Diving with Mantas - Trip Summary

Tofo has many reefs where Manta Rays can be seen but the most famous of all is Manta Reef, Mozambique. World famous for the two Manta cleaning stations, first discovered by Carlos do Rocha in the 1960’s. Since then this site has attracted marine biologists, cameramen and divers from around the world. 

Generally the visibility is between 10 and 30 metres with an average of 20 metres. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean varies from 18 to 30 C depending on the seasons and currents. All of the dive sites feature an abundance of coral and fish and are all reef dives. The water may not be as clear as other destinations in the world but this is why there is such an abundance of life year round. The Mantas are year round residents at Tofo as well as Whale Sharks so you should be in for some excellent dives at most times of the year.   

As there are many excellent reefs around Manta reef we may not go to Manta reef on the dive. This will depend on the conditions, recent sightings and number of boats scheduled to dive Manta reef that morning. The trip will consist of a double dive with 1 hour surface interval. The beauty with this is that during this interval we will search for Whale sharks to snorkel with between dives.  

The dive is normally a gentle drift dive from North to South. The dive begins with a negative entry and down to 26m into the middle of a small Amphitheatre teeming with life. The dive progresses through a series of pinnacles before the first cleaning station is reached on a shallower 21m sandy area. At this cleaning station Mantas circle overhead to be cleaned by Goldies, Cleaner Wrasse and Butterfly fish. In good visibility this dive is amazing with upwards of ten Mantas circling overhead. Even in poor vis the sight of Mantas appearing from the mist above you is haunting and a moment to be cherished. At the end of the dive your ascent is often accompanied by groups of inquisitive Devil Rays wheeling about on the safety stop. This dive is a must do in Tofo but because of the depth this is only suitable for advanced divers but is a favorite for people completing their advanced course or deep adventure dive. Nitrox is also available. 

Itinerary

7am

Arrive at the dive center and meet the dive masters. Set your Kit up with the staff's assistance if required. 

7:30

Gather together for your dive briefing. This will cover the boat launch as this is a beach launch and the two dive sites. The staff will pack your kit onto the boat whilst you are having the briefing so you do not have to carry your equipment. Following the briefing you will make your way down to the beach for the launch. 

7:50

The launch starts with everyone gathering behind one side of the boat and pushing this around to face the waves. Once the boat is straight then the group splits to cover both sides of the boat. Then slowly when the waves come in the boat is slid into the water. This is tough work but great fun. Then it is ladies on first and then the guys once the boat is in deep enough water for the engines to run safely. Then off we go punching through the oncoming waves. 

The ride to the dive site is approximately 40 minutes and can be enduring in rough seas but the semi rigid boats are built for this and the ride is fairly smooth over the bumps. On the way to the dive site everyone will be looking out for Whale sharks or any other activity in the water such as dolphins or Hump Back Whales (July-November). 

8:30

We arrive at the dive site, kit up and dive. There are a few excellent dive sites such as Manta Reef and also a few fantastic surrounding reefs where mantas can be found on a regular basis. The dive sites will be chosen on the day depending on the weather, wind and currents. 

9:20

Surface and rest for the 1 hour surface interval. The crew will help you and your kit onto the boat and then will set off inshore to look for Whale Sharks. Whale Sharks can be seen in Tofo all year round but activity does differ from day to day and week to week and we are still to learn why they come and go. During the interval the crew will change your cylinders for the second dive. 

10:20

Kit up for your second dive and in we go for another amazing dive!

11:00

Surface and then we will return to the dive center along the inshore waters populated with Whale Sharks. We will then have one final chance to get in with these gentle giants

11:45

Finished for the morning.  

Included

• Cylinders & Weights
• Water on the boat

Excluded

• Dive Gear (Optional extra R350 to rent full gear for the day) 
• Nitrox (Optional Extra) 
• Accommodation (See our Packages)
• Advanced Diver training - (Courses from Bubble Blower up to Instructor level can be booked with a holiday package) See our Mozambique Packages! 

Packages

We have an extensive range of packages available from 7 day trips to2+ week trips. We can combine Mozambique effectively with Kruger big 5 as these border each other. Please see our packages to learn more about what we can offer. We also arrange tailor made packages should our set packages not be suitable for your needs. For detailed information you can also go to our partner company www.scubamozambique.com

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