Quirimbas Archipelago

The Most Remote Paradise in the Indian Ocean

The Quirimbas Archipelago is one of the most extraordinary and least visited places in the entire Indian Ocean. This group of 32 coral islands and islets stretches for more than 100 km along Mozambique's northern coast, protected since 2002 by Quirimbas National Park — a 7,500 km² marine and land conservation area.

The coral reefs of the Quirimbas are among the most intact in the entire western Indian Ocean. The absence of industrial fishing, low population density and careful management of the national park have preserved underwater ecosystems of extraordinary richness — with corals in perfect health, sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins and hundreds of species of tropical fish.

The Main Islands

Ibo Island

The main inhabited island of the archipelago. With an 18th-century fortress, colonial churches and silversmiths working by lamplight — a unique cultural experience.

Matemo Island

Home to Matemo Island Resort — one of Africa's most exclusive eco-lodges. Surrounded by untouched coral reefs with 20+ metres of visibility.

Medjumbe Island

One of the smallest and most exclusive islands. Medjumbe Private Island Resort covers practically the whole island — the very definition of a private island.

Crusse and Jamali Islands

Uninhabited islands with completely deserted beaches and coral reefs just metres from the shore. Reachable by boat from Nacala or Pemba.

Diving and Marine Life

The Quirimbas are a world-class destination for diving and snorkelling. The archipelago's outer reefs have vertical coral walls at 20–40 metres deep with exceptional pelagic life.

• Sea turtles — nest on several islands of the archipelago
• Dugongs — regular sightings in the seagrass meadows
• Humpback whales — annual migration between June and November
• Dolphins — present all year round
• Reef sharks — on the outer walls of the archipelago
• Manta rays — frequent sightings in the currents between islands

Ibo Island — Historic Gem

Ibo Island deserves special attention. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it was for centuries an important trading centre on the ivory and gold route. Its Fortress of São João Baptista, built in 1791, is one of the best preserved on the entire African coast of the Indian Ocean.

Today the island is famous for its silversmiths — men who work with simple tools to create intricate jewellery blending Arab, Indian and Bantu influences. A tradition kept alive for centuries.

Getting There

The Quirimbas Archipelago is usually reached via Pemba (capital of Cabo Delgado province) or via Nacala — both have airports with connections to Maputo and international flights.

• Flight to Pemba: Daily flights from Maputo (LAM and Fastjet) — then boat or light aircraft to the islands
• Via Nacala: Nacala International Airport, with connections to Nampula and Maputo
• Boat from Pemba: 2–4 hours depending on the destination island
• Private transfer: The archipelago's lodges arrange transfers from Pemba or Nacala