Quirimbas Archipelago Yacht Charters
Quirimbas Archipelago Yacht Charters | Best Mozambique Charter Yachts
Mozambique - Quirimbas Archipelago
Quirimbas Archipelago Fishing, Spearfishing & Diving Liveaboards
Experience the wild beauty of northern Mozambique on a liveaboard yacht charter through the Quirimbas Archipelago, with a special focus on the remote northern islands of Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island). This little-explored region is a dream destination for fishing, spearfishing, and scuba diving enthusiasts, offering pristine waters and extraordinary marine life.
The northern Quirimbas are renowned for their untouched reefs, deep drop-offs, and nutrient-rich currents, creating exceptional conditions for both scuba diving and freediving. Expect healthy coral systems, abundant reef fish, pelagics, and excellent visibility, while spearfishers enjoy vast, uncrowded grounds rarely visited by other boats. Offshore and reef fishing is equally rewarding, with strong populations of game fish drawn to these remote waters.
Stretching over 200 miles and comprising more than 30 islands, the Quirimbas Archipelago remains one of the most unspoilt cruising areas in the Indian Ocean and is perfectly suited to expedition-style liveaboards.
Between dives and fishing sessions, explore deserted beaches, anchor off uninhabited islands, and enjoy beach barbecues or sunset drinks in complete isolation. With powder-white sand, turquoise seas, and a marine ecosystem that has seen little human impact, the northern Quirimbas is increasingly regarded as one of the finest liveaboard destinations in Africa for those seeking adventure.
St. Lazarus Banks
St. Lazarus Banks is one of northern Mozambique’s premier fishing destinations, renowned for its rich, nutrient-laden waters and abundant marine life. The area’s deep channels, reefs, and strong currents create ideal conditions for game and sport fishing, attracting species such as tuna, wahoo, kingfish, giant trevally, and sailfish. Both experienced anglers and adventurous liveaboard guests can enjoy offshore trolling, reef fishing, and fly fishing in these pristine waters. Beyond fishing, the surrounding marine environment supports vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and regular sightings of dolphins and turtles, making St. Lazarus Banks a must-visit location for a complete fishing and ocean adventure.
Highlights
Highlights – Northern Quirimbas Liveaboard Experience
Remote cruising among the northern islands of Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island)
World-class scuba diving on pristine, virtually untouched coral reefs
Exceptional spearfishing in uncrowded waters with abundant reef and pelagic species
Outstanding game and reef fishing in nutrient-rich Indian Ocean waters
Expedition-style liveaboard cruising with access to rarely visited islands
Over 30 islands across 200 miles of one of Africa’s least explored coastlines
Powder-white, deserted beaches and crystal-clear turquoise seas
Healthy marine ecosystems with excellent visibility and biodiversity
Private anchorages, sandbanks, and uninhabited islands
Beach barbecues, sunset cocktails, and total seclusion
Raw, wild, and uncrowded
Our Charter Yachts
Plan Your Next Adventure
Our Mozambique Charter Yachts
In the Quirimbas Archipelago a 60ft luxury sailing charter catamaran will be your home along with dive and fishing support boat for activities.
The catamaran is 60ft long and has a beam of 28ft providing excellent stability and comfort even in rough seas.
She comes from the yacht charter industry and is immaculately kept and maintained.
This yacht has five large air conditioned cabins, all having en suite toilets and showers, provide luxurious comfort to guests when sleeping.
Her large lounge and cockpit offers plenty of space for lounging while cruising.
She comes with a professional crew to tend to your every needs.
Cruise the Islands
Cruise Areas & Islands
The northern Quirimbas islands of Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island) represent the most pristine and biologically rich section of the archipelago, offering an exceptional marine wildlife experience for adventurous yacht charters and liveaboards.
Vamizi Island sits close to the deep Mozambique Channel, where nutrient-rich currents create a thriving underwater ecosystem. These waters support vibrant coral reefs, large schools of reef fish, and frequent encounters with pelagic species. Seasonal sightings of turtles, dolphins, and migrating whales add to Vamizi’s reputation as one of the finest dive and snorkel locations in the region, while offshore fishing here can be truly outstanding.
To the south, Metundo Island remains beautifully wild and largely untouched. Its surrounding reefs are shallow, healthy, and ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, with excellent visibility and minimal boat traffic. The island’s isolation has allowed marine life to flourish, making it a rewarding stop for underwater exploration and relaxed anchoring in total seclusion.
Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island) is one of the least visited islands in the Quirimbas and a highlight for true explorers. Encircled by coral gardens and sandy drop-offs, it offers superb conditions for scuba diving, freediving, and observing marine life in an environment that feels virtually unchanged. Together, these three islands showcase the raw beauty and ecological richness that make the northern Quirimbas one of Africa’s most remarkable marine wildernesses.
