BCSS Whale Shark & Megafauna ID Expeditions provide guests with the opportunity to participate in operational marine megafauna spatial mapping surveys conducted within the greater Bazaruto Seascape.
Built around BCSS’s long-term Theme 2 monitoring program, these expeditions contribute to ongoing research focused on species identification, habitat mapping, and understanding the distribution of resident and migratory marine megafauna across the Western Indian Ocean.
Whale sharks remain the primary focus species of the expeditions, following rare and scientifically significant encounters documented by BCSS researchers within the Bazaruto Seascape. However, expeditions also monitor a broad range of surfacing marine megafauna and pelagic species recorded during systematic visual surveys.
Target and seasonally significant species may include:
- Whale Sharks (year-round presence; peak season December – June)
- Humpback Whales (July–October)
- Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks (September–November)
Additional observations may include marine mammals such as dugongs and up to 11 species of cetaceans (including dolphins, killer whales and false killer whale), tuna, sea turtles, reef and pelagic sharks, rays, marlin, seabirds, and other migratory marine fauna occurring within the Bazaruto Archipelago and surrounding sanctuary waters.
The Fieldwork Experience
Operating from research boats, expeditions follow standardized BCSS survey protocols developed for long-term ecological monitoring. Guests accompany researchers during real-time field operations involving:
- Marine megafauna visual surveys
- Species identification and behavioural observations
- Spatial mapping methodologies
- Whale shark and megafauna photo-identification
- Citizen science contributions and Sharkbook/Happywhale image submissions
- Environmental and oceanographic data collection workflows
- Megafauna ecology lectures and expedition briefings
The greater Bazaruto Seascape forms part of an internationally recognised Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), reflecting its ecological significance for threatened elasmobranch species and marine megafauna across the Western Indian Ocean.
In Mozambique, whale sharks received full legislative protection in 2021, reinforcing the importance of long-term scientific monitoring and regional conservation research initiatives.
BCSS Scientific Ocean Safaris are integrated directly into operational field research programs and long-term ecological datasets maintained by BCSS since 2017.
Your Expedition Format
4 nights / 3 half-day scientific expeditions.
Includes:
- Three (3) guided megafauna spatial mapping expeditions
- Onboard scientific briefings
- Whale shark and megafauna identification training
- Introduction to photo-ID methodologies
- Sharkbook/Happywhale image contribution workflow
- Lectures on megafauna ecology and habitat mapping
- Post-expedition scientific debriefings
To enquire about availability, expedition dates, and booking options for the BCSS Scientific Ocean Safaris, please contact our team directly. We will guide you through the package details, seasonal research focus, and how you can take part in this field-based marine megafauna monitoring experience within the Bazaruto Seascape.
More information:
For questions about this article, please contact:Â
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org Â
To get in touch and collaborate with our research Center , please visit https://bcssmz.org/logistical-support-consultancy/ Â
To learn more about our Scientific Training Program, please see https://bcssmz.org/scientific-training-program/ Â