Miniliths - Quirimbas Archipelago
Miniliths in the Quirimbas Archipelago sits at a consistent 24 metres, making it an easy drift for newer divers looking for a mellow introduction to these waters. We’ve always found the name a bit charming, conjuring images of miniature ancient stones, though what you’ll actually find are a series of smaller coral heads and bommies scattered across a sandy bottom. Look closely amongst the coral, and you’re bound to spot a few moray eels peeking out, or perhaps a curious reef shark making a slow pass. It’s a solid spot for a relaxed dive, good for getting comfortable with the rhythm of the Indian Ocean here.
- Location
- Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique, Indian Ocean & East Africa
- Coordinates
- -10.200300, 40.213200
- Maximum Depth
- 24m
- Difficulty
- Beginner
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)
Nearby Dive Sites in Quirimbas Archipelago
- Baixo de São Gonçalo
- Baixo Magive Cobua
- Baixo Nameguo
- Baixo Tambula
- Baixo Techantia
- Baixo Varuni
- Baixo Zala
- Cryptomania - 13m
- Hulls Rock
- Lulu Deep - 26m
- Monoliths - 22m
- Neptune's Arm (cave)
- Oasis - 17m
- PRASIDENT - 3m (wreck)
- Red Buoy - 27m
Nearest Dive Centres to Miniliths
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.
Notable Species
- Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) - Sharks & Rays
- Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
- Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) - Reef Fish
- Flasher (Lobotes surinamensis) - Reef Fish
- Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) - Reef Fish
- Kingston (Decapterus macarellus) - Reef Fish
- Ocean Triggerfish (Canthidermis maculata) - Reef Fish
- Salmon (Elagatis bipinnulata) - Reef Fish
- Bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii) - Sharks & Rays
- Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
- Jordan's Blue Dogshark (Loxodon macrorhinus) - Sharks & Rays
- Brownbanded wrasse (Halichoeres scapularis) - Reef Fish
- Goldbar wrasse (Thalassoma hebraicum) - Reef Fish
- Argus Grouper (Cephalopholis argus) - Reef Fish
- Cape Damsel (Chrysiptera unimaculata) - Reef Fish
- Manini (Acanthurus triostegus) - Reef Fish
- Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) - Reef Fish
- Spottail Coris (Coris caudimacula) - Reef Fish
- Blue-spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma) - Sharks & Rays
- Red Squirrelfish (Sargocentron diadema) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Miniliths
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