9 days/ 8 nights
pick up & transfers
snacks on boat
upon request
personal guide & host
breakfast & meals
beach
accommodation
your language
INFO ABOUT OUR
DIVING DESTINATIONS
meet (y)our dive guides
Did you know that our dive destinations offer the best in marine wildlife?
From the wide variety of micro and macro life found in the local tropical and subtropical reefs, to the large predators and large pelagics of the Indian Ocean.
The list is endless, but to give you an idea: tiger, bull, hammerhead, guitar, leopard, reef sharks, whale sharks, reef and oceanic mantas, locally rediscovered and extinct species of rays, several species of dolphins and sea turtles, humpback whale, dugong....
With our guides and instructors Robert, Lachin and Mono, discover the wonders of this African coast.
Not a diver yet, but would like to try it? Not a problem at all! What better place than these waters teeming with turtles, clown fish, rays and much more... for our instructors to welcome you to this magical world! "
INFO ABOUT DIVING IN TOFO
Mozambique's east coast, with some 2,500 kilometres of largely unexplored coastline, offers underwater wilderness teeming with life. With its endless pristine beaches, Mozambique is an underwater oasis of East Africa, and Praia do Tofo is its capital, and for years has been gaining momentum in the diving world as a prime destination for megafauna viewing.
Praia do Tofo's coastline is very undeveloped and unspoilt, and its waters offer wonderful biodiversity mainly due to the Agulhas current, allowing for some of the most spectacular diving in the world with sightings of Whale Sharks, Sharks of various species and Rays including Giant Mantas up to 7m in wingspan, Dolphins, various species of Turtles, and the majestic Humpback Whales that visit our waters between the months of June to November during their annual migration. This diversity of the great ones of the sea together with the variety of soft and hard corals that cover the local reefs have made this destination the jewel of the Indian Ocean.
>20 diving points
up to 40 m depth
all dive levels
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private divemaster
private instructor
boat entry
8m semi-rigid boats
nitrox available
mega & macrofauna
While many of the best dive destinations suffer from dive sites full with boats and divers, with the resulting consequences on their reefs, Tofo retains its natural charm, allowing for the daily rediscovery of its beauty.
The southern coast of Mozambique, and in particular the province of Inhambane where Tofo is located, is home to one of the most important feeding grounds for Whale Sharks and Manta Rays in the world.
The highest sightings of the highly sought-after Whale Sharks are recorded in this area. Since 2005, more than 600 different individuals have been identified in these waters, some of them also sighted in South Africa and northern Tanzania, but studies show that these individuals return year after year to these food-rich waters. In 2021, the species finally received full legislative protection in Mozambique.
This area is also considered one of the centres of abundance of manta rays, the largest of the devil ray species (the genus Mobula). Over the last 20 years, the largest populations of giant and reef manta rays in Africa have been documented and identified. Both species aggregate in the south of the country, with the highest sightings recorded along the coast of Inhambane province.
This coast also provides important breeding, feeding and cleaning areas for devil rays (Mobula kuhlii), another endangered relative.
After many years of work, especially by the Marine Megafauna Foundation, in January 2021, the government has protected the manta and devil rays in Mozambique.
Tofo's seabed is made up of huge rocky bars that break the sandy bottom and rise to several metres, some of them colonised by gigantic coral structures that shelter countless marine species and attract a great diversity of pelagics.
DAY OUT DIVING
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Timing is everything, so our day starts early to optimize sightings. After breakfast at the accommodation, we meet at the diving center where we review and prepare the equipment, we attend the briefing and after a short 2-minute walk to the beach, where the boat awaits us with all the material stowed, our adventure begins.
All the dives in Tofo involve entries from the coast with the zodiacs, with which the excitement is guaranteed from early morning. After a stimulating launch through the surf, the dive sites are 5 minutes away, the closest ones, and those furthest 35 minutes away.
The exciting first minutes ensure that we are all wide awake and attentive in search of whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and turtles that can be seen any day of the year, and the much desired Humpback Whales that frequent our waters between the months of June to November.
Normally we plan for two dives in the morning with a surface interval of 1h30´, but when conditions do not allow it, we return to land between dives.
At the end of the second dive we return to the dive center where we usually arrive after noon, the perfect time to sit down for lunch. Those who wish can take a third dive in the afternoon on the shallow coastal reefs.
We have located the various dive sites through GPS. Once above the point, we prepare for the entry, and during this time we calculate what the boat has moved and in what direction, which gives us information about the type of current that we can find. We always plan the dives to go with the current.
