MASHONA - Bazaruto Archipelago

The Mashona is a proper dive, a deep exploration of history and marine life. This steamship, built in 1894 and sunk in 1915, now lies broken but still impressive on the seabed. She’s over 100 metres long, which means you can spend a solid chunk of your bottom time just navigating her sprawling structure. We love how the hull plates have buckled and peeled back in places, creating swim-throughs where schooling bannerfish often mill about. The engine room is a highlight, surprisingly intact, with the triple expansion engine still visible. Look for the large groupers that call this section home – they’re curious but usually keep their distance. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop shaft leads you towards the rudder. Visibility here can be excellent, sometimes pushing 30 metres, which makes the whole wreck feel even more monumental. We’d suggest a dive plan that allows for thorough exploration of the midship and stern, especially if you’re a fan of penetration, though care is always needed. Strong currents can sweep across the site, so listen to your guide, and keep an eye on your no-deco limit; it’s easy to get lost in the Mashona’s story.

Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -24.775000, 34.733334
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 0m

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 MASHONA

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 MASHONA

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