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This
is the world famous Manta
Reef on everyone’s must
dive list.
Not only is the
topography of the actual
reef absolutely stunning
but also close encounters
with Manta rays are practically
guaranteed at the three
cleaning stations, making
this a phenomenal dive site.
Distance: 24km, Minimum
Qualification: Deep Adventure
(which you can do on this
dive, experience and conditions
permitting) Maximum, Depth:
30m, Average Depth: 21m,
Dive Time:A multilevel dive
profile, that gives you
a dive time of 45mins, if
done correctly.
We
have a north and south drop
depending on the current.
Our North drop is onto Manta
Pinnacles, the first cleaning
station and a massive pinnacle
of rock that rises from
26m on the sand to 18m on
top. The wall is a steep
drop of 8m with a swim thru
and huge overhang, which
hides a resident Potato
Bass. Red Fang Trigger fish
cover the reef along with
huge schools of Yellow Snappers,
Bigeyes, Fusiliers and Trumpet
fish. This is also the place
to see Spanish Dancers swimming
midwater during the day,
quite a rare sight. From
here we swim along the top
of the reef over colourful
soft corals to the second
cleaning station. We’ll
stop and make ourselves
negatively buoyant and let
the Manta’s swim up to and
over us (we think they like
our bubbles tickling their
bellies) and just take in
this amazing sight, being
careful not to touch them.
Then depending on the dive
time we either carry on
to Manta Canyon, the third
cleaning station, or start
our ascent to the safety
stop. The Manta’s carry
on being cleaned by Cleaner
Wrasse, Goldies and Butterfly
fish below us and sometimes
we encounter curious Devil
rays on the way up.
Our
South drop is onto Manta
Canyon, a huge wall that
drops down to 30m on the
sand, with lots of cracks
and ledges to look into
for Eggshell Cowries, Long
nose hawk fish and giant
Moray eels. We hide behind
the ledge at 24m to let
the Manta’s come over us,
and when we carry on the
dive we head over the reef
to Manta Pinnacles.
General
Info: This reef is rarely
affected by strong currents
or surge.Because of the
distance to, and the quality
of, this reef we like to
‘double tank’ this dive
site and the boat ride there
and back gives us plenty
of opportunity to find dolphins
and whale sharks to swim
with.
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Contact Scuba Mozambique |
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| On this page: Inhambane area information, Inhambane dive packages, Inhambane reef / dive details and links to Inhambane resorts. |
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The
capital of the Inhambane province,
Inhambane, is a scenic and old port
town with a very unique charm. Inhambane
has a bank, shops, markets, petrol
station, museum, public phones and
a bus terminus. Inhambane and the
surrounding coastline and beaches
are one of the most developed tourist
areas along the coast of Mozambique.
The town itself does not offer much
accommodation options for tourists
as most travelers tend to visit the
surrounding areas of the actual Inhambane
town. Inhambane has a nice tropical
climate and it supports coconut plantations
and mangrove swamps. Inhambane as
a City is steeped in history as it
was a favorite place for ancient sailors
and slave traders to stop and replenish
their resources. The natural estuary
allows vessels to enter a naturally
calm area where there was always fresh
water and supplies. Vasco De Gama
the famous Portuguese adventurer made
Inhambane one of his favourite stop
off points as him and his men were
able to moor their ships in the calm
bay and replenish before continuing
to and from the east. The name Inhambane means the place
of the friendly people and still today
this legend lives on with the local
population being extremely friendly
and happy. The
local population tap the juice of
the coconut trees during the season
when the trees are flowering and with
this sap they make a favorite alcoholic
drink called Sura. At certain times
of the year (Sura season) there are
lots of celebrations and visitors
are able to taste the powerful local
brew at their own peril. |
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 Inhambane
reefs also covers the surrounding
areas of Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo, Praia
de Jangamo and Guinjata
Bay as they are all
very close to each other.
Mozambique,
aspecially the areas around
Inhambane, is well known
for its incredible whale
shark diving opportunities.
Definately one of the top
places in the world to encounter
the majestic whale sharks,
divers are starting to slowely
but surely rediscover Mozambique.
You do not even need a PADI
or orther dive qualifications
to dive with these amazing
gentle giants. You can simply
swim or snorkel with them
and marvel in their awesome
size and beauty.
Whale
Sharks are known to be seen
all year round but the waters
are heavily populated during
the Mozambique summer months
(September – February).
Please note that February
is the known time of year
for Cyclones so if you do
come then there is a chance
of being caught up in a
cyclone. Obviously the visibility
drops dramatically during
this month if cyclones do
hit the coast.
Please
remember to dive responsibly
with whale sharks. Your
dive master will remind
you about the rules regarding
diving with whale sharks
such as how close you are
allowed to approach the
whale shark, touching the
whale shark etc. Be a safe
and responsible diver because
even though the whale sharks
show no threat to divers
they are very powerfull
sharks and should be respected.
Please
always ask to make sure
before booking whether you
are likely to see whale
sharks during your future
visit as not to be dissapointed
by arriving out of season
or in a bad season. This
is very important as many
divers come to Mozambique
aspecially to swim with
the whale shark. |
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Currently no resorts listed in Inhambane town itself. Most diving and accommodation can be fount in surrounding areas such as Praia do Tofo and Guinjata Bay. |
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| Cresh |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra |
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Average
Depth = 7 Meters Maximum Depth
=10 Meters
Scenery = The house reef at
Barra Reef is shallow enough
for snorkeling but also great
for a shallower dive. With
the sun shining from above
it is a excellent site for
underwater photography. This
reef consists of scattered
rock formations, rather flat
with sand patches in between.
Marine & Coral Life =
Cresh reef has just the right
name because there is juvenile
fish wherever you look. The
bigger variations are present
but it is the young ones that
draw the attention. In the
holes and under the rock crevices
there were a lot to keep you
busy for example Puffer fish,
Blue Spotted Ray, Octopus,
Pepper Eels and even a couple
of Stone fish made their appearance.
We saw Lizardfish, Boxfish,
Clown Triggerfish and all
the other tropical reef fish
seen in the warmer Mozambican
water. The coral consists
more of Staghorn coral, lots
of Porous corals, Sea sponges
and colourful Anemones were
ever present. You could wile
away the time just drifting
and watching the fish behaviors.
This is really a very nice
dive on a hot summers day. |
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| Mike's
Cupboard |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo |
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Average
Depth = 12 Meters Maximum
Depth = 15 Meters
Scenery = This reef is flat
with big holes and in these
holes are small caves, overhangs
and even a few arches with
swimthru's. Some parts of
the reef looks like boulders
stacked on top of each other
with sand patches in between.
Marine & Coral Life =Mike's
cupboard is really a true
description if that is everything
that can be kept there. This
is truly a busy place with
schools of Bluebanded Snappers,
Coachmen, Angelfish, Trumpetfish,
Kingfish and Tuna passing
by. In the holes itself we
found a brown Paperfish hiding
behind a rock so no one would
see him. Others that camouflaged
themselves just as well were
the Scorpionfish, Crocodile
fish and Lizardfish. The Octopus
changed his colours so quick
that we almost lost sight
of him moving into a hole.
In the small caves we found
a whole lot of Banded Shrimp
moving around, there was a
big Pufferfish hiding from
everyone, a very shy creature.
The coral on this reef consists
of Whip coral in various colours,
beige Fleshy soft coral, purple
and white Thristle soft coral
and lots of Lobed soft coral.
Plate coral, Porous coral
and Smooth-horned corals was
also seen throughout the dive.
This was a very nice dive
for the inquisitive diver. |
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| Giants
Castle |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo |
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Average
Depth = 21 Meters Maximum
Depth = 32 Meters
Scenery = This reef consist
of a big wall almost 4 meters
high with dropoff's that leads
to sandy areas. All along
this wall is a ridge that
is rich in marine and coral
life. Big rock formations
add to the scenery of this
reef.
Marine & Coral Life =
Diving this reef was really
a very nice experience, with
a great variety of tropical
fish to be seen. A rare Weedy
Scorpionfish made his appearance
and was amazing how it blended
in with the surroundings.
