Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago

Useful Information

History

Originally home to fishing settlements, the islands’ population grew around Arab trading posts and later under Portuguese trade when the chain was known as the Ilhas de São Lázaro (Islands of St. Lazarus) in the 16th century. Portuguese expansion into towns like Ibo displaced Arab merchants. Mozambique gained independence in 1975; only a few of the islands were inhabited before then.

Islands

Azura Quilalea is a leading luxury island lodge on a coral island with several secluded sandy coves. The lodge has nine en-suite villas. Quilalea lies within the national park, and surrounding reefs are superb for snorkeling and diving. In the far north, Vamizi Island is long and slender with two lovely golden beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving near shore. With a limited number of expansive beach villas, it aims to deliver Mozambique’s most exclusive island stays. Medjumbe is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Quirimbas, about 800 m long by 350 m wide, essentially a sandbar wrapped by beach. Its intimate lodge has just 13 thatched chalets.

Diving Sites

Dive sites abound near the lodges. Around Azura Quilalea, divers and snorkelers enjoy offshore reefs with flourishing coral gardens and abundant marine life. Off Medjumbe Island, expect encounters with moray eel, stingray, barracuda, kingfish, and other large game fish in warm tropical water. A dozen sites here include sloping walls that harbor angelfish, triggerfish, sweetlips, and pufferfish.

Vamizi’s healthy reefs are a world-class diving draw. Sites include Neptune’s Arm—often cited among the top dive sites globally—and the dramatic Metundo Canyon, part of a broader reef system rising steeply from deep water. St Lazarus Bank rises from ~2,400 m to shallow depths and is a biodiversity hotspot in the Mozambique Channel, celebrated for tuna and marlin activity during certain seasons.

Activities

The archipelago offers far more than beach time. From paddleboarding and kayaking to windsurfing, many water activities pair with the relaxed island atmosphere.Traveling between islands by kayak or traditional dhow under lodge supervision is memorable. Deep-sea fishing ranges well offshore. Expect a variety of sought-after marine species for enthusiasts of this exciting pursuit. On land or poolside, spa treatments are sublime in the tropical climate. Enjoy a cocktail as you take in beach scenery and watch for dolphin or whale during seasonal movements.