Tofo, a laid-back beach town on Mozambique’s Inhambane coast, is one of the best places in Africa to snorkel with whale sharks and dive with manta rays. Research by the Marine Megafauna Foundation, based here, has made these waters among the best studied for these giants.
At a glance
| Best time | October to March for whale sharks; June to October for humpback whales |
| Getting there | Fly to Inhambane, or drive 7 to 8 hours from Maputo |
| Time needed | 4 to 7 days |
| Big draws | Whale sharks, reef and oceanic mantas, humpback whales, dolphins |
| Good for | Snorkellers, divers, beach lovers |
Ocean safaris
Boats head out along the coast looking for whale sharks feeding near the surface. When one is found, snorkellers slip into the water to swim alongside. Trips usually last two to three hours, and dolphins, turtles and humpback whales (in season) are often seen too.
Diving with mantas
- Manta Reef is famous for cleaning stations where reef manta rays hover while small fish clean them. Giant oceanic mantas also visit. See our giant manta ray profile.
- Other dive sites have loggerhead turtles, leopard sharks, guitarfish and huge schools of fish.
- Most dive sites suit divers with some experience, as the ocean can be choppy with currents.
Declining numbers
Research has shown worrying declines in sightings of whale sharks and reef mantas along this coast since the early 2000s, linked to fishing and bycatch. Encounters are still possible, but not guaranteed. The Marine Megafauna Foundation works with communities on protection and has pushed for marine protected areas.
Encounter guidelines
- Stay at least 3 metres from whale sharks and 4 metres from the tail.
- Never touch, ride or chase the animals.
- Do not use flash photography.
- Limit the number of snorkellers in the water at one time.
- Choose operators that follow a code of conduct and support research.
When to go
- October to March: peak whale shark season, with warmer water.
- June to October: humpback whales migrate along the coast.
- Mantas: year-round, with good sightings through most months.
Getting there
Fly to Inhambane (with connections via Maputo or Johannesburg), then drive about 30 minutes to Tofo. Alternatively, drive about 7 to 8 hours from Maputo along the coast.
Where to stay
Tofo has guesthouses, backpacker lodges and beach hotels, as well as dive resorts. Nearby Barra and Tofinho are quieter alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Are whale sharks guaranteed in Tofo? No. Sightings vary and have declined, but many ocean safaris still find them, especially in season.
Do I need to be a diver to see whale sharks? No. Whale shark encounters are by snorkelling; diving is needed for mantas at cleaning stations.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks? Yes. Whale sharks eat plankton and are harmless to people. Follow the guidelines to keep them safe too.
Can I combine Tofo with a safari? Yes. Kruger National Park is a day’s drive or a short flight away, and Gorongosa is also accessible.
Related guides
- The Sardine Run
- Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef
- Swimming with whale sharks responsibly in the Philippines
- Animal profiles: Whale shark, Giant manta ray, Humpback whale
Cover photo: Erik Cleves Kristensen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons