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Mozambique · Untouched Indian Ocean Islands

Quirimbas

Untouched Islands of the Indian Ocean

A string of 32 coral islands scattered along Mozambique's far north, where powder-white sandbanks, pristine reefs and centuries-old Swahili trading towns meet in turquoise seclusion. Barefoot luxury, world-class diving, dhow safaris and living history converge in one of Africa's last true island wildernesses.

Best timeMay – November (dry season)Marine lifeDugong, humpback whales, turtles, reef fishThe archipelagoArchipelago of 32 islandsEscapes from$1,800 pp
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Our Luxury Escapes

Multi-Day Quirimbas Journeys

Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from the four-day explorer to the seven-day ultimate island safari. Private air transfers, the archipelago's most celebrated island lodges and every detail crafted entirely around you.

The Beyond Africa Difference

We don't just show you *Quirimbas Archipelago* — we place you in its finest hours, with the guides, camps and timing that turn a visit into the journey of a lifetime.

The Quirimbas Archipelago is one of the Indian Ocean's last great secrets — a chain of 32 coral islands stretching more than 100 kilometres along Mozambique's remote northern coast in Cabo Delgado. Where the southern Bazaruto islands see a steady trickle of visitors, the Quirimbas remain gloriously untouched: powder-white sandbanks that appear and vanish with the tide, mangrove channels alive with birdlife, and coral reefs so pristine they rank among the finest dive sites on the continent. The archipelago's southern islands fall within the Quirimbas National Park, a marine and terrestrial reserve protecting dugong, humpback whales, five species of sea turtle and vast shoals of reef fish. But the Quirimbas are as rich in history as in nature. Ibo Island, once a powerful Swahili trading port and later a Portuguese stronghold, is a hauntingly beautiful open-air museum of crumbling forts, coral-stone mansions and silversmiths still working by hand. A handful of exclusive lodges — many on private islands — offer barefoot luxury with a conscience, blending world-class diving, dhow safaris and castaway seclusion with genuine community partnership. This is Africa's island wilderness at its most authentic.

Quirimbas National ParkDugongs, Whales & TurtlesTraditional Dhow SailingPrivate-Island Villas
Destination overview

Why Visit the Quirimbas

Mozambique's last great island wilderness. From diving and snorkelling pristine coral reefs to sailing traditional dhows between deserted sandbanks, from searching for rare dugongs to exploring the Swahili stone town of Ibo Island — the Quirimbas reward every moment. Here is what makes them unforgettable.

  • Ibo Island — a UNESCO-tentative Swahili-Portuguese heritage town of forts, mansions and silversmiths
  • World-class diving and snorkelling on pristine, coral-rich reefs with dugong and turtles
  • Dhow safaris between islands, sleeping under sails on remote sandbanks
  • Quirimbas National Park — protected marine and mangrove wilderness
  • Private-island luxury lodges with genuine community and conservation partnerships
  • Humpback whale migration (July – October) and year-round marine abundance
The marine life

Marine Life You'll Encounter

Dugong

Rare 'sea cow' of seagrass beds.

Humpback Whale

Breaching giants July–Oct.

Sea Turtles

Nesting on island beaches.

Reef Fish & Sharks

Pristine coral ecosystems.

The Signature Collection

The Experiences That Define the Quirimbas

Where the Quirimbas story unfolds. Sail a traditional dhow between deserted sandbanks, dive and snorkel the pristine coral reefs, glide over the shallows in search of rare dugongs, and step ashore on the Swahili stone island of Ibo — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.

Half or full day

Dhow Sailing Safari

Sail between islands aboard a traditional wooden dhow, the timeless vessel of the Swahili coast. With the sail full and the turquoise water sliding past, you'll anchor off deserted sandbanks for snorkelling, picnic on a beach with no other footprints, and watch the sun sink over the Indian Ocean. Multi-day dhow expeditions with beach camping are the ultimate Quirimbas adventure.

