Dive or snorkel with the gentle giants of the sea; the whale shark and the manta ray. Whale sharks and manta rays can be spotted all year round, although the largest concentration of whale sharks and manta rays in the Bazaruto Archipelago is found from October through April.
Giants of the Bazaruto Archipelago
Whale sharks and manta rays are harmless towards humans. For this reason, it is very popular among divers and snorkelers to swim with these massive creatures. Due to the successful conservation efforts of the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bazaruto Archipelago is among the best places in the World to see these magnificent animals. Please explore the site to read more about the conservation efforts of the the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary.
Whale sharks
The whale shark is the World's largest living fish, known to reach lengths in excess of 14 meters. Its massive body has alternating thin white vertical bars and columns of white spots on a dark background, with long ridges along the upper side of the body. The narrow mouth extends across the full width of its flattened head and the eyes are small and far forward on the head.
Whale sharks are harmless creatures and appear curious with humans. The whale shark typically swims slowly near the surface where it consumes small crustacean plankton and small fish, such as anchovies and sardines. As the whale shark is mostly seen on the surface of the Ocean, divers and snorkelers can swim with these gentle creatures, which is a truly unforgettable experience! Divers and snorkelers can swim with this giant fish without any risk apart from unintentionally being struck by the shark's large tail fin.
Manta & mobula rays
A variety of rays can be seen in the Bazaruto Archipelago, including the manta and mobula rays. Manta rays and mobula rays (also known as "devil rays") are similar in form, but manta rays grow much larger than mobula rays. The largest known manta ray specimen is more than 7.6 meters across, with a weight of about 2,300 kg, while most mobula rays are 1 to 3 meters across. In the Bazaruto Archipelago the manta rays average 4 meters across. Manta rays and mobula rays are most easily distinguished by the position of the mouth. In Mantas, the mouth is located at the front of the head, while in mobula rays the mouth is located underneath the head (as in many sharks).
Both manta and mobula rays are harmless and are very curious around humans, and generally fond of swimming with scuba divers. Manta rays often surface to investigate boats without engines running and sometimes even leap completely out of the water. It is important to remember not to touch the rays as this will damage their mucus membrane, causing lesions and infections on their skin.
A Diving Paradise
The Bazaruto Archipelago is internationally known for its diving and specifically to be one of the best places in the world to have close encounters with these iconic species of the Ocean. With miles upon miles of unspoiled, pristine, tropical beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters teeming with marine life, mantas, mobulas, whale sharks, humpback whales and much much more, The Bazaruto Archipelago is a true tropical beach paradise and visitors are in for a holiday experience they will never forget!
Please explore the site to learn more about the vacation program and leisure activities offered at Nyati Beach Lodge.
