Mention Mozambique and most scuba divers immediately think megafauna. Whale sharks and manta rays prowl the plankton rich water year round and humpback whales pass by on their way through the Mozambique Channel from the Antarctic. Mozambique, located on Africa’s southeast coast, has more than 2000 kilometres/1250 miles of coastline bathed by the southerly flowing Aghulhas Current. To the north, the Quirimbas Archipelago is home to the recently designated Primeiras and Segundas Marine Protected Area (MPA). The largest MPA on the African continent, it protects rich coral reefs and mangrove forests and is an important nursery for myriad reef fish and five of the ocean’s seven marine turtles among other notable denizens. To the south, the Maputo Protection Area spans the coast from Ponta de Ouro to the Maputo River providing a haven for nesting marine turtles and conserving the offshore reef ecosystems. Off Praia do Tofo, Inhambane, whale shark alley (a plankton rich current fed corridor) attracts whale sharks all year round. Sightings are almost guaranteed. This alone will put Mozambique on many scuba divers’ bucket lists.
During a dive in Mozambique you have a great chance to come across huge creatures like whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales. Look a little closer, and you will see bountiful reef fish and unique marine life. Five of the world’s seven species of turtles frequent Mozambique, and the rich currents filter in tons of nutrients and plankton to feed this bustling ecosystem.
Flying in to Mozambique is probably your best bet, if you are visiting from afar. Maputo International is the main hub for international flights. Beira, Pemba, Vilankulu and Inhambane Airports also receive international flights.
Scuba diving off Inhambane and Tofo is a real treat for those who love marine megafauna. The plankton rich waters are known to attract whale sharks, manta rays and also humpback whales. The diving industry is therefore quite established with dive operators located in Inhambane and more in Tofo as there is a nice beach front.You can dive on a year-round basis as...