5 minute read
THE SPIRIT OF ZÁVORA SCUBA
Where Adventure Meets Conservation
Text By Emily Eaton
Images by Emily Eaton & Nakia Cullain
Based in Praia de Závora, Závora Scuba is the only dive centre in the bay. Established in 2021, the dive centre runs symbiotically with MAR Expeditions offering the perfect balance of tourism, research and conservation. We offer fun dives for those who are already qualified, Discover Scuba Diving experiences for those who have never dived before and courses for divers wishing to advance their qualifications!
Not a diver? No problem! For those wanting to see Závora from the surface, we offer ocean safaris with the chance to see Humpback whales between June and October. During low tide, why not hire snorkelling equipment and check out the local rock pool? It’s like stepping into a natural aquarium!
Our Team
We are a NAUI dive centre with a small team! Our instructor, Emily Eaton, who has lived in Závora for two years, has been diving since 2015 and progressed her dive career living in the Western Cape of South Africa before moving to Závora in 2023. Ed Bevan is a NAUI dive master who progressed his dive qualifications here in Závora. After first coming here as a MAR intern in 2022, he fell in love with the diving here in Závora and moved here full time in 2023. Both Emily and Ed are passionate marine conservationists, working as Research assistants for MAR Expeditions, they have been guided the ways of Závora under the director of MAR, Nakia Cullain. Also, a divemaster, Nakia Cullain moved to Závora in 2016 focusing on the ecology of manta rays and their movement along the southern African coastline. Our team will be there every step of the way to make sure you have the best experience, both on land and underwater.
Why Závora Scuba?
Závora offers a unique and wild experience of the southern Mozambican coastline, exploring marine ecosystems that have had little human impact and once in a lifetime encounters with sharks, rays, humpback whales, turtles, nudibranchs and much more. We have a range of different dive sites inshore and offshore ranging from 6 to 34 meters, ranging from coral reefs with cleaning stations at Witch’s Hat to the deep kelp forests of Tentaco. The conditions of Závora can be challenging and visibility can vary, making this bay the perfect place to refine your diving skills. To top it off, you’ll have the water to yourself, no crowded boats or queues!
Where Are We?
Located 98km south from the historic port city of Inhambane and just over 400km north of Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, Závora bay is a hidden gem with some of most pristine, untouched reefs in the world. Závora is a small, peaceful fishing village, known for its untouched beauty and relaxed atmosphere. With long stretches of beach, minimal tourism, and just a couple of local restaurants, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and disconnect. Visitors can soak up the sun by the pool at Doxa, explore the endless coastline, or hop on the dive boat to discover the vibrant reefs just offshore. Závora offers that rare kind of downtime where nature, simplicity, and adventure all blend into one.
When To Come
When to come depends on several factors. As far as we are concerned, there is no single 'best time to visit', all seasons have their pros and cons, so here are some facts to consider!
Our winter months (which run from May until September are when you’re most likely to see - and if you’re really lucky, dive with - Humpback whales. Humpbacks spend considerable time in Závora during their annual migration and sharks and rays are found in high abundance throughout Mozambique and South Africa. Unlike in many other dive destinations around the world, in Závora you can see both species of manta ray all year round. During summer months (December to April), the water temperatures average around 28 °C with blue, calm conditions, but be wary! February can bring cyclone activity, so it’s important to check conditions before travelling.
Marine Conservation
We are super proud to work in partnership with MAR Expeditions. Conservation, safety and education are at the forefront of our mission. We believe every dive should be enjoyable that incorporates proper protocol when interacting with wild animals. During the dives, you will see our scientists in the field actively recording species sightings, surveys and sometimes even tagging!
MAR was developed to provide aspiring scientists, conservationists and divers the opportunity to assist and receive training in marine research and conservation. People travel from across the globe to gain hands-on experience and deepen their knowledge of the marine environment, aiming to apply this in their future careers. The lab’s core research has focused on manta rays, humpback whales, nudibranchs, and artificial reef and wreck colonization through on-land and underwater surveys since its establishment in 2009.
