The reefs
Orange sponges and fish.
Wisneyykarin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa — CC BY 2.0 · Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa — CC BY 2.0 · Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa — CC BY 2.0 · Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa — CC BY 2.0
Ponta do Ouro is a coastal town in the far south of Mozambique, just north of the South African border and the southernmost settlement on the Mozambican coast. It is known for its beaches, resident dolphins, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. It is a popular holiday spot for South Africans, who often call it simply «Ponta». Its waters lie within Maputo National Park, which joined the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2025 as an extension of iSimangaliso. The area was a separate marine reserve until it merged into the park in 2021. The town itself has stayed small, with sandy streets and simple houses, and its people keep a strong tie to the sea and to fishing. The beach has long sands and white waves, with deep blue water where diving begins close to shore. Underwater are reefs rich in orange sponges, big groupers, bright parrotfish and yellow Christmas tree worms. In town a sandy street has sellers showing colourful cloth, and small restaurants serve fish. It is about 101 km from central Maputo in a straight line and about 50 km from Maputo National Park. Book diving or a dolphin trip with a licensed operator, and ask about the rules for approaching them. You may need a high vehicle on the sandy streets. Waves can be strong, so ask about the best place to swim.
Orange sponges and fish.
With a licensed operator.
Sand and white waves.
Matutuíne District, far south of Mozambique
By road south over the Maputo Bay bridge, ending on sandy streets, so check your vehicle.
Yes, with the beach, surface dolphin trips and simple restaurants.