From Xai-Xai to Maxixe: Dive Sites
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| Available From: | Guinjata, Jangamo, Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | Named after the deep Manta cleaning station, is frequented by large Mantas. Sand Sharks and Rays lurk around the sandy fringes. Giant Morays hide in the caves and crevices. Hundreds of Snappers and Triggerfish cover the reef like a shower of confetti and rise up from the reef to meet you! An unusual creature frequently found here is the Sea Apple, a large purple and yellow Nudibranch - like animal with retractable gills. A perfectly planned dive profile will reward one with amazing sightings of Mantas and Devil Rays while drifting at your safety stop |
| Distance From Launch: | 28km from Barra, all other operators are closer |
| Depth Range: | 18m to 30m Avg.: 20m |
| Current: | Can be strong in a north to south direction |
| Experience Level: | This is an excellent dive site for advanced divers |
| Topography: | Gullies, overhangs and long ledges |
| Marine Life: | Mantas, Sand Sharks and Rays. Giant Morays. Hundreds of Snappers and Triggerfish |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back from RIB |
Manta Reef, Jangamo |
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| Available From: | Guinjata, Jangamo, Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: |
Heading a further 4kms northwards, we reach the world famous Manta Reef. A large slab of rock rising out of the sandy floor, offering walls, caves and canyons. This reef is in the main stream of the current with the top rising to 15m and dropping down to 35m on the edges. Dramatic topography formed by gullies, overhangs and long ledges. There are three Manta cleaner stations here and this area can be divided into these areas of interest It's hard to see all three stations. You will usually be taken to either; the 'Fish Bowl' (17-22m) or the 'Canyon'. The fish life in the 'Bowl' is unbelievable - Spanish Dancers, Dragon Morays, Tiger Cowrie Shells, Egg Shell Cowrie Shells, Crown of Thorns, Urchins, Cleaner Shrimps, masses of reef fish and of course, the majestic Manta and Devil Rays gliding overhead. Moving around the outer edge and up onto the plateau, we come to our first Manta Cleaning Station. This is a flat wall to wall area of soft coral where the Mantas queue to move over, allowing a multitude of small reef fish to rise up and clean their massive host, swimming right into their gaping mouths and open gills. Of particular importance is the cleaning of Shark bites. Many Mantas have chunks taken out of their wings by Sharks, probably Zambezi (Bull) or Tiger Sharks. Don't worry you won't see these on the reef. Should you see one anywhere other than on the beach! Then feel blessed for their numbers are dwindling rapidly. See our The Marine Life page. An unprovoked shark has never been known to attack a scuba diver It is essential to follow the protocol here when visiting the cleaning stations: Never touch the reef, especially photographers who tend to be clumsy. Never swim over the imaginary line and into the cleaning area. This will disrupt the process and chase the Mantas away. Remain calm and quiet at all times. Mantas are incredibly inquisitive creatures and will soon investigate patiently waiting divers. These cleaning stations offer amazing photographic opportunities; I'm sure, some of the best in the world. Please be considerate to the environment, other divers and especially the Mantas. It's their home in which we are intruding Drifting over the plateau southwards with the warm Mozambican current, we pass some beautiful Plate Corals, Lionfish, Moray Eels, Cowries, Mantis Shrimps and reach our second cleaning station. Heading eastwards we reach the outer edge and an area known as the, 'Canyon'. A fantastic wall, dropping down to 35m. Fish life wherever you look: Potato Bass, Snappers, Moray Eels, Spanish Dancers and even the occasional Sea Apple. Drifting down the edge, we find yet another cleaning station, probably the best, where you can expect inquisitive and playful Mantas of all sizes. Huge schools of Blue Banded and Humpback Snapper will make you feel like an ingredient of fish soup! Resident Potato Grouper, Bat Fish and the normally nocturnal Spanish Dancer are also seen. A great dive for pelagic life A word of warning for you - many operators dive this site as it is one of the favourites, there can be more than 5 dive boats over the reef most mornings. There have been many close calls with divers ascending near boat propellers, watch out! Another concern is the amount of fisherman over this reef in the South African holiday season. They will trawl backwards and forwards over the reef even when divers are down, so be careful of hooks waiting to snag you! Sea Blue Divers reports having, on two occasions, had a Whale Shark, Manta and Devil Rays in their view, all at one time, it is something well etched into their memory Try and dive this site in small groups with a DM who knows this reef well. On a good day this will be one of the highlights of your holiday |
