We had one extremely rough day on the ocean where the boat launch was nearly cancelled. Bracing ourselves through the chop, inevitably when we rolled back to get underwater it was absolutely glorious on dive site ‘Giants’. With top-to-bottom visibility, what a relief to get off the surface. As we turn to see where we are heading, a carpet of white and black glides over the rocky bottom – a reef manta ray directly below us! We slowly headed to the sea floor and held our position, but as a small dive group of 4, our new manta friend was so relaxed she circled us several times. She once flashed her belly within two meters of our heads! ID shots taken, we continued the dive.

A diver taking ID Shot

A little way along the tall reef wall, we would often find the resident loggerhead turtle in a rocky overhang, but he just wasn’t there. Perhaps he has moved on since it’s been so long that we have been diving on ‘Giants’. Enjoying the schooling trevally overhead and inspecting the little white-banded cleaner shrimp in their holes, bam. We look up and our old huge loggerhead neighbor almost swam right into us! What a relief to see him, and to know he’s still keeping guard of his rocky nook. Just as our computers had begun to tell us it was time to ascend, we always take a look all around – above and below in the depths. Unbelievable.

A first for me after nearly 5 years of diving these waters, a ragged-tooth shark! Sadly, it was sitting at around 35 meters, and we were forced to begin our ascent. It goes to show – you must always be patient and persistent, you never know what a rough ocean might deliver.

To learn more about our All Out Africa Marine Research project, or talk about how you can get involved, please email bookings@alloutafrica.com

Where are you from?

I’m from London, England.

What project did you sign up for?

I signed up for the Marine research and conservation in Tofo Mozambique.

What do you do for a living?

I work in a hotel bar.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Volunteering for me is really important as I know that even if what I’m doing is small at least I’m doing my part in helping the world become better and trying to preserve what good is left.

Reason for choosing All Out Africa?

I chose AOA because I wanted to go to a beautiful place and help the ocean and I knew someone who had recommended this exact project and spin so fondly about it.

Your experience as a volunteer, did it had any positive impact on your life?

The experience as a volunteer had a great impact on my life as it’s changed my outlook on life and has made me realize that there are more important things in life and if people realized this the world would be such a better place. It’s made me want to do my part in helping the environment/society.

Inspired? Click here to know more about our Marine Research Project