This reef has a great variety
of starfish species. Big Green
coral trees where Goldies
and Longnose Hawkfish hide
from the predators. On the
plateau Manta Ray's surprise
you with a gracefull pasture
in flight. Under the ledges
are Dancing Durban Shrimp
waiting to perform their cleaning
duties. In the crevices and
hollows there are Triggerfish
and different species of Moray
Eels. On this reef the coral
is mostly untouched, from
Porous corals to different
species of Hard and Soft corals
in a variety of colours and
textures. Always keep an eye
out in the midwater for game
fish passing by. A nice dive
for the Advanced Diver.
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| Grotto's |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra |
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Average
Depth = 12 Meters Maximum
Depth = 15 Meters
Scenery = This part is next
to Mike's Cupboard but just
a bigger version. Still a
flat reef but just more and
bigger hollows in the reef
itself. In these hollows are
pinniclelike rock formations
as well as ledges that form
overhangs. Sand patches can
be found on the bottom of
most of these hollows. The
hollows reminded me of the
craters on the moon!
Marine & Coral Life =
On this dive we found a Greyspot
Guitarfish, Honeycomb Moray
Eel, Pepper Moray and various
species of Nudibranchs. A
great number of tropical fish
like Trumpetfish, Flutemouthfish,
Goldies, Peacock Rockcod and
Parrotfish is to be seen,
to name just a few. There
are nice shells on the sand
patches and the coral life
is full in bloom. Various
types of hard and soft coral
is found on this part of the
reef for instance; Fleshy
soft coral, Sea urchins, Brain
coral, Leather coral and lots
of Anemones. There is a big
number of Plate coral with
fish like Angelfish hiding
underneath. This is a very
nice dive for photographers
with almost no surge in the
hollows. |
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| Sherwood
Forest |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo |
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Average
Depth = 21 Meters Maximum
Depth = 31 Meters
Scenery = This reef looks
like a huge rock formation
planted in the middle of the
sea floor with a few scattered
rock placed here and there.
It has some ledges that form
overhangs about 3 meters in
diameter. There are also some
blowholes situated on the
one side of the reef. On top
there are holes that host
a number of Green coral trees,
with Goldies swimming in and
out. The one part of the reef
tends to flatten to the Southern
side.
Marine & Coral Life =
This is one of the deeper
reefs in this area but host
the most amazing scenery and
have to be experienced first
hand. Huge Honeycomb Moray
Eels, Black cheek Moray's
and even a Manta Ray made
his appearance. Two Blue spot
Ray's were spotted lingering
in one of the sand patches
on top of the reef. Devil
Fire fish, Rockcod, Coachmen
and a great variety of tropical
fish can be seen here. Fire
Gobies, as much as twelve
together have been seen hurdled
together in one spot. The
coral on the other hand ranges
from Plate coral, Whip coral
and Leather coral to colourful
Sea sponges. Soft corals include
Anemones, Thristle coral,
Palmate Sea fans and Fleshy
soft corals in various colours.
Don' t forget to keep an eye
out for game fish passing
through in the midwater! |
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| Buddies |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo |
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Average
Depth = 8 Meters Maximum Depth
= 10 Meters
Scenery = Buddies reef is
a reef that lays parralel
to the shore and consists
of two rock banks that has
a strip of sand in between
separating the reef at some
places.
Marine & Coral Life =This
is a nice dive for the beginner
and is excellent for a night
dive because it is close to
shore and relatively shallow.
The tops of the reefs are
broken but in between the
crevices the reef is blossoming.
There are lots of juvenile
reef fish and some rare fish
found in the small caves and
overhangs. We found a White
Paperfish, Brown Rockmover
wrasse and various kinds of
Stonefish were spotted camouflaging
themselves on the reef. A
Peacock Mantis Shrimp was
spotted during brought daylight
and at night different kinds
of Crayfish, Sea Cucumbers
and a rare Tropical Flounder
was seen on one of the rocks.
The coral are mostly broken
but to make up for that there
are various kinds of Anemones
and Polyp coral. We even found
Daisy coral in a soft pink
and Fleshy soft coral in some
places. Interesting sea creatures
can be found when taking time
to look in all the small places. |
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| Office |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo |
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Average
Depth =18 Meters Maximum Depth
= 27 Meters
Scenery = This reef has a
flat part on the Northern
side and further on there
is a part that have some small
caves and overhangs as well
as a wall in some places with
hollows and crevices where
small fish hide during the
day.
Marine & Coral Life =
Here is a Manta cleaning station
on the flat part of the reef
where Manta Rays do a flyby
and get cleaned by all the
cleaner Wrasse. A big Honeycomb
Moray Eel was lying in one
of the crevices and a giant
Shortspine Porcupinefish was
joining him in this space.
The reef fish in this area
are peaceful and aren't scared
of divers. They even come
to inspect us. Great amount
of Rubberlips, Potato Bass,
Triggerfish, Goldies and Wrasse
was spotted in this area.
In the small hollows were
Dancing Cleaning Shrimp and
Banded Shrimp busy performing
their duties. In the midwater
we saw Manta Ray's, Devil
Ray's and two Bull Ray's were
playing around us for a few
moments. This reef is rich
in hard and soft coral with
various colours and shapes.
There are luscious green Whipcoral
to circular big Plate coral.
Pink Fleshy coral and Orange
sponges are just a few of
the corals found on this reef.
This was one of the best reefs
in this area. |
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| Stalin |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra |
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Average
Depth = 18 Meters Maximum
Depth = 30 Meters
Scenery = This is a flat reef
on top with ridges along the
Eastern side. There are also
some small overhangs that
form small caves.
Marine & Coral Life =
This is a deeper dive for
the more advanced diver. On
the reef itself there are
very little sealife, but on
the side along the edges most
of the tropical fish hides
in the hollows and small caves.
The Trilggerfish especially,
can be found sleeping in the
hollows. A Round Ribbontail
Ray and a Banded Cleaner Shrimp
were getting aquinted in one
of the many overhangs. Various
types of Starfish and small
crabs can be found on this
reef. The coral in this area
consist of various kinds of
hard coral like Staghorn coral
and Plate coral. The soft
coral includes Porous coral,
Anemones, Thristle coral and
Fleshy soft coral. Be on the
look out for schools of game
fish passing by in the midwater. |
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| Amazon |
Dived
from Ponta
de Barra, Praia
do Tofo |
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Average
Depth = 20 Meters Maximum
Depth = 28 Meters
Scenery = A big rock formation
with a wall along the one
side and a flattened area
on the other side with big
gullies, hollows and crevices
where a great variety of marine
life can be found.
Marine & Coral Life =
When entering the water, a
huge school of silvery Barra
cuda passed us by. On the
reef itself we found a big
Honeycomb Moray Eel lying
in a big crevice. Underneath
the one overhang we found
a Green Turtle still sleeping.
Manta Ray's with a wingspan
of approximately 7 meters
were flying through the water
like magic carpets. On the
flatter part of the reef another
turtle came out to mingle
with the divers and play around
for a while. A whole school
of grey Stumpnosefish came
passing by. On the reef there
were allot of Green Coral
Trees with Painted Surgeonfish
hiding in between. Clouds
of Goldies also surrounded
the coral and in the crevices
were allot of tropical fish
swimming in and out. Whip
coral, pink Thristle coral
and Anemones were found al
over this reef. This was really
a magnificent dive and it
made driving out worth our
while. |
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| Philosophers
Stone |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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| Summary
coming soon |
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| Anchor
Bay |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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| Distance
to Travel: 2km . Depth: 9
to 12 meters. Max: 12 meters.
Bottom Time: 50 minutes. Visibility:
10 to 20m. General: This is
a large flat circular reef
made up of rock and large
plate corals with an assortment
of beautiful soft corals and
sponges. All the normal tropical
fish can be seen as well as
Crocodile fish, Stonefish,
Lionfish and often a school
of juvenile Barracuda. This
is one of the only inshore
reefs where Manta's can be
seen, often cavorting on the
surface. It is common to see
Whale Sharks, Humpback and
Bryde's Whales on the journey.
This reef is named after the
very large and old sailing
ship's anchor which can be
seen there. After the recent
underwater cleanup this reef
is once again pristine. With
no current and little surge
Anchor Bay is a favorite for
divers in training and for
those who want a long slow
shallow dive to help them
get back into the swing of
things. |
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| Clownfish
Reef |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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Distance
to travel: 600m from Tofo
Beach. Approximately a 3 minute
boat ride . Depth: 9 meters
to 10 meters. Bottom Time:
50 minutes. Topography: A
fairly flat reef with a lot
of living Rock and Plate Coral
and small tropical fish. This
reef is ideal for student
training as it is situated
in the Tofo Bay and is very
gentle with no current and
surge. Not recommended for
advanced divers, but good
for those who are diving for
the first time or after a
long layoff. Degree of difficulty:
A very gentle dive. Visibility:
Ranges from 15m to 30m. General:
The perfect dive for those
just starting out, very gentle
dive with lots of tropical
fishes.
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| Simons
Town |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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| Distance
to Travel: 7km from Tofo Beach.
Approximately a 20-minute
boat ride. Depth: 14 meters
to 18 meters . Bottom Time:
40-minutes . Topography: Large
chimneys of rock with an amazing
amount of holes and gullies
running outwards in all directions.
A great dive when visibility
is good, with large shoals
of game fish swimming overhead.
Degree of Difficulty: A perfect
dive site for those just starting
out or wanting a long slow
and relaxing dive with lots
to see. Visibility: Ranges
from 10m to 30m General: An
intriguing reef with varying
topography, home to many game
fish and also often spotted
on this reef is the Whale
Shark. |
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| Chamber
of Secrets |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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| Distance
to Travel: 12km . Depth: 14
to 21 meters. Max: 21 meters.
Bottom Time: 40 minutes. Visibility:
10 to 20m. General: This reef
is shaped like a horseshoe.
At 14 meters around the top
and 19 metres around the base
it forms a ragged wall lined
with 6 swimthroughs and numerous
overhangs and caves. The center
of the horseshoe is a flat,
white sandy area frequented
by Blue Spotted Rays, Blue
Stingrays and Whip-Tailed
rays. This is the best inshore
reef we have found. As the
name suggests it is full of
surprises. Covering a large
area it is a reef worth diving
twice, once to focus on the
wildlife and once to do the
funky swimthroughs. Wildlife
is typical of the area and
depth: Morays, Lizardfish,
Trumpetfish, Lionfish (Common
and Clearfin), Scorpionfish,
and a multitude of reef fish.
It is also the reef with the
best chance of seeing Whale
Sharks on Scuba, as it is
right in the path of the migrating
Whale Sharks. As we use this
dive for OW qualifying dive
4 there are many opportunities
to dive here. Two chances
may not be enough. |
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| Pria
da Rocha |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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| Distance
to Travel: 8km from Tofo Beach.
Approximately a 20-minute
boat ride. Depth:
10 meters to 15 meters . Bottom
Time: 50-minutes. Topography:
This reef is made up of lots
of huge boulders, all cut
away on the bottom to form
a maze of gullies and swim-throughs
to the point where it resembles
a grotto. A vast variety of
soft coral can also be found
on this reef. All the usual
small Tropical Fish can be
seen. This is an offshore
reef and is therefore not
generally affected by currents
but can be affected by surge
as the shore side of the reef
is a rock face (as the name
suggests “Place of the Rocks”).
It is therefore not dived
with a large swell running. Degree
of Difficulty: This is an
easy dive and is suitable
for all levels of experience.
Especially suitable for those
looking for a long, slow,
gentle and interesting dive.
Will also be of particular
interest to the underwater
photographer. Visibility: Ranges from 10m
to 30m. General:
This is a really slow and
relaxing dive with lots and
lots to see. |
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| Krakatoa |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo |
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| Distance
to Travel: 15km. Depth: 14
to 18 meters . Max: 18 meters
. Time of Travel: 35 minutes
. Bottom Time: 40 minutes
. Visibility: 10 to 30m. General:
This inshore reef resembles
a sunken volcano crater or
caldera. The “crater” is on
average 2-4 metres lower than
the surrounding rock creating
a wall around the site. This
supports coral life typical
of Tofo's inshore reefs. Hard
and soft corals abound as
well as reef and game fish.
