Critters Alley

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Mangrove

Why dive here

With 165+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sea turtles, sperm whales and whale sharks - Critters Alley offers some of Mafia Island's richest reef diving. Water sits around 29°C.

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Whale Sharks · 165+ species recorded

Water29°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterReef dive · max 7-20m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Hogwarts, or Outback as some call it, is a proper drift dive, way out from the Bazaruto main islands, about a 45-minute boat ride. We’ve found the average visibility to be around 12 metres, so it’s not always gin-clear, but that just adds to the atmosphere. The reef top sits around 22 metres, dropping to a maximum of 26 metres, so it's one for those comfortable with a bit more depth. What makes Hogwarts special are the cleaning stations. We’ve had incredible encounters watching both giant and reef mantas circle through, patiently waiting their turn. It’s a hypnotic display; you really feel like you’re observing something intimate. Beyond the mantas, keep an eye out for green turtles gliding past, and if you’re lucky, a frogfish or two hunkered down on the coral. The garden eels are a fun watch, always retracting back into the sand as you drift by. Then, at the end of the drift, you’re treated to some big swim-throughs – always a good way to finish a dive. This site suits divers who appreciate a good current, are comfortable at depth, and crave those larger pelagic interactions, especially the mantas.