• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Joe
  • Liveaboard Deals
  • Liveaboards & Destinations Lists
    • Great White Shark Tours Compared & Reviewed
    • Best Scuba Diving Africa – Top 10 Destinations
    • Best Diving Asia – Top 10 Destinations
    • Best Scuba Diving Caribbean
    • Best Scuba Diving Europe – Top Destinations Reviewed
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats For Solo Travelers
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Underwater Photography
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Whale Sharks
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Manta Rays
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Macro Diving
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations for Wreck Diving
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Diving With Sharks
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Advanced Divers
    • Best Liveaboard Destinations For Beginners
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats (Short Trips)
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats (Luxury)
    • Best Liveaboard Dive Boats (Low Budget)
  • Gift Ideas
    • Gifts For a Scuba Diver
    • Best Gifts For a Kayaker
  • Privacy Policy
    • Data Access Request
  • Contact Me

Joe's Scuba Shack

SCUBA DIVING GUIDE

  • Popular
    • Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
    • Best Scuba Diving Knives of 2021
    • Socorro Islands Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • Best Scuba Dive Bags of 2020
    • Best Diving French Polynesia Liveaboards
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
    • Best Scuba Diving Shorts Reviewed
    • Best Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
    • Full Face Scuba Mask Review
    • Gold Dredging Alaska – The Walrus
    • Green Island Scuba Diving Taiwan
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Scuba Diving the Maldives Islands
    • Hookah Diving Equipment and Systems
  • Commercial/Shipwrecks
    • Best Underwater Metal Detector 2020
    • Gold Dredging Alaska – The Walrus
    • Kursk Submarine Disaster and My Friend
  • Scuba Gear
    • Scuba Diving Equipment Checklist
    • BCDs
      • Best Travel BCDs of 2020
      • Best Back Inflate BCD
      • Best BCDs for Women of 2021
      • Best Scuba BCD Review – Top 11
      • What is a Scuba BCD?
    • Binoculars
      • Best Marine Binoculars of 2021
    • Cold Water Gear
      • Best Cold Water Diving Equipment
    • Compasses
      • The Best Dive Compasses Reviewed
    • Dive Bags
      • Best Scuba Dive Bag Reviews
      • Waterproof Bags
    • Dive Boots
      • Best Scuba Dive Boots of 2020 – Reviewed and Compared
    • Dive Computers
      • Best Dive Computer for Beginners
      • Best Air Integrated Dive Computer in 2021
      • Best Freediving Watches
      • Top 8 Best Dive Computers of 2020 – Reviewed and Compared
    • Dive Gloves
      • Best Scuba Diving Gloves of 2021
    • Dive Scooters
      • Best Underwater Scooter of 2020
      • Best Underwater Scuba Scooter – Adding Speed to the Dive
    • Dive Skins
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins of 2021
      • Best Rash Guards Men
      • Best Rash Guard Women Reviewed
    • Dive Watches
      • Best Scuba Diving Watches for Women
      • The 10 Best Diving Watches of 2020
    • Dry Suits
      • Best Women’s Scuba Diving Drysuits
      • Top 10 Scuba Drysuits of 2021 Compared and Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Drysuits Buying Guide
    • Drysuit Undergarments
      • Best Drysuit Undergarments of 2021
    • Fins
      • Best Fins for Bodyboarding
      • Best Fins For Snorkeling
      • Best Freediving Fins of 2021
      • Best Scuba Fins in 2020
    • First Aid Kits
    • Freediving
      • Best Lycra Dive Skins of 2021
      • Best Freediving Watches
      • Best Freediving Masks of 2021
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
      • Best Freediving Fins of 2021
      • The Best Spearguns of 2020
      • Best Pole Spears for Spearfishing
    • Full Face Masks
      • Full Face Scuba Mask Review
    • Gear Packages
      • Best Scuba Diving Gear Packages
    • Gifts For a Scuba Diver
    • GPS Gear
      • The Best Marine GPS in 2020
    • Hoods
      • Best 8 Scuba Diving Hoods of 2021
    • Hookah Diving
      • Best Hookah Dive Systems
      • Hookah Diving Equipment and Systems
    • Knives
      • Best Scuba Diving Knives of 2021
      • Best Titanium Dive Knives
      • Best Camping Knife for 2020
      • Best Kayak Knife Reviews
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviews
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
    • Marine Coolers
    • Masks
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask in 2020
      • Best Scuba Mask for a Small Face
      • Best Spearfishing Mask in 2021
      • The Best Snorkeling Masks of 2021
      • Best Prescription Snorkeling Mask Review
      • Best Scuba Mask With a Purge Valve of 2020
      • Best Freediving Masks of 2021
      • Best Scuba Mask – Top 10 Reviewed and Compared
    • Rebreathers
      • Best Closed Circuit Rebreathers Described and Reviewed
    • Regulators
      • Best Budget Scuba Regulator Reviews
      • Best Cold Water Regulators
      • Best Scuba Regulator 2021
    • Safety Equipment
