Tofo Beach

About this place

Tofo Beach is a small town on the Indian Ocean in south-east Mozambique, a 22 km drive from Inhambane city. It is one of the best-known stops on the coast, with a long beach, good waves and sea air. Divers come here for the whale sharks and manta rays that pass close to the shore. The area was long home to the Bitonga people, skilled fishermen and traders. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century and set up a trading post in nearby Inhambane. In the 19th century the region came under the Gaza Empire led by Soshangane. Tofo stayed a quiet fishing town before tourism made it a place for diving and surf. The beach runs a long way between green hills and white waves, and from the high ground you see the coast out to the horizon. The town has little more than one sandy street, thatched huts, a small fish market and wooden boats dragged up on the sand. Restaurants serve lobster and fresh fish. At sunset the sky turns pink over the water. It is about 17 km from central Inhambane in a straight line. Book diving or an ocean trip through a licensed centre, and ask about the rules for approaching sea animals. Waves can be strong, so do not swim far out, and ask about the best spot. Banking is limited in town, so bring some cash.