Whale Shark Photo Workshop Barra, Mozambique
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A Transformational Experience in Photography, Storytelling & Ocean Conservation with Melody Sky and TV Producer Katie Reisz
Melody and Katie couldn’t be more excited about this trip! Melody’s journey began in the ocean as an underwater photographer, and although she spends the majority of her time up in the mountains, her heart belongs to the ocean. She has a particular love of the giants inhabiting the deep waters. Having previously worked on a Whale Shark research program, Melody knows how much they gave her. So now Melody and Katie are launching our first of hopefully many trips to photograph these magnificent creatures.
We invite you to join us in the stunning waters of Inhambane, Mozambique, for this one-of-a-kind photography and content creation workshop centered around whales, whale sharks, and ocean conservation. This immersive experience is designed to elevate your skills in capturing breathtaking imagery and crafting compelling, educational, and inspiring content—all while deepening your connection to the ocean and its conservation. We will have ocean conservationists there to help you gain knowledge and also offer you the opportunity to add a PADI Humpback Whale Conservation Specialty course and the Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty course.
During your photography and content creation workshop, you will take part in two conservation speciality courses at the end of which you will leave with a certification. Our partner Liquid Dive are a 100 % AWARE partner who ensure that all diving and snorkelling activities are conducted in a manner that is environmentally friendly, thus contributing to protecting and saving the underwater environment.
The Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty introduces you to Whale Shark biology and behavior and their distribution around the globe. You will also learn about Whale Shark monitoring programs, research and conservation efforts as well as the correct photographing techniques.
The theory part of the course takes around 4 hours and then we head to the Ocean Safari to look for these giants and to photograph once the theory is completed.
Please remember whale sharks are considered endangered by the IUCN due to the impacts of fisheries, by-catch losses, and vessel strikes, combined with its long lifespan and late maturation, if we we will encounter a Whale Shark on a safari, consider yourself a very lucky person!
The PADI Humpback Whale Conservation Specialty starts with a lesson about the magnificent whales of Tofo. Our guide will fully brief you about our boat launching procedures, codes of conduct and how we interact with the whales.
Whale Watching is great in Tofo, since the Humpback Whales visit every winter from June to October. In increasing numbers, they migrate here and use the safe waters as a birthing ground and to raise their young. Thus, making Tofo an excellent place to witness, research and raise awareness of these graceful giants.
During our time at the sea, we observe several groups of whales, listen to their singing through hydrophone, try to take ID pictures of their flukes and learn more about their behavior and conservation.
If our experienced guide sees the opportunity to swim with these intelligent mammals you may enter the water with them. There is however a strict code of conduct and we can never guarantee swimming with them, safety comes first. Seeing them from the boat is already a magical experience.
Our wish on these workshops is that you leave with not only great images, stories and more skills to photograph these incredible creatures and the ocean environment, but also that you leave with an increased awareness and knowlege on ocean and wildlife conservation making you key voices through your own social channels and interactions with your friends and families.
Equipment –
The following equipment is recommended. We will have a selection of lenses for you to try out. We also have a partnership with a reputable camera and lens rental company in Zurich, who can deliver rental equipment to you prior to your departure (at an additional cost).
2 x DSLR/mirrorless camera bodies if possible so that you avoid changing lenses (risking sand)
A telephoto, and super-telephoto (minimum 400mm) will be sufficient. A teleconverter is an option. I also use my 70-200mm and 16-35mm.
A tripod (for sunset timelapses)
Spare batteries (where possible) + charger
Cards for your camera
Laptop
Rental is a great way to be able to bring lenses that you don’t own. Please get in touch for our recommended companies in which you can rent your gear.
Location
Between Barra & Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Accommodation: Umbila: Barra
To reach Inhambane, Mozambique, from countries like Switzerland, the UK, or the USA, you’ll need to take connecting flights, as there are no direct international routes to Inhambane Airport (INH).
1. Fly to a Major African Hub:
From Switzerland, the UK, or the USA: Book a flight to a major African airport such as Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in South Africa or Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Mozambique. These airports are well-connected to various international destinations.
2. Connect to Inhambane:
From Johannesburg (JNB): You can book a flight to Inhambane. However, as of February 2025, there are no direct flights on this route; flights typically have one stopover, often in Maputo.
From Maputo (MPM): LAM Mozambique Airlines operates flights to Inhambane. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with an average round-trip price of $501.
If you need help planning your journey, our travel experts, Christy and Adriana can take care of everything for you from flights to travel visa’s.
