The Quirimbas Archipelago
& the Quirimbas National Park

The Quirimbas Archipelago
& the Quirimbas National Park

The stunning Quirimba Islands (Arquipelago das Quirimbas) have recently been incorporated into the new Quirimbas National Park, along with a large stretch of the coastline. The archipelago is already becoming known as the "African Caribbean", so come soon to enjoy it before everyone else catches on! Several of the islands have been set up for top-end tourism, with accommodation ranging from the exclusive and luxurious villas on uninhabited Quilálea Island, to eco-friendly beach front bandas at Guludo beach lodge. Other islands are currently being developed, and will soon be offering extravagant off-shore accommodation almost all the way to the Tanzanian border. Diving, snorkelling and fishing (outside the protected areas) are the main attractions, alongside the evocative ruins on Ibo island. There is an entry fee to the Park (payable once only on entry, so keep your receipt with you at all times to avoid paying over and over again) which costs in the region of US$8 per person depending on the exchange rate. There are different rates applicable to vehicles and boats so please check beforehand. This fee goes towards conservation and sustainable development within the Park.

Diving in the Quirimbas

For many years the African coast has proved a popular dive destination, luring tourists and avid divers towards the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the treasures which lie beneath. This temptation alone is enough to entice travellers out from the bush and their safari tents and down to the coastline where tropical seas and remote islands offer a quantity and contrast of marine life which quite frankly, is some of the best in the world... And if this is not enough to attract both divers and snorkellers to northern Mozambique, you may rest assured that you will not find yourself aboard a large vessel packed to the brim with divers vying for space above and below the water. Rather, it is more likely that you will have the boat, the site and the guide all to yourself. As more islands become available to the traveller and the diver, the future will find more pristine and as yet unknown dive sites, but for now there’s more than enough to be getting on with!

If you have your own equipment, be aware that there are luggage limitations on the small aircraft which do the island transfers from Pemba. All the operators have complete sets of gear available for their guests, and will normally request proof of certification before allowing you to dive, so DON’T FORGET YOUR CARD!