Photographic Scuba Adventure - 4 Days

(Reef diving 10-30m, min. Open Water)
For the person that enjoys reef diving, looking for usual reef fishes, sea slugs and crustaceans. If you have a camera Jenny will help answer your questions on optimal camera setup, macro life to photograph and de-briefings on settings and results.

At Back to Basics the passion for the marine life is captured thru amazing macro photography by Jenny Stromvoll. She co-owns and operate the business with her Husband Rupert. In 2018 she published “Sea Slugs of the Maputaland Coast” and she often gives courses or lectures on marine life and their behaviour. She very much enjoys unusual critters.

Overview

Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, which forms the first marine Transfrontier Conservation Area in Africa with Kosi Bay in South Africa, is well known for its rich biodiversity.

It is the home to 500 species of reef fish, 400 species of sea slugs and 19 species of sharks, not to mention that Southern Mozambique is home to 80% of all loggerhead and leatherback turtle nesting sites in Mozambique, the Humpback whales also passes on their annual migration in July-August.

Ponta do Ouro is a marine biodiversity hotspot.

Ponta do Ouro offers over 40 different dive sites which varies from 10-40m in depth and 1km to 12km in distance from launch site. The dive boat is a 7.5m rubber duck that is fully equipped to take up to 14 divers.

The dive boat launches from the beach thru the surf, all divers are required to help push in the boat. All dives are drift dives being in the open ocean. Entry is done thru a backward roll.

Safety is the main priority and there is radio and telephone communication to shore. Emergency oxygen is standard equipment and all staff is trained in emergency first response. The Diving in Mozambique is exceptional but it requires a certain level of fitness.

Back to Basics is using SCUBAPRO equipment which is regularly serviced by qualified staff. All divers must present their qualification cards upon arrival. Nitrox is available on request at a extra cost.

If there is a bad ocean day, Back to Basics can arrange a day to visit to the Maputo Special Reserve. This pristine 1040-sq-km wilderness area, formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, is at the centre of efforts by the Peace Parks Foundation to protect the wildlife and ecosystems of the surrounding Maputaland area, and to form links between marine, coastal and inland areas.

The reserve’s elephant population is currently estimated at about 450, other species include hippos, giraffes, zebras and impalas.

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1

You will be welcomed at the Kosi Bay border at 15.00 and taken to your accommodation in Ponta do Ouro.

Here you will have some time to settle in before meeting the dive crew at Back to Basics for a welcome drink and briefing for the following diving days.

On request help is given for optimal camera setup.

Please note that your accommodation is self-catered, food can be purchased at the local supermarket or the many restaurants offer a lovely variety of options.

Day 2
Day 2

You will be meeting the dive crew between 6am and 8am as arranged the previous afternoon. Today you will have 2 dives in the morning. Each dive is given with a thorough briefing on marine life and how to best photograph them. De-briefing on settings and results is done after the dive.

The rest of the day free for some relaxation. Optional activities that can be arranged by your crew include surfing and kite surfing lessons, snorkeling in the bay at low tide or a nice long walk or run down the beach.

Meals again will be either self catered or at the many restaurants of choice.

Day 3
Day 3

Today you will meet the crew again early for 2 morning dives. Will be focusing on improvement and upon request finding special critters or spending more time for marine behaviour.

After your dives you will have the midday to relax or enjoy some alternative activities.

At 16:00 you will join up with the crew for a cool afternoon at Lake Malongane. Here we visit Sunset Shack for a lovely early dinner snack!

You will be back in town between 18:00 and 19:00 if anyone still want to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants.

Day 4
Day 4

This morning at 6-7am you will meet at the beach for your last dive.

After diving you will head back to your accommodation to check out before departing for your next adventure.

Cost Includes

  • 3 Nights Accommodation,
  • 5 reef dives with gear,
  • Camera setup and briefings on marine life,
  • De-briefings and suggested techniques sessions,
  • Sunset trip to Malongane.

Cost Excludes

  • Meals and drinks,
  • Park entrance fees,
  • Visa fees.(International guests)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Photographic Scuba Adventure