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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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Netted Whale Shark: Oh so that’s what’s been happening…Duh?

Netted Whale Shark: Oh so that’s what’s been happening…? Duh?

This jaw dropping image was sourced by Carlos Carvalhos, evergreen conservationist and activist from Maputo…Carlos has been crusading for marine wild life in Mozambique and Southern African waters for years, and his work will be published in thesardine.co.za as often as possible, in the future…Carlos has been patrolling the waters of Southern Mozambique – through it all.

So, since I started working in the Inhambane waters, 7 years back…I would say the decline in whale shark encounters I have had, has been about 90%. I mean, this whole last trip myself and Roosta just did, for 12 days, Ponto D’ Ouro to Pomene, and we never saw one!

Sure they used to disappear back in those early years, for months at a time – but always came back with at least a few shows of strength…I once counted 70 whale sharks around my boat, off Praia da Rocha. 70!

So while the world watches TV and is focused on this Pistorius clown and Rhino’s…quietly, someone has been simply removing our whale sharks. And whatever else can be removed, out over the horizon or in the dark of night.

I have to align with Mr. Carlos Carvalhos, conservation activist and journalist in Maputo, when he asks – “What is being done by the plentiful NGO’s and conservation associations, littered around Mozambique and Southern Africa in general”.

I have never seen them intervene, or bring any of this slaughter to attention. It’s usually just covered up and forgotten. Granted, there are many individuals out there in the field, totally committed to the conservation of these animals, but the bureaucratic organisations with all the required resources and budget…do very little at all, except give lectures and drive around spotting the last of the marine life, just as it just disappears beneath the waves forever.

Whose role is it then, to intervene? Someone with all the required resources and mandates? Someone who signed up for the job?

Many thanks to Carlos Carvalhos. Follow him on MOZ INFO by clicking here

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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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