M.V. Kairos Liveaboard

The Kairos is packed to the gills with tools for the trade, plus toys for those with a serious game to play. The inventory is as impressive as it is endless, thirteen Apollo AV1 DPV's, seven Dolphin Rebreathers, two support RIB's, Helium, Nitrox (in the form of a Nuvair system), three broadcast quality Sony video systems, numerous digital cameras, more technical equipment than your local technical dive centre, a custom made Dynasub fibre optic imaging system capable of running two divers simultaneously and, in case that isn't enough, a microlight aircraft used for spotting whales and Whale Sharks. All of this is on board a 38-metre ship designed to go anywhere, for any duration.

Throughout the year the ship is hired by various research and exploration companies, undertaking projects from one to two months duration, with twelve spaces always held back to allow divers to join the programmes and practically become part of the project. Next year's projects include: Whale Shark research, Whale research, Tanzania reef exploration and research into the Coelacanth - a seldom seen deep water fish, thought to be extinct until recently.

Fly to Dar es Salaam where you will be met and transferred to the Kairos. A maximum of twelve guests are accommodated in six spacious and fully air-conditioned cabins (five of which are either twin or double berthed, and one is twin berthed). Three of the cabins are en-suite and two have their own toilet. There is a large classroom full of multimedia facilities and a library, a spacious dining-room and bar equipped with a king size plasma screen, a technical zone and an outside shaded diningroom.

Whale Sharks Expeditions with Shark Research Institute in Mafia

The expedition will focus on collecting data on this fascinating animal by using high-performance underwater video equipment. All members of the expedition can help with this study. Snorkelling is the best way to approach and observe Whale Sharks. Diving will be organised on different areas close to the Whale Shark activity.

Underwater Archaeology in Kilwa

The former city of Kilwa is an amazing architectural melting pot, where the whole of Indian Ocean culture met from the 8th to the 18th century. The goal of this underwater archaeological research project is to promote the knowledge of and to broadcast this great Tanzanian underwater cultural heritage. The project consists in the progressive mapping of the archaeological sites in the Kilwa archipelago and to improve the historical knowledge. Wrecks being an excellent testimony to the cultural and commercial exchanges that took place. Five days of each trip will be dedicated to the archaeological works in Kilwa Bay, the three following days will be dedicated to scuba diving and exploring the most beautiful dive sites of the Kilwa area.