Tofo Scuba

Tofo Scuba is a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm centre situated just 30 metres from the Indian Ocean on the Tofo beach. The centre is perfectly positioned for those looking to explore the rich marine biodiversity of the Inhambane province, offering direct access to some of Mozambique's most iconic sites.

Whether you are arriving via a taxi from Inhambane airport or taking the bus from Maputo, the centre serves as a central hub for divers. It maintains a strong connection to local marine research through its partnership with the All Out Africa Marine Research Centre.

The team is composed of qualified PADI instructors, Divemaster trainees, and three qualified DOT skippers. This professional structure ensures that both training and excursions are handled with a high level of expertise.

The centre also provides specialised accommodation for Divemasters, featuring a five-bedroom house with a kitchen and lounge, located a short distance from Tofinho Beach. For other divers, Tilak Lodge is available just a short walk from the dive centre.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, catering to everyone from beginners to professionals. You can start with Discover Scuba Diving or work through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to specialise, the centre provides Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep Diver Specialty, and Rescue Diver courses. Professional development is also supported through the Divemaster programme. Other options include the Scuba Review for those returning to the water and the Bubblemaker programme for younger divers.

The centre operates three 8.4m RIBs, each powered by twin 100Hp 4-stroke commercial engines. These vessels are well-equipped for the local conditions, carrying essential safety gear including radios, GPS, lifebuoys, and life jackets.

All boats are configured to support Nitrox diving, allowing you to extend your bottom time on deeper sites. The RIBs provide a reliable platform for reaching the various reefs and cleaning stations that define this coastline.

The shore-based facilities are among the most advanced in the region, featuring a heated training pool, hot showers, and secure lockers. This makes it an ideal location for those completing initial certifications or refining their buoyancy.

For gas, the centre operates a sophisticated station with three Bauer 250 L/min compressors and a Nuvair Nitrox compressor capable of filling up to 40% O2. The cylinder inventory includes over 90 units, comprising 12L aluminium and 15L steel cylinders compatible with both DIN and INT valves.

Full kit hire is available using meticulously maintained Scubapro equipment, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, fins, and weights. Please note that you will need to provide your own dive computer, torch, mask, and any additional items such as gloves or hoods.

The waters around Tofo are famous for large pelagics. You can encounter two species of manta rays and various sharks, including white tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, and whale sharks, which are present year-round depending on plankton levels. Humpback whales can be seen from June to November, with a peak in August and September.

In addition to the large animals, you will find five species of sea turtles and several species of dolphins. Stingrays, including the small-eyed stingray, are common on the sandy sections of the reef.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from various species of nudibranchs and frogfish to diverse crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. The reef life is rounded out by a variety of reef fish, anemones, and other invertebrates.

Diving in this region involves navigating changeable and unpredictable currents. It is important to be prepared for drift diving, particularly at sites like Manta Reef.

Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 15 metres. While the centre does not offer night dives or wreck diving, the daytime conditions provide a reliable window for exploring the reef flats and deeper pinnacles.