Information on Guinjata Bay, Mozambique, Africa

Guinjata Bay is situated south of Inhambane in the Jangamo Bay area, and is approximately five hundred and thirty kilometers to the north of Maputo. Though the road from Maputo to Inhambane is tarred, the last twenth five kilometer stretch is a dirt road, and is only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle. Guinjata Bay has become known as one of the top ten diving destinations in the world, boasting a choice of four reefs. The first of these, is the Guinjata Bay reef, which is approximately one and a half kilometers out to sea. The reef features a variety of interesting dive spots varying in depth from about nine meters to twenty one meters at its deepest. One of the areas along the reef is covered with sea anemones, while other areas are full of brightly coloured nudibranches and sea cucumbers, and the outer ledge often provides divers with sightings of game fish and rays which come to rest in the sand. Manta Reef, the second of the four, is located along the edge of the main current which passes through the Mozambique channel. The Manta Reef is situated approximately twelve kilometers north of the launch site and is only accessible during calm seas. This reef is large and offers a large variety of dives ranging in depth from eighteen meters to thirty five meters on the outer edge. As the reef is situated along the main current Manta and Devil rays are more commonly seen there. Along the reef there are three cleaning stations for Mata rays, where smaller fish can be seen removing parasites from them. Massive whale Sharks, Sharks and a variety of pelagic fish often frequent the area. Along one of the better spots on the reef called "Manta" offers divers an unserpassable experience, with vast shoals of reef and game fish to be seen. Spanish Dancers have been seen swimming in broad daylight. Paindane reef starts relatively close to the shore and runs down to a depth of thirty five meters rather quickly offering excellent sightings of reef fish on one side, and various game fish on the other. Many lionfish can be seen in one of the spots along the reef. The shallow protected area has a wide variety of brilliantly coloured corals. The inner side of the reef is extremely well protected and provides calm and tranquil, almost pool like conditions for student training and snorkeling. Island Rock is the fourth reef, and is located about six kilometers past Paindane. Numerous whale sharks are sighted there regularly, but the site is not too often dived and remains largely unexplored. There is a cave that drops to 14m up to 7m. The area offers keen anglers excellent game fishing opportunities, and a variety of fishing charter outfits are available in the area on request. Vast numbers of game fish can be found in abundance near Guinjata Resort, and bait fish can often be seen in the bay jumping out of the water in attepts of escaping the Kingfish, Barracuda, Sailfish and Marlin which hunt them. Other fish regularly caught in the area include Cuta, Greater Barracuda, Kingfish (of which a world record was caught), Queen fish, Kawa Kawa, Bonito, Dorado, Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo to name but a few. A variety of activites awaits those who wish to remain firmly on dry land. Off road quad biking tours take visitors through the bush, over the dunes and along the miles of pristine, deserted beach. Cultural Tours to local villages are available offering visitors interesting insights into traditional Mozambique culture. A popular destination along these tours, is a stop at the local chiefs home where one can try some of the local cuisine and the popular coconut beer.