| Distance From Launch: | 24km from Barra, all other operators are closer |
| Depth Range: | 15m to 35m Avg.: 20m |
| Current: | Can be strong in a north to south direction |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water with drift and deep diving experience |
| Topography: | Gullies, overhangs and long ledges |
| Marine Life: |
Manta's and Devil Rays , Blue Banded and Humpback Snapper, Aggregations of Fusiliers, Big Eye Stumpnose, Soldier Fish and Baardman, Spanish Dancer, Potato Grouper, Bat Fish, Dragon Morays, Tiger Cowrie Shells and Egg Shell Cowries, Crown of Thorns Starfish, Urchins, Cleaner Shrimps, Lion Fish, Moray Eels, Mantis Shrimps and even the occasional Sea Apple. The Corals are sparse (as is the case in the southern regions). Crown of Thorns are not a problem here for the reef, however if the practice of removing shells, for decoration in someone's bathroom continues, then the status quo can be disturbed as has been witnessed in many other places around the world, their numbers are naturally controlled by Shellfish. N.B. Culling the Crown of Thorns will not save the reef in the long term only your perception, of how humans should interact in the world, can do that. |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back from RIB |
Praia de Roche, Praia de Roche |
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| Available From: | The Operators in Guinjata, Jangamo, Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | A series of large boulders all cut away at the bottom with very white sand between forming the most fascinating topography. The reef is a maze of gullies, swim throughs and large overhangs. There is a variety of soft and hard corals. Also expect to see tropical fish, Turtles, Octopus and Morays. Usually combined with a trip to Manta Reef |
| Distance From Launch: | 15km approx |
| Depth Range: | 5m to 16m Avg.: 10m |
| Current: | Not a concern. But can have surge |
| Experience Level: | Beginner and up! |
| Topography: | Rock cavities and tunnels |
| Marine Life: | Spanish Dancers |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back from RIB |
Giants Castle, Tofo |
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| Available From: | The Operators in Guinjata, Jangamo, Tofo and Barra. |
| Comments: | A 4m wall dive which resemble a castle providing a perfect hunting ground for the pelagic dwellers including Big-Eye Kingfish and Barracuda. Mantas are regularly seen here as well as large Potato Grouper, many varieties of Moray Eels, clouds of Redfang Triggerfish and Turtles. The opposite extreme offers Durban Dancing Shrimps and a possible sighting of Scarlet Cleaner Shrimps. Ever seen a Merlet/Lacy Scorpion fish?? You can do here!! A truly amazing treat |
| Distance From Launch: | 8km approx from Barra, 1km from Tofo |
| Depth Range: | 20m to 35m Avg.: 25m |
| Current: | Can be strong, generally it's north to south, but reverse currents are regular here |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water with plenty of experience in deep and drift diving |
| Topography: | Fossilised sand coral wall |
| Marine Life: | Big-Eye King Fish and Barracuda, Mantas, Potato Bass, many varieties of Moray Eels, clouds of Redfang Triggerfish and Turtles. Durban Dancing Shrimps, Scarlet Cleaner Shrimps and Merlet/Lacy Scorpion Fish |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
The Salon, Tofo |
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| Available From: | All operators from Jangamo to Barra, but mainly Tofo and Barra operators use this as a close easy reef |
| Comments: | Named due to the tremendous quantity of Cleaner Shrimps and the guests who regularly turn up for their grooming. A must for all Crustacean enthusiasts. This is truly Shrimp city! Expect to see White Banded Cleaner Shrimps, Banded Boxer Shrimps, Durban Dancing Shrimps and the secretive and rare Marble Shrimp. Regularly seen is the Red Reef Lobster. Get your buoyancy right and just float watching as the Trumpetfish cunningly uses you as camouflage to feed on the assorted Shrimps with a backdrop of swaying Glassfish. Can you find the fields of Gammeridian Amphipods? Another fascinating and relaxing dive |
| Distance From Launch: | 8km from Barra. 1km from Tofo |
| Depth Range: | 7m to 16m Avg.: 11m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Open Water |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone boulders as a centre piece |
| Marine Life: | Banded Cleaner Shrimps, Banded Boxer Shrimps, Durban Dancing Shrimps and the secretive and rare Marble Shrimp. Glassfish, Red Reef Lobster, Trumpet Fish and Gammeridian Amphipods |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
Mike's Cupboard, Tofo |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | A large and diverse dive site formed by a series of large craters with gullies and overhangs. Many Scorpion Fish species including the illusive Leaf Fish can be found. The macro diver will be treated to a huge variety of Nudibranchs, Cleaner and Seagrass Ghost Pipefish, the stunning Harlequin Shrimps and the cute Thornback Boxfish. The site is peppered with Whip Corals and Shrimps with their Partner Gobies. Mike's is also home to the Crocodile Fish, Octopus and a resident Green Turtle. Don't forget to look in the blue where Blue Fin King Fish are often seen hunting. A must for all divers regardless of experience |
