Scuba Diving In Mozambique

Mozambique has a rich and diverse culture, a mixture of African, Arab and European influences along with 2500 km of pristine coastline is scattered with endless coral reefs, tropical beaches and is a dream for scuba divers, snorkelers, sun worshippers and adventurers.
Diving in Mozambique is unique; one of the unexplored pleasures of the Indian Ocean and host to a dazzling display of marine life means that there are pelagic species aplenty. Mozambique has steadily established itself as one of the top dive destinations in the world.
The dive sites are a mix of pinnacles, reefs and walls. As most reefs start at 15-20 meters deep, they are out of reach from the damage of local artisanal fishing. The result is healthy coral covered reefs, full of fish.

In Northern Mozambique steep drop offs are the norm. Hard corals cover most of the reef real estate, with different species fighting for position. A drift dive along the wall can be like going through a reference book as each type of coral gives way to the next one. Gorgonian fans over two meters wide make the most of the strong currents in the area. The little remaining space is taken up by giant clams, anemones and soft corals.
The absence of any river run off and the daily tidal flush of the large bay keep the water in fantastic condition. Water temperatures generally range from 24 - 30ºC; the cooler water months are July to November during one of the major highlights of the region when humpback whales congregate around the area. The first to arrive are the pregnant females, looking for calmer and safer waters in which to give birth to their calves. Later on the males arrive, ready to fight for the attention of the females. Sightings occur on an almost daily basis, with plenty of opportunities for close encounters either kayaking or snorkeling.

Scuba divers come to Mozambique to swim with the giant Whale sharks. October through February is Whale shark season and it is not at all uncommon to see these peaceful giants of the ocean while in the water. Exhilarating encounters with large schools of hammerheads and Zambezi (bull) sharks, along with plenty of manta rays and whale sharks, make this area a shark lover’s paradise.  Add to that huge groupers, schools of trevallies and two meter long moray eels and it’ll be hard to concentrate on just one thing for very long.

An archipelago of offshore islands, known as the Bazaruto Archipelago, lies in a national marine park off the coast of Mozambique. The three main islands, Margaruque, Benguerra and Bazaruto, can be reached via the mainland town of Vilanculos.  Some 2000 fish species exist here, representing over 80 percent of the Indo-Pacific region. The Dugong or sea cow, an extremely rare mammal, is found around the island of Bazaruto which now has the largest remaining population in east Africa. Nile crocodiles can also be seen in the shallow lakes and pools on the islands. The island group is home to all five marine turtle species of the western Indian Ocean which come onto the beaches to breed.

There is a place in southern Mozambique, which borders onto South Africa, which offers the most spectacular shark diving. The dive site that pops to the forefront of the mind is “Pinnacles”.
Pinnacles is alive with action in the summer months spanning December – May, with water temperatures averaging 23 - 27ºC. The depth of this site averages from 29m (top) down to 46m.
Many shark species can be sighted on this diverse site: Bull/Zambezi shark, Tiger shark , Oceanic white tip , Great White shark , Hammerhead shark, Silvertip shark and Blacktip shark. Other exciting sightings are: Barracuda, Wahoo, Giant kingfish – the entire kingfish species can be seen. Manta Rays, Devil Rays, Spotted eagle rays.

Exhilarating encounters with large schools of Hammerheads and Bull sharks, along with plenty of manta rays and whale sharks, make this area a shark lover’s paradise. Almost every dive has a guaranteed shark or ray sighting. Add to that huge groupers, schools of trevallies and two meter long moray eels and it’s hard to concentrate on just one thing for very long. It’s not all 'wide angle' diving though, look closer at the reefs and there are plenty of smaller animals to find, like octopus, lobsters, harlequin shrimps and nudibranchs.

It’s all here. Look no further and dive Mozambique!

Any trip to Africa is of course best coupled with an inland safari. Timing your trip so that it coincides with animal migrations as well as the best diving season is a complicated affair; check with us. Contact us for more info, options and possibilities.


VISA  Visitors must obtain visas at a Mozambique Embassy or Consulate abroad prior to entering the country. Passports must be valid for six months from your date of arrival in the country. A copy of the return tickets or a copy of the flight confirmation and either hotel/hostel booking confirmation or 1 (one) recent bank statement required when applying for a visa.

LANGUAGE Portuguese is the official language. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua, are also spoken.

TIME GMT +2

CURRENCY The official currency is the Mozambique Metical (MT)
Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Maputo, but not generally beyond the capital. Travellers cheques are not commonly accepted, and where accepted are slow to process and often attract high rates of commission.

CLIMATE Climate varies according to area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher as the land rises, with most rain between January and March. Hottest and wettest season is October to March. From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes.

VACCINES Check with your embassy or consulate, as well as with a knowledgeable doctor, for detailed information on current health issues. Full health insurance, preferably including Medevac, is essential. Medical facilities are scarce. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies including medications and sterile syringes.

ELECTRICITY 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two round pins.

AIRPORT TAX US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa.