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St. Lazarus Bank, a seamount rising from approximately 2,000 m to its shallowest point of 13 m below the surface, is a marine biodiversity hotspot. It is the top location in Mozambique, and one of the top in the world, to hunt giant Dogtooth Tuna, along with the plentiful Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, Sailfish, and some stunning reef game fish such as Giant Trevally, Emperors, and Snappers. The Quirimbas Archipelago (or ‘Ilhas Quirimbas’ as they’re known in Portuguese), located in the far north coast of Mozambique, lies just offshore and stretches for some 200 km. The often nicknamed “Maldives of Africa” consists of a beautiful string of 12 major islands, about 20 smaller coralline island, and endless offshore sand-bars and coral reefs. |
The wildlife is superb, consisting of Green and Hawksbill Turtles, several species of Dolphins, countless coastal bird species, rare Coconut Crabs that are otherwise extinct in East Africa, pristine reefs and fish life, and the rare Dugong. From July through September, the islands are also home to migrating Humpback Whales.
The archipelago is an isolated and remote area, and is probably the last stretch of East African coastline where the marine environments and beaches are very rarely visited by westerners. These islands are a perfect setting for exploring and spearfishing uncharted reefs slopes, with highlights to be visited by every spearo being the Metundo Canyon and the legendary St. Lazarus Bank that lies some 50 nm offshore.
You can enjoy day trips around Vamizi Island and its surrounding reefs departing from the island’s resort dive centre. During a day out around Vamizi Island, one can expect to hunt Dogtooth Tuna – including giant ones – Giant Trevally, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, King Mackerel, Billfish, and reef game fish.
