Mozambique

Country Name: Republic of Mozambique

Capital City: Maputo

Population: Approximately 32.5 million (2023 est.)

Official Language: Portuguese; other widely spoken languages include Makhuwa, Tsonga, and Sena.

Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN)

Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC +2

Palm trees overlooking serene ocean
Tall tower decorated with silhouetted human figures at dusk
Tropical beach with clear blue water and boats
Beachfront huts with hanging lanterns on sunny day

Diving Overview

Mozambique offers some of the best diving experiences along its extensive Indian Ocean coastline, featuring pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and clear waters. The country’s diverse marine ecosystems provide opportunities for both novice and experienced divers.

  • Number of Dive Sites: Over 50. Numerous dive sites along the southern and northern coasts, particularly around the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Quirimbas Islands.
  • Types of Diving: Reef, drift, wall, and wreck diving.
  • Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, various species of reef fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
  • Average Water Temperatures: 24-29°C (75-84°F).
  • Visibility Range: 10-40 meters (33-131 feet).

Important Information

Optimal Dive Seasons

The best diving conditions are typically from May to October, when the waters are calmer and visibility is high.

Major Airports

Maputo International Airport, Beira Airport, Nampula Airport

The Travel Tip

A 3mm wetsuit is generally sufficient for diving in Mozambique’s warm waters, but a 5mm wetsuit is recommended for deeper dives or during cooler months.

Weather Patterns

Mozambique has a tropical to subtropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Coastal areas are generally hot and humid.

Internal Transportation

Options include domestic flights, buses, and a network of taxis and minibuses, providing connectivity across major cities and regions.

Attractions

Major attractions include Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa National Park, Quirimbas Islands, and the colonial architecture of Ilha de Moçambique.

Top Dive Regions

Mozambique boasts some of the best diving locations along its extensive Indian Ocean coastline, characterized by diverse marine ecosystems and clear, warm waters. The Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and a variety of reef fish. The Quirimbas Islands offer untouched coral reefs and a plethora of marine species, providing excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Tofo Beach is famous for its regular sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, making it a hotspot for marine enthusiasts. Lastly, Ponta do Ouro features a variety of dive sites rich in marine biodiversity, including dolphins, sharks, and colorful reef fish, along with excellent visibility. These top dive regions highlight Mozambique’s rich underwater environments, attracting divers from around the world.

Bazaruto Archipelago

Known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs, the Bazaruto Archipelago offers some of the best diving in Mozambique.

Quirimbas Islands

Famous for their untouched coral reefs and abundant marine species, providing excellent opportunities for both diving and snorkeling.

Tofo Beach

Renowned for regular sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, making it a popular destination for marine enthusiasts.

Ponta do Ouro

Offers a variety of dive sites with rich marine biodiversity, including dolphins, sharks, and colorful reef fish, along with excellent visibility.

Marine Life

Mozambique’s marine life is incredibly diverse, offering a spectacular underwater experience. The warm, clear waters along the Indian Ocean coastline host a rich array of species, including whale sharks and manta rays, especially around Tofo Beach. The coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago and Quirimbas Islands teem with colorful reef fish, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, alongside various species of nudibranchs and crustaceans. Sea turtles and dolphins are frequently encountered, along with several species of sharks like reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead.

Common Species: Whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, nudibranchs, and crustaceans.

Seasonal Highlights: Whale shark sightings peak from October to March, manta rays from May to October, and sea turtle nesting from November to February.