| Distance From Launch: | 6km from Barra |
| Depth Range: | 10m to 17m Avg.: 12m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Open Water |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone ledges |
| Marine Life: | Scorpion Fish, Leaf Fish, Cleaner and Seagrass Ghost Pipe Fish, Harlequin Shrimps, Thornback Boxfish, Whip Corals, Octopus, Blue Fin King Fish and a resident Green Turtle |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
Sherwood Forest, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All Operators in Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | A stunning site with a forest of green coral trees colonising the top of the ledge, providing shelter for Sea Goldies, Domino's and the Striking Palette Surgeonfish. Hoards of Partner Gobies gather with their shrimps on the sea bed and above schools of Devil Rays fly over like a scene from Star Wars. Also encountered is the beautifully ugly Painted Frogfish |
| Distance From Launch: | 7km from Barra |
| Depth Range: | 20m to 30m Avg.: 25m |
| Current: | Can have strong currents similar to Giants Castle |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water with drift and deep diving |
| Topography: | Fossilised sand and coral ledges |
| Marine Life: | Sea Goldies, Domino's and the Striking Palette Surgeonfish. Partner Gobies and shrimps, Devil Rays and Painted Frogfish |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back from RIB |
Estrada, Ponta do Barra, Inhambane |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Barra |
| Comments: | A prominent sand street with 2 metre ledge on either side just off the lighthouse point makes this an interesting dive for all |
| Distance From Launch: | 3km |
| Depth Range: | 7m to 12m Avg.: 8m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Open Water |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone ledges |
| Marine Life: | Encountered are many Nudibranch species and the ever so shy White Tip Reef Shark. Keep an eye out for the Hawksbill Turtle, striking Geometric Moray Eels and the eye-catching juvenile oriental Sweet Lips |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back from RIB |
Buddies Reef, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Barra |
| Comments: | This vibrant shallow dive site is formed from large flat sand stone creating cracks and crevices on the inshore and seaward sides. It is possible to dive the whole site in one go, but always worth returning to see the marine life you missed. Do a night dive just to see the abundance of Spiny Lobsters walking freely over the reef |
| Distance From Launch: | 1km |
| Depth Range: | 7m to 10m Avg.: 8m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Beginner and up |
| Topography: | Sand stone plateau creating cracks and crevices |
| Marine Life: | Beautiful Turbine Corals dot the reef and massive colonies of Daisy Coral are found on the northern side of the reef. Blue Spotted Ribbon-tail and Stingrays live there including schools of Dusky Sweepers and Yellowtail Bbarracuda. We often spot Leaf Fish and their not so pretty cousins, Stone and Scorpion Fish. Look out for Clown Shrimps on Knob Edged Anemones. A pair of Harlequin Shrimps are often encountered and occasionally a Nurse Shark rests under a ledge |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back from RIB |
Anchor Bay, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Barra |
| Comments: | A typically shallow reef in the Barra Bay. Ideal for training dives and first day dives. Crustaceans can make this a good night dive. Most of the coral has been badly damaged through bad fishing practices. Don't buy Corals or Shells. This only promotes further destruction and will not allow the reef to rejuvenate, which takes years! |
| Distance From Launch: | 1km from Barra |
| Depth Range: | 8m to 10m Avg.: 8m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Beginner and up! |
| Topography: | Sand stone sprawling reef with scattered small fragment of rock on the outskirts |
| Marine Life: | An abundance of Knob-Horned and Cluster Finger Coral carpets the reef. Smaller inhabitants of the reef catch the eye in colourful displays. Many interesting Moray Eels, Spanish Dancers, Squid as well as a wide variety of Crustaceans including the fascinating Spider Crab |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll Back |
Barra Express, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Barra |
| Comments: | Somewhat of a different dive, possible only on spring high tides, that begins at the mouth of the Inhambane estuary. This is an exciting drift dive where the sandy mouth is full of unusual life. Many juvenile and strange species live in the estuary, they can be discovered here or further in. Worth checking out |
