reefcreature

We are going to take a safari trip in southern Africa in October (S. Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe) and would like to rest up before going home by staying and at a coastal place where there is excellent snorkeling. Has anyone been to Zanzibar, Mozambique, or the Seychelles for snorkeling specifically and what did you think of them compared to other snorkel destinations? Doe anyone have general advice about getting to any of these places from southern Africa?

mkhonzo

Mozambique, phenomenal snorkelling.
Probably the best are the reefs around the quirimbas archipeligo. Benguerra Island has some great lodges, Indigo bay, marlin lodge and benguerra island lodge.

Access is the challnege, however if you were to complete your safari in the kruger area, pelican air flies to vilanculos from nelspruit on tues and fris, that would save some $$$ rather than back tracking into jnb.

BTW: vilanculos is the closest port for the quirimbas archipeligo, otherwise you enter via maputo firts then up and on.

z

for snorkeling Mozambique, hands down!

suzic

I did an Bots/Zim safari last Sept/Oct, then went on to Rocktail Bay Lodge in South Africa for 5 days, snorkelling, diving, sightseeing etc. We flew back to Jo Berg, then out to Richards Bay. It was a 3 hour drive to Rocktail, which was just beautifully situated in the "forest" right by the ocean. It is a Wilderness Lodge, and we had a marvelous time. I would have loved to go to Zanzibar, but just too much travelling (read extra flight costs as well as time!)!!

PredatorBiologist

Another vote for Mozambique. Flights from Southern Africa to Zanzibar or Seychelles are a time killer and likely pretty expensive.

Mozambique is a very reasonable flight that you can take from Joburg or as pointed out from Kruger area.

The snorkeling quality is exceptional (I was in the Bazaruto Archapelago Nov. 04). Some divers said it was on par with Seychelles. For me it was the 2nd best place I have snorkeled to the Surin Islands off of Thailand. It was better than other Thailand locations and I give it a nod over Oahu, Hawaii because it is just as spectacular but there is no one there. I have also snorkeled Belize, different parts of Mexico, and the Virgin Islands -- I thought Mozambique was better than all of these places, of course I think Pacific fish are more colorful so that figures into it.

You can find true island seclusion in Mozambique -- truly have beaches all to yourself and have exceptional snorkeling.

reefcreature

Thanks for all these helpful replies. Are the Bazaruto reefs accessible from the shore, or do you have to take a boat? Has anyone snorkeled in the Seychelles? and if so, are those shore dvies? which islands? I really appreciate the help. I also like comparisons to other snorkel sights. For example, I think the best snorkeling I've ever done, like Predator, was in southern Thailand -- in the Phi Phi Islands -- and on Bonaire. St. John's in thre Virgin Islands was not too shabby either!

PredatorBiologist

reefcreature: We snorkeled a little right from the shore in the Bazaruto but we did have to take a boat for any extensive snorkeling.

I have snorkeled close to the Phi Phi area and on St. John -- if you loved those you will definitely be impressed with Mozambique.

reefcreature

Predator, You really should try Bonaire. There are many different sites, the coral incredibly varied, the fish also, each accessible from the shore. The entries are fun, too. One I remember you entered a channel through the coral and ended up in a kind of aquarium, with coral walls.

Looks like we're going to Mozambique! Is it hard to get a boat out to the reef? One of the things i loved about the Phi Phi islands was that, although you needed a boat to get to the snorkel sites, there were always plenty of egg-beater-powered vessels nearby and it was a pleasure to take them.

cruisinred

reefcreature-

Please report back on your experience in Mozmabique. It is on my "must do" list in the next few years.

You may want to read a few of the resort reviews on Tripadvisor.com ....basically it seems that even the top end places don't get rave reviews....high, lux prices are being charged, but expectations are not being met in terms of service etc (I am summarazing reviews for Quilela, Banguerra and Marlin lodge which are on tripadvisor).

Will be interested to hear your impressions upon your return.

YvonneM

I have just returned from Indigo Bay MOzambique. It hurts to let the secret out but Bazaruta is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Indigo bay is fab, fantastic island with few tourists and beautiful sea, nice pool great food and well great! Just go. I didn't do the snorkelling I did a dive course, actually at Baz lodge,which had a better atmosphere than Indigo bay, and better beach, but more rustic. Watch out for the activities manager Laurence at Indigo bay, he tried to rip us off so and is a bit slimy, just be careful. also great horse for riding there. If you want any more info just ask. by the way think Indigo Bay is shutting from april for rennovations

Pat2003

OK, we snorkeled in Seychelles, Bora Bora, Mozambique, Mauritius, Belize, Galapagos. If your primary reson is snorkeling then you cannot beat Mozamique, then Mauritius. In the Seychelles you have to take a boat to get to a decent snorkeling spots. Also there are no daily flights from South Africa to Seychelles.