Introduction
The diving in Mozambique is world class, yet not world famous. The Indian Ocean is pleasantly warm in the Southern Hemisphere summer and almost always clear (it is cooler in the winter, and can get as low as 18°C, so make sure you have access to a good wetsuit and other warm underwater gear). The reefs are in excellent condition and even in the most popular diving sites show little sign of diver-inflicted damage. There is reasonably good diving infrastructure for recreational diving (but not always NITROX mixes, for example) with most dive locations having a range of accommodation and food options available, and a choice of dive outfits. And there is plenty to see underwater – from very small (many nudibranchs, crustaceans, etc) to large (big stingrays, many species of sharks, etc).
Popular Dive Sites
Ponta Do Ouro and surrounding areas
This is probably the most popular dive location in Mozambique, mainly due to its close proximity to the South African border and to Maputo (a 2 hour drive). You can read more about the town here. There are many reefs within easy reach of the beach. The reefs are at a range of different depths and should suit most skill levels of recreational SCUBA divers. There is also a wide choice of dive shops. You can see them here
Tofo and surrounding areas
Tofo is an 8-10 hour dive to the north of Maputo (it is also possible to fly to Inhambane and get a taxi to Tofo). It is a very popular dive spot with a wide range of dive sites, many within easy reach of the beach. It has a good selection of places to stay, places to eat, and dive outfits to choose from. There is the chance of seeing whale sharks (in season November to March) while diving here.
Vilanculos
With its proximity to the Bazaruto archipelago and national parks there are a wide range of dive sites available from this resort, although they can be a long boat ride away. There are several dive shops in Vilanculos and no shortage of places to stay and places to eat.
Dive Boats
Almost all dives are boat dives. Most dive shops use rubber ribs, which can be quite cozy if full. Boats launch from the beach, and most beaches need divers to help push the boat out. Be warned, passage through the surf can make for an exciting ride. And getting back in the boat after the dive can be challenging in large swell, although there will always be a helping pair of hands to haul divers back into the rib after a dive. Because the swell can be quite large, do think about sea-sickness medication. The surge underwater can also be noticeable on shallow dive sites, although this is mainly only a problem if you are taking photos. Some locations such as Vilanculos offer sites that are more protected from the open ocean (such as the unmissable Two Mile Reef), making for an easier trip.
Qualifications
Most centers accept RAID and PADI qualifications and there are centers awarding both qualifications in Mozambique. Centers follow the governing body recommendations.
Emergencies
Always have dive insurance. For example, DAN (DNA SA is the local DAN insurance provider). This is all the more important because there is no recompression therapy available in Mozambique, so any issues needing this treatment will require travel, usually to South Africa. Most tourist destinations in Mozambique do have a private hospital. There is a choice of private hospitals in Maputo.
What will I see?
On the reef
The reefs have an abundance of life from the coral itself to the Moorish idols, butterfly fish, trigger fish and so much more. Octopi can be found roaming the reef and it’s unusual not to see a few different types of Moray eel on every dive.
Near the reef
There are Humpback whales migrating up the coast from August up to December. Turtles and Dolphins are also common in the warm waters. A range of rays, guitar fish and bigger game fish can all be spotted near the reef.
Deep dives
The deeper dives give a chance to get closer to a range of larger sharks and rays.
Finally
The diving in Mozambique is world class and the infrastructure is in place to make it a great trip.
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