Do you love diving? If yes, Mozambique’s dive sites will leave you in awe. Here, you can explore the country’s underwater world to see an array of sea life.

Your experience will be an unforgettable one. You’ll enjoy pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine and the friendly company of locals.

Here are the top 10 dive sites in Mozambique to visit while you’re in the country:

Bazaruto Archipelago

A dive in the Bazaruto Archipelago will leave you in awe. The archipelago lies between Mozambique and Madagascar.

It is well-known for its pristine beaches, a wide range of sea life and protected reefs. Here, you’ll see dudong, of which a small number exist, and humpback whales. You’ll also see giant lobsters, whale sharks and a variety of beautiful tropical fish.

Dive sites are 12 to 30 meters deep, and visibility is up to 40 meters.

Ponta Mamoli

If you’re looking for a secluded and luxurious piece of paradise, then a dive at Ponta Mamoli is a must. Its location is 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the capital, Maputo.

You can enjoy dive sites that are 9 to 40 meters deep. Here, you’ll see coral reefs as thick as rainforests, and a diversity of sea life. You’ll see blennies, wrasse, and plenty of giant hermit crabs. There is also a large cave filled with glassfish and lionfish that you can explore.

Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane

Mozambique’s newest dive sites include Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane. Their location is a few miles from the South African border.

You’ll enjoy untouched coral reefs, protected bays, and a diversity of sea life at these sites. You’ll see dolphins, game fish, and a variety of tropical fish. The crystal clear waters, pure white sands, and coconut palms of Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane will leave you mesmerized.

The depths of dive sites are between 10 and 40 meters, with visibility being between 30 and 40 meters. Water temperatures vary from 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 26 degrees Celsius).

Inhaca Island

Inhaca Island is a fantastic diving and snorkeling destination. Its location is a few miles from Maputo.

You’ll explore unspoiled coral reefs, and see a diversity of sea life. A variety of dolphins, whale sharks, and mantras swim in the island’s waters. You’ll also see large schools of barracuda and kingfish.

The depth of the dive site is 30 meters, with visibility reaching between 10 and 30 meters. The average water temperature is between 72 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit (22-27 degrees Celsius).

Pemba Island

Pemba Island is a diver’s paradise that is rich with sea life and untouched coral reefs.

The island has a range of dive sites to choose from depending on your diving experience. Advanced divers can go on the Farol Ledge dive, which is about 30 meters deep. On this dive, you can see big fish, including the snowflake soapfish and lots of coral fish.

Another great site for experienced divers is Penguin Shoal. The site is 30 meters deep, and you’ll see beautiful coral forests and a variety of tropical fish.

If you’re a less experienced diver, you can enjoy the Playground dive site. Its location is on Pemba Bay’s northern peninsula, and it’s up to 12 meters deep. You can only dive here when conditions are right.

At the Gap Reef dive site, you’ll see a variety of sea life. The site is close to shore and is between 15 and 100 meters deep.

Nacala Bay

Nacala Bay is a beautiful diving spot for beginner and advanced divers. Its located in Nampula Province, and boasts fantastic coral reefs and a diversity of sea life.

There is a range of dives available based on your diving experience. The Bonito Reef dive is open to all divers and is 32 meters deep. Here, you’ll see beautiful coral gardens and an array of tropical fish. These include leaf fish, ribbon eels, and anglers.

As an advanced diver, you can enjoy the Wall dive, which is a 50-meter dive. You’ll experience a slope thick with coral that leads to a wall. From here, you’ll swim through a wide range of marine life.

The Nemos dive is a superb shore dive, which is 20 meters deep. It’s great for capturing beautiful marine photography. On this dive, you’ll see a wide range of fish, including nudibranchs, triggers, ghost pipefish, and frogfish.

Quirimbas Archipelago

The underwater world of the Quirimbas Archipelago is jaw-dropping. You can explore dive sites that are available on the archipelago’s islands.

Ibo Island has incredible dive sites that are 18 meters deep. Here, you’ll see a variety of sea life, including reef fish and large schools of Spanish mackerel.

As an advanced diver, you can visit the Lauras Leap deep channel. There is a variety of sea life to explore at this dive site. If you’re an intermediate diver, the Rocha Rocks dive site is a fantastic one to explore. It’s 30 meters deep, and you’ll see plenty of plant and fish life.

Vilanculos Archipelago

The Vilanculos archipelago has fantastic dive sites for beginner and advanced divers. Its location is in the Inhambane Province.

You’ll enjoy an extensive reef and beautiful beaches at the Baluba Reef dive site. Here, you’ll be able to see rays, sea turtles, and game fish.

If you’re an advanced diver, you can explore the Canyon Deep and Marlin Pinnacles dive sites. The sites are 33 meters deep, and you’ll see a variety of sea life and beautiful coral reefs.

Zavora

Mozambique’s newest dive site is Zavora, which offers excellent reef diving adventures. Zavora’s reefs are long and beautiful, and you can explore a shipwreck that exists in the area.

As an advanced diver, you can go on a dive in the reef vicinity to explore a diversity of marine life. You’ll see game fish, manta rays, and sharks.

All levels of divers can do the Inshore Reef dive. The reef system here is picturesque, with beautiful white and red sands. You’ll spot sea turtles, moray eels and a variety of sharks on a dive.

Tofo and Barra

Tofo and Barra have fantastic diving sites and beautiful beaches to explore.

The most popular diving spot here for advanced divers is Manta Reef. It’s 20 meters deep and has a variety of exotic sea life to explore.

If you’re a novice diver, then Praia de Roche is the perfect diving spot. Large boulders, pristine beaches, and white sands will leave you in awe. On a dive, you’ll see hard and soft corals, tropical fish, octopus, and morays.

At The Salon diving spot, you’ll see a variety of sea life, including red reef lobster and trumpet fish.

Source: Africa.com