Expect $25–60 per single dive on budget trips, $60–160 per two-tank day mid-range, and $200–450+ per day on luxury liveaboards. A 7-day diving holiday typically costs $900–3,500+ depending on accommodation, flights, park fees, and extras.
Diving in Mozambique: a practical cost guide
Overview Mozambique offers world-class coral reefs, whale sharks, mantas, and untouched archipelagos. Costs vary widely by region and style: budget shore-based diving around Tofo or Ponta do Ouro, mid-range liveaboards or island lodges in Vilanculos/Bazaruto, and ultra-luxury safari-style diving in the Quirimbas. Below are realistic USD ranges, plus sample 7-day budgets.
Typical per-dive and course pricing
- Single boat dive (per tank): $25–60 (budget locations may be toward lower end; remote islands can be higher).
- Two-tank day trip: $60–160 per person.
- Equipment rental: full set $15–40/day; mask/snorkel $3–8/day; BCD/regulator each $8–20/day.
- Nitrox: $8–25 per day (or per fill) where available.
- PADI Open Water course: $350–700 (budget operators $350–450; remote or high-end operators $500–700).
- Advanced/ specialty courses: $300–600.
Accommodation (nightly, USD)
- Budget: $10–35. Cheap guesthouses, backpacker lodges, simple beachfront rooms in Tofo or Vilanculos.
- Mid-range: $40–150. Comfortable pousadas, small hotels, mid-range beachfront lodges.
- Luxury: $200–1,500+. High-end island lodges, private villas, charter liveaboards or exclusive resorts. Luxury liveaboards commonly charge $250–600+ per person per night, usually including diving.
Food and drink
- Budget meals: $2–8 (local eateries, street food). Expect seafood to be a bit pricier in tourist spots.
- Mid-range restaurants: $8–25 per meal.
- Fine dining and hotel restaurants: $30–80+.
- Beer/soft drinks: $1.50–4; cocktails $6–12.
Transport
- International flights vary widely and are not included here.
- Domestic flights: Maputo to Vilanculos/Pemba/Quelimane $80–350 one-way depending on distance and season.
- Shuttle/boat transfers to islands: $10–120 one-way (short speedboat transfers are cheap; charter boats/sea planes are expensive).
- Car hire: $35–110/day depending on vehicle. Fuel and 4x4 access fees extra.
- Taxis/local buses: cheap in towns ($1–10 short trips), but reliability can vary.
Park and permit fees
- Marine park conservation fees vary by site and change frequently. Typical ranges: $5–40 per person per day.
- Bazaruto National Park: commonly toward the higher end ($20–40/day) for foreign visitors.
- Quirimbas and private island reserves: $15–40/day depending on operator.
- Smaller marine reserves or day-use fees in Tofo/Ponta do Ouro: $5–15/day. Always check current official rates before travel; some operators collect these on arrival and pass them through.
Sample 7-day diving trip costs (illustrative)
- Budget 7-day trip (6 nights, 5 dive days, shore-based): Accommodation $120 (20/night) + Food $105 (15/day) + Domestic flight/transfer $170 + Dives $350 (5x $70/day) + Gear rental $125 (5x $25) + Park fees/insurance $100 = approx $970–1,100.
- Mid-range 7-day trip: Accommodation $480 (80/night) + Food $210 + Flights/transfers/car $410 + Dives $700 (5x $140/day) + Gear rental $100 + Nitrox/fees $105 + Insurance $80 = approx $2,085–2,300.
- Luxury 7-day experience (liveaboard or high-end island lodge): Liveaboard or lodge $2,000–4,200 (7 nights at $285–600/night, usually incl diving) + Premium flights/transfers $300 + Extras $200 = approx $2,500–4,800+.
Hidden costs to watch for
- Nitrox, fills, and specialty equipment surcharges.
- Park and conservation fees collected on arrival or per dive; often not included in advertised dive prices.
- Cylinder/hire bottle types: DIN vs Yoke adaptors, or specialized mix fills, can incur extra charges.
- Fuel surcharges, port clearance fees, and national park permits for private charters.
- Tips for dive crew and lodge staff: plan $2–10 per diver per day for boat crew on budget trips; 10–15% for lodge restaurants and luxury staff.
- Gear damage or replacement fees if equipment is lost or broken.
- ATM and card limits in remote areas; cash fees and unfavorable exchange rates. Bring small USD notes and local meticais.
Money tips and practical advice
- Book popular seasons early: whale shark season in the south runs roughly Nov–Mar; manta seasons and clear-water months vary by region.
- Always buy dive travel insurance that explicitly covers scuba diving emergency evacuation and recompression chambers (providers like DAN). Expect $50–150 for basic short-trip coverage; higher for extended trips.
- Confirm what taxes, transfer fees, and park fees are included in quoted dive or liveaboard prices.
- Bring important spare parts (mask strap, fin straps, mouthpiece) and basic maintenance items; replacements can be expensive or unavailable in remote islands.
- Carry USD in small denominations for park fees, tips, and remote purchases; ATMs are scarce outside main towns.
Final note Mozambique can be very affordable for budget divers but quickly becomes premium once you add islands, conservation fees, nitrox and remote transportation. Planning, asking operators what is included, and budgeting for hidden fees will keep surprises to a minimum and let you focus on the incredible diving.