      • Essential Scuba Diving Safety Equipment
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Review
      • What is the Best SMB For Scuba Diving?
    • Scuba Gauges
      • Best Scuba Diving Gauges Reviewed and Compared
    • Scuba Shorts
      • Best Scuba Diving Shorts Reviewed
    • Snorkeling Gear
      • Best Full Face Snorkel Mask in 2020
      • The Best Snorkeling Masks of 2021
      • Best Dry Snorkel Review
    • Slates
      • Best Scuba Diving Slates
    • Spearfishing
      • Best Spearfishing Mask in 2021
      • Best Pole Spears for Spearfishing
      • The Best Spearguns of 2020
    • Surface Marker Buoys
      • What is the Best SMB For Scuba Diving?
    • Tanks
      • The 10 Best Scuba Tanks
    • Underwater Drones
      • Best Underwater Drones For Sale
    • Underwater Lights
      • Best Underwater Strobe Review
      • Best Scuba Dive Lights
    • Underwater Metal Detectors
      • Best Underwater Metal Detector 2020
    • Underwater Photography
      • What is the Best Underwater Camera Housing?
      • Best Lens for Underwater Photography
      • Best Waterproof Camera in 2020
      • Best Underwater Strobe Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Camera Reviews
    • Underwater Signaling Devices
      • Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker Review
    • VHF Marine Radios
      • Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews
    • Wetsuits
      • Women’s Wetsuits
      • Best Scuba Diving Wetsuits Reviews
      • The Best Scuba Diving Wetsuit – Features and Description
      • Best Spearfishing Wetsuits
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits of 2020
      • Best Wetsuit for Kayaking
  • Scuba Basics
    • Level 3: PADI Rescue Diver Requirements & Course Description
    • Level II: Advanced Open Water Dive Course
    • Flying After Diving – What You Need to Know
    • Decompression Sickness Signs, Symptoms & Prevention
    • What is Nitrogen Narcosis?
    • Scuba Diving Buoyancy Control
    • Scuba Dive Buddy System
    • Learning to Dive – Level 1: The Open Water Diver Course
    • How to Become a Certified Diver – FAQ
    • Reasons to Become a Certified Scuba Diver
  • Liveaboards/Resorts A – I
    • Alaska
      • Scuba Diving in Anchorage Alaska
    • Arctic/Antarctic
      • Scuba Diving Antarctica & the Arctic – Liveaboards
    • Argentina
      • Scuba Diving in Argentina Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego
      • Scuba Diving in Argentina Peninsula Valdes
    • Australia
      • Scuba Diving Byron Bay Australia
      • Townsville Australia Diving
      • Scuba Diving Whitsunday Islands Australia
      • Scuba Diving Port Douglas Australia
      • Scuba Diving Cairns Australia
      • Scuba Diving Adelaide South Australia
      • Gold Coast Australia Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving Brisbane Australia
      • Scuba Diving in Melbourne Australia
      • Best Sydney Australia Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Perth Australia
      • Scuba Diving Tasmania Review
      • Scuba Diving Ningaloo Reef Western Australia Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Australia Liveaboards
    • Brazil
      • Abrolhos Scuba Diving Brazil
      • Fernando de Noronha Brazil Scuba Diving
    • Burma
      • Best Scuba Diving Burma Liveaboards
    • California
      • Scuba Diving San Clemente Island California
      • Scuba Diving Channel Islands National Park
      • Best Scuba Diving San Diego California
      • Scuba Dive Catalina Island California
      • Scuba Diving Monterey Bay California
    • Cambodia
      • Best Scuba Diving Cambodia
    • Carribbean, Bermuda & Cocos Islands
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Scuba Diving the BVI (British Virgin Islands)
      • Scuba Diving the British Virgin Islands Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the US Virgin Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Barts
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Eustatius
      • Scuba Diving in Saba
      • Scuba Diving St Kitts and Nevis
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Roatan Honduras
      • Best Roatan Honduras Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Haiti
      • Scuba Diving the Bahamas Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Bahamas Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
      • Best Scuba Diving Guadeloupe
      • Best Anguilla Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving in Antigua and Barbuda
      • Best Scuba Diving Jamaica
      • Best Scuba Diving Cuba
      • Best Scuba Diving Cuba Liveaboard – Jardines de la Reina
      • Scuba Diving the Dominican Republic
      • Best Scuba Diving Panama
      • Scuba Diving Cancun Mexico
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Rico
      • Scuba Diving St. Vincent and the Grenadines Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in St Lucia
      • Best Scuba Diving Cozumel
      • Best Scuba Diving St. Martin
      • Scuba Diving in Turks & Caicos
      • Diving the Cayman Islands
      • Best Trinidad & Tobago Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Curacao
      • Best Scuba Diving Aruba
      • Best Bonaire Dive Vacation
      • Best Scuba Diving in Dominica
      • Los Roques Venezuela Diving
