Scuba Diving Information

Frequently Asked Questions

If you require any additional information please contact us.

Passport & Visa Requirements?

SOUTH AFRICA

You must be in possession of a full passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of proposed departure, a visa is issued on arrival in South Africa. There is NO cost for the VISA in South Africa.

MOZAMBIQUE

You must be in possession of a full passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the Date of proposed departure. You can get a visa at the border, the cost is approx. R850 [ZAR] for international passport holders. The VISA cost does depend on what country you are from, some VISAS are cheaper and the price does vary from time to time.

You can also obtain a visa before travelling from the Mozambique consulate in your own country if there is one.

Changing Money?

US Dollars, Euros and UK Pounds into South African Rands [ZAR] at our Dive Lodges.

All restaurants, bars and shops in Ponta Do Ouro, Mozambique will also accept South African Rands [ZAR].

At the end of your stay you can also pay your bills in US Dollars, Euros, UK Pounds and South African Rands.

If you prefer to pay your bill by Credit Card a 5% charge to cover bank charges will be added to your bill.

Travelling with anyone under the age of 18-years old?

South Africa have recently changed the law on immigration when travelling with a child under 18-years old.

Please see the South African Home Affairs - NEW immigration regulations brochure >> click here

Dive Certification and Diving Experience?

We offer scuba diving for QUALIFIED scuba divers ONLY!

We don't offer any scuba diving courses so your dives and dive sites won't be restricted by having student divers on the boat whilst Diving Aliwal Shoal in South Africa & Diving Ponta Do Ouro in Mozambique.

We offer our packages to scuba divers who are a minimum of Advanced Certified or equivalent [certified to 30-meters].

We restrict our packages to qualified scuba divers so that we can focus on showing divers the best that Diving Aliwal Shoal, South Africa & Diving Ponta Do Ouro, Mozambique have to offer instead of looking after student divers.

We also understand that divers travel here from far away and it's not fair for dives and dive sites to be restricted because of novice divers.

What should I bring?

The area is very casual, so all you will need is shorts, t-shirts, trousers, shirt, costumes and a wind breaker. Shoes or sneakers, sandals, suntan lotion, sunglasses. In winter a jacket, sweatshirt or sweaters are advisable. You will also require personal items such as mosquito repellent, aspirin, decongestants, shampoo, toothpaste etc.

A warm water-proof jacket is also a good idea for on the boats and on-land.

Do I need my own dive gear?

We have plenty of scuba diving gear available for rent so you don't need to bring your own gear. Once we have your booking, you can just let us know what gear you will be needing.

What happens if we miss scuba dives because of the weather?

Scuba dives that are missed due to weather and sea-conditions will be refunded. We can also plan an excursion for you to take in some of the highlights of the area if you are wanting something to do if we cannot dive.

If we launch, any dives that are cancelled by you will not be refunded, we do this so that even if only one person out of a group wants to dive we can still run the boat.

Are the cylinders DIN or A-clamp [international]?

We use 12-liter steel cylinders for scuba diving in Mozambique which can be both A-clamp [international] or DIN so will suit all divers.

What are the average depths of the dives?

The depth of the scuba dives vary from around 8-metres to 35-metres depending on the dives. Most our scuba dives are drift dives and we do sometimes have strong currents.

What wetsuit thickness is suggested?

Most scuba divers seem to favour 5-mm wetsuits year-round for scuba diving in South Africa and Mozambique, if you feel the cold then gloves and a hoodie are a good idea.

Electrical Adapters

South Africa and Mozambique use the same plug sockets. Most international adapters don't work in Mozambique or South Africa. We do have some electrical adapters at the lodge that take UK & European plugs but it is generally better to get adapters prior to arrival.

What medical precautions should I take?

No compulsory vaccinations are required. Please contact a your travel doctor for advice on what is recommended.

Mozambique is a Malaria Area so please contact a your travel doctor for advise on what is recommended. Please don't use Larium Malaria tablets when diving.

What are the average Summer [October to March] temperatures?

Daytime Temperature : 27- 34°C

Water Temperature : 24 - 26°C

What are the average Winter [May to September] temperatures?

Daytime Temperature : 18 - 26°C

Water Temperature : 20- 24°C

What are the general climate conditions?

September to November : Warm, dry & sometimes windy in the afternoon, sea conditions are calm in the morning.

December to February : Very Warm can be humid. Sea is calm in the morning becoming choppy & windy later.

March to May : Warm and generally we have very little wind. Sea conditions are usually calm.

June to August : Generally warm & dry. Sea conditions are generally calm. Water can be a bit cooler [approx. 20°C to 24°C]

What do the breakfasts consist of?

Breakfast are continental style and served over-looking the ocean and consist of a selection of cereals, yoghurt, fruit-salad, fruit, toast, orange juice & tea or coffee.

Please advise if there are any special diet requirements.

What are the costs of the Lunches & Dinners?

During your stay with us, you can enjoy lunch & dinner at the lodge as well as at some of the local restaurants. Lunches cost about R65.00 and the cost of a main meal is about R150.00. A 3-course meal is about R200.00.

Will I get seasick?

We want you to be comfortable, dives are all done from RIBs. Some people do feel a bit seasick if they surface earlier than the main group and have to spend a while on the RIB. There are several medications available.

Are tips required?

Tipping is optional, the normal amount is 10% at restaurants etc.

Tips for the dive team and lodge staff are also optional.

Can I come on a trip without a buddy?

Many of our guest travel on their own, we dive in a group so it's fine.

What currencies are used?

In South Africa the currency is South African Rands [ZAR] and in Mozambique the currency is the Mozambique Metical [MZN]. South African Rands [ZAR] are accepted in both South Africa and Mozambique and easily available at ATMs & Banks as well as at our Lodges.

Some place will also accept US Dollar, UK Pounds and Euros. We can also help you with exchanging money.

Latest exchange rates available at http://www.xe.com

What is the situation with food & water?

Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. There is no reason why you should become ill but often the change in food and environment can cause illness. A combination of too much sun and alcohol can also cause problems. Bottled water is recommended in Mozambique.