We never anchor the zodiac, so we always drift. The descent is in the middle of the blue, and the reference is the buoy and the guide's reel. The depths do not exceed 35 meters in depth, and many of them rise up to 25 meters, with which most of the diving will be at depth and a maximum bottom time of 45-50 minutes.
During the surface intervals and the round trips to the dive sites, depending on the weather conditions and the state of the sea, we cruise in search of the marine megafauna. If luck is with us, which is usually very common, and in the case of Humpback Whales, the encounter is guaranteed during the months of July and August, and after having evaluated the behavior of the animal, we enter the water using only the mask, snorkel and fins. Gearing up with the scuba equipment and a tank is not usual in these cases.
Did you know that an ocean safari is the best
way to spot some species?
Snorkel with Humpback Whales?
june to november
Snorkel & Swim with Whale Sharks?
all year long!
Diving brings us into direct contact with fascinating sea creatures, but many others are even more enjoyable while snorkelling. The waters of Tofo give us the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles and, if the timing is right, we can also enjoy the spectacle of humpback whales, one of the most acrobatic species, which we find every winter together with their calves after they have given birth.
The ocean safari is an excursion suitable for anyone who can swim, although there is always the option to stay dry without entering the water for those who prefer. The trip usually lasts approximately 2 hours and includes all necessary equipment.
Sightings are not guaranteed but the chances are high. Especially of whale sharks, as we are in an area with one of the highest populations in the world, and at any time throughout the year you can see individuals from 5 metres to 12 metres in length. On the other hand, there are two species of dolphin that frequent our waters, the bottlenose dolphin, sometimes seen in huge groups approaching, and the Humpback Dolphin, a rather more skittish species.
Do you like macro life? We have a spot full of fascinating creatures.
Harlequin Shrimp
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Seahorses
Frogfish
Although the reefs in the Tofo area are also teeming with macro life, and you can stand at a cleaning station watching the mantas as various species of shrimps, nudibranchs and leaf fish are spotted right there, we have located a magical and almost secret spot where we find some of the rarest and most fascinating creatures in the seas.
Just 2 or 3 metres below the surface, we can explore it by apnea or scuba diving, the choice is yours!
Seahorses, harlequin shrimps, hairy frogfish, some of the strangest nudibranchs you'll ever see, pipefish, rhinopias...
WEATHER & SEA CONDITIONS
We can find perfect diving conditions in Tofo on any day of the year. Visibility and currents are less dependent on seasonal weather patterns and more affected by the prevailing tides and winds of the day. On average, Tofo offers 15 metres of visibility, ranging up to 30-40 metres in its best conditions, or in its worst down to only 5 metres.
The water temperature ranges from 17°C to 21°C in winter (June - November) and 27°C to 30°C in summer (December - May).
We recommend sea sickness tablets for those who are prone to seasickness.
DIVE CENTER
Mozambique Experience is associated with one of Tofo's dive centres located in the best existing area, with excellent modern facilities fully equipped with swimming pool, changing rooms with hot showers, classrooms where courses are offered, cafeteria - restaurant and unbeatable views.
DIVE BOATS
We have two 8 metre semi-rigid zodiacs, both with a capacity of up to 16 divers each, although we prefer to keep groups smaller and usually go with a maximum of 8 divers per boat.
Each boat is equipped with 2 Yamaha 90hp 4 stroke engines, emergency oxygen, first aid kit, life jackets, contact radio and emergency plan.
DIVE EQUPMENT
For those who feel the cold on longer dives or during the winter months, we recommend wetsuits of at least 5mm, or even semi-dry 7mm. During the summer, when the water temperature usually stays between 27°C and 28°C a 3mm is usually sufficient.
For those who prefer to rent, Scubapro and Mares 5mm wetsuits are available, as well as a selection of closed fins and masks.
Diving cylinders are in steel and/or aluminium with capacities of 12 lt. For those wishing 15 lt. steel cylinders we recommend that you contact us before you travel to reserve them.
NITROX
Due to the profile of the dives, we always recommend diving with enriched air nitrox to increase safety and bottom times. The nitrox available is 32% and up to 40% for those certified.
For those who are not yet certified and prefer to do it here with us, it can be arranged with Robert and Lacin.
Do you know what we can see in Tofo?
Whale Shark, Giant Manta Ray, Reef Manta Ray, Leopard Shark, Giant Guitarfish, Whitetip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Humpback Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Leatherback Turtle, Green Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Muaritius Sccorpionfish, Potato Grouper, Honeycomb Moray Eel (Leopard Moray)...., humpback whale.
Recommended things to bring:
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Diving equipment: BCD, regulator, fins, booties, mask and snorkel, wet or dry suit (contact us for more information), gloves, surface marker buoy, flashlight, computer. Possibility of renting material.
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Diving qualifications (including Nitrox)
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Waterproof jacket and / or windbreaker for boat outings
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Waterproof bag (camera and other dry material)
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Anti-sickness tablets
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Camera and housings with chargers, memory cards and extra kits needed.
INFO ABOUT DIVING IN BAZARUTO
Home to the Two Mile Reef, a long stretch of pristine coral reefs protecting a narrow channel between the high sand dunes on the South of Bazaruto Island and the long white beaches of the North Point of Benguerra Island.
The reef has a colorful diversity of hard and soft corals between depths of 12m to 20m, hosting an incredible diversity of reef fish. Different species of Turtle, Shark, Grouper and Ray are spotted regularly amongst the various drop points along the barrier reef, so familiar that you could touch them. The shy Dugong is always the most sought-after in our waters.
The northern tip of the reef, abundant in colourful coral, is mid-way between the islands and runs southwards, parallel to Benguerra Island, approximately 4.5 km east of its shores.
>5 also snorkable reefs
up to 20 m depth
all dive levels
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private divemaster
private instructor
boat entry
8m semi-rigid boats
nitrox available
mega & microfauna
The top of the reef protrudes from the sea at low tide, and slopes gently towards the east. The southern side is flatter and sandier and when the current is strong, can offer sightings of big sharks or Mantas. The western side offers a shallow (12 meters max) site called The Gap, where shoals of Grey Reef Sharks and Mobula Rays enjoy the cleaning station while the tide is coming in. Guitarfish and the elusive Dugong can also be spotted there.
Cabo São Sebastião offers more challenging conditions for experienced divers, and good chances to see Mantas, massive Groupers, Honeycomb Rays and bigger Sharks (including Hammerheads and Bull sharks). Humpback Whales are always playing around in season.
DAY OUT DIVING
After breakfast at accommodation, we meet at the dive center around 8.00 where we’ll check our equipment. We will leave around 8.30 am, and after a comfortable launch (no surf to cross) and a 45 minute boat ride we stop on Bazaruto or Benguerra Island for the dive briefings.
From there we will do our first dive on Two Mile Reef, followed by a fantastic lunch break on Bazaruto, where we spend about an hour. After the surface interval, we go back to Two Mile Reef for the second dive on a different drop point. We will be heading back to main land in the afternoon, reaching base at around 4.30.
The Cabo São Sebastião dige is similar, expect the surface interval is done on the boat, where we look for Dolphins, Mantas and Whale Sharks, and Humpback Whales (in season).
WEATHER & SEA CONDITIONS
Perfect diving conditions can be found in Vilanculos any time of the year, although, during the months of February we do not offer any diving as the water is too warm and plankton is blooming. Visibility is supposed to be better in the Winter months (May to November), although this has not been accurate in the past years.
Water temperature ranges from 22°C in August to 29°C in January. Anti sea-sickness tablets recommended to all of those who are prone to feel the motion, especially on Cabo São Sebastião.
DIVE CENTER
Mozambique Experience operates on the longest operating 5- star dive shop in Vilanculos, ideally located and fully provisioned with a training pool, hot showers and quality facilities and equipment, and with an on-site bar.
DIVE BOATS
We have one 8.5 m dive semi-rigid inflatable rib, with a capacity of up to 10 divers, although we like to keep our groups to a maximum of 6 divers.
The boats is fully equipped with Radio, Emergency Oxygen, First Aid Kit, Emergency Assistance Plan and Phones.
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DIVE EQUPMENT
For those that feel chilled on longer dives and during the cooler months, we would recommend a minimum of 5 to 7 mm neoprene.
We have full-length 5 mm wetsuits for rent, as well as a selection of closed-heel fins, masks, BCD’s, Regulators (Aqualung) and Weights.
We also allocate a range of steel and aluminum tanks with 12 lt of volume.
NITROX
Nitrox is not being used in Vilanculos.
POSSIBLE SIGHTINGS
Possible Dugong sighting, Guitarfish, Grey Reef Shark, Giant Manta/ Reef Manta/ Mobula Ray, Green/ Loggerhead/ Leatherback Turtle, Humpback/ Bottlenose Dolphin, reef & pelagic fish, macro & micro life, seasonal Humpback Whale etc.