  • Traditional dhow & crew
  • Snorkelling stops
  • Beach picnic
  • Sundowners
Enquire with a Concierge
Half day (2 dives)

Scuba Diving Pristine Reefs

The Quirimbas' reefs are among the healthiest in the Indian Ocean, largely spared the pressures that have degraded reefs elsewhere. Descend into a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, drift along dramatic walls and encounter napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, turtles, groupers and clouds of anthias. Visibility often exceeds 30 metres. Both PADI courses and guided dives for certified divers are available.

  • Two guided dives
  • Tanks & weights
  • Dive guide
  • Boat transfer
Enquire with a Concierge
2–3 hours

Snorkelling & Marine Life

You don't need to dive to experience the Quirimbas' underwater riches. Slip off a sandbank or lodge jetty into warm, clear shallows teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, rays and turtles. Guided snorkelling excursions visit the best coral gardens, and the lucky may share the water with a passing dugong or, in season, hear the song of humpback whales.

  • Snorkelling gear
  • Guide
  • Boat to reef sites
  • Refreshments
Enquire with a Concierge
Full day

Island-Hopping & Sandbank Picnics

Explore the archipelago's scattered jewels by boat, hopping between palm-fringed islands and the ephemeral sandbanks that rise from the sea at low tide. Your crew sets up a table and shade on a bank of pure white sand surrounded by turquoise water in every direction — a castaway lunch with champagne and fresh seafood, utterly alone in the ocean.

  • Boat & crew
  • Gourmet picnic
  • Snorkelling
  • Beach set-up
Enquire with a Concierge
More Mozambique Journeys

Extend Your Indian Ocean Escape

The Quirimbas reward those who wander further. Push deeper into Mozambique's untamed north, add the powder-sand islands of Bazaruto, or shape a full country journey — each of these curated escapes leads to a real itinerary our concierge will tailor entirely to you.

Instant-Book Adventure Experiences

Explore Our Complete Adventure Catalog

Looking for more Southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.

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Mozambique's Far North · A Protected Island Wilderness

A Protected Island Wilderness

Proclaimed a national park in 2002, the Quirimbas protect thirty-two coral islands scattered across Mozambique's far north — pristine reefs alive with dugong, humpback whales, turtles and manta rays, ringed by powder-white sandbanks and crowned with centuries-old Swahili trading towns. Traditional dhows drift on the tide and private-island villas open straight onto empty sand. This is one of Africa's last true island wildernesses — the Indian Ocean at its most untouched.

DugongsWhale SharksPristine ReefsDhow SailingTurtles & MantasSwahili Heritage
Plan a Quirimbas Journey
A Romantic Escape

Ocean, Sunsets & Romance

For couples seeking something truly special, Quirimbas Archipelago pairs unforgettable shared experiences with intimate lodges and quiet, golden moments away from the crowds.

Scuba Diving Pristine Reefs

The Quirimbas' reefs are among the healthiest in the Indian Ocean, largely spared the pressures that have degraded reefs elsewhere.

Snorkelling & Marine Life

You don't need to dive to experience the Quirimbas' underwater riches.

Island-Hopping & Sandbank Picnics

Explore the archipelago's scattered jewels by boat, hopping between palm-fringed islands and the ephemeral sandbanks that rise from the sea at low tide.

Ibo Island Heritage Tour

Step back in time on Ibo Island, one of the oldest settlements on the East African coast.

Plan a Honeymoon Safari
The perfect island-and-island journey

Pair the Quirimbas with Bazaruto

The Quirimbas are the northern-island chapter of a great Mozambique journey. Pair the powder-white sands of the far north with the established islands of Bazaruto for two very different faces of the Indian Ocean — we'll weave it into one seamless itinerary.

Quirimbas Archipelago vs Other Destinations

Why Choose Quirimbas Archipelago

Quirimbas Archipelago stands apart — here's how it compares to other destinations.

FeatureQuirimbas ArchipelagoOther Destinations
Signature experienceIbo IslandLimited
WildlifeDugong, humpback whales, turtles, reef fishFewer
Standout appealWorld-class diving and snorkelling on pristine, coral-richLess distinctive
OverallUntouched Islands of the Indian OceanMore generic
Plan your timing

When to Visit the Quirimbas

Dry Season (May – Nov)

May–Nov
★★★★★

Clear skies, calm seas, superb diving and whale migration.

