BAZARUTO DIVING
Bazaruto National Park is a haven of unspoilt waters and reefs, offering some of the finest diving in the Africa. The reefs are exceptionally healthy, particularly the soft corals, and the range of sea life is not only big but also remarkably approachable, from whale sharks to manta rays, dolphins and seahorses. On the very rare occasion, the local dugongs are spotted.
One of the biggest draws for divers in the Bazaruto Archipelago is the Two Mile Reef, and you will have the ocean to yourself. Mobula rays are often seen here, along with groupers, turtles, grey reef sharks, and lots of schooling fish: bannerfish andmultiple species of sweetlips and snappers hang around the fishbowl. and to see Experienced divers should also dive Cabo San Sebastian. It can only be found using GPS and is home to large quantities of game fish, and on some days we have seen a dozen manta rays there.
Vilanculos is a great access point to dive the Bazaruto archipelago's famous Two-Mile reef, between the islands of Benguerra and Bazaruto. The area has more corals than Tofo, being further north and in warmer waters, and is home to big groupers, six shark species, three turtle species, and multitude of reef fish and critters. Only four hours by road from Tofo, it is easy to combine the two. There are also direct flights between the Kruger, Johannesburg, and Vilanculos. Or you can stay on Benguerra Island, in the archipelago, at one of three small luxury resorts, each with private suites and butler service.
Diving from Vilanculos is with Odyssea Dive, we have been diving with them since they started in 2004, and the current owners Denis and Sabrina have been looking after divers here since 2011. Whether you are a diver or a snorkeler you will enjoy some of the best reefs and sceneries in the world. You go out at 9 AM, it takrs about 45 minutes to get to the dive sites, dive, then go to the northern tip of Bazaruto Island for lunch (provided) and a goo surface interval, on the dunes overlooking the reefs, a wonderful experience in its own right. After the second dive, you cruise back to Vilanculos. On the Cabo San Sebastien trips, the surface interval is on the boat. Diving from the resorts is with their in-house dive centres, and follows a similar pattern.
Diving here is best from May to January, the dive centre closes in February and March as the winds in the area and the nature of the dive sites make sea conditions too rough for regular launches to be guaranteed.
One of the biggest draws for divers in the Bazaruto Archipelago is the Two Mile Reef, and you will have the ocean to yourself. Mobula rays are often seen here, along with groupers, turtles, grey reef sharks, and lots of schooling fish: bannerfish andmultiple species of sweetlips and snappers hang around the fishbowl. and to see Experienced divers should also dive Cabo San Sebastian. It can only be found using GPS and is home to large quantities of game fish, and on some days we have seen a dozen manta rays there.
Vilanculos is a great access point to dive the Bazaruto archipelago's famous Two-Mile reef, between the islands of Benguerra and Bazaruto. The area has more corals than Tofo, being further north and in warmer waters, and is home to big groupers, six shark species, three turtle species, and multitude of reef fish and critters. Only four hours by road from Tofo, it is easy to combine the two. There are also direct flights between the Kruger, Johannesburg, and Vilanculos. Or you can stay on Benguerra Island, in the archipelago, at one of three small luxury resorts, each with private suites and butler service.
Diving from Vilanculos is with Odyssea Dive, we have been diving with them since they started in 2004, and the current owners Denis and Sabrina have been looking after divers here since 2011. Whether you are a diver or a snorkeler you will enjoy some of the best reefs and sceneries in the world. You go out at 9 AM, it takrs about 45 minutes to get to the dive sites, dive, then go to the northern tip of Bazaruto Island for lunch (provided) and a goo surface interval, on the dunes overlooking the reefs, a wonderful experience in its own right. After the second dive, you cruise back to Vilanculos. On the Cabo San Sebastien trips, the surface interval is on the boat. Diving from the resorts is with their in-house dive centres, and follows a similar pattern.
Diving here is best from May to January, the dive centre closes in February and March as the winds in the area and the nature of the dive sites make sea conditions too rough for regular launches to be guaranteed.
vilanculos dive sites
TWO MILE REEF
The Boulders, Surgeon Rock, The Drop-Off, Cathedral and The Gap. A barrier reef protecting a narrow channel between the sand dunes of Bazaruto Island and the white beaches of Benguerra Island.
On this site you can expect to see the following sea life:
The top of the reef protrudes from the sea at low tide, and slopes gently towards the east.
It is well known for its excellent snorkelling site inside the reef such as the Aquarium, as well as for a host of exciting dives on the seaward side.
On this site you can expect to see the following sea life:
- Guitar fish
- Devil- rays
- Honeycomb morays
- Moray eels
- Black tip reef sharks
- Turtles
The top of the reef protrudes from the sea at low tide, and slopes gently towards the east.
It is well known for its excellent snorkelling site inside the reef such as the Aquarium, as well as for a host of exciting dives on the seaward side.
