Sherwood - Bazaruto Archipelago

Toffee Canyons is a solid choice just off Ambergris Caye, especially if you’re keen on a more relaxed dive. The name fits, with the coral formations creating these winding, tawny pathways that feel a bit like swimming through a dessert landscape. We love how the sunlight filters down into those canyons, dappling the sand and making the gorgonians glow. This site caps out around 19m, so it’s forgiving on air and great for less experienced divers or anyone just wanting a longer bottom time without the pressure of depth. You’ll weave through swim-throughs carved by the reef itself, often finding green turtles munching on seagrass, quite unbothered. We’ve seen bonefish schooling here, and the yellowline gobies are always a treat to spot, darting around the massive starlet coral. Visibility hovers around 19m, which is good enough to appreciate the scale of the coral structures. It’s a gentle drift, typically, making it easy to just relax and watch the parrotfish nibble away at the brain corals. Dive here mid-morning; the light plays best then.

Location
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-23.947200, 35.686100
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

Nearby Dive Sites in Bazaruto Archipelago

Nearest Dive Centres to Sherwood

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

Recommended Packing List for Sherwood

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the Sherwood Forest dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Sherwood Forest dive site is 29 meters. The top of the reef itself is located at depths ranging from around 22 to 31 meters, offering a good range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Sherwood Forest dive site?
Divers at Sherwood Forest can expect to encounter an impressive array of pelagic life, including giant or reef mantas, smalleye stingrays, blotched fantail rays, eagle rays, and large groups of mobula rays. The main attraction is a remarkable cleaning station located on the main rock dome, which is a fantastic spot for observing these magnificent creatures. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Sherwood Forest dive site, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
The Sherwood Forest dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience and appropriate certification should find it manageable and rewarding. It's always recommended to dive within your certification limits and comfort zone.
When is the best time of year to dive Sherwood Forest for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Sherwood Forest for optimal conditions or marine sightings. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Sherwood Forest?
Given the Sherwood Forest dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 29 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. While not explicitly stated as required, a Nitrox certification would be highly beneficial, allowing for a bottom time of 30 minutes compared to 20 minutes on air. You can learn more about Nitrox equipment on our site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Sherwood Forest dive site?
At the Sherwood Forest dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 13 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this site.