Jangamo & Guinjata Bay · Mozambique · Drift · Reef
Paindane Express Reef
An almost constant north-to-south current carries the dive
Photo: Peter Southwood · CC BY-SA 3.0
Paindane Express Reef is a drift dive off Guinjata Bay, on a reef swept by an almost constant north-to-south current. That strong flow gave the reef its nickname of Paindane Express. The dive averages 18 m, with the deepest point at 35 m.
Also known as Paindane X-Press, Paindane Reef.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Jangamo & Guinjata Bay and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
The reef starts close to shore in about 18 m of water and runs rapidly down to 35 m. Divers let the current carry them from north to south, covering a long distance in a short time past brilliantly coloured corals, gorgonian sea fans, fast-moving game fish and the occasional reef shark.
Marine life and season
- Reef sharks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime |
Season follows Jangamo & Guinjata Bay: Whale sharks peak November to May; humpback whales pass from June until November.
Know before you go
- A strong current runs around the reef almost constantly, setting north to south.
Photos from Paindane Express Reef
Peter Southwood · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dive videos
whale shark paindane express · rufusmurphy1 on YouTube
Sources
- Guiquindo Lodge - Diving — Guinjata House and Chalets
- Guinjata Bay Dive Sites — Guinjata Dive Centre
Photo credits
- A round blue sea cucumber marked with a bright yellow-green star pattern, resting on green, coral-covered rock. by Peter Southwood, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- A large red sea fan spreading across the frame, with pale feather star arms above it against green water. by Peter Southwood, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
More dive sites in Jangamo & Guinjata Bay
Reef
Ten different kinds of eel share a single reef
Wall
Fourteen green tree corals, some 6 m tall and 5 m across
Reef
A 600 m reef cut by caves, gullies and drop-offs
Leaf fish, shrimp and bright nudibranchs on a reef shaped like pao bread
Similar dives elsewhere
Drift
Dzinani
Diani Beach · Kenya
Coral ridges and sand channels with leaf fish and pegasus dragonfish
A drift along a coloured coral slope to 25 m
Barracuda, reef sharks and giant trevally on the promontory
Grey reef sharks, tuna and giant barracuda on a drifting plateau