MARLIN PINNACLE
Marlin Pinnacle is a like small treasure island rising up from the sandy sea bottom at 37m to a depth of 30m. Divers are almost guaranteed huge potato bass and shoals of large pelagic fish, as well as large manta rays and devil rays. Great big turtles circle the divers, checking them out before slowly swimming away to find a secluded resting spot. This is a top fishing site as game fish such as marlin and sailfish are abundant. Shark sightings are numerous and include reef shark, hammerheads, Zambezi and tigers. During the whale season, humpbacks are often seen at the surface and their haunting calls are heard underwater.
Whale sharks are also frequent visitors. Marlin Pinnacle can only be dived if weather conditions are right, as it is a fairly small reef and the current can be strong.
Whale sharks are also frequent visitors. Marlin Pinnacle can only be dived if weather conditions are right, as it is a fairly small reef and the current can be strong.
LINENE REEF
Linene Reef lies east of San Sebastian point and north east of Linene Island. Here is where great shoals of pelagic fish merge with reef dwellers and divers are often met by a number of potato bass. The reef forms a ridge at 16m, running north west to south east, upon which the coral formations look like fairy castles inhabited by magically colored wrasse, sea goldies, boxies, anglefish and so much more. South of the ridge the reef slopes down and then drops off in a low wall to "The Caves" at 22m. This site looks like a mini-rift valley with its walled sides, which are undercut and harbour various species of large rockcod. Every type of reef fish seems to exist here, larger and more numerous than on most other reefs. There is a trench which has coral knitted over the top and looking down the openings there are enormous morays hidden in the depths. Swimming eastwards, the valley flattens out and majestic manta rays often glide past. North of the ridge, the reef drops off dramatically into a deep channel where shoals of barracuda, sierra and king-fish hunt. This is also the feeding ground for reef shark and hammerheads.
BALUBA REEF
Past the line of surf between Margaruque Island and San Sebastian point. It is a large, relatively level, flat topped reef with some lovely caves and gullies. Whilst gliding above the reef, shoals of redfang triggerfish entertain divers by hiding their heads in cracks - leaving their entire bodies exposed. Clown triggerfish are plentiful and look as though an artist has been painting their bodies. Numerous brightly coloured reef fish give the reef a busy appearance and looking down there are sandy pits, much like sink holes. Here there are honey comb morays curled into crevices looking to prey on unsuspecting octopus, which are abundant on this reef. Dropping into the gullies, divers follow winding paths through coral gardens where caves demand to be explored and swim throughs are irresistible. For nudibranch lovers, this is the ultimate dive, with an amazing variety of these small, dainty reef dwellers.
BALUBA
A rocky reef with many hidden holes for morays and crustacean and an ideal location for scorpion fish. Good chance of seeing one or more species of turtles that reside in the Archipelago.
ALLAN'S REALM
Two pinnacles that always offer a surprise (giant guitar sharks, manta rays, schools of barracudas, reef sharks, hammerhead) with some very friendly groupers and massive morays.
Welcome to the wild… Everything seems bigger here.
Deep dive sites where you can meet massive groupers and moray eels mantas, bull sharks and white tips, honeycomb stingrays, big school of trevalleys in a colorful scenario.
Welcome to the wild… Everything seems bigger here.
Deep dive sites where you can meet massive groupers and moray eels mantas, bull sharks and white tips, honeycomb stingrays, big school of trevalleys in a colorful scenario.
CAMELS HUMP
2 twin pinnacles separated by a canyon where you can encounter sharks and turtles , and chill-out by the cleaning station often visited by manta rays.
PINNACLES
Large canyon in between beautiful reefs, with large caves where we can encounter large rays and groupers, and enjoy a beautiful reef life.
Deep dive sites where you can meet massive groupers and moray eels mantas, bull sharks and white tips, honeycomb stingrays, big school of trevalleys in a colorful scenario.
Deep dive sites where you can meet massive groupers and moray eels mantas, bull sharks and white tips, honeycomb stingrays, big school of trevalleys in a colorful scenario.
AMPHITHEATER
2 dives in one where you can admire the biggest (mantas have another cleaning station here, bull sharks), enjoy fantastic corals and a rich reef life in the shallows with amazing schools of fusiliers and trevallies.
SOUTHERN POINT
Good chances to meet huge rays laying in the sand and devil rays cruising above you.
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colorful corals.
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colorful corals.
GAP
Reef sharks and rays … and all the others.
This is where you can meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colourful corals.
This is where you can meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colourful corals.
RAY ALLEY
Schools of devil rays, cleaner shrimps, black chick morays, crocodile fish, reef shark...
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colorful corals.
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colorful corals.
THE SURGERY
Massive schools of surgeon fish, turtles, devil rays, big morays and all the reef fish you can dream of!
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colorful corals.
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colorful corals.
CORNER
Many turtles, sharks and rays that cruise in the channel, beautiful corals and all the variety of the Indian Ocean.
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points.
This is where you will meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points.
AQUARIUM
Shallow dive where we can find the smallest and the strangest (frog fish, cow fish, all kind of nudibranches, very small rays…).
This is where you can meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colourful corals.
This is where you can meet shoals of devil rays and 6 other species of rays, 3 species of turtles, 5 species of sharks, groupers, moray eels, schools of surgeon fish, etc. This wide and large reef allows many different dropping points. It is a home or a very varied fish life and hosts very healthy and colourful corals.
