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Manta Reef (21
to 26 metres):
Mozambique’s
showcase dive, a gentle drift from north to south, starting in the middle of
a small amphitheatre teaming with life, through a series of pinnacles before
the first cleaning station is reached. At this station Mantas circle
overhead to be cleaned by Goldies, Cleaner wrasse and Butterfly fish. This
dive is amazing enough without the huge Mantas circling overhead: the sheer
numbers of Blue-banded snappers and Big-eyes are exceptional. At times you
have to push your way through the schools! At the end of the dive your
ascent may be accompanied by groups of inquisitive Devil rays.
Amazon (22 to 28 metres): This reef is formed by two ledges with craters in
an L-shape, with large swim-throughs. It is seldom visited because it is so
far out to sea and, as the name implies, it is wild, untamed and totally
unspoiled. Visibility is generally very good and the reef is teeming with
both reef and pelagic fish. It is also one of the very few places where
sharks are seen. These include Zebra sharks, Whitetips, Blacktips and very
occasionally Tiger sharks. Manta, Eagle and Ribbon-tail rays are also seen
on most dives. Amazon is also home to a huge resident Loggerhead turtle.
Giants
Castle (26
to 33 metres):
A 6-7 metre tall wall running for two kilometres
drops from 26 to 33 metres and runs north/south with the predominant
current. The wall is inhabited by giant Potato bass (Grouper)
and features several Manta cleaning stations. This is definitely a pelagic
dive with a proliferation of game fish including Barracuda, Kingfish,
Mantas, Eagle rays, Devil rays, guitar sharks and Blue marlin.
The Office (19
to 24 metres): Why not head for the Office on a Monday morning! 10 km straight out to sea a rock pinnacle comes
up from a depth of over 90 metres. The reef is made up of a number of
ledges and gullies. Primarily a drift dive with the current running from
north to south, there is a cleaning station situated on the northern point
of the reef where Mantas are serviced by Cleaner wrasse. Also seen on this
reef are a number of resident Zebra sharks, White tips and Potato bass; a
vast array of game fish can be seen on most dives. Look out for large
schools of Bannerfish (Coachmen), usually seen singly or in pairs.
Sherwood Forest (27
to 39 metres):
An 80 metre dome cut away around the bottom and
covered with green coral trees (hence the name) which are home to millions
of Goldies and are a spectacular sight, especially for the keen
photographer. Also seen are large Potato bass and a resident Brindle bass
(aptly named Robin Hood!). This site is home to Mantas, Devil rays and a
variety of game fish.
Anchor
Bay
(9
to 12 metres):
A large flat circular reef, named after the very
large and old sailing ship's anchor which can be seen here, it is made up of
rock and large plate corals with an assortment of beautiful soft corals and
sponges. The ‘usual’ tropical fish can be seen as well as Crocodile fish,
Stonefish, Lionfish and juvenile Barracuda. This is one of the only inshore
reefs where Mantas can be seen. In season it is common to see Whale sharks,
Humpback and Bryde's whales on the journey out to the site.
Budies Reef (7
to 10 metres): An oval rocky reef cut by channels and gullies
with a shallow average depth, this reef offers an opportunity to study some
of the smaller fish and nudibranch in the area. Pairs of Clownfish and other
Anemone fish are common. Black-spotted and Honeycomb morays lurk under the
ledges, and Lobsters and Crayfish hide in the gullies. Bannerfish
(Coachmen), Moorish idols, juvenile Emperor and other Angel fish move in
clouds above the reef.
Mikes Cupboard (14 to
16 metres):
A series of giant pot-holes linked together with
caves, overhangs and gullies. As this is an inshore reef it is not really
affected by current. Of particular interest is the vast assortment of soft
coral alongside the normal array of tropical fish, as well as large numbers
of Flute and Trumpet fish. Other interesting species not seen anywhere else
in this area is the Crocodile fish and the Leaf fish which both appear in
abundance. Also look under crevices for the rare Harlequin shrimp and the
occasional Mantis shrimp. An absolutely stunning reef with an abundance of
soft coral, a wide variety of nudibranches and plenty of tropical and game
fish.
The Salon
(12
to 15 metres):
A crèche and bathhouse in
one! A low-rise mound approximately 50 metres long plays host to a huge
variety of small critters: this is Mozambique's version of muck diving. Look
out for Banded pipefish, Paperfish ranging in colour from white to magenta,
Peacock mantis shrimps, Durban dancing shrimps, Cleaner Shrimp (if you put
your fingers out, one or two will hop on and start work on you!), morays,
Blue-spotted rays, Mozambique crayfish and much more. Juvenile Catfish and
Stripped snapper find safety in these shallower waters.
Pomene -
The Hand, Zambia Shoals, Rappies Playstation: Plenty of
hard corals, home to turtles, anemones and clown fish, White tip reef
sharks, large grouper, rays, morays and lots, lots more!
SEASONAL VISITORS (Inhambane):
Whale sharks (all year, peak Nov-May);
Humpback whales (Jun-Sept); Dolphins and Mantas are seen year-round
WATER CONDITIONS:
Average visibility 20 metres but can be 30+ metres (can be reduced with
plankton but this does bring in the big animals!), water temperature ranges
from 22oC - 29oC.
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