Diving in Quirimbas Archipelago

Explore 19 dive sites in Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Quirimbas Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Quirimbas Archipelago occur in January, averaging 28.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.9°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • February: 28.9°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • March: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • April: 28.9°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • May: 28.9°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • June: 28.9°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • July: 28.9°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • August: 28.9°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • September: 28.9°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • October: 28.9°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • November: 28.9°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • December: 28.9°C (air: 27.5°C)

Marine Life in Quirimbas Archipelago

Home to 311 recorded species including 198 reef fish, 94 hard corals, 9 sharks & rays, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 seagrass & algae, 2 jellyfish.

Dive Site Difficulty in Quirimbas Archipelago

Quirimbas Archipelago has 7 beginner, 3 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Quirimbas Archipelago

Based on average water temperature of 28.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • 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

Marine Protected Areas in Quirimbas Archipelago

  • Bazaruto - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Primeiras & Segundas - Environmental Protection Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Ponta do Ouro - National Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cabo de São Sebastião - Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Maputo - Environmental Protection Area (IUCN Category V)

Getting to Quirimbas Archipelago - Nearest Airports

  • Mtwara Airport (MYW), Mtwara - 58 km away, approx 78 min travel time
  • Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH), Moroni - 330 km away, approx 375 min travel time
  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam - 458 km away, approx 514 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres