Discover the Ocean

1. 1

   Day 1

   Welcome to Mozambique

   Meal included: dinner

   After arriving at Inhambane Airport, we will be met by our STC Leader and transferred to our coastal accommodation. Based in Guinjata, this peaceful and safe area is surrounded by beautiful reefs and rural villages. Guinjata is in the Inhambane Province, and Inhambane translates from the local dialect as 'land of the good people'. On arrival at our accommodation, we are welcomed with a full health and safety briefing and orientation of the facilities. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and prepare for the exciting week ahead.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Ocean Safari and Introduction to Conservation

   All meals included

   The morning kicks off with a boat-based ocean safari guided by marine biologists, with the option to scuba dive for those certified. On our safari, we may see whale sharks, whales, mantas, dolphins, turtles and more. In the afternoon, we take part in an introduction to marine conservation, exploring the threats facing Mozambique’s marine ecosystem. We then have an option to do a stand-up paddleboard lesson, before an evening lecture on whale ecology.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Coral Research and Mozambique Culture

   All meals included

   Whether diving or snorkelling, we will explore Mozambique's underwater world firsthand with marine biologists as guides. After lunch, a cultural workshop will offer an insight into Mozambique life, local cuisine and community work that is going on in the area. In the evening, we take part in a coral ecology workshop.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Corals, Whales & Photography Introduction

   All meals included

   The morning starts with a snorkel or optional dive in Coral Gardens, an important nursery ground for many coral and fish species in the area. We will be guided by marine biologists and can see a huge diversity of reef life in an ecologically important area. We can also help guides remove discarded fishing gear, which unfortunately is common in the area. After lunch, we take part in a photography workshop. This session focuses on an introduction to underwater photography, framing and different techniques. In the late afternoon, we head out on another ocean safari, assisting with whale IDs and have the chance to deploy a hydrophone to listen to the whales.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Mini & Mighty - Seahorses & Whales

   All meals included

   Today we explore a different part of Inhambane: the brackish estuary home to a huge range of underwater life and juvenile marine species, including a large number of seahorses. A rare sighting globally, but common in this area, we will be guided by a local expert and marine biologists. This is also a great opportunity to practice our underwater photography. In the afternoon, we head out on the paddleboards, followed by a manta ray and whale shark lecture. This lecture will help us identify and understand these ocean giants for when we encounter them in the water.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Surf & Sunset

   All meals included

   This morning we board the buses to Tofo, a surf and tourist town an hour and a half up the coast. Here we can learn to surf and visit the market for souvenirs. From Tofo we head to Sunset lodge, aptly named with a beautiful sunset view over the estuary and mangrove system that we snorkelled in yesterday. We have dinner at sunset lodge, before heading home for an early night.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Reefs, Whales & Editing

   All meals included

   During this morning's dive or snorkel, we can either join ongoing coral research or practice our photography skills. Around midday we jump on the paddle boards and explore the local waters, hopefully with some whale sightings. In the afternoon, we take part in a second photography workshop, focusing on editing techniques. The day finishes with a nudibranch lecture led by a marine biologist, showcasing the diversity of nudibranch species that this coastline is famous for.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Whale Conservation & Plastic Action

   All meals included

   Today's ocean safari will allow us to put our skills into action - photography, marine mammal behaviour and bioacoustics, helping the marine biologists to collect data. It'll be a chance to spot more humpback whales, but also dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays and turtles. After this, we will help out with a beach clean and participate in a plastic upcycling workshop. We will wash the plastic collected from the beach clean and make our own keyrings and jewellery to take home.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Dive & Chill

   All meals included

   On our last dive and ocean safari, we have the opportunity to use everything we have learnt so far. Guided by marine biologists, we hopefully tick off any last species we want to photograph. In the afternoon there's time to relax and recharge.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Final Workshop & Farewell to the Whales

    All meals included

    On the penultimate day of our trip, we take part in a final workshop. The focus of the workshop can be flexible, but could cover topics such as underwater lighting, kit or maintenance. After this, we will go out for one last paddleboarding session with the whales. We bid them goodbye, before heading to 'Top of The World' for celebrations and the final sunset.

11. 11

    Day 11

    Departure

    Meal included: breakfast

    On our final day in Mozambique, we will have the morning to pack, dry kit and say goodbye before we transfer back to Inhambane Airport.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.