Testimonials

Here at Love The Oceans, we pride ourselves on pioneering marine conservation strategies but also providing an incredibly valuable experience for the volunteers who give up their time to join us. We value every volunteer we have and treat them accordingly. If you’d like to find out more about our expeditions please click here. Below are some of our previous volunteers’ thoughts on their time with us in Mozambique:

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✲ 9/10 stars

“I’m Lily, now in my 3^rd(and final!!) year studying marine zoology at Newcastle uni. Volunteering with LTO was honestly one of the most rewarding and special experiences of my life. When I read about what they do before applying for a placement as part of my second year careers module, I knew it was for me. From coral reef surveying to teaching kids to swim, every activity opened up whole new areas of skills and experience. What I loved most was being so far removed from my day to day life and just living simply. The rarity of hot water, the welcome absence of wifi and spending time with some amazing people made me appreciate everything so much more. The experience made me realise that you don’t need material objects to be happy; it’s connecting with others and appreciating nature that truly lead to a fulfilling life. LTO are making such a difference in their corner of the world and have without a doubt become part of the Guinjata Bay community.”

– Lily Holbrook

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✲ 9/10 stars

“My time with Love The Oceans was the best experience of my life so far. I learned a lot in a short space of time, gaining skills and experience in a in a variety of areas- from humpback whales to coral reefs. Collecting raw data that will be used to change and implement policies was rewarding and gives me hope for the future, for both the marine environment and the local community. Everyone I met was warm, friendly and welcoming, which was wonderful to feel acceptance when you are far away from home. Experiencing a different culture was eye opening and grounding, which made me think differently about my life at home. I feel more appreciative of the things I do have, and more relaxed about the things I do not have, which has been beneficial for my mental well being. There were some long work days but it was all worth the late nights and promoted team bonding. I miss Mozambique and everyone at Jay’s Pro Dive Centre who provided excellent diving experiences, and I hope to make it back there soon one day.”

– Saskia Mori

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱ 10/10 stars

“Volunteering for Love The Oceans has been one of the best experiences of my life. The passion of everyone in the organisation is inspiring and creates a great atmosphere in a wonderful part of the world. The programme gives you opportunities to gain a wealth of skills and experience in a wide range of fields associated with conservation biology that I have used innumerable times since and whilst working with the local community it is easy to see the positive impact that LTO has. LTO gave me the opportunity to form friendships with people from all around the world that share the same passion for the oceans that I do and helped me encounter marine life that I never thought I would. The first time I volunteered with LTO in 2015 I had such a great time and met so many good people that it was inevitable that I would return and it was inspiring to see the amount of work that had taken place in my absence and help achieve future goals. I couldn’t recommend Love The Oceans highly enough to anyone.”

– Rob Thomas

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✲ 9/10 stars

“I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer with LTO; Guinjata bay is a truly special place. The practical experience I gained, alongside the unforgettable experiences I had, made the trip so unique for me. Being part of an organization that is actually making a tangible change was hugely rewarding, not to mention the endless list of incredible people (and animals) I was working with! The work itself is interesting, engaging and very hands on; being able to work alongside professional marine scientists was a real pull factor for me. The interaction with the community is what sets LTO apart from other similar organisations, a key criterion for implementing sustainable change is to involve local people, and this is reflected by the overwhelming willingness of locals to co-operate with the research being undertaken in Guinjata. I can’t recommend this organisation enough, for anyone who is looking for a real adventure, a fantastic environment and a few whale sharks along the way!”

– Tom Scott

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱ 10/10 stars

“Having been a volunteer t for Love The Oceans (LTO) twice, I think it is safe to say it has been two of the best decisions of my life. If you are a marine biologist or anything similar, volunteering with LTO will give you practical, hands-on experience which most employers in marine conservation require. Mozambique and especially Guinjata Bay has become one of my favourite places in the world, because I’ve had so many amazing experiences with marine life and all the people there. Needless to say, diving and snorkelling with humpback whales is an experience I will never forget. LTO is run by extremely passionate and knowledgeable staff, who will make you feel very welcome in the area. Their work with the local community is inspirational, and being part of that has been so fulfilling in my life. I really hope to return for a third time!”

– Charlotte Johns

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱ 10/10 stars

“My time with LTO was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life. An Incredible place to learn to dive and really see some of the beauty of the ocean; a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the wonders it has to offer. The practical skills and hands on experience have been invaluable in setting me apart from other students applying for university, helping me secure my offers. The CAP also helped me to grow and mature by allowing me to discover a passion and convinced me to go into a career in conservation. I met some great people, making some friends for life; the benefits of the programme are numerous and have had a hugely profound effect on my life, and I am sure it will on yours too. LTO is a wonderful organisation doing truly good work with the local community setting them far above and beyond any other similar organisations, and I cannot recommend them or the CAP enough, especially for anyone interested in biology or conservation, or simply to broaden their horizons and do something new and amazing. I cannot wait to go back and do the Divemaster Internship!”

~Thomas Hasson

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✲ 9/10 stars

“Its not hard to see the huge importance of LTO in Guinjata Bay, and the significance each volunteer has. Whether you’re teaching in the schools, collecting data or helping the community, you really feel like you’re making a difference, and the rewards felt are humbling. The diving itself is without comparison, regardless of your previous experience I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Overall, LTO is an amazing organisation with huge potential, and if you’ve got the opportunity to volunteer with them grab it with both hands! Trust me, once you’re there, you will never want to come home!”

~ Hannah Williams

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✲ 9/10 stars

“If you are sitting on the fence about whether LTO is for you, I stood in your position wondering if I should take the chance and honestly taking that chance has been the biggest pay-off of my life. It’s an indispensable experience where you get to meet amazing people in an equally amazing environment. At the end you’ll be sad to leave but when you get on that plane you’ll feel that you have made a real impact to the cause and that you played an active and important role in LTO.”

~ Ollie McLaren-Roberts

✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱✱ 10/10 stars

“It doesn’t take too long after arrival to realise how big of a need there is for conservation efforts in Mozambique. The ignorance of ocean life among adults, the finning market’s draw on local people, and a lack of exposure to marine education in schools, all create an environment that is destructive to marine life and will remain so without intervention. LTO’s conservation efforts are multi-pronged and comprehensive in trying to deal with all of these issues, something by which I was very impressed. There is no easy solution to the issues faced in Guinjata, but I feel that LTO’s plan of action is solid and will contribute to lasting change in the community. As a volunteer, I definitely felt like the work I was doing was meaningful!”

~ Ruben Gameros