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QUILALEA ACTIVITIES
Scuba Diving & snorkeling A reef just off the beach provides sheltered diving and snorkeling for the beginner. 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. The dive boat used started life as a traditional Portuguese fishing vessel and has been remodeled. The wide afterdeck allows freedom of movement for whale watching or exploration of the bay. Mares diving equipment is maintained in top condition for use by guests and staff. Mozambique diving offers up to 30-metre visibility and water
temperatures around a balmy 28 degrees Celsius you can expect to see all
coral reef species typical of the Indian Ocean region as well as game
fish - yellow fin tuna, dogtooth tuna and marlin. There are also manta
rays, eight species of shark (to date), whale sharks, huge schools of
feeding barracuda, many species of king fish, red snappers, green and
hawksbill turtles, pods of humpback dolphins, not to mention the humpbacked
whales in season. Mozambique Sport Fishing A 30-foot Bertrams Express, powered by twin Volvo Penta diesel inboards, is available for use by big game fishermen. This vessel cruises comfortably at 18-20 knots. A local dhow is also available for those who prefer to cruise in silence and serenity.
The deep drop-off immediately to the east of the Quirimbas Archipelago guarantees a unique sports fishing experience. The Southern current passes near the coast here and billfish can be taken within shouting distance of shore; local fishermen sometimes catch them on hand lines trolled behind dugout canoes. The rods and reels available for use by guests are all Shimano;
with lines ranging from 20 to 80 lbs. Six lines can be trawled from the
Bertrams.
After anchoring in the port, the land adventure begins. The first stop is the imposing fortress of São João, which was used during the colonial period as a prison and to house slaves before transporting them to Ilha de Mozambique. Today, local artists at the fort produce fine handmade silver jewellery using traditional methods. Their work is of a high quality and unique to the island making a beautiful and original souvenir. After the fort, the tour heads inland to the town centre and market place. The many ruins and old Portuguese villas make excellent subjects for photographers and create a timeless and tranquil atmosphere. Opposite the market, there is the small fort of São Josè, which can also be explored. Heading along the coast, we come to the old Catholic church. This is definitely worth a visit, providing an insight to past inhabitants of Ibo. After the tour, you may continue to view the island at your leisure before returning to the boat for refreshments. We depart Ibo and head out around the seaward side of the
island. If conditions are favourable you might participate in a spot of
snorkelling along the shallow reef by the lighthouse or try your chance
at big game fishing in the deeper waters of Quirimba before returning
to Quilálea. Tours to other islands are also offered, like Sencar, Quilálea's neighbouring island, which remains untouched and uninhabited. 75 hectares in extent, Sencar has a coral rag exterior and a mangrove swamp interior. Sencar offers only rudimentary beaches, but it is a bird lover's dream. A paradise for sea birds, the island has large areas of untouched coastal thicket. Samango monkeys have also made their homes here, though no one knows quite how they arrived there or how they survive in the absence of fresh water. |
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