When most holidaymakers dream of an African escape, their minds drift toward the dust-red plains of the Serengeti or the vineyards of the Cape. But for those of us at Salfy who find our peace beneath the surface, the real magic lies further east. Mozambique’s coastline is a sprawling, 2,500km stretch of sapphire waters and wild, sun-bleached sands. A place where the Indian Ocean remains gloriously untamed.
If you’re looking to swap the crowded dive boats of the Mediterranean for something altogether more raw and ethereal, the Mozambique islands are your answer. From the historic wrecks of the north to the “megafauna” highways of the south, here are our five favourite camps for a truly transformative diving holiday.
1. Azura Quilalea Private Island: The Ultimate Shore Dive
There is a specific kind of luxury found in being the only soul on a beach. Azura Quilalea sits on a wholly uninhabited island within the Quirimbas Archipelago, offering a “barefoot” elegance that Salfy readers will adore.
What makes this camp stand out is the sheer accessibility. While most world-class sites require a bumpy boat ride, Quilalea boasts a pristine house reef just steps from your villa. You can strap on your scuba gear and be amongst green turtles and passing reef sharks in minutes. It’s an intimate, eco-conscious retreat where the rhythm of your day is dictated entirely by the tides.
2. andBeyond Benguerra Island: A Marine ‘Aquarium’
Benguerra Island is a place of dramatic contrasts. Towering ivory sand dunes meeting a neon-blue sea. As the second-largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, it’s home to the legendary Two Mile Reef.
For divers, the highlight here is a site aptly named “The Aquarium.” It’s a shallow, vibrant coral garden teeming with such a density of reef fish that it feels like swimming through a kaleidoscope. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive dugong; the archipelago is home to Africa’s last sustainable population of these “sea cows.” After a morning in the deep, we recommend a traditional sunset dhow cruise to see the island from a different perspective.
3. Vamizi Island: For the Underwater Explorer
If you fancy yourself a bit of an adventurer, Vamizi Island is the pinnacle. Located in the far north of the Quirimbas, this is one of the last true marine frontiers.
The island is home to “Neptune’s Arm,” a dive site frequently cited by experts as one of the top ten on the planet. Imagine a dramatic underwater cliff that plunges into the abyss, attracting massive pelagics like grey reef sharks, kingfish, and even sailfish. With visibility often reaching a staggering 40 metres, it offers a cinematic experience that few other places can replicate.
4. Coral Lodge: History Beneath the Waves
Salfy travellers often look for a story behind their destination, and Coral Lodge delivers exactly that. Situated on a private peninsula near the UNESCO-protected Ilha de Moçambique, this camp allows you to marry marine adventure with 17th-century history.
Beyond the vibrant coral gardens, the area is a graveyard for ancient shipwrecks; remnants of Portuguese trading routes. Diving these barnacle-encrusted hulls is a hauntingly beautiful experience, offering a window into the past that feels far removed from the modern world. It’s the perfect choice for those who want their holiday to include a dash of culture alongside their dive logs.
5. Anantara Bazaruto: Luxury for the Whole Family
For those travelling with a partner or “little explorers” who aren’t yet ready for the deep, Anantara Bazaruto offers the perfect balance. This is a PADI 5-star centre that caters to everyone from nervous beginners to seasoned pros.
The dive sites here, such as Marlin Pinnacle, are legendary for their biodiversity. It is one of the few places on earth where you can reliably see five different species of sea turtles. When you aren’t underwater, the resort offers sandboarding and dhow safaris, ensuring the land-based magic is just as compelling as the marine life.
Salfy’s Responsible Travel Tip
Mozambique’s ecosystems are as fragile as they are beautiful. When visiting the Bazaruto or Quirimbas archipelagos, always choose operators that support the Marine National Parks. Avoid touching the coral, ensure your sunscreen is “reef-safe,” and support local conservation initiatives that protect the dugongs and turtles that make these islands so special.
- Support Local: Choose operators like those mentioned above who actively fund community projects and marine patrols.
- Reef Safety: Always use mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens to protect the delicate coral ecosystems.
- The Big Migration: If you want to see humpback whales breaching, plan your trip between July and October.