      • Best Scuba in Bermuda Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Barbados
      • Grenada Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving in Martinique
      • Best Scuba Diving Costa Rica
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Liveaboards Caribbean
    • Central America
      • Best Cenote Diving Yucatan Mexico
      • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Playa Del Carmen Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Tulum Mexico
      • Socorro Islands Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Sea of Cortez Midriff Islands Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving Loreto Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Cabo Pulmo Mexico
      • Scuba Diving La Paz Mexico
      • Scuba Diving Cabo San Lucas Mexico
      • Puerto Vallarta Mexico Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Panama
      • Scuba Diving Cancun Mexico
      • Cozumel Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Roatan Honduras Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Costa Rica
      • Scuba Diving Ambergris Caye Belize
      • Best Dive Trips to Belize & Cocos Island Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Mexico – Guadalupe Island Shark Diving and Socorro Island Liveaboards
    • Colombia
      • Malpelo Island Diving Colombia
      • Scuba Diving San Andres Colombia
      • Scuba Diving Providencia Colombia
        • Banco Chinchorro Diving Mexico
    • Europe
      • Costa Brava Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving Menorca Spain
      • Scuba Diving on Mallorca Spain
      • Ibiza Scuba Diving Spain
      • Scuba Diving Lofoten Norway
      • Best Scuba Diving Sicily
      • Scuba Diving Scapa Flow German Wrecks
      • Scuba Diving Sardinia Italy
      • Best Scuba Diving Greece
      • Best Scuba Diving Portugal
      • Best Scuba Diving on Cyprus
      • Montenegro Scuba Diving Review
      • Best Scuba Diving Croatia
      • Best Scuba Diving in Crete
      • Best Malta Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Mediterranean Sea Tuscan Archipelago Liveaboard
      • Best Scuba Diving Isle of Man
    • Florida & Atlantic Coast
      • Scuba Diving Fort Myers Florida
      • Scuba Diving in Sarasota Florida
      • Scuba Diving Myrtle Beach (SC)
      • Scuba Diving Marathon Florida
      • Scuba Diving Islamorada Florida
      • Scuba Diving on Key West Florida
      • Best Scuba Diving Key Largo Florida
      • Scuba Diving West Palm Beach Florida
      • Scuba Diving Fort Lauderdale Florida
      • Scuba Diving in Panama City Florida
      • Scuba Diving Pensacola Florida
    • Galapagos
      • Best Galapagos Islands Scuba Diving
      • Scuba Diving Galapagos Islands Liveaboards
    • Hong Kong
      • Best Scuba Diving Hong Kong
    • Indian Ocean
      • Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai South Africa
      • Shark Diving in Mossel Bay South Africa
      • Scuba Diving in Pondicherry India
      • Scuba Diving Goa India
      • Scuba Diving the Maldives Islands
      • Best Maldives Liveaboard Diving
      • Scuba Diving Cape Town South Africa
      • Scuba Diving Port Elizabeth South Africa
      • Scuba Diving South Africa Protea Banks
      • Aliwal Shoal Scuba Diving South Africa
      • Scuba Diving Sodwana Bay South Africa
      • Scuba Diving the Andaman Islands
      • Best Scuba Diving Mozambique
      • Scuba Diving Mombasa Kenya
      • Best Reunion Island Diving Reviewed
      • Best Diving Zanzibar Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving in Mauritius
      • Best Sri Lanka Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Madagascar Liveaboards
      • Scuba Diving the Seychelles – Liveaboards
    • Indonesia
      • Scuba Diving Raja Ampat Indonesia
      • Best Raja Ampat Liveaboard Diving
      • Best Derawan Islands Diving Liveaboards
      • Diving on Gili Islands Indonesia Reviewed
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving Northern Sulawesi and Halmahera
      • Best Diving Indonesia – Pulau Weh Diving
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Alor and Flores
      • Best Indonesia Liveaboard Diving – Cenderawasih Bay
      • Best Indonesia Diving – Wakatobi Liveaboard Diving
      • Best North Sulawesi Scuba Diving – Bunaken Island & Lembeh Strait Indonesia
      • Banda Sea Diving Liveaboards Indonesia
      • Best Komodo Island Scuba Diving Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Bali Diving Resorts
  • Liveaboards/Resorts J – Z
    • Japan
      • Scuba Diving Okinawa Japan
    • Macronesia (Atlantic) & West Africa
      • Dakar Senegal Scuba Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving the Canary Islands
      • Scuba Diving the Azores
      • Best Scuba Diving Cape Verde Islands
      • Scuba Diving Madeira Islands Portugal
    • Malaysia
      • Kuching Diving Sarawak Malaysia
      • Langkawi Scuba Diving Malaysia
      • Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu
      • Diving Redang Island Malaysia
      • Best Diving Malaysia Labuan Diving
      • Best Diving Malaysia Perhentian Islands Diving
      • Tioman Island Scuba Diving
      • Best Dive Resorts Malaysia – Layang Layang Island & Lankayan Island Borneo
      • Sipadan Island Scuba Diving
    • Middle East