The center of the crater is
dominated by a number of rocky
out crops amidst the sand
offering a slow winding dive
with a couple of swimthroughs
. This dive also offers one
of the best chances to see
and snorkel with Whale Sharks
on the journey to and from
the dive site. As with Anchor
Bay and Mike's cupboard this
is a gentle dive for OW divers
or those doing a refresher
dive after a break from diving. |
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| Manta
Reef |
Dived
from Praia
do Tofo, Guinjata
Bay, Praia
de Jangamo, Ponta
de Barra |
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| Distance
to Travel: 22km. Depth: 21
to 26 meters. Max: 26 meters
. Time of Travel: 50 minutes
. Bottom Time: 32 minutes
. Visibility: 10 to 30m. Nitrox:
EanX 40. General: Tofo's showcase
dive. World famous for the
two Manta cleaning stations,
first discovered by Carlos
do Rocha in the 1960's. Since
then this site has attracted
marine biologists, cameramen
and divers from around the
world. A gentle drift dive
from North to South, your
dive begins with a negative
entry into 26m into the middle
of a small amphitheatre teeming
with life. The dive progresses
through a series of pinnacles
before the first cleaning
station is reached, a shallower
(21m) sandy area. At this
cleaning station Mantas circle
overhead to be cleaned by
Goldies, Cleaner Wrasse and
Butterfly fish. In good visibility
this dive is amazing with
upwards of ten Mantas circling
overhead. Even in poor vis
the sight of Mantas appearing
from the mist above you is
haunting and a moment to be
cherished. At the end of the
dive your ascent is often
accompanied by groups of inquisitive
Devil Rays wheeling about
your safety stop. This dive
is a must do in Tofo. Because
of the depth this is only
suitable for advanced divers
but is a favorite for people
completing their advanced
course or deep adventure dive.
Ask about nitrox. |
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| Coral
Gardens inside edge |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
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| This
site is perfect for snorkelling
as well as beginner scuba
diving. Depth ranges between
2-5m. Don’t let the shallow
depth fool you. Competent
scuba divers have unreal dives
here. Soft corals, fish and
crustations abound. Nudibranches
that don’t appear in any books.
This is the spot for the scientist
and beginner alike. All our
pool scuba training is conducted
in this tidal pool, safely
in real conditions. Even the
majestic mantas come in here
to give birth. |
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| Coral
Gardens outer edge |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
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| A
short swim takes you to the
outer edge, dropping to 12m.
A perfect amphitheatre provides
sea-life out of this world.
The soft corals are quite
beautiful offering unbelievably
good photographic opportunities.
I have often seen Nudibranches
here that are not catalogued. |
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| Angler's
Alley |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
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| Swimming
seawards we run down Angler’s
Alley. Obviously a favourite
spot with the fishermen, hence
its name. It’s important to
dive this spot as the tide
begins to rise, letting the
current do the work for you.
Masses of fish live here as
well as a good chance of finding
the latest fishing lure. |
| |
|
| Paindane
Express |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo, Guinjata
Bay |
|
| Around
the point and into the current
we go - nautical mile in 30
minutes, no problem! This
is game fish paradise with
an unbelievable array of smaller
creatures hiding behind the
reefs out of the current.
Potato bass the size of a
small car patrol up and down.
Sharks love it here, especially
in the deeper areas – Zambezi,
Dusky and Blacktip. Mantas
and whale shark lazily hang
in the current, filter feeding.
It’s not often that we don’t
find whale shark in this area.
Other unusual sightings, such
as seahorses hanging onto
the sea grass (if you can
spot them). Harlequin shrimp
hiding in coral heads and
lion fish by the tens. It’s
not uncommon to see over 50
at a time. You need to be
a competent diver to get value
out of this dive. Buoyancy
and control need to be spot
on, the DM in sight at all
times. You have been warned! |
| |
|
| Jangamo
Reef |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
|
A
large reef about 600m long
offering caves, gullies and
drop-offs with several dive
sites. Pao Rock, Nemo’s, Caves,
Lobsterpot and Batfish Point
to mention but a few. Depths
range from 10-22m on the outer
edge. The place to see nudibranches,
small fry, cuttle-fish, mantis
shrimp, pipe fish, cleaner
shrimp, crocodile fish, scorpion
fish, stone fish, turtles,
white-tip reef sharks and
a multitude of reef fish plus
cowries and cone shells. Don’t
rush these dive sites, the
smaller creatures are hard
to find!
