Matemo Island Activities & Attractions

Coral reef diving in Quirimba Archipelago Islands:
A rich and diverse amount of marine life inhabits the many beautiful and protected coral reefs around the Islands which are world class and well renown!

If you are a beginner and haven't had the time to go for a few scuba diving lessons, then don't worry, Matemo island has experienced diving instructors that offer a few different levels of diving courses. You wouldn't want to miss out on one of the worlds best diving sites in the world, would you? Between the months of August and October, humpback whales can be seen breaking through our waters as per any time of the year, dolphins are often spotted.

An abundance of other breathtaking marine life includes blue spotted stingrays, Moral Eels, Barracuda, kingfish, blue banded snapper, fusiliers, spotted and honeycomb, ribbon eels, sweetlips, pufferfish, angelfish and triggerfish are frequently sighted and near the very top of the 'must-see' list, is the very rare Dudong (A pale porpous looking mammel) ... and back on shore, Loggerhead, Leatherback and green turtles are often seen laying their eggs in the beach sand.

You can choose from 7 spectacular diving reefs, (of coarse, depending on your level of experience). A 90-foot-long shipwreck must be explored (choose a day where the waters are calm) and experienced divers can tackle a 40m wall dive whereas closer to shore, 8-10m coral reefs cater for the less experienced.

Big Game Fishing in Quirimba Archipelago Islands:
The great rewards of Excellent and exciting 'catch and release' big game fishing is experienced around the Quirimba Archipelago islands, especially above the 2.4km deep, 600km sqaured, St Lazarus Banks. All year round, Kingfish and Yellowfin fish are present, whereas Wahoo are caught between the months of September - April and the sought after sailfish claims the months of July - December.
Well equipped charter boats can be arranged and again, if you are a beginner, experienced, professional fisherman are there to help you out and guide you through the process - no matter what level you are on.

Explore the Quirimba Archipelago Islands:
For the less adventurous, exploring Matemo Island, proves to be very interesting and enjoyable. Take a 4x4 cruise and experience the Islands culture and how the local Mozambicans go about their day. Watch craftmenship at its best as locals are contineously building traditional dhow boats and thatch huts for the villages. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy fish eagles that sore above the Islands where a wide range of Palaearctic migrants frequent our skies.

Discover a fascinating History:
Go catch a boat and venture further South, to Ibo Island (also referred to as 'Ilha do Ibo'). A rich history fulfills this island, where Pirates, slaves, ivory, silver (treasure) and colonialism used to co-exist. In actual fact, the Islands intrigueing history and colonial architecture that still exists, makes Ibo Island's Zoned for World Heritage Status! 3 Bastians (Forts) were built back in the colonial days in the 15th cenuary to protect the island from attackers. Lots of cannons still line the forts tall walls.
For the last 500 years Ibo Island proved to be a prosperous and important trading post for the East coast of Mozambique and Africa. Today, the Island is still not commercialised, which is great if it want to keep its unique status. Accommodation is also available on the Island.

Other interesting historical building include, the Cathlic church, cemetery and numerous other ancient administration buildings. A wonderful experience almost sending you back in time to the days when vasco da Gamma docked his ships!