Quirimbas Islands, Coral archipelago in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique
The Quirimbas Islands form a chain of about 32 coral islands stretching along the northern coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. The area features coral reefs, sandy beaches, and shallow waters teeming with marine life.
The archipelago was a major trading hub for Swahili networks before Portuguese colonizers arrived in the 16th century. They established settlements and renamed the islands, marking their control over the region.
Local fishing communities here practice traditional methods passed down through families, using dhow boats that remain central to daily life. These customs shape how the islands look and feel when you visit.
The best time to visit is the dry season from May to October, when weather is stable. Travelers reach the islands by small aircraft or boats departing from Pemba.
The waters around these islands drop to extreme depths that few visitors explore, revealing deep-sea habitats and specialized marine ecosystems. These underwater canyons remain among the least known features of the archipelago.
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