Archipelago Conservation (Mozambique)

Prepare for an extraordinary expedition to the breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Dive into the warm waters around Benguerra Island and play a part in conserving Mozambique’s oldest marine protected area.

Learn about oceanography and get hands-on with marine exploration.

You’ll experience everything from monitoring marine debris to mapping wildlife and identifying species. You’ll learn survey techniques, how to present scientific data, and how to operate marine sensors. And when it comes to experience, you’ll be right in the action – diving, collecting data on animal sightings and pitching in with beach cleanups.

Unique location

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is home to five main islands – Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. Here, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests blend seamlessly into the endless expanse of the open ocean. With gentle currents and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience beneath the waves.

Spectacular species

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a thriving hub of biodiversity. Here, you’ll find the last viable population of dugongs in East Africa along with five species of sea turtles, manta rays, marlin, whales and whale sharks, and an amazing variety of over 2,000 fish species and other megafauna. The archipelago encompasses over six tropical marine ecosystems, each contributing to the rich biodiversity found in the area.

Benguerra Island hosts a wide variety of habitats, including white sand beaches, coastal sand dunes, savannah grasslands, evergreen dune forests, freshwater lakes, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. Among these environments are approximately 140 species of birds, a multitude of reptiles and amphibians, such as crocodiles, chameleons, snakes, tortoises and lizards, as well as a handful of mammals, including red squirrels and antelope suni.

Get dive-ready!

Since marine conservation requires a lot of scuba diving, you'll need to hold an Open Water certification before joining. Not yet certified? No problem – you can book training with us. And if your last dive was over six months ago, we can arrange a refresher course to get you back in the water.

Adventures included

In between participating in marine research projects, you'll get to scale the majestic sand dunes of Benguerra for breathtaking views of the island’s landscape, or dive into the warm turquoise waters for invigorating swimming and snorkelling adventures among vibrant coral reefs. Visit nearby communities and local villages for an authentic glimpse into Mozambican life. Explore their rich cultural heritage and indulge in their exquisite cuisine. Embark on a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow, ride horses along the island’s picturesque shores, or venture to other captivating islands within the archipelago. You'll also get to explore Vilankulos, a nearby coastal town brimming with charm and culture.

See the itinerary for an example of what you can look forward to >

Physical rating: 4/5.
Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

No two days are the same on the Bazaruto Archipelago Expedition

Each day holds its own suspense, adventure and surprises. But one thing is guaranteed – magic. Every day on your expedition will be a combination of exciting conservation research experiences, and relaxation. Greet each sunrise with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Head out for your morning activity, then enjoy breakfast back at the base followed by free time at your accommodation to lounge around, read a book or take a nap. At the end of each day, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal together and sit around the campfire to share stories under the stars.

The actual itinerary for this expedition will be structured around your required dates after submitting the enquiry form. In the mean time, below are some highlights of what you can look forward to on this Expedition.

Itineraries

Highlight 1

Scuba diving & snorkeling

During this immersive expedition you’ll be in the centre of the action – diving in the protected waters of Benguerra Island, collecting data on animal sightings like migratory humpback whales and making an impact through beach cleanups.

Just a heads-up: to take part in surveys and help with research, you’ll need your Open Water diving certification. No sweat if you don’t have it yet – we offer training.

Highlight 2

Marine exploration

You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about oceanography and get hands-on with marine exploration, doing everything from monitoring marine debris to mapping wildlife and identifying species. Plus, our team of experts will guide you on survey techniques, how to present scientific data and how to operate marine sensors.

Highlight 3

Ecosystem monitoring

Learn about marine ecosystem dynamics through remote sensing and underwater measurements.

Highlight 4

Species identification and habitat

Survey marine life hotspots and study organism-environment interactions.

Highlight 5

Migratory fish population dynamics

Participate in research fishing expeditions, collecting fin-clip and tissue samples from migratory species.

Highlight 6

Marine debris monitoring

Work with the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park to monitor and address marine pollution.

Highlight 7

Local culture & cuisine

During free time and over weekends you’ll be able to explore the archipelago’s rich cultural heritage and indulge in their exquisite cuisine. You could also embark on a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow, ride horses along the island’s picturesque shores, or venture to other captivating islands, like Vilankulos, a nearby coastal town brimming with charm and culture.

