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Pemba and the Quirimbas Archipelago are Mozambique's final diving frontiers with unexplored reefs and hundreds of welcoming and curious species.

Inserted/Added by:	lars, © Author: Lars Hemel
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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.

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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Name: pembadive, © Author: Pemba Dive

Pemba Northern Mozambique Dive sites are in the largest natural bay in Africa based on the edge of the Quirimbas Archipelago Islands this accredits relaxed diving in warm calm waters all year round! Giving protection to an extensive variety of soft and hard corals attracts a legion of fish species, even the rare Sun Fish, Potato Bass, Napoleon Wrasse, Pelagic Fish, Dolphins and Turtles.

This is the start of a set of more than 30 different coral islands, located in between Pemba (Cabo Delgado province) and the Rovuma River. Shallow dives are perfect for shore entry next to coral reefs at 3m-5m deep, for training or orientation dives with an experienced team. Taking a 10-30 min boat ride to dive sites with action adventure stopping off to snorkel with the dolphins is possible.

A display of Humpback Whales breaching in front of the boat or while scuba diving with an orchestra of male whales singing their mating ritual songs during July-October, can make a memorable impression. Good visibility between recreational diving depths of 5m-30m makes it ideal diving for any diver.

The continental shelf has Africa's largest Fan Coral at 300m from the shore (Wimbi Beach). The mangrove swamp and more coral areas are next to the dive sites inside the bay this offers the most dive action one can get. Our Mozambique dives season allows short wetsuits which can be worn with temperatures from 26C-29C and minimum 24C in winter. The reefs are home to a galaxy of starfish and clouds of fish. Fish life include Goldie’s, Chocolate Dips, Parrot Fish, the Game fish are Kingfish, Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo and Barracuda. Spotting rare creatures like Ribbon Eels, Stone fish, Seahorses, Banded pipe fish, Sea moth, Marble shrimp, a rainbow of Nudibranchs and Dwarf Lionfish are common. This is ideal for professional or novice marine photographers.

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