Bazaruto Archipelago and Vilanculos

Mozambique uses the +258 country dialling code. Portuguese is official; Vodacom, Movitel and Tmcel are among national mobile networks, but coverage is not guaranteed on remote islands or at offshore sites. Ask the accommodation about SIM registration, local data, Wi-Fi speed and whether boats have VHF/radio and a working emergency contact route. Download travel details and maps while on the mainland. Do not treat generic mobile reception as an offshore rescue system.

Portuguese is the national official language. Local Mozambican languages are spoken in island and mainland communities, and English is often used by tourism staff but should not be presumed universal. PADI lists several spoken languages for Odyssea Dive. For village or conservation visits, use a community-authorized guide and ask before photographing residents or activities.

Select travel and scuba-specific medical, recompression, search/rescue and evacuation insurance covering Mozambique, offshore diving and possible transfer to South Africa. Verify the actual dive depth, training level, breath-hold exclusions and ambulance/airlift terms. Some travel policies exclude incidents arising in areas subject to government travel warnings. Carry insurer and DAN contacts offline, and request the operator emergency action plan. Even land-only guests need medical transport and weather interruption cover.

Pack a dive certification card and logbook, personal mask, appropriate computer, reef-safe sun protection, sun hat, sunglasses, water shoes for wet boarding, secure dry bag, small first-aid kit, essential prescribed medicines, insect repellent, universal plug adapter and some local cash. A warmer layer helps with cooler July-August evenings and exposed boat runs. Bring only the dive gear you can transport under any helicopter luggage restrictions and follow airline rules for batteries and equipment. Use reusable water containers and avoid leaving waste on islands.