Mozambique has started positioning itself as a top destination for marine tourism, with new initiatives and luxury offerings set to make a splash in the coming years. Leading the charge is Pelorus, a high-end travel company, which recently announced its Marine Marvels expedition in the East African nation in 2025.
The seven-night adventure, priced at $22,800 per person, aims to blend luxury with hands-on marine conservation. The expedition will take place on the Machangulo Peninsula, about 30 miles south of the capital city of Maputo, where travelers will work alongside scientists from IndoCet (Indian Ocean network for Cetacean Research) on Mozambique's first comprehensive study of marine migratory patterns.
Travelers can choose to arrive by light aircraft, helicopter or boat transfer from Maputo. Or they can even travel via privately chartered plane from neighboring countries' safari lodges. Upon landing, they'll be welcomed by the team at Colina Verde, a luxurious, exclusive-use private villa that will serve as their home for the week. The private villa features seven bedrooms, a heated swimming pool, spa, gym and private boat.
The expedition's itinerary is packed with unique experiences. Participants will meet with marine researchers, conservationists and a wildlife photographer and filmmaker who will document their experience. Following a briefing, travelers will board a high-speed, inflatable boat, known as a RIB, for their first day of conservation work.
Participants will observe marine mammals and assist scientists from Indocet in data collection, such as sizing and DNA sampling. Photo Credit: Pelorus
With two boats at their disposal, travelers will have the flexibility to engage in various activities. Mornings will be spent diving to change out acoustic receivers and deploy new ones for up to five apex reef predators as well as assisting with other data collection, such as sizing and DNA sampling. Participants will also observe marine mammals, photograph flukes and study the behavior and movements of both humpback dolphins and whales.
These activities form part of IndoCet's groundbreaking research on migratory patterns in Mozambique, giving guests the chance to leave a lasting legacy -- including the rare opportunity to name a whale.
The Machangulo Peninsula in itself is known for its beautiful beaches and protected marine reserves. Travelers can snorkel and dive around century-old shipwrecks, kayak through mangroves and enjoy picnics on secluded sandbanks. A highlight of the Pelorus trip is a scenic helicopter flight over Maputo Special Reserve, about 50 miles south of Maputo, offering the chance to spot both elephants and whales.
Many tourism opportunities
Pelorus' new offering is just one part of Mozambique's growing appeal as a marine destination. The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, accessible from the town of Vilanculos in Inhambane Province, about 435 miles northeast of Maputo, is also fast becoming a marine sustainability hot spot.
The park encompasses five subtropical islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island) and Bangue. Its waters are home to some of East Africa's most pristine coral reefs and an impressive array of marine life. Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and various shark species. The park is also known for harboring the last viable population of dugongs on the East African coast.
To make sure the Bazaruto Archipelago remains a sustainability hot spot, TUI recently launched the "Sea the Change" initiative. In partnership with African Parks, this program is working to protect the Bazaruto Archipelago and engage local communities in conservation efforts.
The initiative aims to safeguard 371 000 acres of marine reserve while involving 7,000 residents in conservation awareness and sustainable fishing practices. This focus on sustainability is crucial for Mozambique's long-term tourism prospects. The Bazaruto Archipelago, like many coastal areas, faces threats from climate change, unregulated development and overfishing. By promoting responsible tourism and involving local communities, initiatives like Sea the Change aim to protect these fragile ecosystems while still allowing visitors to experience their beauty.
Dives and dhows
Beyond the headline-grabbing expeditions and archipelagos, Mozambique offers a wealth of other marine experiences. The Quirimbas Archipelago in Cabo Delgado Province, northern Mozambique, is a string of 32 coral islands known for their diving sites and traditional dhow sailing.
Inhaca Island, about 25 miles east of Maputo, offers excellent snorkeling and the chance to see nesting turtles (seasonal). The nearby Santa Maria peninsula is a haven for birdwatchers, with species ranging from flamingos to rare seabirds.
Logistically, Mozambique is becoming increasingly accessible to U.S. travelers. Major airlines offer connections to Maputo Airport, often via Johannesburg. From Maputo, domestic flights connect to key tourism hubs like Vilanculos (for Bazaruto) and Pemba (for Quirimbas).
U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Mozambique, which can be obtained online or upon arrival. The official language is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
However, potential visitors should be aware that Mozambique is still a developing country with some infrastructure challenges. Outside of major towns and tourism hubs, roads can be poor and medical facilities limited.
Despite these challenges, the rewards for visitors are substantial. As awareness of the country's attractions grows, it's likely to become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures and meaningful travel experiences, one that U.S. travel advisors should take note of.