Swimming with Giants

I still remember the first morning I hurled myself into the boat, the sun already beating on my forehead and the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly ahead of us. I had come to Tofo, Mozambique to volunteer on a marine conservation project, but I quickly realized this would be far more than a volunteer placement — it would be one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Chuffed about the first whale shark sighting!

Mozambique’s coastline is a hidden gem for marine life enthusiasts. Between the wild, untouched dunes that line most of the coastline, and the vibrant local markets in Tofo and Barra, I felt right at home . The volunteer program was based on Barra beach near Tofo, a hotspot for whale shark sightings between October and March.

The team consisted of marine biologists, conservationists, and fellow volunteers from around the world. Everyone shared a passion for protecting marine life, and I was thrilled to find these people would become not only my coworkers, but my friends. Evenings were spent eating, playing cards and darts, and sharing life stories, and we partned ways knowing we would all have a place to stay in each other's countries.

Each day began early, with a briefing on weather conditions and daily plan. We set out on small boats, scanning the ocean for the telltale signs of whale sharks: their large, rounded dorsal fin breaking the surface or their slow, graceful shadow beneath the waves.

When we spotted a whale shark, the real work began. Our goal was to observe without disturbing them, collect data on their size, behavior, and health, take photos of the spots we use to identify them, and record environmental parameters. Swimming alongside these creatures was humbling. Their sheer size and gentle nature made me feel both small and connected to something much larger.

Then came the data entry: which species were sighted, where and when, feeding or not, what's the tide doing? The team gave us lectures on the how and why of their research, and their passion about what they do was contagious (although they were very much preaching to the choir!).

Volunteering with whale sharks taught me patience, respect, and the value of teamwork. The animals we saw are wild, and the ocean does a better job than any other habitat to remind you of that. The sharks glide effortlessly in and out of sight, reminding us of just how lucky we are to be in the right palce at the right time. And none of this work could be done by only one person. The ocean is unpredictable, and sometimes we spent hours searching without a single sighting. Those moments tested my perseverance but also deepened my appreciation for every encounter.

I also learned about the importance of responsible tourism. Whale sharks attract visitors worldwide, but unregulated tourism can harm them. Our program emphasized ethical interactions, such as maintaining distance and avoiding touching the animals, to ensure their safety and ours. The sharks in Tofo are also not lured with bait or fed, what you see is a whale shark going about its day, and I was glad to see the water wasn't crowded with snorkelers. It made the moment that much more memorable to know we shared this moment in time with only the people on our boat, as if someone hit a pause button and nothing mattered but us and the ocean.

This experience changed how I view the ocean and my role in protecting it. Witnessing whale sharks in their natural habitat and contributing to their conservation gave me a sense of purpose and connection. As a marine biology student, this was just what I needed: to see research in action, and to be reminded why I care about our oceans and their conservation.

Volunteering with whale sharks in Mozambique is more than an adventure; it’s a chance to make a real difference while experiencing one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures up close. If you love nature and want to contribute to its preservation, this journey is worth every moment.