      • Best Scuba Diving in Israel
      • Best Red Sea Diving Eilat
      • Scuba Diving Nuweiba Egypt
      • Best Diving in Oman – Muscat
      • Scuba Diving Jeddah & Yanbu Saudi Arabia
      • Best Dahab Diving Holidays
      • Best Marsa Alam Egypt Diving
      • Best Diving Sharm el Sheikh Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Hurghada Egypt
      • Scuba Diving Aqaba Jordan
      • Best Red Sea Liveaboards – Reviewed and Compared
      • Fujairah & Dubai Scuba Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving Djibouti Liveaboards
      • Best Liveaboard Scuba Diving Oman
    • New Zealand
      • Scuba Diving Bay of Islands New Zealand
      • Best Milford Sound Diving New Zealand
      • Poor Knights Islands Diving New Zealand
    • Pacific Islands
      • Scuba Diving Pohnpei Micronesia
      • Best Scuba Diving Samoa
      • Scuba Diving Easter Island Chile
      • Scuba Diving Molokai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Maui Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Kauai Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Oahu Hawaii
      • Best Scuba Diving Hawaii Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Palau Micronesia
      • Scuba Diving Palau Micronesia Liveaboards
      • Kosrae Scuba Diving Micronesia
      • Scuba Diving the Cook Islands
      • Best Tonga Scuba Diving Review
      • Scuba Diving New Caledonia Review
      • Scuba Diving Vanuatu Review
      • Best Yap Scuba Diving Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Guam Reviewed
      • Best Saipan Scuba Diving Reviewed
      • Best Scuba Diving Fiji
      • Bikini Atoll & Truk Lagoon Wrecks – Liveaboards
      • Best Diving French Polynesia Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving the Solomon Islands Liveaboards
    • Pacific Northwest (North America)
      • Nanaimo Scuba Diving British Columbia
      • Scuba Diving British Columbia – Howe Sound
      • Best Scuba Diving San Juan Islands Washington
    • Papua New Guinea
      • Papua New Guinea Diving Review
      • Best Papua New Guinea Diving Liveaboards
    • Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Coron Philippines
      • Best Coron Wrecks & Apo Reef Diving Liveaboards
      • Romblon Scuba Diving Philippines Review
      • Scuba Diving Camiguin Philippines Review
      • Scuba Diving Siquijor Island Philippines Review
      • Dumaguete Philippines Scuba Diving
      • Philippines Diving Puerto Princesa Review
      • Best Diving in the Philippines Visayas Liveaboards
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anilao Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Cebu Moalboal Diving
      • Best Diving Malapascua Philippines
      • Best Diving Philippines – Anda Scuba Diving
      • El Nido Scuba Diving Philippines
      • Mactan Island Diving Philippines
      • Sogod Bay Diving Southern Leyte Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Boracay Philippines
      • Best Scuba Diving Puerto Galera Philippines
      • Panglao Scuba Diving Bohol Philippines
      • Scuba Diving the Philippines Subic Bay Wrecks
      • Best Tubbataha Reef Liveaboards – Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
      • Best Liveaboard Scuba Diving Philippines Malapascua & the Visayas
    • Taiwan
      • Scuba Diving Kenting Taiwan
      • Green Island Scuba Diving Taiwan
      • Best Diving Taiwan Orchid Island
    • Thailand
      • Ko Lipe Diving Thailand
      • Scuba Diving Krabi Thailand
      • Scuba Diving in Nha Trang Vietnam
      • Scuba Diving Khao Lak Thailand
      • Chumphon Scuba Diving Thailand
      • Scuba Diving Koh Chang Thailand
      • Best Scuba Diving in Pattaya Thailand
      • Best Koh Tao Thailand Diving
      • Best Scuba Diving Phuket Thailand Liveaboards
      • Best Scuba Diving Thailand Liveaboards
    • Vietnam
  • Books & Media
    • Top 10 Best Ocean Documentaries
    • Top 10 Best Diving Movies of All Time
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Cave & Underwater Explorer Diving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Educational & Reference
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Sea Life & Safety/Survival
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Wreck & Inspirational
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Children’s & Fiction
    • Best Scuba Diving Books Ever – Underwater Photography & Freediving
    • Best Scuba Diving Books – Pacific Northwest Marine Life
  • Swimming
    • Best Swimming Headphones of 2020
    • The Best Swim Parka of 2021
    • The Best Swim Goggles of 2020
  • Boating
    • Boating Accessories
      • Best Fishing Knives Reviews
      • Best Sailing Knife Reviews
      • Best Rain Gear Fishing
      • Best Boat Trailer Tongue Jack Review
      • The Best Boat Trailer Winch Reviews
      • Best Bimini Tops for Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Boat Ladder Reviews
      • Best Boat Anchor Rope Reviews
      • Best Boat Anchor Review
      • Best First Aid Kits 2021
    • Binoculars
      • Best Night Vision Binoculars Review
      • Marine Binoculars
    • Canoes
      • Best Inflatable Canoe Reviews
      • Canoes
      • Best Canoe Paddles for 2021
    • Coolers
      • Soft Side Coolers
      • Marine Coolers
    • Electronics
      • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Marine VHF Radio Reviews
      • Kayak Fish Finder Review
      • The Best Marine GPS in 2020
    • Inflatable Boats
      • Best Inflatable Boat Launching Wheels
      • Best Inflatable Dinghy Review
      • Best Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boats
      • Inflatable Boats
    • Kayak Accessories
      • Best Kayak Knife Reviews
      • Best Kayak Rod Holders
      • Best Kayak Seats Reviews
      • Best Kayak Storage Racks
      • Best Gifts For a Kayaker
      • Kayak Compass Reviews
      • Best Kayak Anchor Systems
      • Kayak Bilge Pump Reviews
      • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
      • Best Kayak Roof Rack Systems
      • What is the Best Kayak Cart?
      • Best Waterproof Bags Kayaking
      • Best Water Shoes Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Helmets in 2021
      • Best Wetsuit for Kayaking
      • Best Kayak Drysuit Review
      • Best Kayak Paddle Fishing
      • Best Kayak Paddles for 2021
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best Kayak Life Vests Women
      • Best Life Vest Kayaking
    • Kayaks
      • Best Motorized Kayak in 2021
      • Best Pedal Kayak Review
      • Best Kayak for Kids Reviews
      • Best Kayaks for Women in 2021
      • Best Touring Kayaks of 2020
      • Best Tandem Kayak Review
      • Best Whitewater Kayaks Beginners
      • Best Lake Kayaks of 2021
      • Best Ocean Kayaks of 2020
      • Ocean Fishing Kayak Reviews
      • Best Fishing Kayaks of 2021
      • Best Beginner Kayaks Reviews
      • Best Recreational Kayaks in 2020
      • Best Inflatable Kayaks for 2020
    • Life Jackets
      • Best Life Jackets for Jet Ski
      • Best Wakeboard Life Jacket Reviews
      • Inflatable Life Jackets Reviews
      • Best Kayak Fishing Life Jacket Reviews
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best Kayak Life Vests Women
      • Best Life Vests Kayaking
    • Motors
      • Best Electric Trolling Motor Reviews
      • Best Small Outboard Motor Review
      • Best Kayak Trolling Motor Review
  • Board Sports
    • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
    • Stand Up Paddleboards
      • Best Stand Up Paddle Board Review 2021
      • Best Stand Up Paddleboard for Yoga
      • Best Paddle Boards for Surfing
      • Best Inflatable Paddle Boards of 2021
      • Best Fishing SUP Boards
    • SUP Accessories
      • Best SUP Paddles Review
      • Best SUP Life Vest Reviews
      • Best SUP Roof Rack Systems
    • Best Skimboards of 2021
    • Best Wakesurf Boards of 2020
    • Body Boards
      • Best Bodyboards of 2020
      • Best Boogie Boards for Kids
      • Best Fins for Bodyboarding
    • Surfboards
      • Best Surfboards for 2020
      • Best Soft Top Surfboards in 2021
      • Best Surfboard for Beginners in 2021
      • Best Surfboards for Kids
    • Surfing Accessories
      • Best Surfing Watches in 2021
      • Best Surfboard Travel Bag Review
      • Best Surfboard Racks for Cars
      • The Best Surf Booties
      • Best Rash Guards Men
      • Best Rash Guard Women Reviewed
      • Best Surfing Wetsuits of 2020
  • Towables
    • Best Electric Pump for Inflatables
    • What is the Best Kneeboard?
    • Best Wakeboards in 2020
    • Best Wakeboard Life Jacket Reviews
    • Water Ski Reviews
    • Best Wakesurf Boards of 2020
    • Best Towable Tubes of 2020
  • Beach
    • Best Beach Cruisers in 2020
    • Best Beach Wagons or Carts
    • Waterproof Bags
    • Best Soft Sided Coolers in 2021
    • Best Beach Coolers in 2021
    • Best Marine Cooler Review
    • Best Beach Chairs for 2020
    • Best Beach Umbrellas Review
    • Best Beach Canopy 2021
    • Best Beach Tents of 2021
  • Cycling
    • Best Kids Electric Scooter 2020
    • Best Adult Electric Scooter 2020
    • Best Folding Bikes for 2020
    • Best Cameras for Cycling
    • Best MTB Lights 2021
    • Best Hardtail Mountain Bike of 2021
    • Best Gravel Bikes Under $2,000
    • Best Beginner Road Bikes 2021
    • Best Bike Computer 2021
    • Best Comfort Bikes 2021
    • Best Children’s Mountain Bikes
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets
    • Best Mountain Bike Helmets 2021
    • Best Affordable Electric Bikes of 2021
    • Best Women’s Mountain Bikes in 2020
    • Best BMX Bikes of 2021
    • Best Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 of 2020
    • Best Budget Mountain Bikes of 2021
    • Best Fat Bikes in 2021
    • Best Single Speed Bikes of 2021
    • Best Beach Cruisers in 2020
  • Camping
    • Best Backpacking Water Filters in 2021
    • Best Headlamps for 2021
    • Best Night Vision Binoculars Review
    • Best Backpacking Stove Reviews
    • Best Backpacking Tarp Shelter
    • Best Camping Knife for 2020
    • Best Backpacking Tents for 2020
    • Best Backpacking Backpacks in 2020
    • Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads in 2020
    • Best Camping Bed in 2020
    • Best Portable Toilets for 2020
    • Best Bivy Sack Review
    • Best Camping Hammock for 2020
    • Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags for 2020
    • Best Ultralight Tents for 2020
    • Best SUV Tents of 2020
    • Best 4 Season Tents for 2020
    • Best Truck Tents in 2020
    • Best 4 Person Tents for 2020
    • Best Beach Tents of 2021

