Manta Ray Reef (Bazaruto)

Best time to dive

January to December; February; May to September; December to March

What you might see

• DolphinPossible
• DugongLikely
• Grey reef sharkPossible
• Manta rayPeak season
• Sea turtlePeak season
• Whale sharkPossible

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Suitable - shallow flat reef comparable to nearby Two Mile Reef, which is explicitly marketed for snorkeling

Safety notes

Boat traffic in shallow channel areas near the reef; stronger currents at adjoining sites (Marlin Pinnacles, Canyon) for divers who drift off the flat reef; remote location with limited recompression-chamber access (nearest facilities in South Africa)

Permits & fees

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park entry tax payable at Vilankulo or Inhassoro park offices: approx 900 MZN/day park entry for foreign nationals (600 MZN SADC, 400 MZN Mozambican nationals, children under 12 free) plus a diving activity tax of approx 300 MZN/day (foreign/SADC) or 200 MZN (nationals); snorkeling taxed at approx 150-250 MZN/day; payable in MZN or USD

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Vilanculos