EN1 - Bazaruto Archipelago

Kabui Reef feels like a secret garden, a calm oasis in Raja Ampat. We love this site for its relaxed vibe; it’s perfect when you want a break from the roaring currents and don’t need the high-octane pelagic action. Descending into Kabui, you're immediately struck by the sheer density of clown anemonefish, their orange bodies a constant flicker among the anemone tentacles. It’s a photographer’s dream, and we’ve spent entire dives just watching their territorial squabbles. The real magic here is in the details, though. We’ve found multiple pygmy seahorses, including Denise’s, tucked away in gorgonian fans. It takes a keen eye and a patient fin, but they are there. Look closely at the hard coral patches, and you might spot a Scaly-nape Tentacle Goby or a tiny Wasp Pygmy Goby darting into cover. The reef drops to a maximum of 16 meters, so there’s plenty of bottom time to explore the nooks and crannies. Visibility often hovers around 14 meters, good enough to appreciate the intricate textures of the corals and the subtle movements of the smaller inhabitants. It’s a gentle drift, ideal for long, slow dives where discovery is the main goal. This is a place for macro enthusiasts, new divers, or anyone who just wants to unwind and truly see the small wonders.

Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -23.770300, 35.448500
Type: reef

Best Time to Dive in Bazaruto Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Bazaruto Archipelago occur in January, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 23.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 28.3°C
February: 28.3°C
March: 27.6°C
April: 27.0°C
May: 25.9°C
June: 24.8°C
July: 23.8°C
August: 23.3°C
September: 23.6°C
October: 24.5°C
November: 25.8°C
December: 27.4°C

Nearest Dive Centres to EN1

Marine Life in Bazaruto Archipelago

Home to 99 recorded species including 70 reef fish, 14 sharks & rays, 4 other, 3 sea cucumbers, 3 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) - Sharks & Rays
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) - Reef Fish
Soldier (Cheimerius nufar) - Reef Fish
Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Gulf torpedo (Torpedo sinuspersici) - Sharks & Rays
Halfmoon triggerfish (Sufflamen chrysopterum) - Reef Fish
Day Sarpon (Alepisaurus ferox) - Reef Fish
Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Spottail Coris (Coris caudimacula) - Reef Fish
Sunburst Butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii) - Reef Fish
Goldbar wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum) - Reef Fish
Savigny's Brittle Star (Ophiactis savignyi)
Rainbow wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) - Reef Fish
Banded Toby (Canthigaster valentini) - Reef Fish
Blue and Gold Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) - Reef Fish
Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) - Whales & Dolphins
Palani (Acanthurus dussumieri) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for EN1

Based on average water temperature of 25.9°C, currents 35 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories