This article is intended to provide the already qualified scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of Mozambique, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.
Mozambique has a long coastline spread out over the tropical east coat of Africa south of the equator, with several islands on the continental shelf. Reef-building corals live where there is suitable substrate and good light – generally where there is no major river mouth nearby. The current generally flows north to south, and can be strong. This carries turbid water away, and makes drift diving necessary in many places.
Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September. Rainfall is heavy along the coast and decreases in the north and south. Cyclones are common during the wet season.
The sea temperature is tropical. Water temperatures range from 29˚C in summer to 22˚C in winter, and will seldom be below 24˚C. The diving season is year round. People from cooler climates may find winter more comfortable, and there are fewer mosquitos as this is the dry season.
Visibility can range from 8–40 m, depending on the amount of plankton in the water.
The marine ecology of Mozambique is classified as Tropical Indo-Pacific, which is the most diverse marine ecology known. Obviously not all species from this bioregion will be found in all parts of it, but this is an indication of the diversity which can be expected here. A wide range of reef building corals, and also other coral types can be found here, along with a diverse invertebrate fauna sharing the shelter and habitat provided by the corals. Fish are also represented by a large diversity of species, many of which are particularly colourful.
Humpback whales can be spotted during their migration from June until November.
Whale sharks are present all year round and in abundance between November and March. These gentle giants can reach up to 12m in length and weigh up to 20tonnes.
Pick up's can be arranged through lodges, dive centres etc. But there is ample public transport and it is safe and easy to walk to most places in the area.
Southern Mozambique includes the Municipios of Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane and Sofala from the southern border with South Africa at Ponta d'Ouro north to the Zambesi river.
Dive sites include:
Dive sites include:
Nice coral but known more for its abundance of manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks and humpback whales.
A small bay just south of Inhambane on a long stretch of sandy coastline. The reefs are sedimentary rock with a covering of hard and soft corals and other invertebrates. Marine life is Indo-Pacific.
About halfway between Inhambane to the south and Vilanculos to the north. About one and a half hours from Inhambane by road, and six hours from Maputo. Depth range 6 to 40m. Water temperatures about 24°C in winter to 29°C in summer. Humpback whales visit from June to October.
Dive sites include:
Sylvia shoal — about 12 km north of Ponta Morrungulo. The shoal is about 14 km long, rising from bottom at about 22m to around 10m on top, with a shallow point at 8m. The reef is home to a large variety of nudibranchs, turtles, mantas, rays, eels and sharks
Distance to site: 14.5km, Maximum depth: 26m on the seaward side, Top of the reef: 9m, Average depth:16m, Skill level: Basic
Distance to site: 16km, Maximum depth: 40m, Average depth: 28m, Skill level: Advanced
New Year reef — A 9 km long reef system south of Sylvia shoal.
Maximum depth 32m
Maximum depth: 40m, Skill level: Advanced
Dive sites include:
Northern Mozambique includes Municipios of Zambesia, Nampula and Cabo Delgado from the Zambesi river in the south to the northern border with Tanzania at the Rovuma river in the north.
Dive sites include:
Dive sites include:
Dive sites include:
Dive sites include: