INFO ABOUT DIVING IN THE BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

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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

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).

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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.

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.