Diving Mozambique – why it’s a good idea.
The independent country of Mozambique lies on the South Easterly coast of Africa and boasts about 2,500 kilometres of stunning coastline. The coast is comprised mainly of generally empty, palm-fringed, and pristine sandy beaches. It is, without doubt, an outstanding destination for travellers - especially those who enjoy lazing away the hours sipping long cold drinks while sun tanning on the beach, or as a home base for exciting deep sea fishing excursions or maybe taking advantage of the warm, clear Indian Ocean and snorkel or scuba dive along the many colourful coral reefs fringing the country's beaches.
From the north of the country to the south there is a wealth of world-class destinations available to the discerning scuba diver. The southernmost is Ponta d'Ouro while more northerly is Nacala Bay and its many dive sites that differ considerably from their more southern counterparts. Dotted in-between along the coast are places like Pemba, Bazaruto, Inhaca Island, Tofo, Barra and the Quirimbas Archipelago, which are all tip-top diving destinations.
We take this opportunity to list below (in no particular order) some of the great beaches that you would love to dive into.
| TOFO BEACH | INHAMBANE | |
| BARRA BEACH | QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO | |
| BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO | PONTA D’OURO | |
| BAZARUTO ISLAND | INHACA ISLAND | |
| BENGUERRA ISLAND | NACALA BAY | |
| PEMBA |
Tofo beach
Located in the southern part of Mozambique, Tofo Beach is a popular destination for divers. It's known for its diverse marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and various species of colourful fish. The warm waters and excellent visibility make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced divers alike.
Barra beach
Situated near Tofo Beach, Barra Beach offers a quieter and more secluded beach experience. It's known for its unspoilt beauty, palm-fringed shores, and calm waters. Barra Beach is perfect for relaxation, beach walks, and snorkelling. The nearby coral reefs provide ample opportunities for scuba diving and exploring marine life.
Bazaruto Archipelago
This group of islands offers pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a marine reserve and has some incredible dive sites. You can explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter dolphins, and turtles, and even spot the elusive dugongs. Two of the most famous dive spots in the archipelago are Two-Mile Reef and Manta Reef.
Bazaruto island
Bazaruto Island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago and is famous for its stunning powdery white and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It's a paradise for beach lovers and offers opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming. The island is also home to luxury resorts that provide a secluded and tranquil beach experience.
Benguerra island
Also part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra Island is another idyllic beach destination in Mozambique. The island boasts beautiful beaches fringed by palm trees, and the waters are teeming with marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. Luxury lodges and resorts offer a high-end beach experience on the island.
Pemba
Pemba is famous for its gorgeous beaches with Wimbe Beach, located near the city, a popular spot known for its pristine beauty and calm waters. The beach offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks. Pemba is also a gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago, which has more secluded and untouched beaches.
Inhambane
Inhambane is a historic city that serves as a gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago and Tofo Beach. Manta Reef and Gallaria are popular dive sites in the area and are well known for encountering various species of sharks, rays and turtles. The coral reefs here are vibrant and abound in colourful sea life.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Situated in northern Mozambique, the Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 coral islands. The archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features breathtaking underwater landscapes. Divers can explore coral gardens, encounter a variety of fish species, and even if you are very lucky, catch sight of the elusive dugongs. Matemo Island and Ibo Island are popular starting points for diving in the Quirimbas.
Ponta d’Ouro
The most well-known, and most frequently visited diving destination in Mozambique, is Ponta d'Ouro because it is the closest to South Africa. Ponta d'Ouro is a small coastal town with many dive sites offering thrilling encounters and great visibility.
Inhaca Island
This island, just a few kilometres by ferry from the capital city of Maputo, is the location of a huge coral reef and is renowned for having some of the best and most spectacular dive sites in the country. The reef is visited by various large species like hammerhead sharks, bass and turtle and it abounds in an abundance of tropical marine life. Unique to Mozambique, one dive site reveals a coral-covered shipwreck of an old steam cargo ship sunk there in 1942 by a German U-Boat.
Nacala Bay
While the reefs in northern Mozambique’s Nacala Bay are known to be quite different from those further south, there are still plenty of corals and fish life to be found in these waters which are warm year-round. There are more than 12 recognised dive sites here. Exciting night dives can set off directly from the beautiful wide beach.
The above are just a few of the many stunning beaches and dive sites that Mozambique has to offer. Each beach and dive site has its unique charm and attractions, so whether you're seeking adventure or tranquillity, Mozambique's coastline has something for everyone.
So don't delay! Contact one of Flight Centre's travel experts right away! We'll make sure that your wonderful beach or scuba diving dream becomes a reality!
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