The Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique is one of the least visited areas along East Africa’s Swahili Coast. To put it into perspective, the archipelago of some 30 islands and countless reefs and sand banks hosts only a handful of resorts aimed for tourists. Needless to say, there is no mass tourism in any form here, and the best way to truly explore the archipelago is on a live aboard yacht.
Lying on Mozambique’s continental shelf, the islands are separated by deep water canyons consisting of stunning reef slopes just waiting to be explored. The prevalent oceanic current pushes up into these canyons bringing nutrient rich cool water from the depths, feeding the inhabitants of the reef slopes. Furthermore, the lack for a need for commercial fishing of sought after fish such as Tuna and Kingfish to feed the tourism industry, the outer reef slopes are left relatively untouched by local small scale artisan fishers who prefer to fish the shallower and calmer inland waters between the mainland and the islands.
The biodiversity of the region is stunning and fortunately little known. Diving the Quirimbas Archipelago means you pretty much have the beauty and biodiversity of the place to yourself! Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins are two of several species of Dolphins common to the area. Between July and November, Humpback Whales calve there. Between July and December, the Metundo Canyon is also host to a rarely seen Grey Reef Shark aggregation. Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Reef Whitetip Sharks, Silkie Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead, and Silvertip Sharks are other species common to the area. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays are also occasionally spotted. Vamizi Island is host to the only seen population of rare Green Humphead Parrot Fish.
But it’s the sheer diversity of the well preserved corals and colourful reef inhabitants that is mind blowing. The area is recognised for its unique biodiversity and, in a time when coral bleaching is commonplace and reefs are receding world-wide, for the health of its reefs.
We offer PADI scuba diving courses and day trips out of 5 star resort Vamizi Island. We also offer tailor made multi-day live aboard scuba diving trips through the Quirimbas Archipelago and St. Lazarus Bank. With our many years of experience in planning and operating live aboard trips, and elections of excellent dive boats, experienced instructors and guides, and luxurious live aboard yachts, we are your gateway to scuba diving the best of what the Quirimbas Archipelago has to offer.
