Why Volunteer?
By the end of your volunteer programme, you will have gained insight into what it really means to do research with megafauna in the field, and what can be achieved with this research to reach conservation goals. You will be an integral part of our team and will witness the amazing variety the Mozambican underwater world has to offer. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of marine ecosystems or just "dipping your toes" in marine research, you are sure to leave with lifetime memories of adventures with new friends in the Indian Ocean.
Pick a Focus
New to Diving?
We have the perfect opportunity for you to learn
Regardless of your current diving experience, you can make a difference by helping with our underwater data collection activities while learning how to dive.
We can help you to certify at any level of Scuba Diving with our partner dive centre, while simultaneously conducting marine research that will help benefit our environment.
Prefer not to dive?
We got you!
Our snorkel-based programmes focus on species often seen at the surface or in shallow water and offer the perfect opportunity to contribute to our research and conservation efforts without the hassle of SCUBA gear.
Check out our Humpback whale or manta ray/whale shark research and conservation programmes
This example schedule gives you an idea of what your days will look like at Underwater Africa.
Arrival Day
We will meet you at the airport when you arrive and take you to the lodge where you will be staying. Take some time to get settled in and meet your co-volunteers and staff. You will be given a project introduction and orientation briefing before starting your activities the next day. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a good night’s rest before your first full day.
Departure day
Take the last chance to get some souvenirs from the market and say your goodbyes. We will depart the lodge and bring you to the airport in time for your flight.
Project Days
A day in the life
Why do we charge a fee?
As a NGO, we receive no government funding for our work. Our research and conservation efforts depend on volunteers to keep us going, with occasional grants being awarded for specific projects, mostly in the form of donated or discounted equipment. The fee we charge covers the cost of our activities and allows us to invest back into the projects you participate in.
Almost 3/4 of the fee we charge goes directly to covering the costs of our volunteers' accommodation, meals, and water activities such as diving and fuelling and staffing the boat. About 15% cover our operational costs (staff salaries, licenses and permits, taxes, bills, vehicle maintenance) and another 15% go into general logistics and investing into our projects (purchasing and maintaining research equipment, obtaining permits, paying publishing fees)