Be Active
Activities and Excursions
Beach & Water Sports
The northern Quirimbas islands—Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island)—offer a wealth of watersports and activities for every type of adventurer. Guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in calm turquoise lagoons, or explore hidden coves and sandbanks directly from their yacht. Snorkeling over vibrant reefs provides a close-up view of tropical fish and corals, while beach walks and picnics on deserted islands offer relaxing ways to soak in the scenery. Sunset cocktails, beach barbecues, and private anchorages complete the experience, making every day on the northern Quirimbas both active and unforgettable.
Fishing
The northern Quirimbas islands—Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island)—are exceptional destinations for fishing and spearfishing. The nutrient-rich waters support abundant reef and pelagic species, including tuna, wahoo, kingfish, and giant trevally. Spearfishing enthusiasts enjoy pristine reefs with minimal disturbance, offering a safe and sustainable way to target reef fish. Offshore and inshore fishing both provide thrilling opportunities for anglers of all levels. With virtually no crowding and access from your yacht, every trip becomes a private adventure, combining the excitement of sport fishing, spearfishing, and marine exploration in one of Africa’s last untouched coastal wildernesses.
Diving & Snorkelling
The northern Quirimbas islands—Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island)—offer some of Mozambique’s finest scuba diving. Crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant coral reefs, abundant tropical fish, and healthy marine ecosystems largely untouched by humans. Divers can encounter turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful reef life, while deeper drop-offs attract pelagic species such as tuna and giant trevally. Visibility is excellent, and sites suit all experience levels, from relaxed reef dives to more adventurous drift dives. With remote locations and minimal boat traffic, every dive feels private and immersive, making the northern Quirimbas a world-class destination for underwater exploration.
Island Excursions
Activities and Excursions
At Vamizi, Metundo, and Ilha Tecomaji (Tecomaji Island), adventure and relaxation go hand in hand. Spend your days scuba diving among vibrant coral reefs, snorkeling with tropical fish, or spearfishing in crystal-clear waters. Try game and reef fishing, explore deserted beaches, and enjoy beach walks or sunset cocktails on pristine sandbanks. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in secluded lagoons offer additional ways to connect with the marine environment. Onboard or ashore, beach barbecues provide a relaxed way to end the day while watching the sunset over turquoise waters, making each moment unforgettable in these untouched northern Quirimbas islands.
Beach Resorts and Yachts
Add on a Beach Resort to your Yacht Charter holiday
Yacht and Beach Resort Combinations
All experiences in the Quirimbas Archipelago are yacht-based, offering the ultimate blend of adventure, privacy, and flexibility.
Whether you are island hopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, or spearfishing, your yacht serves as both base and transport, allowing access to remote islands like Vamizi, Metundo, and Tecomaji.
Guests can enjoy deserted beaches, beach barbecues, and sunset cocktails directly from the yacht, with no need for land transfers.
The self-contained liveaboard setup ensures comfort, convenience, and safety, while providing freedom to explore over 30 islands and uninhabited sandbanks at your own pace—truly making the yacht the heart of every Quirimbas adventure.
African Safaris
Combining a Yacht Charter with an African Safari is easy.
African Safaris
African Safaris & The Quirimbas
For those combining a Quirimbas cruise with a safari, Mozambique offers seamless connections from Johannesburg, linking to all major South African and Southern African safari destinations.
Guests can fly directly to nearby hubs and continue to iconic parks such as Kruger National Park, Hwange, Okavango Delta, or South Luangwa.
These destinations offer world-class wildlife experiences, including the Big Five, birding, and river safaris. Pairing a yacht charter through the pristine Quirimbas Archipelago with a luxury safari allows travelers to experience both marine and terrestrial wonders in a single trip, making it an unforgettable Southern African adventure.
Best Time to Go
Best Time to Go – Quirimbas Archipelago & St. Lazarus Banks
The ideal period to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago and the St. Lazarus Banks is from August to December. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, sea conditions are calm, and visibility for scuba diving, snorkeling, and spearfishing is at its best. This season also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, island hopping, and wildlife spotting, including dolphins, turtles, and migratory whales, making it the perfect window for a liveaboard or yacht charter adventure through northern Mozambique’s pristine waters.
Getting there
HOW TO GET THERE
Quirimbas Archipelago & St Lazarus Banks
International Flight JHB (South Africa) direct to Pemba
Meet and greet at the airport
Road Transfer to your hotel, resort if you have pre-charter nights booked or directly to Wimbe beach front to meet crew and transfer by rubber duck to yachts.
We then cruise overnight north to the islands in the far north.