In Mozambique you don't have to spend a fortune chartering a motor yacht to take you to some far-flung un-inhabited island or tiny atoll in the middle of the ocean to dive 'untouched' pristine reefs. You can simply take a leisurely walk down to the beach from your rustic beach camp, chalet or hotel!
Bazaruto Archipelago
Between the continent of Africa and the island of Madagascar lies a string of spectacular sub-tropical islands that rank alongside Australia's Great Barrier Reef as one of the earth's superb underwater wildernesses - the Bazaruto Archipelago.
One of the most beautiful places in Africa and famous for its pristine beaches, the world is starting to discover what we here in Africa have known for awhile - that these islands offer world class diving.
The waters around the Bazaruto Archipelago World Heritage Site and National Park are an ecological paradise. At 1400km², it is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the Indian Ocean.
With sites at a depth of 12 to 30m and visibility up to 40m you will discover protected reefs teeming with dolphin, hump back whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, game fish, green turtles and giant lobster.
The endangered dugong of which only a very small number still exist, swim in the shallow crystal clear waters that are also home to abundant starfish, soft and hard corals, anemones, seahorses and a dazzling array of beautiful tropical fish.
Traditional Arab dhows, motor launches and floatplanes will whisk you off to our carefully chosen lodges and beach resorts. Tourism in Mozambique is still developing, and there is a good range of facilities from simple eco chalets and camps to luxury beach resorts. These beautiful properties wonderfully combine the magic of an African safari lodge set amongst some of the most unspoilt areas in the world.
Apres Dive and Non Divers
Each day will be a day of discovery whether you dive or not and there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your stay in the archipelago.
Snorkelling, island hopping, kayaking, water skiing, para-sailing, tubing, wind surfing, ski paddling, deep sea, rock and surf fishing, horse riding, bird watching, sunset dhow cruises, scenic drives or if you just want to relax - sunbathing. In the evening feast on seafood of every description with exotic Portuguese style dishes, lobster, crab, fresh fish and prawns.
Ponta Mamoli
Ponta Mamoli is a superior destination for those divers looking for luxury and a secluded piece of paradise. Besides the setting, coral reefs at depths between 9 and 40 m will awe divers from around the world. Just to the north, is a large bay that has such prolific coral growth it will take years for a diver to visit them all. With corals as thick as rain forests and fish life from the smallest to the biggest,
Ponta Mamoli provides divers with world class diving. You can expect to see gobies, blennies and the usual wrasse and butterfly fish. Huge white cowries with black and gold mantles, plenty of large hermit crabs and nudibranchs with blue ridges, green frills, orange and blue stripes. There is also a large cave filled with glassfish and lionfish.
Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane
Just a few kilometres across the border from South Africa you will discover two of Africa's newest and best scuba diving vacation destinations - Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane. Rustic camps and beach chalets, surrounded by huge swaying coconut palms and the Indian Ocean just yards away give you the chance to experience a true 'Robinson Crusoe' lifestyle while still enjoying the highest standards of dive facilities and service.
Towering dunes clad in indigenous forest overlook kilometres of sun drenched, deserted pure white beaches, crystal clear seas and 22 virtually untouched coral reefs that promise some of the best diving of your life.
Scattered around the protected bay are reefs, gullies and caves between 10m and 40m depth, making it possible for all certification levels to dive here. Average visibility is 30-40m and water temperatures vary from 22 to 26 degrees C.
Whale sharks and dolphins are common sightings. Game fish abound, potato bass, scorpion fish, turtles, rays, big grouper, humpback whales and of course tropical fish in their millions.
Inhaca Island
Inhaca Island is a small island, just off the coast from Maputo on the fringe of the tropics. There is a wealth of breathtaking beaches, coral reefs and exotic marine life on offer. The fish life is virtually untouched and the reefs are unspoiled. Wreck diving and shark diving is possible.
Staghorn and plate coral, moray eel, potato bass, large schools of barracuda and kingfish are in abundance. Dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are not uncommon. The maximum diving depth is 30m with an average depth of approximately 18m. The average water temperature is 22-27 degrees C and visibility is between 10 - 30m.
African Safaris
The popular dive destinations of Southern Mozambique are conveniently located not far from the border of South Africa and its best game parks and attractions. A few days spent in the wilds of the African bush is highly recommended and will promise to be as much a highlight of your dive holiday as face to face encounters with whales, sharks and manta rays.
