A paradise in Mozambique

1. On safari into the Indian Ocean

It’s so obvious and so cliché, but that open ocean snorkelling trip is definitely worth it. Hop onto a boat, whether it’s a dhow or a fishing boat – just the trip itself is stunning. Once you reach a beautiful reef, you’ll dive among the ‘Wet Big Five’: whale sharks, manta rays, devil rays, sea turtles, and dolphins. If you're visiting in July, August, or September, you’ll also spot humpback whales on their way back from the South Pole, heading towards Thailand. These acrobatic creatures might seem clumsy, but they sure know how to show off to impress the ladies! It's a fantastic display of their flirtation!

2. Diving at the Tofo Paradise

As a diver, you’re in the perfect spot in Tofo, Mozambique. The water is full of plankton, which attracts many marine mammals. This is why Tofo is one of the few places in the world where you can find massive coral gardens, particularly soft corals. These so-called Dendronephthya corals also host a large population of red-toothed triggerfish. You’ll find harder corals further north towards Bazaruto. There are dive shops all around Tofo where you can rent equipment. If you haven’t got your PADI yet, this is an exciting place to finally take your Open Water course!

3. Sailing on a traditional dhow

Your Mozambique trip is incomplete without a water adventure on a dhow. You know, those wooden, rickety-looking boats with peeling paint and a sail. Well, those things are actually super ergonomic. Historically, back when people were building megalithic tombs, tough East African tribes used these boats for intercontinental travel. Today, dhows are still used for much of the transportation. You can take trips to Inhambane Bay, Pansy Island, or Pig Island – yes, an island full of pigs!

4. Surfing

Whether you’re a total surf freak chasing every point break or a virgin on the waves, Tofo has it. The Surf Shack is a great spot to rent a board, take a lesson, or perhaps pick up that handsome surfer guy with a stunning six-pack. You can, of course, mix all of these options. Be prepared for some serious muscle soreness if you’re paddling like mad on the board for the first time, but then you’ll immediately know how that surfer guy got those abs. Afterward, enjoy a nice beer or a grass drink on the beach next to a campfire and you’ll feel like Patrick Swayze (amen) in Point Break, but not in Cali, in Mozambique…

5. Paddleboarding & Kayaking

For those who aren’t into extreme water sports, you can try paddleboarding. And... yoga paddleboarding. I’m not joking. It’s super cool, very peaceful, and incredibly frustratingly hard because balance is no joke! Keep an eye out for the flyers you see at Tofo bars and surf schools.

Another fun way to explore the water is by kayak. It’s also seriously hard… A guide will show you all the secret spots: sea cliffs, deserted coves, and kayaking through the mangroves in Barra Bay. Here, you’ll spot flamingos and a variety of birds. The best part is that the kayak is quiet, so you’ll really feel at one with nature. Often, you can even stop at a village and enjoy some fresh fish. Just wait and a fisherman will appear, offering to catch and prepare some fish for you at a bargain price.

6. Kitesurfing

Just north of Tofo, you can go kitesurfing. This beautiful sandy beach is an amazing spot for kitesurfing. With deep spitting tubes and long carving cutbacks, Tofo has it all. With a nice northeast breeze, you’ll end up right on Tofo’s beach. Great little waves for tricks and big air, especially from September to March. Eat your heart out, wind lovers...

But what if you're not really into water activities? What’s there to do in paradise, Tofo?

7. Yoga

Okay, after all the oceanic water adventures, it’s time for mind, body, and soul with some relaxing yoga. Gaia Tree Yoga Shala at Turtle Cove offers a variety of classes, from hatha and vinyasa to intense and mind-blowing kundalini sessions. They teach on the beach and in their own studio, and just visiting this awesome location is worth the class. There are morning meditations on the beach or in the hinterland. They also organise multi-day retreats at their stunning lodge.
There are many other yoga schools, all offering different styles, from beginners to more advanced practitioners. Bliss your soul and Namaste!

8. Quad Bike Tour

From peaceful yoga to something a bit more exciting; book a 4x4 quad bike and cross the sandy hills at Tofo Beach and Barra. During this adrenaline-pumping tour, you’ll travel along rugged dirt roads, through small villages, coconut plantations, and old abandoned Portuguese ruins. It’s also your chance to discover hidden lagoons and pristine white sandy beaches that can’t be reached by normal roads or boats due to the reefs. If you're truly tough – and give me one reason why you wouldn’t be – make a pit stop at the Flamingo Beach Lodge for a cold drink and perhaps spot a dugong!

9. They care!

Luis, Pedro, Razal, and their friends are a group of young Mozambicans who give swimming lessons to local children. Sixty percent of their fellow countrymen rely on the sea and live right next to it, or even on it, but until recently, very few Mozambicans could swim. By teaching children to swim and about the sea, the next generation will understand that the sea is not just a dangerous yet food-rich resource but a place that’s alive and needs to be protected. They also raise awareness about overfishing and environmental pollution. They organise clean-up activities that you can participate in. It’s a great way to get to know the Mozambican kids and understand them better. Check out a video about these Ocean Guardians.

10. Food, food & food. And, yes also drinks.

Although Tofo is a small beach village, there’s no shortage of great restaurants – as is the case across Mozambique. The Mozambican cuisine is exquisite. Portuguese influences are evident everywhere, but you’ll also find African, Indian, Italian, and even fantastic sushi along the small strip that Tofo is. Veganism has even made its way here; Happi serves delicious vegan snacks. Beyond that, literally: eat your heart out. There are great lookout spots with tasty cocktails, fancy restaurants on boats, or local women who will invite you to try roasted squid you’ll remember for the rest of your life. It’s absolutely delicious.