Destinations

Ponta do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro, located just 5 km from the South African border, in Mozambique’s southernmost province of Maputo, is part of Mozambique’s stunning Elephant Coast. Nestled within the Maputo National Park, Ponta boasts some of the most vibrant marine life in Mozambique, thanks to its protected status. The abundance of marine species here, from sharks to turtles, makes it a world-class dive destination for adventurous divers. Whether you’re after encounters with huge schools of tropical fish or hoping to dive with sharks on a deep, thrilling dive, Ponta offers unforgettable underwater adventures.

Getting There

Ponta do Ouro is easily accessible from Maputo, Mozambique’s capital.

  • Nearest Airport: Maputo International Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights.
  • Road Trip from Maputo: Ponta is about 110 km south of Maputo, and the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along a scenic paved road that cuts through the Maputo Elephant Reserve. If you’re lucky, you might even spot elephants, zebras or giraffes along the way!

Marine Life

Diving in Ponta is a treat for marine enthusiasts, especially given the rich biodiversity that thrives in its protected waters. Thanks to conservation efforts, you’ll notice the waters teem with more fish than in other regions. Here’s what you can expect to see:

Sharks

Ponta is renowned for its shark dives, with Zambezi (bull) sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks regularly spotted, especially during our “summer” (the wet season from October to March).

Rays

Ponta’s reefs are home to various large ray species, including honeycomb whiprays and Jenkins’ whiprays, laying low on the sandy beds of the shallow reefs. Occasionally, you might also spot the impressive spotted shovelnose guitarfish lying quietly on the sandy bottom.

Morays

Massive moray eels, like the honeycomb moray, with heads as thick as a human thigh and reaching up to 2 meters in length, lurk within the reef’s crevices.

Turtles

Five of the seven species of marine turtles occur and nest along the Mozambican coast. Maputo National Park is a turtle breeding ground, hosting 80% of the country’s loggerhead and leatherback turtle nests.

Reef Fish

Large schools of trevally and barracuda circle over the deeper reefs, while potato groupers patrol the reef below. Tropical species like parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish add vibrant color, swimming alongside schools of snappers, sweepers, and the occasional roving catfish eels.

Invertebrates

The reefs of Ponta are teeming with fascinating invertebrates, including octopus, starfish, and giant clams. You’ll also find a variety of shrimp species, such as banded coral shrimp and emperor shrimp, as well as sea cucumbers and a colorful array of nudibranchs hiding among the corals.

Dive Sites

Doodles (Max Depth: 18m)

Doodles is a relatively shallow reef that makes for an excellent dive for both beginners and seasoned divers. The reef is dotted with hard and soft corals, sponges, and rock formations. You’ll swim alongside large schools of baitfish that attract predators like potato groupers and trevally. Look out for tropical species, including snapper, sweepers, parrotfish, and the occasional moray eel. This reef also offers the chance to spot honeycomb whiprays resting on the sandy bottom and the elusive spotted shovelnose guitarfish.

Pinnacles (Max Depth: 40+ m)

Known as one of the premier shark diving spots in the region. This deep reef sits on the edge of the continental shelf, where you can encounter Zambezi (bull) sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads mainly during our “summer” (the wet season, from October to March). The dive typically involves mid-water hanging, where divers observe sharks circling the reef and the divers. While some macro life can be found on the reef itself, this deep dive is mostly about the thrilling big fish encounters. It’s only diveable for Advanced Open Water divers due to its depth and conditions.

Dive Conditions

Deep Dives

Some of Ponta’s best sites are only accessible for Advanced Open Water divers. If you’re not certified, consider upgrading your skills with us before diving Tofo. We also recommend the Enriched Air Nitrox course to extend your bottom time – diving on 32% nitrox at 30m gives you 30 minutes underwater compared to 20 on regular air, a 50% increase! A good bang for your buck. Learn more about Enriched Air Nitrox.

Double Tank Dives

To make the most of Ponta’s far-off reefs, double-tank dives are common. Surface intervals are spent on the boat, enjoying snacks and spotting humpback whales in season.

Negative Entry

Due to strong currents on certain days, divers perform negative entries on deep dives to quickly reach the reef without drifting off the dive site.

Surf Launches

Every dive site is accessed using semi-rigid inflatable boats and a surf launch. This involves launching the boats directly from the beach, through the breaking waves, which adds an exciting element to the dive.

Wetsuits

  • Summer (Wet Season, October to March): A 5mm full wetsuit is generally sufficient, but during peak summer, you may prefer a shorty wetsuit or a 3mm suit, or a combination of the two, for added comfort on hotter days.
  • Winter (Dry Season, April to October): A 5mm full wetsuit is recommended, but during peak winter or for double tank dives, wearing a sleeveless vest (with or without a hood) underneath may offer extra warmth. Most divers, however, find the 5mm suit adequate on its own.

Beyond Diving

Ponta do Ouro isn’t just a diving destination – it’s a coastal playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you’re keen to snorkel with dolphins, explore the local wildlife, or simply relax, Ponta has something for everyone.

  • Dolphin Snorkeling: Join Dolphin Encountours for a chance to snorkel with the local population of dolphins that live in these waters year-round.
  • Whale Watching: During the whale migration season, you can spot humpback whales breaching just offshore. Combine dolphin snorkeling with whale watching for a full experience!

Ponta do Ouro

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