Neptune’s Arm – the best diving in East Africa?

By Tom Barber, 24th July, 2013

Mozambique

I have just returned from a diving research trip to explore the best East African dive destinations in Tanzania and Mozambique.

I had a great trip and did some stunning dives but there is one that stands out above the rest: Neptune's Arm, which is only accessible from the beautiful Vamizi Island in the remote Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique.

Author of Dive in Style, Tim Simond, claims this as the best dive of his life so I had great expectations and it didn't disappoint. It's a stunning coral garden that tumbles down the edge of a thousand metre cliff. The scenery is epic and the quantity of fish that sit above the giant pinnacles that rise from the deep is breath-taking. Thousands upon thousands of big fish that look like dark, impenetrable clouds. I have never seen anything like it.

Circling the giant shoals of fish are large numbers of big, fat grey reef sharks. I saw a few but at the right time of year you can see up to 40 of them on the dive. Add in 40m to 50m visibility if you're lucky and things just keep getting better.

I spent 70 minutes on this wonderful dive and it is my intention to return as soon as I can. I am going to claim this as the best diving in East Africa and one of the best dives in the world. I have never experienced anything like it.

What's the best dive of your life? Tell us in the comments. And if you want to dive Neptune's Arm, contact us to find out more.

About Tom Barber

One of the founders of Original Travel and Conde Nast Traveller family specialist.

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