Diving & snorkelling experiences

As Africa's original island darling, Mauritius has become synonymous with velvety sands that melt into sky-blue water, and snorkelling is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Below the surface, there is over 200 types of coral in bright hues and amazing formations, which is home to an array of colourful marine life. The waters of Mauritius are home to over 430 species, but the best time to spot sea turtles is between November and March. Apart from hurricane season (Jan - Feb), the conditions are sublime with outstanding visibility, especially between March and April.

Float above thousands of colourful fish in Africa’s great Lake Malawi. This huge body of freshwater hosts perhaps the largest number of fish species of any lake in Africa. Due to the Lake’s high alkalinity, it also has an amazingly high proportion of endemic brightly-coloured fish. This makes for an amazing snorkelling experience in the clear, turquoise water beside your lodge. There are also few plants and organic material in the lake, which makes for amazing visibility above the sandy and rocky bottom. Dive into the waters and get lost in this gin-clear paradise, as you search out new species of fish, or just sink to the floor and let your body float up to the surface as all your troubles melt away.

The waters off Mozambique's southern coast are home to a menagerie of underwater creatures, from the rare dugong to Leatherback turtles and incredible species of fish. It's no surprise that Ponto do Ouro is also a snorkelling Nirvana with myriad reefs to choose from, and balmy and crystal-clear waters. After a boat ride across the bay, enter a world of underwater flora and fins along the reefs with depths ranging from 10 metres to depths of 47 metres at the aptly-named Atlantis. Spend as long as you like exploring the colourful coral formations, keeping your eyes keen to spot the endangered species of the Mozambican Channel. While Mozambique's south coast are temperate most of the year, but the dry season (May to November) is the most enjoyable.

Crystal-clear, turquoise waters, year-round balmy weather and lively reefs, the southern coast of Mozambique promises dives that are out of this world. And a collection of incredible scuba diving sites is only a short boat-ride away. PADI-certified dive masters are ready to accompany you to the location of your choice, from shallow reefs at 10 metres to the incredible Atlantis reefs that reach depths of 47 metres. Once you break the water's glassy surface, the reefs are a hive of activity and colour. Part of a thriving marine protected reserve, you'll be dazzled by darting shoals of fish, forests of coral, and everything from rays and reef sharks to diving pods of dolphin and the secretive dugong. Conditions and underwater visibility remain ideal all year, but the dry season months (May to November) tend to be the most enjoyable.

Crystal-clear, turquoise waters, year-round balmy weather and lively reefs, Benguerra promises dives that are out of this world. The second largest island in the archipelago, it's only a short boat-ride away from a collection of incredible scuba diving sites. You'll join the ranks of a lucky few who get to dive here each year! PADI-certified dive masters are ready to accompany you to the location of your choice, including the famous Two Mile Reef, which has reefs that begin at 5 metres and reach depths of 22 metres. Once you break the water's glassy surface, the reefs are a hive of activity and colour. Part of a thriving marine national park, you'll be dazzled by darting shoals of fish, forests of coral, and everything from rays and reef sharks to diving pods of dolphin and the secretive dugong. Conditions and underwater visibility remain ideal all year, but the dry season months (May to November) tend to be the most enjoyable.

Leave the coast behind as a traditional dhow carves through the crystal-clear lagoon before you snorkel over colourful reefs while shoals of tiny fish swim by. One of the most popular spots is Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, where craggy coral formations hide eye-catching marine life. Enjoy the temperate waters as an incredible scene plays out below; surreal lionfish on the hunt, sea turtles smoothly navigating the reefs and pods of dolphins moving in playful formation.