Why we love it
After a few hours driving south from Maputo on a red dust road, passing through the bush and sand dunes, you’ll reach Ponta do Ouro. Located at the frontier of South Africa, Ponta do Ouro with its sandy roads and relaxed cafes has a very chilled beach town vibe. Surfers come from everywhere to ride the waves off the beautiful bay while divers choose to explore the underwater world. Bull sharks are often encountered. You can also see in season humpback whales and the macro life is very rich. In the afternoon, try the classic portuguese pie ‘pasteis de nata’ from the local bakery: they are delicious!
Conservation
The dive center is contributing to conservation conducting two research permits, one on Nudibranchs and one on Humpback whales.
Who is it for?
For beginners and advanced divers who love sharks …and also macro life! For adventurous spirits who enjoy laid-back atmosphere. Non-diving partners will have a lot to do: walks on the beach, restaurants with a view, quad explorations, snorkeling, surfing, and why not a safari before or after in Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Prices and Dates
Sharks dives are with no bait, and can be done in season from November to April. Contact us for more dives, if you wish to do a Discover Scuba Diving, a course or a specialty.
Prices are per person for 5 reef dives and 5 shark dives (no bait).
- Dive equipment
- The marine park fee:
- Any flights, transfers, accommodation, food and beverage or any other element not mentioned in the above section
Dive briefing!
Marine Life
- From September to April you can do shark diving (no bait) on the Pinnacles dive site.
- Every year from July to November the humpback whales migrate pass Ponta do Ouro to warmer water for mating and giving birth.
- The Nudibranch Project started in Ponta do Ouro year 2011 November. So far there is more then 180 different species ranging from Kosi Bay border up to Mamoli bay.
- Also spotted underwater: hammerheads, reef sharks, white tips, whale sharks in season, turtles, bottlenose dolphins, frog fish, triggers and Butterfly fish, ribbon eels, potato bass, scorpion fish, mantis shrimp, paper fish, beautiful spotted rays…
Dive Conditions
- Season: July to November: humpback whales. October-November to March-April: many sharks and some whale sharks.
- Currents: occasional strong currents
- Visibility: 10 to 40 m (30 to 131 ft)
- Water Temperature: 23° to 29°C (73° to 84°F)
- Depth: deep and shallow dives
Dive Sites
- Over 25 different reefs, some with amazing structures such as swim throughs and pinnacles.
- Usually two boat dives a day with a deep first dive and a shallower second dive
- Dive sites are: Lighthouse Reef, Atlantis, Doodles, Pinnacles, Blacks, Steve’s Ledge, Checkers, Brents Ridge, Steps, The Creche, Fingers, Malongane Ledge, Three Sisters, Cloud Break, Aquarium, Anchor, Shallow Malongane, Kev’s Ledge, Bread Loaf, Wayne’s World, Rianna’s Arch, Maverick’s, Texas, Bass City, Paradise Ledge.
- There is no boat deck in Ponta do Ouro, so note that the launch of the boat and the arrival is on the beach… it is very unique and can be sporty!
The Team
- Operation created in 2010.
- Number of boats: 1
- PADI Dive Center
- Courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster - ask us
Safety Information
- Equipment Recommended: the usual diving equipment.
- Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
- Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Durban, South Africa
Visas, flights, and more!
Visa Requirements
- Most visitors need to have a visa before departing for Mozambique. If you plan to visit Kruger National Park, you might consider getting a multiple-entry visa (versus a single-entry visa)
- Electronic visa should be soon available to promote further tourism.
- Please check the current visa policy that applies for your country with the Mozambican embassy.
How to get there
- Coming from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, cross the river with the Maputo-Katembe bridge, and then take a shared minivan for about 3 hours (we can help arrange private transport if you need).
- The biggest international airlines flying to Mozambique are TAP Air Portugal, South African Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
More…
- Ponta do Ouro is subject to malaria. Take necessary precautions to avoid it.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard, a sweater or a light-weight jacket, some walking shoes, insect repellent, mask and snorkel, prescription medicine if you need.