| Distance From Launch: | 8km from shore |
| Depth Range: | 8m to 15m Avg.: 10m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water with drift diving experience |
| Topography: | Sand channel |
| Marine Life: | Sea Stars, Heart Urchins, Sea Mice, and Hares Shells in their thousands, Hermit Crabs and much more. Search for the delicate Seahorse and his close family friend the Pipefish |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
The Office, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | Deep gullies, overhangs and swim throughs. A great dive for variety between the big and small. Magnificent Manta Rays frequent two cleaner stations, Game Fish, Potato Bass an assortment of Sharks including the Leopard Shark, Nurse Shark, White Tip Reef and the occasional Silver Tip. Loads of Sea Goldies gather amongst Thistle and Branching Soft Corals. Spot the strange Javelin Mantis Shrimp with its entourage of Squat Shrimps |
| Distance From Launch: | 11km from Barra |
| Depth Range: | 18m to 25m Avg.: 20m |
| Current: | Can have strong currents |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone ledges |
| Marine Life: | Manta Rays, Potato Bass, Leopard Shark, Nurse Shark, White Tip Reef Shark, Silver Tip Reef Shark. Sea Goldies, Thistle and Branching Soft Corals. Javelin Mantis Shrimp and Squat Shrimps |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
Skylight, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Barra |
| Comments: | Light and shade is emphasised here by sky lights that give us that amazing contrast between the deep blue ocean and the colourful reef. Again, the possibilities of Mantas, Devils Rays and White Tip Reef Sharks are strong. Psychedelic Sea Apples litter the ocean floor |
| Distance From Launch: | 14km |
| Depth Range: | 18m to 26m Avg.: 22m |
| Current: | North to south generally not strong |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone ledges |
| Marine Life: | Mantas, Devils Rays, White Tip Reef Sharks and Sea Apples |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
Coliseum, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | This is a magnificent dive. Another site discovered by Barra Lodge staff. The topography reminds us of the ancient architecture that gives its name. It's populated by all the big 5 (as per usual!) but is also home to the Bow Mouth Guitarfish |
| Distance From Launch: | 15km from Barra |
| Depth Range: | 20m to 30m Avg.: 24m |
| Current: | Not a concern can have a surge after strong winds |
| Experience Level: | Open Water |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone ledges |
| Marine Life: | White Tip Reef Shark, Bow Mouth Guitar Shark |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
Amazon, Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | All the operators in Tofo and Barra |
| Comments: | Expect the unexpected at Amazon! A wild dive site where anything can be encountered hence its name. Zebra, Grey Reef, White Tip and Tiger Sharks can all be seen as well as Mantas, Spotted Eagle Rays and Turtles. Keep an eye out for the far-from-home Snowflake Soapfish and while on the safety stop don't switch off...Black Marlin sometimes cruise by for a look |
| Distance From Launch: | 16km |
| Depth Range: | 16m to 28m Avg.: 22m |
| Current: | Can have strong currents |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water with drift and deep experience |
| Topography: | Sand bottom with stone ledges |
| Marine Life: | Zebra, Grey Reef, White Tip Reef Shark and Tiger Sharks, Mantas, Spotted Eagle Rays and Turtles. Snowflake Soap Fish and Black Marlin |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |
Buraco do Diabo (aka Drifters), Ponta do Barra |
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| Available From: | Some operators in Barra |
| Comments: | Recently discovered by Barra Lodge Dive Centre Staff, this untouched dive site, as many of our northern sites, has all the thrills the deep can offer. A 4 metre wall runs in a semi-circle, with ledges and crevices. The surfaces are sprinkled with beautiful soft corals. Although we do have the big 5 as company in most of our dives don't forget to look closely for the small camouflaged critters our ocean floor tries to hide |
| Distance From Launch: | 19km |
| Depth Range: | 20m to 40m Avg.: 30m |
| Current: | Can be very strong running in north to south direction, take SMB's |
| Experience Level: | Advanced Open Water with plenty of drift and deep diving experience. Don't take chances here only the most competent of divers and the best top man should be doing this site |
| Topography: | Plateau's of ledges with gullies and overhangs, an amazing garden of fossilised sand stone |
| Marine Life: | Devil Rays, Mantas Rays, Reef Sharks cruise by and check divers out. Other encounters can be many Nudibranch species and the ever so shy White Tip Reef Shark. Keep an eye out for the Hawksbill Turtle, striking Geometric Moray Eels and the eye-catching Juvenile Oriental Sweet Lips |
| Type of Water Entrance: | Roll back from RIB |