Quirimbas IslandsQuirimbas Islands at a Glance
About Quirimbas Islands
The Quirimbas Islands are an archipelago off northern Mozambique in Cabo Delgado Province, notable for coral reefs, mangroves and islands with Portuguese-era settlements. Parts of the archipelago are included in the Quirimbas National Park, which combines marine and terrestrial conservation.
Attractions include coral-dive sites, remote sandbanks, and the historic island town on Ibo Island with its fort and colonial architecture. Tourism here mixes diving and snorkelling with cultural visits to centuries-old settlements and dhow-style island transport.
The islands have long been important for local fishing and trade; the creation of marine protections and tourism development in recent decades aims to conserve reefs and support local economies. Management includes park authorities and community stakeholders.
The chain runs off the coast near the city of Pemba and extends north-south along the Cabo Delgado coastline, with mainland launch points providing regular boat access.
- Size and composition: The archipelago comprises around 30 islands stretching along the northern Mozambican coast and contains significant coral reef and mangrove habitats.
- Access: Pemba and nearby mainland ports are the usual launch points for island excursions, dive trips and cultural visits to Ibo Island.
What to See#
- Ibo Island: A fortified island with a historic town and Portuguese colonial-era fort that is a focal point for cultural tourism in the archipelago.
- Outer Quirimbas islets: A group of small coral islands and sandbanks with reef channels popular for diving and remote island camping.
- Quirimbas National Park: A protected marine area that combines terrestrial islands with adjacent coral reef systems and mangroves.
Best Time to Visit Quirimbas Islands
Best visited in the dry season (May-October) for reliable boat and flight access and better marine visibility.
Weather & Climate near Quirimbas Islands
Quirimbas Islands's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 33°C. Moderate rainfall (997 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 22° - 32° | 27° | 234 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.6h |
| February | Acceptable | 22° - 32° | 27° | 188 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| March | Acceptable | 22° - 32° | 27° | 208 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| May | Excellent | 20° - 31° | 26° | 24 mm | some cloud | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.4h |
| June | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 9 mm | some cloud | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 24° | 11 mm | some cloud | 75% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 24° | 2 mm | some cloud | 71% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.6h |
| September | Ideal | 20° - 31° | 25° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 32° | 26° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 66% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.3h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 33° | 29° | 48 mm | some cloud | 66% | 2.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.6h |
| December | Good | 22° - 32° | 29° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.5 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.7h |
How to Get to Quirimbas Islands
Access from Pemba by boat or small aircraft; charter boats and local operators run transfers to the Quirimbas archipelago. Pemba has the main regional airport.
Tips for Visiting Quirimbas Islands
- Island transport relies on small aircraft and dhows; book at least several days in advance and expect sea conditions to influence schedules.
- Respect marine protected areas - some islands have no-take zones for fishery recovery.
- Travelers should plan multi-day itineraries: islands are dispersed and connections are slow.