volunteer Projects Include:

• Accommodation & meals

• Airport transfers to & from Vilanculos Airport, or transport from Vilanculos town to accommodation location.

• Scuba equipment & cameras for use on dives

• PADI material for courses and instruction from qualified PADI Instructors

• Transport to & from accommodation location to Dive Bazaruto Dive Centre

Volunteer Projects Exclude:

Travel costs to Vilanculos

Visa expenses

Personal soft gear (wetsuit, mask, snorkel & fins)

Drinks (other than cool drink, tea & coffee)

Social & personal expenses

Medical Insurance

Volunteers Must:

Be 18 years or older

Have good health and complete a PADI medical form as part of their application

Be able to swim & prepared to learn how to scuba dive

Have a valid passport to travel with