The Quirimba National Park – the first in the world to be established at the request of an area's inhabitants – comprises the eleven southernmost islands of the Quirimba Archipelago in northern Mozambique. The park's habitats – four of which are officially the most outstanding examples of their habitat types in the world – include coral reefs, sea grass beds, sandy white beaches, mangroves, woodland, savannah, forests, and mountains, and they are home to many of the world's most endangered species, including the extremely rare dugong. The Quirimba Archipelago is notable for the size and variety of the fish along its reef. Up to 375 species of fish, including Zambezi and hammerhead sharks, plus marine turtles and three species of dolphins have been identified within the sanctuary.
Quilalea sanctuary nestles in a forgotten corner of Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago in the warm Indian Ocean providing a malaria free haven of luxury and beauty with the highest degree of seclusion on an entirely private and uninhabited tropical island. In the 1500's when Portuguese and Arab traders arrived in Quissanga, "The place of Sands", on the mainland of Mozambique on their way to Quirimba, ships took refuge in Quilálea's mooring. From the safe haven derived the Swahili word to sleep or "Lala".
Quilálea was a secret place of choice to rest and is now rediscovered It is one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. Dugongs graze in seagrass meadows, fish eagles perch in tall mangroves, turtles nest on white beaches, and humpback whales shelter their young in Quilálea's deep channel. Fish abound. A wide variety of gamefish species can be taken from the complex of habitats formed by the Quirimba Archipelago itself, while the Saint Lazarus Bank due east of Quilálea is a hotspot for tuna and billfish. Both the Archipelago and the Bank have yet to be discovered by big game fishermen. A reef just off the beach provides sheltered diving and snorkelling for the beginner.
Lobsters abound and sightings of sea turtle are common. More experienced divers will want to explore the big walls of the Montepuez channel on the southern edge of the sanctuary. Caves and currents combine to create an underwater paradise, inhabited by reef and pelagic fish of every size and description. The most adventurous will head for the Saint Lazarus Bank, recognised as having the best unexplored diving in the world.
Medjumbe is a small, mystical island, only one kilometre in length and 500 metres in width, featuring a number of small bays and coves, complete with white beaches surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The island is close to St Lazarus Banks, a renowned deep-sea fishing site. Game fish found here include marlin, sailfish, dogtooth tuna, various species of kingfish and the infamous bonefish. Experience snorkelling, scuba diving, game fishing, a variety of water sports, beach games, island excursions and sunset cruises. This pristine tropical island is surrounded by bleached coral sand beaches and kilometres of unexplored fringe reefs offering the enthusiastic snorkeller endless days of drifting over exquisite untouched coral formations teeming with exotic tropical marine species. It is also a veritable paradise for the discerning sub-aqua photographer. One that offers unsurpassed quality of lighting, visibility and subject matter at depths of less than 5 metres. This destination offers divers exceptional dive opportunities, in shallow, current free, tropical conditions. Literally hundreds of unexplored and undived reefs within the reserve provide the keen scuba diver with an unlimited choice of dive opportunities and adventurous suggestions for new excursions are encouraged and welcomed.
Matemo Island - Treat yourself to an underwater wonderland with captivating diving and snorkelling where you can experience some of the world's richest coral reefs. The Quirimbas Islands feature phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. These walls are abundant with coral covered caves and tropical fish ranging from Gobies to mammoth Napoleon Wrasse and game fish including Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel. Situated in the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago, scuba diving at Matemo is considered as some of the best in the world. Whether you are a novice or experienced diver, you can experience the magic of scuba diving in the Quirimbas. The majority of the diving is done off the eastern side of Matemo Island.
