Our story

Dr Calum Murie

After completing his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool, Calum moved to Mozambique and founded Underwater Africa. In 2024, he completed a PhD in Biological Sciences with the University of Chester. He has worked with and published papers on manta rays in several countries, and his recent work with sharks and rays in Mozambique has highlighted important mechanisms in these species' ecology. When he is not on a boat making complicated science sound easy, you are likely to find him walking his dogs on the beach or with a surfboard under his arm. 

Med Vet Livia Gavard

Liv joined the team in 2017 as a seasonal field assistant. Having since completed a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University and written her thesis on humpback whale scar patterns, she leads the whale project with contagious passion and has developed it into what it is today, establishing international partnerships and expanding the scope of Underwater Africa's reach. Aside from a healthy obsession with gardening, she likes to spend her free time reading and putting her creativity to work through photography, needlecraft, or graphic design.

Jake Ballin

Jake travels the world in search of big fish and interesting people - so it's little surprise he's settled in Tofo. Armed with a geography degree from the University of Cambridge, Jake's ocean stewardship goes far beyond his SCUBA gear. Whether working with fishermen in Indonesia, monitoring reefs in Thailand, or mentoring volunteers in Mozambique, he's all about connection and collaboration. When he's not diving, you'll probably find him upside down in a tree (calisthenics, apparently), or blundering pieces across a chess baord.

Susan and Freddy

Susan and Freddie moved to Mozambique over 20 years ago with a vision to create something special by the sea. That vision became White Sands Mozambique, a beautiful lodge with a vibrant restaurant and bar. Through dedication, long hours, and hard work, they turned a dream into a thriving destination. It hasn't always been easy, but every challenge shaped the journey. Looking back now, they are proud to say: what a journey it's been.

Zacharias Nhanala

From his early days as a fisherman in the estuary to his current role as skipper, field assistant, and all-around McGyver,  Zach has been with Underwater Africa from the very start. His knowledge of the waters of Inhambane is priceless, and he looks after our volunteers with kindness and endless patience. He finds the best camouflaged seahorses and spots the slightest change in wave patterns revealing the presence of a whale shark below. 

Greg and Gwen

Greg started diving in 2002, completed his instructor course in 2007, and has since certified more than 650 divers at various levels. He taught on a part-time basis before leaving South Africa's corporate world in 2017 to create Aquaholics Barra.​Gwen has been diving since 2005 and completed her divemaster course in 2009. She assists Greg with dive training and acts as land support and planner. Upon returning from a dive, she shares her Fish ID skills and helps you correctly identify anything from a nudibranch to a shark. Gwen is also a swim teacher with a passion for the aquatic world and teaching water safety. Their combined experience, expertise, and knowledge of the local reefs ensure you have an unforgettable experience.