Scuba diving locations in Mozambique:

• The island of Bazaruto has the largest remaining population of dugong in east Africa. Nile crocodiles can also be seen in the shallow lakes and pools on the islands. The island group is also a breeding ground to all five of the marine turtle species of the western Indian Ocean.

When to scuba dive in Mozambique:

The water stays around 28°C all year, but from November to April, short but violent rain and electrical storms are common, and flooding is frequent in some areas. There is the risk of typhoons in February. There is also a risk of bilharzia which is caused by infestation by a type of flatworm larvae which can penetrate the human skin and mature into adults. 'Swimmer's itch' develops where the parasite enters the skin, and is often the only symptom. A pill is available from any pharmacist that will kill the parasite. June to October is the annual Humpback whale migration.

Local standards for gear:

The best scuba diving spots in Mozambique:

• Manta Reef, off Tofo beach, hosts dozens of giant mantas who come by every morning to be cleaned by the local tropical fish.

The best spots to snorkel in Mozambique:

Fun scuba facts:

Country data:

Administrative details

• Currency: Mozambican metical (MZN)
• Population: is about 23,000,000 (2009)
• Time Zone: CAT (GMT+2)
• Main languages spoken: Portuguese, Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena ## Diveable overseas territories:

Mozambican diving federations:

Local diving laws and regulations (and PADI-equivalent certifications):