|
| |
|
| Guinjata
Bay Local Reef |
Dived
from Guinjata
Bay |
|
| At
a depth of between 9 and 26m,
the Guinjata Bay Local Reef
is located approximately 1km
from the launch site and has
6 dive sites providing a variety
of diving options. Pao
Rock (12-18m) and Pinnacles
are a macro photographer's
first choice with brightly
coloured nudibrances, well
camouflaged leaf fish and
a variety of shrimp. Cave
(9-12m) is an amphitheatre
with swim-through cave that
features a resident dragon
moray, puffer fish, miniature
tobies as well as murex and
conch shells. Devil's Peak
(12-18m) is an almost free
standing rock with a swim-through
and is home to Potato Bass,
banded cleaner shrimp and
frogfish. |
| |
|
| Kingfisher |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
|
| A
much larger, deeper reef,
broken up with large sand
patches in between. Spectacular
sites being Manta Point (20-25m),
Green Tree (25-30m) and Ecstasy
(25-30m). Manta Point named
after the deep manta cleaning
station, is frequented by
large mantas. Sand sharks
and rays lurk around the sandy
fringes. Giant morays hide
in the caves and crevasses.
Hundreds of snappers and triggerfish
cover the reef like a shower
of confetti and rise up from
the reef to meet you! An unusual
creature frequently found
here is the Sea Apple, a large
purple and yellow nudibranch-like
animal with retractable gills.
This is an excellent dive
site for advanced divers.
A perfectly planned dive profile
will reward you with amazing
sightings of mantas and devil
rays while drifting at your
safety stop. |
| |
|
| Manta
Reef |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo, Guinjata
Bay & Praia
do Tofo |
|
| A
large slab of rock rising
out of the sandy floor, offering
fantastic walls, caves and
canyons. This reef is in the
main current with the top
rising to 15m and dropping
down to 35m on the edges.
Dive sites include the Fish
Bowl (17-22m). The fish life
here is unbelievable – Spanish
dancers, dragon morays, Tiger
cowrie shells, egg shell cowrie
shells, crown of thorns, nasty
urchins, cleaner shrimps,
masses of reef fish and of
course, the majestic mantas
and devil rays gliding overhead
as well as regular sightings
of whale shark. Moving around the outer edge
and up onto the plateau, we
come to our fist Manta Cleaning
Station. This is a flat wall
to wall area of soft coral
where the mantas queue to
move onto, allowing a multitude
of small reef fish to rise
up and clean their massive
host, swimming right into
their gaping mouths and open
gills. Of particular importance
is the cleaning of shark bites.
Many mantas have chunks taken
out of their wings by sharks,
probably Zambezi and Tiger
sharks. It is essential to
follow the protocol here when
visiting the cleaning stations:
Never touch the reef, especially
photographers who tend to
be clumsy. Never swim over
the imaginary line and into
the cleaning area. This will
disrupt the process and chase
the mantas away. Remain calm
and quiet at all times. Mantas
are incredibly inquisitive
creatures and will soon investigate
patiently waiting divers. |
| |
|
| Canyon |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
|
| Canyon.
A fantastic wall, dropping
down to 35m on the sand. Fish
life wherever you look: potato
bass, snappers, eels, Spanish
dancers and even the occasional
sea apple. Drifting down the
edge, we find yet another
cleaning station, probably
the best. Mantas cue in single
formation waiting for their
turn. There is no pushing
and shoving – this is an incredible
experience. It’s only the
“beep beep” of your computer
that brings you back to reality!
It’s time to drift upwards
and out of their world. |
| |
|
| Island
Rock |
Dived
from Praia
de Jangamo |
|
| This
is a vastly different reef
to anything else we have.
Conditions need to be perfectly
calm. The shallow reef has
been carved up into huge chunks
offering amazing alleyways
and swim throughs. Mantas
often glide up and down. This
is a perfect reef for juvenile
nurseries and the magnificent
Triton shell. |
|
| |
|
