Madagascar
Madagascar's sandy beaches, crystalline waters and coral reefs make this a diver's paradise. A variety of places to dive exist in Madagascar including Ifaty near Toliara, with a great reef, large numbers of sharks and unusual corals. Further north from Ifaty near Morombe are seldom dived, pristine and superb sites. Nosy Be Island in the north features a number of dive resorts and hotels. Offshore islands with only one dive resort are also available, such as Nosy Sakatia, Tsarabanjina or Nosy Iranja. Tsarabanjina is likely the best place to dive in all of Madagascar. Another place to dive includes Ile St. Marie, a popular breeding area for humpback whales and several authentic pirate vessels still lie within a few meters of the water's surface.

Seychelles
Seychelles archipelago off the coast of Mozambique and just north of Madagascar has idyllic white sand beaches, cinnamon and vanilla plantations, exquisite turquoise lagoons and endless island charm. Dive to see the brilliant-colored coral. The best sites are found off small islands in the smaller atolls and coral archipelagos including the 50 miles of reef which encircles Desroches, perhaps the best island for diving.

Benguerra, Mozambique
This is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago and is known for its high dunes, inland lakes and beautiful beaches. Two Mile Reef offers the best reef diving in Mozambique with beautiful staghorn corals and tropical marine life ranging from tiny clownfish to moray eels and black-tipped reef sharks. Dugongs also frequent the area. The large protected pool called the Aquarium is a must for snorkelers.

Mozambique has been likened to the Caribbean of 30 years ago - undeveloped, simple and friendly with fabulous coral, but uniquely African with a mix of Arabic and Portuguese influences. This is a colorful, relaxing and romantic destination. It is also a very safe and stable destination and very easily reached via a one hour flight from Johannesburg.

Pemba Island, Tanzania
Pemba Island is the sister island to Zanzibar and lies across the Pemba Channel to the north. Pemba is renowned for its unspoiled coral reefs but also for its vertical coral cliffs which plummet to depths of more than 800 yards. With underwater visibility often reaching 60 yards or more, looking over some of these outer walls can be an awe-inspiring experience. Dramatic and exciting coral reefs abound, and there are Napoleon wrasse and large pelagic game fish such as tuna, jacks, wahoo and barracuda. Manta and eagle rays frequent the area, as do many species of shark as well as hawksbill and green turtles. Whale sharks, pilot whales, dolphins, marlins and sailfish are also regularly seen by divers. Mafia Marine Park offers a fantastic range of hard and soft corals and over 400 fish species. There are many diverse sites such as shallow reefs, channels, walls, caves and wrecks. Almost all the best diving is at depths of less than 30 yards, and there are many large fish, including sharks, guitarfish, turtles and basket sponges. You will likely spot sailfish, very large tuna and dolphins on many dives.

Belize
With the second longest barrier reef in the world (recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and exceptional visibility, Belize has become a Mecca for those who wish to experience some of the best western Caribbean diving around. Lighthouse Reef (with its famous Blue Hole), Glovers Reef atolls and a number of smaller islands including South Water Cay offer terrific diving. Alternatively, you can enjoy flexible diving from the mainland at Placencia Peninsula and have the opportunity to explore the unspoiled southern Belize interior. Alternatively stay on Ambergris Cay for close dive sites (including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark and Stingray Alley), good hotels and a lively nightlife with great restaurants.

Mauritius
An island just east of Reunion, surrounded by white sand beaches, Mauritius is known for its giant water lilies, seven-colored soil, crystal-clear lagoons, widespread volcano landscapes and spice markets.

There are no set departure dates for Explore trips. Please contact EXPLORE for more information on our unique custom designed dive trips. We would be happy to customize an itinerary for you.

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