$2,295* USD per person for the full trip duration

*Valid to December 30, 2024. This daily rate is an indication only as prices may vary according to your specific requirements. A quotation for this trip will be emailed to you after submitting the Trip Enquiry.

2025 rate: $2,445 USD per person - valid January 01 to December 30, 2025.

Terms: All bookings are subject to availability and single supplements may apply.

Your accommodation options will be confirmed after enquiry but will most likely be provided in shared dorm-style rooms at GVI's base featuring single and double bunks, along with shared bathroom facilities. Amenities include a kitchen with an in-house cook, TV, limited Wi-Fi, an activities centre, a workshop and an equipped laboratory.

Here, guests can unwind in communal areas furnished with sofas. Outside, our beach-front braai (BBQ) area provides breathtaking views of the park and Flamingo Bay, ideal for relaxing with snacks and drinks after a day of adventure.

• Conservation activities
• All project equipment
• GVI Experiences
• Accommodation (see tab)
• All Meals
• Pre-departure support
• 24-hour Emergency desk
• Arrival and departure transfers.

• Flights (see tab to book flights)
• Visas
• Vaccines
• Medical insurance
• Travel insurance
• Personal belongings insurance
• Cancellation insurance
• Personal gear and kit
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Additional spending money
• Gratuities.

You will need to book your own flights to and from Vilankulo Airport (VNX). Our handy airline aggregator will find the best seat prices for your dates.

SEARCH & COMPARE FLIGHTS

Note:

• We strongly advise waiting to book your flight until your Expedition trip is confirmed, as we need a minimum number of participants to proceed.
• You can always come back to this tab and book flights later.
• If you decide to book flights earlier, please opt for flexible tickets to accommodate potential changes.
• If you use this service delivered by Travelstart and / or if you buy your ticket through this portal you are agreeing to the Travelstart Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Your agreement regarding flights will be between you and Travelstart or as per their terms and conditions.
• As we are providing this flight portal as a service, neither Naturecrazi or our partner GVI will be responsible for any loss, damage (including loss of profits or consequential damages), injury, illness, harm or death in relation to your flight and travel arrangements.

Sustainable Development Impact

While the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global concerns, and not aimed specifically at the travel and tourism industry, target 8.9 of the 2030 Agenda aims to "by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products". In this regard, tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly to all 17 SDGs.

Travel with Purpose

GVI Global’s expeditions and volunteer programmes address all 17 SDGs. In particular, GVI prioritizes 10 critical global issues affecting both people and the planet:

1. Plastic pollution and litter,
2. Climate change,
3. Endangered species,
4. Biodiversity loss,
5. Sustainability,
6. Early childhood development,
7. Education for both children and adults, 
8. Gender equality,
9. Health, and
10. Justice, equity diversity, and inclusion.

Considering the track history and documented evidence of GVI's commitments to conservation and community upliftment, Naturecrazi considers their respective SDG "qualifying criteria" as follows:

• SDG 1: Creates fixed term and permanent job opportunities for local communities and aims to support people harmed by climate-related extreme events and other economic, social, and environmental shocks and disasters.
• SDG 2: Aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 3: Ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.
• SDG 4: Contributes to sustainable local community development through education programs and research.
• SDG 5: Aims to achieve gender equality by ending all forms of discrimination, violence, and any harmful practices against women and girls.
• SDG 6: Provides for careful handling and disposal of solid waste and sewage. Uses alternative, sustainable means of water acquisition and reduces water consumption.
• SDG 7: Meets its energy needs through passive design and renewable energy resources.
• SDG 8: Promotes economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
• SDG 9: Builds resilient infrastructure, promotes sustainable industrialization, and fosters innovation.
• SDG 10: Reduces inequality within and among countries.
• SDG 11: Makes human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• SDG 12: Encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns through various measures, including the management of materials that are toxic to the environment.
• SDG 13: Takes urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by improving education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
• SDG 14: Conserves and sustainably uses the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
• SDG 15: Conserves and rehabilitates the surrounding flora and fauna. Aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
• SDG 16: Aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• SDG 17: Aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development in 2030.