Getting over the surf was a new experience in Tofo with Peri Peri divers

Several years ago, I watched a documentary that prompted me to reinvent my life. The documentary was about two marine biologists living in Tofo, Mozambique, who were studying Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. I was captivated by the Mantas. I had never seen one while diving or snorkeling, only through binoculars on the surface of the water. Having already had some experience with Whale Sharks, I was also extremely interested in their ecology.

The scientists, Dr. Andrea Marshall (aka Queen of Mantas) and Dr. Simon Pierce, were studying these species, which at that time were abundant in Mozambique waters. (Sadly, the populations are now significantly and negativley impacted by unsustainable fishing practices.) Their organization is Marine Megafauna Foundation (www.marinemegafauna.org) and their documentary, BBC’s Queen of Mantas.

I wanted to do something constructive. I wanted to contribute to helping the ocean and its animals. I began searching for dive trips where I could do some volunteer work, even to just do fish counts and surveys.

Observing and taking identification photos of whale sharks in Mexico

All Out Africa (alloutafrica.com) had a program working with Whale Shark Identifications and fish population counting in Tofo, Mozambique, helping with the whale shark program I had seen in the documentary. I thought, why can’t I do that? It was for adults, not a high school or college program or a gap year, but volunteering for adults. My family had a few reasons they did not want me traipsing off to Africa by myself, and I suppose there were some good reasons among them, but I made the decision to go. I booked my trip.

It appears crazy, absolutely nuts, to pick up and head off to Africa for six weeks by yourself, to live in an unpopulated area where there are no doctors, and the closest thing to a town, Inhambane, was at least an hour away over roads with potholes the size of Volkswagens. There was no Decompression chamber in case of getting  decompression sickness, known as “the bends.” The closest one was in Johannesburg. Not a hop skip and a jump away. The message? Don’t get sick. So off I went, a midlife woman with a passion for diving and animals, off on my very own adventure. It was the best gift I ever gave myself.

I was tested physically (I’ve had two back surgeries and have a few other physical issues), emotionally, and mentally. There were times, especially at the beginning, when I thought there was no way I would be able to do it. The experience empowered me and made me understand my abilities and my strength in an entirely different light. The trip was challenging, the environment both exhilarating and disturbing, and certainly the living standard was not what I was used to. I have been fortunate to lead a privileged lifestyle, but after my journey through southeastern Africa, I came to realize that one should have no complaints as long as there is fresh water to drink, food to eat, and a roof to keep out the weather. To say it was eye-opening and life-changing is an understatement.

	Minton diver		Mozambique: The Stairs of Death in Tofo

Diving in rough water was a new experience because the currents and surges off of Mozambique are strong. The water is cold. I was used to the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean. It took me a few dives to get comfortable, and my first two dives were pretty awful. But, I adapted. I learned, and I kept at it no matter how inadequate I thought I was.

I stayed in a house of volunteers, shared a bathroom with the house and a bedroom with a roommate, and ended up with some great friendships. I was the oldest one there. Most of the volunteers were Europeans in their twenties, but we came together in our love of the ocean and its life. I have seen these friends since the trip, we keep in touch, and we have enjoyed diving together in other locales.

Since that time, Summer 2012, I have been on several citizen science expeditions (trips spent assisting scientists in research) and volunteer trips. I have traveled all over the world meeting new people and making new friendships while contributing to our knowledge of the ocean and its animals. I have been to Thailand, Ecuador, the Yucatan, Bali, Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, the Great Barrier Reef, St Lucia and Mexico. Most of my adventures have taken place with Andrea Marshall’s Ray of Hope Expeditions as I have an affinity for Manta Rays. I have been diving in the three large oceans, the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. I may travel solo, but once I arrive I meet new friends who share my passion. I’m never lonely when I travel alone.

	Author with Andrea Marshall in Komdo National Park in Indonesia		My wonderful housemates in Mozambique during a game of spoons

	TRW volunteers were amazing and passionate people		With a group of volunteers in the Yucatan— we are still in touch!

Have you ever wanted to do something you thought was “out there” or just downright crazy? Do you have a desire to get out into the world and make a difference? There are volunteer programs all over the world for adults. Most of them have nothing to do with scuba, and there are plenty of them on all continents. There are so many opportunities, and in some cases, for little cost. I have some advice for you: be bold. Why not look at it? Eco-tourism, volunteer tourism, or citizen science will take you to places you’ve never even dreamed of.

You want to do something? Not even participating in science, just going off on your own? Do it now. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and in midlife who knows what is coming next?  Do something extraordinary for yourself, you won’t believe how empowered it will make you feel, and how it may change your perspective on life! It certainly changed mine, and for the better.

	On a Ray of Hope expedition in Raja Ampat, Indonesia		Volunteering in Ecuador with Ray of Hope Expeditions and Marine Megafauna Foundation Ralph Wolf photo

Tam Warner Minton is the travel blogger, writer, and photographer behind the adventure travel blog, www.travelswithtam.com. She has traveled to all seven continents, and is an advocate for citizen science, the environment, and getting out of one’s comfort zone. An avid scuba diver, Tam goes on many ocean research expeditions, and is an amateur underwater photographer. Her book, ALL FISH FACES, introduces amazing, colorful underwater creatures many have never seen before, but are crucial to our oceans. Showing kids of all ages the amazing life beneath the waves is the way to preserve our oceans for future generations! Partial proceeds benefit the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

ALL FISH FACES by author Tam Warner Minton