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Diversity scuba experience in Tofo

Diversity scuba experience in Tofo

For sheer diversity scuba action, there is not much like the waters of Tofo and it’s surrounding reefs.

Manta Rays consistently lure divers to visit the area. Their underwater antics match their flying ability as they leap through the air in a barrel roll, jumping for sheer joy, or to shake the odd parasite.

Whale Sharks – gentle giants that they are, have been putting up with scores of enthusiastic bubble blowers since the days of independence here. Although down in numbers, encounters do still happen weekly.

Dolphins are far more reliable. There is a resident shoal of hungry hump back dolphins off Tofinho, adding to the diversity scuba or snorkeling portfolio. Common dolphins abound as they patrol far bigger zones than their humped back cousins.

Hump back whales however only pitch in winter time, nursing their calves and avoiding over enthusiastic males.

Orcas, or killer whales also come in winter. Their sole purpose us to feed on the Humpback Whale calves?! Greedy buggers.

Dugongs, as rare as they are, can be encountered all round Tofo. In fact, local spearfisherman Dave Charley swam into a mother and calf off Tofinho Point, just south of Tofo, a few years back.

Game fish are plentiful here, with resident schools of huge kingfish owning the reefs. Marlin are often encountered, and tuna abound.

To experience any of the above, check out diversityscuba.com or contact Sean on umzimkulu@gmail.com for advice and direction.

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Scenes from Shelley Beach

Scenes from Shelley Beach

The following gallery of pics were shot at the Shelley Beach Ski-Boat Club, or Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour – as it was known since it’s inception, down in Shelley Beach, this week.

Many goings on can be observed here each day  – between the recreational and commercial fishermen, the shark cage divers, the ocean safaris, fishing charters and skippers training…and it’s the NSRI Base for the south coast area.

Spectators are welcome – each morning the natural ampitheatre of Shelley Beach hosts a stream of onlookers (no parking on the slipway!)

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Sardines off Coffee Bay!

Sardines off Coffee Bay!

HITW hike
Hikers on the trail skirting the cliffs and views on the walk to Hole in the Wall, from Coffee Bay, in the Transkei would have seen all the action. Notice the alow in full bloom – traditionally a precursor to the arrival of the sardines.   Pic by Gareth Sparg (c)

Confirmed reports have filtered in about shoals of sardines passing by Coffee Bay in the Transkei, birds diving and dolphins chasing.

The area is inundated with holiday folk chasing after what hopes to be the start of ‘the greatest shoal on earth’. And fisherfolk chasing fish.

Garrick caught next to the Hole in the Wall
Gareth Sparg shot this photo of a spearo with his catch of the day, in the good weather last week. Garrick are always around when the sardines arrive.

The ocean out front of White Clay Resort was where most activity was observed.

Conditions are currently ideal for the shoals of sardines to make their way up north, and hopefully into Natal waters.

The Transkei Wild Coast - (in)famous for so many things...(c) Gareth Sparg
The Transkei Wild Coast – (in)famous for so many things…let your imagination run wild over this spot(c) Gareth Sparg

http://whiteclayresort.co.za/ can arrange these views and more…

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Casa Algodoal for perfect waves…

Casa Algodoal for perfect waves

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Matt VW captured this sick shot of Dustin “Krusty” Volker sitting tight in the green room adjoining Casa Algodoal. Great shot Matt! Copyright Matt VW. All Rights Reserved.

Dustin Volker, in the proverbial green room, not far from Casa Algodoal, in Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique, this week already. Casa Algodoal is top drawer modern holiday living…with unobstructed views out over Praia da Tofo.
Tofo is a favourite beach destination, and is scattered with backpackers, surfers, divers and travelers out in the warm winter sun looking for adventure.

The diving is world class and many Scuba operators offer all kinds of diving and all kinds of reefs. Humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks frequent the clear warm waters of Inhambane, and you don’t have to blow bubbles to swim with them…take an ocean safari and snorkel if you like!

The famous calm clear waters of Inhambane Bay are home to seahorses, dugongs, starfish, panzy shells…all sorts, and the bay is great for swimming and snorkeling with whole family. And you can get a boat to the islands or Linga Linga across the bay.

The “manne” can book deep sea fishing trips to target tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and billfish…black marlin, striped marlin and sailfish are all taken off Tofo regularly…which is just down the coast from the famed Bazaruto Archipelago.

Inhambane town is a wonder on it’s own, attractive old buildings, some from centuries ago, characterise the overall state of Mozambique. The place can be challenging but if you maintain your senses and take it on…it’s extremely rewarding.

Contact Sean on umzimkulu@gmail.com to make a booking.

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Red eye Sardines

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Submitted by: Sean Lange

Report:

Small baitballs of Redeye Sardines (Etrumeus teres) were reported by the Natal Sharks Board spotting plane. They seem to have moved northwards to the Waterfall Bluff area, and are confirmed not to be regular sardines, by a dive operator at sea at the time.

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