Tofo and Barra

Tofo operators report strong or variable current, blue-water drops and boat surf launches. Confirm each guest's minimum level, recent dive count, planned depth, enriched-air credentials, a dive computer, guide/boat separation plan, surface signaling and weather cancellation criteria. Do not rely on an operator's generic safety claim instead of inspection of oxygen, radios, emergency first aid and a written evacuation procedure. Tofo Scuba describes boat oxygen, radio and GPS, but this describes its stated practice, not independent certification. Stay within no-decompression limits appropriate to training and avoid flying too soon after diving following your medical training provider's guidance. Freediving demands independent, trained surface rescue coverage; no solo depth sessions or hyperventilation. Ocean safari snorkeling is not freedive training.

Specialized emergency treatment is limited and current chamber operation is not confirmed. Tofo Scuba reports Durban as its nearest recompression facility; other third-party guides mention Maputo, so the conflict should be resolved by DAN, the receiving facility and the insurer before a trip. A distance in a directory does not establish that a chamber is operational or able to accept a patient. For suspected decompression illness, stop diving, provide oxygen if trained and available, call local emergency care and DAN, and arrange physician-led stabilization and transport. DAN advises initial evaluation in an emergency department rather than directing a patient to a chamber on their own. UK FCDO notes some serious cases require evacuation to South Africa. Arrange malaria prevention advice and carry prescribed medicines. Avoid drinking untreated water and check any reported local water-quality or disease advisories.

MMF research documents major losses among Tofo whale sharks and manta rays. Their presence should not be used to declare animal safety or abundant encounters. Ask for the boat's local permits, code of conduct and any community or site permission. The Love The Oceans NGO code offers best-practice minimum distances for whale sharks of 3 m from the body, 4 m from the tail and 20 m for interacting boats, plus no touching, flash, obstruction or pursuit. These are cited conservation guidelines, not asserted here as nationwide statutory distances. Respect stricter applicable rules. Never crowd manta cleaning stations, stand on reefs, collect wildlife or shell specimens or disturb seagrass. Tofo Scuba says it does not offer swims with breeding humpbacks. Community-led estuary and island tours should have local consent.