Mozambique - Diving Holiday Information
Quirimba Archipelago
Quirimbas Archipelago comprises 27 of the world's most undiscovered islands, remaining virtually untouched as a diving destination. The recently established Quirimbas National Park is a true example of bush meeting beach, with Elephant browsing mango trees just metres from the Indian Ocean and, further inland, four out of the 'Big Five' roaming. Fringing the Archipelago are some of the richest coral reefs in East Africa, often visited by huge game fish, turtles, humpbacks and other Cetaceans, and offering a vast range of diving opportunities from enormous dropoffs with strong currents, for the experienced diver, to sheltered tranquil coral gardens, perfect for beginners.
Ibo Island
Undoubtedly the 'Crowning Jewel' in this string of islands, Ibo, recently nominated for World Heritage status, was once a prosperous and important slave trading post and the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado. Grand, colonial administration buildings lined its streets and three majestic forts stood guard over the sea; this little mangrove, coral and palm-fringed island was a place of slaves, pirates, ivory and intrigue. Ibo Island has been described as one of the most romantic islands in the world and offers some of the best scuba diving in Mozambique. Until now access has been difficult but it is now possible to make the journey from one of the few neighbouring resorts and in 2007 a new hotel will open on the island.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Comprising a chain of five islands, Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaraque, Banque and Santa Carolina, lying along the historical Mozambican channel, the archipelago boasts fantastic beaches, diving and bird life. Forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems sustain a diverse population of flora and fauna, including Dugong and Green Turtles, on an idyllic, tropical island getaway.
Marlin Lodge, Bazaruto Island
Marlin's nineteen, sea-facing, en-suite chalets stretch along the beach of Flamingo Bay. Each has a private patio and walkway down to the white sand beach. The wood-reed-and-thatch chalets are a blend of elegance and African island beauty. Guests are treated to the finest cuisine and warmest hospitality in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and romantics can picnic on deserted beaches and dine under the stars. There is a pool, set in a glade of Ilala palms, perfect for a lazy day of tropical cocktails and a spa, for relaxing therapies. Try the many activities on offer, such as a thrilling ride on skis, or parasail; slip across aquamarine shallows on a sailboard or catamaran. There are many world-class snorkelling and diving sites near the lodge and a sunken yacht only 800 metres from the shore makes for an easy novice dive.
Bazaruto Lodge, Bazaruto Island
Bazaruto has 25 'A-frame' thatched roofed, en-suite bungalows set amongst lush tropical gardens. The African decor, combined with the 'Deserted Treasure Island' ambience of the location, adds to the charm of the lodge. The resort has one main restaurant, where dinner is announced by the sound of African drums. Lunch is a light meal, served by the pool, or a picnic basket on the beach. The resort offers a unique combination of beauty, security and relaxation that makes it the perfect spot for nature lovers as well as divers and sea sport enthusiasts. Facilities include a swimming pool, games room and local craft shops. Activities include diving, snorkelling, dhow boat excursions, boat trips to the island of Santa Carolina (picnic can be included), water skiing and 4x4 Jeep excursions.
Indigo Bay, Bazaruto Island
An exquisite island resort, situated on the idyllic and pristine Bazaruto Island, Indigo Bay offers visitors the quintessential Indian Ocean island holiday, as well as a gateway to the unspoilt beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago. On land, Nile Crocodiles can still be seen in the shallow lakes and pools, as well as Samango Monkey, Lesser Bushbaby and Red Duiker. There are more than 180 species of birds, including vast flocks of pelicans and flamingos and 26 species of waders. The lodge is right on the beach, between the Indian Ocean on one side and towering sand dunes on the other. Constructed to blend harmoniously with it's surroundings, and of natural materials, the luxury, but understated, chalets overlook the ocean, are airconditioned and fully mosquito screened, with en-suite bathrooms, mini-bar, 24 hour power, satellite TV and telephone access.
Indigo Bay specialises in seafood barbecues and the restaurant, with its breathtaking views, serves local Mozambican Portuguese cuisine. There is also a patio bar, swimming pool and wet pool bar. The PADI dive centre can arrange trips to nearby reefs as well as courses. Additional activities are, dune boarding, 4x4 scenic island drives, horse riding, snorkelling, waterskiing, kayaking and wind surfing.
Inhambane & Tofo
Located twenty kilometres from the historic port city of Inhambane, in Southern Mozambique, Tofo Beach offers mile upon mile of unspoiled, tropical beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters, teeming with marine life. Mantas are seen in Tofo all year round; the reefs being home to multiple Manta Ray cleaning stations and it's not uncommon to see ten plus Mantas on one dive. Whale sharks may also be seen most of the year, but the best time to see these magnificent creatures is October to March. Migrating Humpback Whales cruise along the coastline between June and September and whale song is frequently heard on dives, whilst regular dolphin sightings make the day's diving extra special. With fantastic schools of Devil Rays, White Tip, and Leopard Sharks, turtles and an abundance of large game fish, the diving in Tofo is definitely about the big stuff! However, the reefs are also home to a wide variety of tropical underwater life from Geometric Morays to Harlequin Shrimp to Frog Fish. Tofo is quickly becoming known as a premier world-class dive destination.
Benguerra Lodge, Benguerra Island
A unique, African island paradise, Benguerra is the epitome of barefoot luxury. The rich East African/Arabic feel of this small, intimate lodge is highlighted by the decor, and the unique and delectable food, comprised largely of freshly caught seafood. The two intimate Cabanas, ten luxurious Casitas and private Villa Chibuene - all with private decks and pool and the latter with personal chef, merge naturally into the surrounding indigenous forest and are only a moment's walk from the gorgeous sandy half-moon beach of Benguerra Bay.
For the energetic and adventurous, the lodge offers sea kayaking, horseback safaris, guided island and village tours, castaway and boat picnics, saltwater fly- and deep sea fishing, there is a fully equipped dive centre and access to some of the most pristine reefs in the world. There are numerous dive-venues available, including the well-known Two- Mile Reef, where ample opportunities exist to see many pelagics and to view untouched corals. Alternatively there's the thrill of a night or wreck dive.
Indulge yourself in countless hours of relaxation, delight in the diversity of birdlife (more than 150 species), visit the historic freshwater lakes (and their crocodiles), visit Bazaruto Island and climb a sand dune, enjoy a massage on the beach, sail in a traditional Dhow and search the seas for the legendary dugongs...
Southern Mozambique
Close to the South African border are a number of popular, expansive beaches and coves, with coral reefs stretching north and south offering excellent and varied diving. Experience idyllic shallow dives, extreme deep blue dives and fast drift dives. During the summer months see huge schools of Hammerhead and Zambezi Sharks along with squadrons of graceful Devil Rays and a myriad of intriguing invertebrates. A unique 'forest' of giant yellow coral trees with feather star decorations and interspersed purple gorgonian sea fans, creating an underwater canvas of colour is not to be missed.
Humpback Whales pass the coastline from July to November adding to the excitement. Dolphins are frequent visitors on dives and the chance of a Whale Shark encounter is a possibility. From November to early March, a pre-sunset dive on famous Pinnacles has the potential to reveal an explosion of massive schools of pelagic fish with pulsating shark activity. Not for the faint hearted!
Go back to our - suggested Mozambique Diving Itineraries