Pemba, formerly known as Porto Amelia, is one of the northern most towns of Mozambique. Here, you can find the world's third largest natural bay, a fantastic shore line and superb dive and snorkel sites. The Quirimbas Archipelago or Ilhas Quirimbas are a set of more than 30 different coral islands, located in between Pemba (Cabo Delgado province) and the Rovuma River. It is undiscovered, isolated, remote and unexplored that make Quirimbas National Park so special. Basic bungalows are on offer on several of the islands. This marine eco region is easier reached from Dar-es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania than from Maputo, Mozambique.

The main island is Quirimba, known for all environmental work done by the Gessner family. Ibo Island, separated from Quirimba by a narrow sand split, has had a wild Portuguese colonial past with several remaining ruins of buildings, forts and cannons. Pre-colonial Swahili settlements have also been found and together they are nominated on the Unesco list for its historic significance. The Maluane Project on Vamizi is a perfect example of how eco tourism should be. Part of its miles of immaculate sand is used to build a resort following strict environmental and conservational guidelines. Some other known islands, some with basic lodges, are Matemo Island, Quilalea Island, Sencar Island and Medjumbe Island, all offering equally pristine beaches and stunning surroundings.

You can find dugongs on the beds of sea-grass, there are wicked undersea canyons, steep drop-offs and bright and colorful coral reefs. You can spot humpbacks, dolphins and turtles, barracudas, clownfish and nudibranch. Salaama Bank and Montepuez Bay are some of the popular dive and snorkel areas.

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