Best Scuba Diving Mozambique

9:20 am by Joe Leave a Comment

Mozambique - Dugong
Mozambique – Dugong

Updated January 6, 2021

This is the sixty-seventh in a series of reviews of the best diving destinations around the world.  In this post, the focus is Mozambique.

In addition to this series on diving destinations, the best worldwide liveaboard diving locations and services are reviewed in their own series.  To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards/Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.

Have you ever been diving in Mozambique before?  If so, I’d love to know about your experience.  What dive shop or liveaboard did you use?  Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.?  Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.

Best Scuba Diving Mozambique

Background – With twice the area of California and a coastline of 2,470 kilometers (1,535 miles), Mozambique is bordered on the north by Tanzania, the west by Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and South Africa and Swaziland on the south.  It has several mountain chains, 25 rivers including the Zambezi, and a population of 29 million.

The Portuguese settled there in 1500 with spices and slaves as primary economic motivation over the years.  Independence was achieved in 1975, but that was followed by civil war and flirtations with the Soviets.  The war ended in 1992 and by 1995 Mozambique was a multiparty state and the only country never a part of the British Empire to become a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Although there is a rich countryside and coastline, and natural gas reserves recently discovered, the economy is poorly developed and in 2012 major government corruption was revealed.  The infrastructure is poor and transportation around the country is often slow and inconvenient.  However, there is quite a lot of tourism and with the natural beauty on land and at sea and increasing societal stability it will continue to grow.

Maputo in the south, with the second-largest population among Mozambique’s cities at 1.1 million, is the capital and major international port of entry.

97.8% of the population is from tribal groups making up the Bantu peoples with the rest Europeans, mostly Portuguese, mixed-race, and Indians with a small cadre of Chinese, as well.

