Explore Inhambane

Inhambane, a gem in southern Mozambique, offers divers a captivating underwater experience. Known for its picturesque beaches like Tofo and Barra, this region is a haven for both novice and seasoned divers. The vibrant reefs, which stretch from Chidenguele to Inhassoro, host a diverse array of marine life, including majestic whale sharks, elegant devil rays, and rare dugongs. Divers can explore a variety of underwater landscapes, from shallow reefs and deep caverns to mysterious shipwrecks and stunning pinnacles, ensuring an exhilarating dive experience tailored to any skill level.

A dive into Inhambane's waters reveals a rich tapestry of macro and pelagic life, where vibrant corals serve as a backdrop for schools of surgeonfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. The region's Bazaruto Archipelago, part of a well-preserved national park, further highlights Inhambane's appeal with its untouched natural beauty. Seasonal visitors like leatherback turtles add to the allure, making every dive a unique adventure. With its uncrowded dive sites and diverse marine ecosystems, Inhambane is a paradise for scuba enthusiasts and underwater photographers alike.

Places to Explore

Barra & Tofo

8 Divesites 2 Centers

Barra & Tofo region is well-known for its beautiful reefs that are perfect for scuba diving.

Guinjata Bay

1 Divesite

Guinjata Bay is considered one of the top diving destinations in the world.

Top Dive Sites Map

Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★☆☆ Manta

Manta Reef is approximately a 22km boat ride or roughly a 40-minute journey. The dive depth ranges from 19m to 29m, with a bottom time of 32 minutes for air divers and 40 minutes for Nitrox divers.

106
Logs
49
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Robs Bottom

A 35 minute drive south from Tofo Beach, straight through ’Whale Shark Alley’, will eventually take you to Rob’s Bottom. A deep-water ridge peaking at 23m, Rob’s attracts a huge host of large marine life and is known as one of Mozambique’s most unpredictable dive sites.

403
Logs
213
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Simons Town / Chimney

The top of the reef is located at depths ranging from around 13 to 18 meters, and it can be reached by boat in about 6 kilometers or a 10-minute ride. Bottom time will be 45 minutes.

121
Logs
86
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Sherwood

Sherwood Forest’s main attraction is the remarkable cleaning station located on the main rock dome. The top of the reef is located at depths ranging from around 22 to 31 meters, and it can be reached by boat in about 3.5km or a 5min ride. Bottom time on air will be 20 minutes, while with nitrox 30min.

250
Logs
154
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Amphitheater

Less than a kilometer away from the splendid “Marble Arch“ dive site, we can find “Amphitheater“. Same kind of dive with a maximum depth of 18m is perfect to test your open water level before deciding to go deeper.

28
Logs
19
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Reggies

The beginning of the dive is truly remarkable with vast green tree corals and stunning soft corals scattered all around the drop site. Located approximately 16km away, which is about a 30-minute boat ride, this dive site has depths ranging from 23-30m, offering a bottom time of 25 min for air and 40 min on nitrox.

755
Logs
408
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Marble Arch

Nestled in the heart of “Whale shark alley“ is Marble Arch. Named after it’s spectacular swim-throughs, this site is perfect for open water divers looking to put their buoyancy skills into practice and enjoy the breath-taking topography.

204
Logs
108
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Amazon

This reef is shaped like an C, formed by two ledges with craters and large swim-throughs. It is wild, untamed and unspoiled as it is seldom visited. Because it is so far out the visibility is generally very good, the reef is teeming with reef and pelagic fish. One of the few places in Tofo to see leopard sharks.

148
Logs
115
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Coliseum / Hospital

The top of the reef is located at depths ranging from around 21 to 32 meters, and it can be reached by boat in about 19 kilometers or a 35-minute ride. Bottom time on air will be 23 minutes, while with nitrox it extends to 32 minutes.

87
Logs
78
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Fingers

Fingers Reef derives its name from its finger-like protrusions that shape the primary reef. It is a 2km boat ride lasting approximately 7 minutes, with a maximum depth of about 16m.

907
Logs
404
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Hogwarts / Outback

The top of the reef ranges from approximately 22 to 31 meters, and it takes about 17 kilometers or 45 minutes by boat to reach it. Bottom time on air will be 26 minutes, while with nitrox it extends to 35 minutes.

269
Logs
167
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Giants Castle

Starting at 26 meters in depth, Giants Castle is massive, extending for more than 350 meters in a north to south direction with a ledge on the eastern side of the reef dropping 7 meters vertically down to the seabed at 35 meters.

1,808
Logs
623
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Mikes Cupboard

An interconnected chain of bowls with caves, overhangs, and gullies makes up this dive location. It is perfect for newcomers, photographers aiming for the ideal nudibranch photograph, or anyone seeking a relaxed dive with numerous fascinating views. Accessible by a quick 2km boat ride or a 10-minute travel time.

488
Logs
302
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Salon

The reef’s main stretch spans around 80 meters, with depths ranging from 9 meters at the top to approximately 15 meters at the base. Salon is approximately a 1.5km boat ride or roughly a 5-minute journey with a bottom time of 45 minutes

1,270
Logs
556
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Clownfish

Clownfish is the shallowest divesite we have in Tofo, inside the bay it is a perfect spot to try scuba diving for the first time with depths between 6 and 12 meters. Allowing us to practice all the skills required for entry level courses.

778
Logs
301
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Inhambane

Inhambane, Mozambique, is a diver's paradise offering a variety of underwater experiences. Notably, Manta Reef is a spectacular dive site famous for its manta ray sightings and vibrant coral gardens. The site is accessible via liveaboard or boat dives, providing a chance to encounter these majestic creatures up close.

For those preferring shore dives, Tofo Beach is a popular option. It offers easy access to dive sites where you can witness the playful behavior of humpback whales. Unique experiences such as night dives reveal the nocturnal activities of the region's diverse marine life, ensuring every dive in Inhambane offers something special for enthusiasts.

The best Months to Dive in Inhambane

Inhambane offers year-round diving opportunities with generally favorable conditions. Water temperatures range from 24°C–30°C/75°F–86°F, making wetsuits optional for many divers. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life.

While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are usually from May to November. During this period, the weather is calm with minimal wind and currents. However, December to April can bring stronger winds and occasional rain, slightly affecting visibility and currents, but diving remains feasible for those prepared for variable conditions.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Peri-Peri Divers

Praia do Tofo, 1300 Tofo beach, Inhambane Province, MOZ

Vilanculos Diving Center

Rui Danie Costa Leitao, Parcela 32, Chigamane,, Vilanculos, Inhambane, MOZ

Barra Reef Divers

Praia da Barra, 1307 Inhambane, MOZ