Scuba Diving

One of my favorite pastimes is to go scuba diving. I learned to scuba dive in 1996 receiving my open water certification through "NAUI" later receiving my advanced certification through "PADI" and my nitrox certification through"SSI"

The feeling you get when you put on the tanks, strap on your mask, and buckle up your fins just waiting your turn to step off the boat is exciting. Your heart starts pounding with anticipation as you are going over you dive plans in your head. Did I forget anything? You are asking your self as you are rechecking your gear.

Finally you step off the boat and into the water as your head bobs under the water and back to the surface you turn and signal the boat you are okay and meet up with your buddy. You and your buddy does a final check on yours and his equipment before heading into your dive.

You slowly descend to the bottom where you come across some of the most colorful reefs you have ever seen. Then out of nowhere you see some beautiful fish that acts like you are in a zoo and swims all around you checking you out trying to figure out what kind of fish you are.

You realize that you are 60′ under the ocean with 100′ visibility you and your buddy seem to be the only humans in the whole ocean, completely weightless, you realize the worries of the world and every thing that had been bothering you is not even there. You have completely forgotten the whole world you left behind when you dropped into paradise.

You continue your dive as you and your buddy glide effortlessly over the reefs pointing out all the fish to each other and checking out all the different animals you encounter maybe even seeing a curious shark or two that don't even act like they notice you.

Then comes the part of the dive you have dreaded long before you ever got into the water. With great sadness you signal your buddy to slowly head to the surface to return to the world you left behind. Once back on the boat you put up your gear and already start dreaming of the next time you get to know real peace.

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Mozambique Introduction

Mozambique offers world-class accommodation, pristine beaches, adventure activities including fantastic diving, snorkelling, fishing, and a diverse culture with a trading history with China, Persia, India and Europe. Mozambique was known for its fine gold and ivory, as well as having been active in the slave trade. It is safe and despite its regained popularity, this warm-hearted country remains for the most part un-commercialised, and gives an open-armed welcome to those willing to explore its pleasures and treasures.

Mozambique is an enormous country, encompassing some 800 000 square km, with a coastline extending roughly 2 500km along the Indian Ocean in the southeast of Africa. At the northern-most extreme is Cabo Delgado province, including the Quirimbas Archipelago. A recently established National Park (Cabo Delgado Biodiversity Project) offers visitors both marine and land environments to explore. With top-notch diving, fishing and bird watching, this is a remote piece of paradise. Perfect for those wanting to combine solitude with an experience of a lifetime.

Travel further south into Nampula province to Ilha de Mozambique and one is transported back in time while exploring the former capital of Mozambique. This part of the coastline has been declared a "World Heritage Site" and is an architect's dream, with buildings made of coral dating back to the 16th century.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the best known beach destinations in Mozambique. One is completely spoiled for choice in terms of both accommodation and environs. Benguerra and Bazaruto islands are quite exclusive, and the entire archipelago boasts fantastic beaches, perfect diving, fishing conditions and amazing bird life.

In southern Mozambique is the capital, Maputo. Formerly known as Lorenzo Marques, this thriving, bustling city never seems to sleep! From markets to colonial hotels, promenades and bistros, this is a city worth exploring and enjoying. Just minutes away by boat is the Catembe Peninsula, with breathtaking views over the city and a delightful boutique hotel. Excursions to the nearby Elephant Park Reserve are now possible. Regular flights from various South African airports to Vilanculos, Maputo and Pemba make Mozambique a convenient and accessible destination, with the added bonus of visas being available on arrival for all nationalities. What are you waiting for?

Mozambique Top Attractions

Province of Cabo Delgado
Cabo Delgado is the most northern province bordering on Tanzania. The birthplace of Maconde, who have rich traditions and culture.

Pemba: Pemba is the main city of Cabo Delgado, a traditional old Mozambique fishing port offering pristine island scenery, scuba diving and world-class blue water fishing.

Quirimbas Archipelago: The Quirimbas are one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. Dugongs graze in sea grass meadows, fish eagles perch in tall mangroves, turtles nest on white beaches, and humpback whales shelter their young in deep channel. The isle of Ibo located in the Quirimbas used to be an important island in Mozambique. Still today the hallmarks of a glorious past can be seen.

Quilailea Island resort rests in a marine sanctuary with Sencar Island. Quilailea is 12 kms from the mainland town of Quissanga and 55kms north of Pemba City by sea and 120 kms by road. The island is 34 hectares in area and lies alongside a deep 70 metres channel with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Matemo and Medjumbe island resorts are further options for a stunning island holiday.

Vamizi - with its clear waters, abundant marine life and untouched coral reefs, is a tourist paradise.

Province of Inhambane
This province is one of the main centres of tourism today due to the existence of the biggest archipelago, Bazaruto. Inhambane is a fascinating town and worthwhile a visit if staying at the nearby hotels.

Praya de Barra (25 km from Inhambane town). Stay either at Barra Lodge & Flamingo Bay Water Lodge, where you will find unspoiled beaches bordered by the Inhambane estuary on one side and the sea on the other. Nestled amongst groves and coconut trees.

Bazaruto (and Benguerra) Islands: Sublime tropical isles off the Mozambican coast. Bazaruto and Benguerra island (formerly known as Benguela), the two largest, feature magnificent high sand dunes and green lakes inhabited by crocodiles; as well as lush coastal bush choked with indigenous birdlife. Specials include the Blue-throated Sunbird and Rudd's Apalis. World-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities await those who explore the coral formations around the isles. Excellent hotels and lodges exist on Bazaruto Island (Indigo Bay and Bazaruto Lodge) and on Benguerra Island (Marlin Lodge and Benguerra Lodge).

Vilanculos: Gateway to the Bazaruto archipelago 700 km north of Maputo. It lies on the mainland opposite the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the tropical Inhambane province. The area is lovely for hiking through untouched nature with an incredible bird life. The unspoilt and tranquil beaches are ideal for long scenic beach walks. The sea is calm and shallow in front of the lodge and ideal for swimming and paddling.

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Scuba Diving Mozambique

Mozambique: The Gem of the Indian Ocean

by Shaun

Mozambique is undoubtedly one of the top tropical paradises in Africa. It is especially well known for its spectacular diving and coast line which runs all the way from South Africa to Tanzania for over 2500km. This country boasts untouched beaches with lots of little islands all amazingly beautiful.

Aside from scuba diving there is a plethora of water activities to satisfy any holiday makers thirst for adventure. Swimming, sea kayaking, dhow sailing, snorkeling, fishing, surfing and more are all readily available along the coast of Mozambique.

With all this activity travelers can build up quite an appetite which is a food thing as some of the best seafood world wide is just a few steps from your accommodation. Prawns are especially fantastic!

When to go:
To get the most out of your holiday, without worrying about the weather, its best to visit Mozambique between May and November. During this time the rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest with the thermometer hovering between 20 and 29 degrees Celsius. If you can tolerate the heat its possible to have a great holiday in Mozambique from November to January.

Generally February to April is the rainy season so unless you plan on spending most of your time inside avoid traveling during this period. Also, if you plan on going over Easter or December it is a very good idea to book at least 9 months in advance.

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1132807