Portuguese is the national language that people in cities speak as their #1 language.  Overall more than 50% of the population can speak Portuguese.

56% are Christian, 18% Muslim, and the rest have another religion, mostly animism, or no religion.

Undersea World – With its long coastline, offshore reefs, and islands, Mozambique offers a great number of dive sites on many near-pristine reefs with perhaps the world’s top list of big creatures to behold.

Seasonal whale sharks and manta rays appear from November through April with humpback whales coming from June through October.  There are several species of turtle including leatherbacks and schooling trevally, barracuda, tuna, and other pelagics.  The list of commonly seen sharks is astounding: silvertips, hammerheads, tiger, bull, black and whitetip reef sharks, leopard, and guitar sharks.  In addition, marble stingrays, eagle rays, dolphins, and even dugongs can be observed.

There are fringing reefs and a full array of rocks, pinnacles, walls, and arches making up the undersea terrain.  The rich coral reef with a large array of hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges provides excellent habitat for lionfish, snappers, sweetlips, grouper, fusiliers, moray eels, crocodile fish, leaf fish, peacock flounders, frogfish, nudibranchs, and many other of macro critters.

Seasons and Conditions – Because the Mozambique coastal diving areas cover a fairly large geographic area, conditions have some variation from place to place.

As you would expect, it is warm year-round with average daily high temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) in December through March and getting down to 25°C (77°F) in June and July.

The rainy season runs from November through March with the driest months of the year in July and August.

Water temperature is in a range from 23-29°C (73.4- 84.2°F) but usually does not dip below 26°C (78.8°F).  A 3-5mm wetsuit will handle thermal protection when the water is at its coolest.

In some locations, the current can be strong and the visibility is excellent at 24-40 meters (80-130 feet).

Conditions are available for every level of diver.

There are at least 42 dive shops in operation in Mozambique.  Many are very sophisticated providing a range of training, equipment rental, guiding, and boat tours.

None of the major liveaboard yachts travel to Mozambique.  However, there are quite a few that cruise the relatively nearby Madagascar and Seychelles dive sites.  Please click here for my reviews:

  • Best Diving Vacations – Madagascar Liveaboards
  • Seychelles Best Scuba Diving Holidays

SY Sea Bird Seychelles Liveaboard

SY Sea Bird, Seychelles Liveaboard Diving – Check the Price

MV Galatea Seychelles Liveaboard

MV Galatea, Madagascar Liveaboard Diving – Check the Price

For my reviews of some other Southwest Indian Ocean resort diving areas, please check these posts:

  • Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai South Africa
  • Shark Diving in Mossel Bay South Africa
  • Scuba Diving Cape Town South Africa
  • South Africa Scuba Diving Port Elizabeth
  • Protea Banks Diving South Africa
  • Aliwal Shoal Scuba Diving South Africa
  • Diving Sodwana Bay South Africa
  • Scuba Diving Mombasa Kenya
  • Zanzibar Scuba Diving Review
  • Scuba Diving Mauritius Review
  • Scuba Diving Reunion Island

Mozambique Dive Sites Map

Selected Mozambique Dive Sites

Ponta do Ouro

  • Location: near the South African border at Kosi Bay
  • Highlights: good variety of reef tropicals, macro critters, and big stuff including paper fish, frogfish, nudibranchs, red toothed triggerfish schools, potato cod, reef, bull, hammerhead and whale sharks, dolphins, barracuda, eagle rays, around 20 reefs in the area, shallow and deep, some with substantial drift, all levels
  • Access: 3-5 hour drive from Maputo

Inhaca Island

  • Location:  35 kilometers (22 miles) offshore from Maputo
  • Highlights: 150 types of  healthy coral, diverse reef life, big schools of kingfish and barracuda, dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays from November through April, humpback whales in September and October, reefs from 18-30 meters (60-100 feet), several wrecks, all levels
  • Access: 2-hour ferry once a day between Maputo to Inhaca

Pemba (not the Pemba in Zanzibar)

  • Location: bay in the far north of the country (see map)
  • Highlights: beautiful beaches, continental shelf drop off starts at 15 meters (50 feet), descends to 120 meters (400 feet), lots of sites at 30 meters (100 feet) and shallower, pristine corals, rich diverse marine life, good variety of corals and reef tropicals, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, mobula rays, mola mola, rays, black marlin, all levels
  • Access: 34-37 hour drive from Maputo, flights from Maputo once per week

