Whales & Waves: 10 Day citizen science expedition

Book now on our 2026 Whale and Waves 10 day citizen science expedition to avoid missing out!

In 2026, this expedition will be running: July 29th – Aug 7th

The cost of this expedition is £2400, including all activities, three meals a day and shared twin rooms. Single room supplements are available and you can upgrade some activities to diving if desired.

Our Whale Citizen Science Expedition is a higher-end, laid-back marine adventure with a conservation twist. Based in beautiful sea-view accommodation just steps from the beach in Guinjata Bay, this trip offers a unique opportunity to support real whale research alongside our expert marine biologists — no science background or snorkelling experience required.

Designed to feel like a holiday with purpose, you’ll join guided ocean safaris to observe humpback whales in high numbers in their breeding grounds, collect behavioural data, explore estuaries on seahorse safaris, and paddleboard with cetaceans in the calm Mozambican waters. All activities are led by qualified marine biologists, and every guest plays a role in data collection that contributes to our long-term research.

Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals, sundowners with a view, and the chance to unwind between outings — or upgrade to include optional dive safaris if you want to see even more of our incredible coastline. This is the perfect conservation getaway for anyone who wants to contribute meaningfully to marine science while relaxing in one of the most beautiful, untouched parts of Africa. Here is more information on some of the activities you’ll be doing while with us.

WHALE WATCHING TRIPS

Get ready for unforgettable ocean safaris guided by our qualified marine biologists, offering you the rare chance to get up close with Mozambique’s awe-inspiring humpback whale migration. On these ethical whale watching trips you’ll actively contribute to real research. Guests are invited to bring their cameras and assist with photographing whale flukes to help build our long-term ID catalogue of individual whales passing through Jangamo.

You’ll also have the opportunity to help deploy our hydrophone and listen in on the haunting underwater songs of the whales as part of our bioacoustic research. Along the way, you may encounter some of our other ocean residents like curious dolphin pods, graceful manta rays, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale shark. It’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles – and you’ll be helping our team protect it.

PADDLEBOARDING WITH WHALES

Experience the magic of sharing the ocean with humpback whales in one of the most peaceful, humbling ways possible: on a stand-up paddleboard. You don’t need to have paddleboarded before, but you should be a confident swimmer and comfortable kneeling down as you’ll kneel on the paddleboard a lot. Our experienced team will guide you through the basics, and since the whales often come incredibly close to shore (less than 300m!), we never have to venture far out. It’s an intimate and respectful way to witness the migration without disturbing it.

Because the paddleboards are non-motorised, the whales are more likely to approach us – on their own terms. It’s not uncommon for them to glide right beneath the boards, offering a truly unforgettable encounter. If conditions are safe and the whales are relaxed, guests may even slip quietly into the water beside their boards for a surface-level view of these giants in their natural environment. This is ocean connection at its most raw and meaningful.

SEA HORSE SAFARI

Step into a completely different world on our Seahorse Safari, a guided exploration of the nearby estuary and mangrove ecosystem. This shallow, protected environment is home to an incredible array of marine life, including elusive seahorses, vibrant harlequin shrimp, and juveniles of many reef species. With the mangroves acting as nurseries for ocean life, this area offers a unique glimpse into the early stages of the marine lifecycle, making it both ecologically important and visually stunning.

This site is a true macro photographer’s dream. From camouflaged critters to colourful crustaceans, it’s easy to spend hours uncovering hidden gems in every crevice. Above water, you might even spot flamingos feeding in the shallows. Whether you’re an underwater photography enthusiast or simply curious about the creatures that call this place home, the Seahorse Safari offers an unforgettable adventure in one of the ocean’s most magical and underrated habitats.

GHOST NET REMOVAL

Join our marine biologists for a hands-on conservation experience tackling one of the ocean’s most pressing issues: plastic pollution. You’ll begin by snorkelling over an ecologically important coral nursery site, helping to remove ghost nets – discarded fishing gear that entangles coral, fish, turtles and more. By clearing these nets, you’ll be actively contributing to the recovery of this vital reef habitat.

Back on land, you’ll take part in a coastal clean-up, collecting marine debris washed up on Jangamo’s beautiful beaches. You’ll then learn how we transform this waste into something wonderful through our Trash to Trade upcycling initiative. You’ll get to try your hand at creating handmade products from recovered plastic and even take a piece home with you – a meaningful souvenir that tells a story of ocean protection.

This activity is a powerful reminder of your role in marine conservation and a chance to contribute directly to solutions for a cleaner, healthier ocean.

MARINE SCIENCE TALKS

Throughout your expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the marine world through optional evening talks delivered by our experienced marine biologists, including Francesca Trotman, founder of Love The Oceans, and Yudmila Chunguane, our Lead Marine Biologist. These relaxed sessions are designed to complement your field experiences, helping you connect what you’re seeing in the water with the science behind it.

Topics range from the incredible lives of humpback whales, coral reef ecology, and the fascinating biology of whale sharks and manta rays, to a broader introduction to the work we do here in Jangamo through our community conservation initiatives. Whether you’re completely new to marine science or already well-versed, these talks are accessible, engaging, and tailored to your interests, giving you the knowledge to better appreciate the ecosystems you’re helping to protect.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

During your expedition, you’ll be staying in beautiful sea-view accommodation nestled on the dunes, overlooking the Indian Ocean. With a plunge pool, sundeck, and sunbeds overlooking the beach, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of marine adventures, or to take a day out of activities if you’d just like to rest. Each ensuite room is set apart from the main lodge by its own private walkway, offering both privacy and comfort. It’s a small-group experience (max 8 guests), making it peaceful, personal, and perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for meaningful travel.

All meals are prepared by our private Mozambican chef, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. From local dishes to international favourites, we cater for most dietary requirements – just let us know in advance. There’s a small local shop nearby for those who’d like to grab snacks, drinks, or a cold beer, and the tap water is safe to drink, sourced from the lodge’s own filtered borehole. You’ll wake up to sunrises over the ocean and wind down with sunsets from the deck — a beautiful rhythm to match your unforgettable time in Jangamo.