Diving and Swimming with Dolphins in Africa

Scuba Dive and Snorkel in Mozambique's Warm Indian Ocean

Jul 17, 2008

White, pristine beaches and coconut palms frame the coastline in Mozambique and vacations here combine water sports with a captivating Afro-Portuguese culture.

Mozambique's surface area spans a distance of over 800 000 square kilometers and is bordered by Tanzania in the north, South Africa in the south, Malawi in the west and Zimbabwe in the south west.

Mozambique dive sites are famous the world over. Bazaruto and Benguerra islands near Vilanculos and the Quirembas Archipelago have coral reefs bursting with color and life and one can expect to swim alongside dolphins, whale sharks, the rare and shy dugong and huge manta rays.

Northern Mozambique Quirembas Archipelago

Pemba is the capital of Cabo Delgado, the northern province of Mozambique and is the gateway to these beautiful islands.

The Quirembas Archipelago consists of 32 coral islands most of which are undeveloped and include 11 islands which form the Quirimbas National Park. The reefs are rich and unspoiled and provide the diver with an abundant array of unusual marine life to look at such as lobsters, sea turtles and larger-than-usual reef fish.

Marine life on the Quilalea island is protected by the Quilalea Marine Sanctuary. Dive packages, yacht charters, island-hopping excursions and big game fishing make up some of the activities and diving is available for all levels from beginner to advanced. The region's culture is a melting pot of Arabian, Portuguese and African influences with many an ancient trading post and church waiting to be explored.

Southern Mozambique Bazaruto Archipelago

This group of 5 islands make up the Bazaruto Archipelago and this area is a protected National Park. The islands are covered by large sand dunes, fresh-water lakes and bush-protected reserves. To keep environmental damage to a minimum, camping is not allowed but there are several private lodges which offer good accommodation. The area is superb for scuba diving vacations.

Outstanding scuba diving charters are available - to the legendary 2 mile reef, 5 mile reef and Pipe reef, where charters will specifically take one out to dive with whale sharks. There are other activities on offer such as deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and island excursions.

Swimming With Dolphins at Ponta D'Ouro

This bay is situated on the southern most point of Mozambique and is home to pods of Bottle-nose dolphins. There are several operators who organize trips to swim with the dolphins, for theraputic reasons or just for fun!

These trips facilitated by experts in the Dolphin Swim programs and they go the extra mile to protect the dolphins and avoid dolphin harassment. Children over 3 are usually welcome. Humpback whales migrate in the winter months and this provides another exciting dimension to a vacation in Mozambique.

Vacations in Mozambique - When to Go

May to August in the winter time in the southern hemisphere is the best time, temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot and humid as they are in the hottest months - December to March.

The copyright of the article Diving and Swimming with Dolphins in Africa in Mozambique Travel is owned by Fleur Hupston. Permission to republish Diving and Swimming with Dolphins in Africa in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.