Quirimbas Archipelago

  • Location: 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Pemba
  • Highlights: marine protected area in 11 of the 32 islands (biggest in Africa), much unexplored, pristine coral reef, rich marine life, manta rays, and whale sharks in summer, 8 species of shark, kingfish, barracuda, dolphins, humpback whales, 5 turtle species and nesting areas (nesting November through March), sites from 14-80 meters (46-260 feet), all levels
  • Access: your hotel can help you arrange transport from Pemba

Mozambique Photos

With the pristine coral reefs, rich macro life and spectacular whales, sharks, dolphins, rays, turtles, pelagics, and shipwrecks, and the world-famous African land-based wildlife and historical and cultural sites, as well, there are many excellent photo opportunities.  For information and reviews of dive cameras, click here:

  • Best Underwater Cameras Compared and Reviewed

Mozambique Hotels, Resorts, Transportation and Dive Shops

Transportation – The airport near Maputo has frequent flights from South Africa, Portugal, and several other African countries.  Less frequent domestic flights can be made to Inhambane, Vilanculos, Beira, and Pemba from Maputo.   The infrastructure in Mozambique is very poor.  Taxis, if you can find them, require a negotiated price.  There is not a public bus or rail service.  Private buses (machibombo), smaller transport vehicles (chapa), or trucks (camiao) can be found, but are not necessarily reliable or comfortable.  There is one main paved road that stretches from Maputo, at the southern end, to Lilongwe in the north.  Car rental is possible, but depots are only in Maputo and Beira on the central coast.

Dive Shops & Lodging – There are at least 42 dive shops, a number of which are affiliated with resorts, that operate in Mozambique.  They are in operation year-round and offer a full range of services including equipment rental, dive courses, guiding, and boat dive cruises.  In Maputo, the major entry point to Mozambique, there are at least 55 accommodations of every level available from $16 to $292 per night.  The website linked below is a good source for the available options and can arrange a booking.  You can easily find the locations on the map provided on this site.  Their rates are the lowest and it is free to cancel or change dates.

  • Mozambique Resorts

Things to do in Mozambique (aside from scuba diving)

There is a lot of scenic beauty at the seaside and inland and interesting culture to get acquainted with.  Here are some of the places to go:  Gorongosa National Park, Bazaruto Archipelago, Island of Mozambique, Iglesia de San Antonio de la Polona, Governor’s Palace Museum, Vamizi Island, Bilene, Portuguese Island, Feira De Artesanato, Praia do Tofo, Cahora Bassa Dam, Lake Malawi, Benguerra Island. Check the videos below for some of these and for a city tour of Maputo.

Scuba Diving Trip Insurance

A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation.  I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Feedback and Comments

I hope you found this post on Mozambique scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section.  I’d love to know of any experience you have diving in Mozambique.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

Filed Under: Resort Diving

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Best Backpacking Water Filters in 2021
  • Best Headlamps for 2021
  • Best Night Vision Binoculars Review
  • Best Backpacking Stove Reviews
  • Best Backpacking Tarp Shelter
  • Best Camping Knife for 2020
  • Best Backpacking Tents for 2020
  • Best Backpacking Backpacks in 2020

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Joe on Best Kayak Anchor Systems
  • Bonnie Curtis on Best Kayak Anchor Systems
  • Joe on Best Tonga Scuba Diving Review
  • Lupeni Otuhouma on Best Tonga Scuba Diving Review
  • Joe on Best Marine Binoculars of 2021

Suunto D5 Computer w/Tank Pod

Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Apeks XL4+ – Great for Cold Water & Technical Diving

Brownie’s F285X Deluxe Floating Hookah Dive System – 2 Person

Diamondback Haanjo 4 Gravel Bike

Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Gili Adventure Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

IST Sports WS80 3-5-7mm Men’s & Women’s Wetsuits – Good Quality & Pricing

Dräger Panorama Nova Full Face Dive Mask

Scubapro Litehawk – Top Back Inflation Travel BCD

Promate Titanium Dive Knife

Seamax Ocean 430 14′ Heavy Duty Dinghy

Minn Kota Traxxis 55 Transom Mount Trolling Motor

Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit

Scubapro FS-2 Compass

Scubapro Go Travel Fins

Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS

XS Scuba Thug

Waterproof D10 Pro ISS Women’s Drysuit

Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Marine Binocular

Mares Cruise Backpack Pro

Neosport Unisex Sports Skin

Pelican 50QT Elite Marine Cooler

Coleman Instant Beach Canopy

Coleman 5 HP Easy Start Outboard Motor

Fourth Element Neoprene Dive Gloves

Ocean Kayak Malibu II Recreational Kayak

THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard

Speedo Color Block Swim Parka

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

My website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.   This is at no extra cost to you.

Joe

Copyright © 2021 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in