Jangamo & Guinjata Bay · Mozambique · Reef · Muck & macro
Pao Rock
Leaf fish, shrimp and bright nudibranchs on a reef shaped like pao bread
Photo: Peter Southwood · CC BY-SA 3.0
Pao Rock is a shallow reef off Guinjata Bay, shaped like the local pao bread of Mozambique and so full of marine life that it is almost aquarium-like. Together with the Pinnacles it is the first choice of macro photographers. The dive averages 12 m and stays within 18 m.
Also known as Pao.
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
Most of the dive is spent at around 12 m, with the deepest point at 18 m. Well-camouflaged leaf fish, brightly coloured nudibranchs and a variety of shrimp live on the rock.
Marine life and season
- Nudibranchs
- Macro critters
| 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.
Photos from Pao Rock
Peter Southwood · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dive videos
🐋 ¡LAS BALLENAS NOS ACOMPAÑAN BAJO EL AGUA! 🌊🇲🇿 | Pao Rock | Mozambique | 18-07-2022 🤿 · Producciones Maldisub on YouTube
Sources
- Guiquindo Lodge - Diving — Guinjata House and Chalets
- Guinjata Bay Dive Sites — Guinjata Dive Centre
Photo credits
- A juvenile angelfish, dark blue with white curved rings, swimming over brown rock patched with orange sponges. by Peter Southwood, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- A single lionfish with banded brown and white fins hovering over green reef in blue-green water. by Peter Southwood, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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