Mozambique Bazaruto Dive Safari

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique · Mozambique

Moderate7 daysAfrica~£2,800 est.

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Overview

The Bazaruto Archipelago shelters the last viable dugong population in the western Indian Ocean - a few hundred animals grazing the seagrass flats between five dune islands off southern Mozambique. Diving centres on Two Mile Reef between Bazaruto and Benguerra: hard-coral gardens at snorkel depth, walls patrolled by potato bass and green turtles, and manta cleaning stations on the outer edge. Whale sharks cruise the channel in the warm months and humpbacks pass between June and October; the dugong itself is the lottery ticket, most often seen from the boat crossing the flats at high tide, so keep a camera to hand between dives. Tide is the variable that runs this place: spring tides rip through the island channels and visibility swings from ten metres to thirty, so good operators plan the day around the tide table rather than your wish list. Water sits at 24-27C - a 3mm suit is plenty. Base yourself in Vilankulo and dive by speedboat for around £2,800 a week including marine park fees, or double it for the island lodges. April-May and September to November bring the calmest seas.