Our research takes place when the Humpbacks are in the Gulf of Guinea, between July and October. Our São Tomé Humpback Whale Research Volunteers participate in boat-based whale expeditions, and work with local partners and researchers to gather data on population numbers, behaviour, individual animal logging and identification. No matter your previous experience, you will learn practical research and data collection techniques including photo-identification and acoustic recordings.
Research Volunteering Highlights
Humpback Whale Research
Humpback whales make annual journeys from Antarctica to the West African coast. Without the presence of predators in the water they seem extremely playful and you can watch them play from the shore and the volunteer house, as well as get up close as you go on boat based research expeditions.
Community Outreach
Successful conservation relies as much on community work as scientific research. You will get involved with São Tomé's flagship marine community outreach programme which, through teaching children how to protect and live with the sea, aims to create young changemakers who have compassion for their marine environment.
What else will I experience?
This is not a diving programme, but volunteers may spend some of their free time learning to dive or may join a local dive team on their regular dives (optional extra – additional charges apply and must be paid locally).
Where will I stay?
Volunteers will be staying in Residencial Tamarindos which is near the village of Morro Peixe in the North of Sao Tome. Volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch (sandwiches or local food), a seated evening meal at the place of stay, clean bottled drinking water, transport and a local driver/guide on the island including airport pick up and drop off.
Research Volunteering Highlights
- Learn from our experienced partners and their researchers and scientists and assist with their crucial research projects
- Learn advanced research techniques
- Snorkel amazing coral reefs and learn to identify fishes and other sea creatures
- Live on a remote island and enjoy all that comes with it including the local seafood and hospitality of São Tomé and its people
- Countless unforgettable encounters with enormous ocean giants
Humpback Whale Research
Humpback whales make annual journeys from Antarctica to the West African coast. Without the presence of predators in the water they seem extremely playful and you can watch them play from the shore and the volunteer house, as well as get up close as you go on boat based research expeditions.
- Participate in three (sea state allowing) boat based Humpback Whale research expeditions a week and whale watch from the stunning shores of Eastern São Tomé
- If it is safe to do so, enter the water for an unforgettable close-up encounter (no diving experience is necessary)
- Collect data on Humpback Whale behaviour, movement patterns and habitat use
- Collect similar data whilst observing Humpback Whales from the beautiful São Tomé shores
- Learn how to photographically identify individual whales to create a database which is updated annually and shared globally
- Learn about Humpback Whale behaviour, ecology, anatomy, and life history
- Complete research within one of the most bioproductive regions on the planet
Community Outreach
Successful conservation relies as much on community work as scientific research. You will get involved with São Tomé's flagship marine community outreach programme which, through teaching children how to protect and live with the sea, aims to create young changemakers who have compassion for their marine environment.
- Help to create marine biology, ecology and conservation classes
- Help with beach clean-ups
What else will I experience?
- Enjoy snorkelling expeditions along the east coast of the island, where you will monitor the health of this unique, diverse, and stunningly beautiful ecosystem
- Explore the mangrove forests and catch a glimpse of the local São Tomé Mona Monkey population
- Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture
- Explore local villages and visit local markets and restaurants
This is not a diving programme, but volunteers may spend some of their free time learning to dive or may join a local dive team on their regular dives (optional extra – additional charges apply and must be paid locally).
Where will I stay?
Volunteers will be staying in Residencial Tamarindos which is near the village of Morro Peixe in the North of Sao Tome. Volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch (sandwiches or local food), a seated evening meal at the place of stay, clean bottled drinking water, transport and a local driver/guide on the island including airport pick up and drop off.
Duration and Pricing
Volunteers can book onto to the programme in one week blocks throughout humpback season - from 1 up to 16 weeks - July through October. The cost to join this incredible programme is £599 per week per person, with an introductory offer of £499 per week per person for bookings made before December 2019.
Book your space now!
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Book in GPB - Can only afford the deposit at the moment? No worries, secure your place for with a 20% deposit.
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Book in Euros - Can only afford the deposit at the moment? No worries, secure your place for with a 20% deposit.
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