QUILALEA ACTIVITIES

BedroomSunset cruise
Enjoy a magical sunset in a spectacular setting aboard our traditional sailing vessel or dhow, the “Doña Fatima”. Sail the Indian Ocean waters around the island of Quilálea and experience the beauty and tranquility of these historical vessels and the time-honoured method in which they are sailed. Cold beverages of your choice and light refreshments will be served while you enjoy the magnificent sunset.
This activity is available at no extra charge. Comfortable clothing and a camera is advised. Bookings should be made in advance and are subject to weather conditions.

Scuba Diving & snorkeling
Quilálea offers a full range of superb Mozambique diving experiences, providing some of the best scuba diving in the entire Quirimbas Archipelago just 20 metres offshore. The marine pavilion, which looks west over the Quilálea Channel, is a fully equipped PADI dive centre.

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
Although Quilálea forms part of a marine sanctuary, sport fishing and deep-sea angling are offered outside the protected sanctuary. The experienced skipper and crew know all the hot spots, so novice and veteran anglers alike can enjoy Mozambique's unspoilt fishing waters.

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.

Arial View of the IslandThe wide variety of game fish species can be taken from the complex of habitats formed by the Quirimbas 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.

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.


Historical Tour to Ibo Island

Leaving Quilálea by boat, we will travel through the mangrove channels between the mainland and Quirimba Island. There is a good chance of spotting majestic fish eagles and also the shy humpback dolphin and dugong. A small passage through the mangrove reveals the island of Ibo.

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.
This activity is a half-day tour and is dependant on the tides. Refreshments and either breakfast or lunch are supplied. You should bring comfortable shoes or sandals, sunscreen, hat, camera and local currency. (Please ask at reception for exchange rates). We will provide all fishing and snorkel equipment, towels and a guide.

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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