24–30°C, dry

Wet Season (Dec – Apr)

Dec–Apr
★★★☆☆

Hot, humid, occasional storms and rougher seas.

27–34°C

Month-by-Month Guide

Location & Access

Getting to the Quirimbas

12.0000° S, 40.6000° E
Where to stay

Our Hand-Picked Quirimbas Lodges

From the overwater villas of Anantara Medjumbe to the private-island seclusion of Azura Quilalea and the Swahili charm of Ibo Island Lodge — the most coveted addresses in the far north, each held for you by our concierge.

★★★★★$$$$

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

An entire private island with only a dozen villas.

A single tiny island ringed by white sand and turquoise reef, with just a handful of beachfront pool villas — the definition of castaway luxury.

Leading private-island resort

FromR 17,385per person, per night

★★★★★$$$$

Azura Quilalea Private Island

Private marine-sanctuary island with world-class house reefs.

A protected marine sanctuary island with nine villas, superb house reefs and a genuine barefoot-luxury, low-impact ethos.

Sustainable island luxury

FromR 16,104per person, per night

★★★★$$$

Ibo Island Lodge

Live inside restored heritage mansions on storied Ibo Island.

Three restored century-old mansions on historic Ibo Island, blending Swahili-Portuguese heritage with barefoot comfort and dhow-based exploration.

Heritage tourism pioneer

FromR 7,686per person, per night

Worth the premium

Why It Justifies the Price

A string of 32 coral islands scattered along Mozambique's far north, where powder-white sandbanks, pristine reefs and centuries-old Swahili trading towns meet in turquoise seclusion. Barefoot luxury, world-class diving, dhow safaris and living history converge in one of Africa's last true island wildernesses.

Ibo Island

a UNESCO-tentative Swahili-Portuguese heritage town of forts, mansions and silversmiths

World-class diving and snorkelling on pristine, coral-rich reefs

with dugong and turtles

Dhow safaris between islands

Dhow safaris between islands, sleeping under sails on remote sandbanks

Quirimbas National Park

protected marine and mangrove wilderness

Private-island luxury lodges

with genuine community and conservation partnerships

Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.

Good to know

The Quirimbas, Answered

Where is the Quirimbas Archipelago?

The Quirimbas Archipelago is a chain of 32 coral islands off the far northern coast of Mozambique, in Cabo Delgado Province. It stretches over 100 km and includes the Quirimbas National Park, a protected marine and terrestrial reserve.

How do the Quirimbas compare to the Bazaruto Archipelago?

Bazaruto, in southern Mozambique, is more established and easier to reach. The Quirimbas, in the far north, are more remote, less visited and more pristine — with richer coral reefs and the added draw of Ibo Island's Swahili-Portuguese heritage. They suit travellers seeking genuine seclusion.

What is there to do in the Quirimbas?

World-class scuba diving and snorkelling, traditional dhow safaris, island-hopping to remote sandbanks, humpback whale watching in season, and exploring the historic forts and mansions of Ibo Island.

When is the best time to visit the Quirimbas?

May to November offers dry weather, calm seas and superb diving visibility. Humpback whales migrate through from July to October. The wet season (December–March) is hot and humid with rougher seas.

How do I get to the Quirimbas?

Fly into Pemba, then take a short light-aircraft charter or boat transfer to your island lodge. Luxury lodges typically arrange seamless fly-in transfers from Pemba.

Are the Quirimbas good for honeymoons?

Exceptionally so. Private-island resorts, castaway sandbank picnics, barefoot-luxury villas and total seclusion make the Quirimbas one of Africa's most romantic island destinations.

Your journey, your way

Ready to start planning your Quirimbas journey?

Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private island journey around you — every flight, every dhow cruise, every dive and every barefoot dinner on the sand taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.

  • 18+ Years of Excellence
  • 4.9/5 Guest Rated
  • 200,000+ Guests Since 2008
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