Explore: Nacala
General Info
This is a deepwater port connected to Malawi by a rail line for the export of coal.
Whilst Nacala Bay is an area of outstanding beauty, the town itself is nothing special and the port area has a bad reputation for theft.
Whales migrate through here July to September. There are a number of diving lodges around the bay as the diving here is said to be spectacular.
Position 14° 26.84’S, 40° 39.90’E (entrance to the bay)
Clearance
This is a Port of Entry.
See Noonsite/Mozambique/formalities for full details on clearing into and out of the country.
Port control maintains watch on HF 8.499 KHz.
Last updated January 2016.
Docking
Nacala port area has a reputation for theft, so an alternative is to anchor off one of the many dive lodges around the bay.
Libélula Dive Lodge is located in a protected bay to starboard of the main port at about 14°29S 40°44.7E. The couple who run this lodge took it over in 2009 and do not object to yachts passing by and anchoring here, however, space is limited. There is a marine reserve directly off the beach (350m along the coast & 150M sea-ward), however, the beach drops off to around 20-30m+, and below 20m (100-200m off the beach) it is 80% sand, so anchoring is no real problem. Take care though to avoid any coral.
On high tide, it is possible to dinghy into the beach, but the low tide exposes a band of terraced rocks. A member of staff is on the beach 24/7, so this bay is generally pretty secure.
Ashore you will find a good small market for vegetables and fresh bread, supermarkets and ATMs.
Until very recently, Nacala was extremely remote and very difficult to get to by road, however now road conditions are good to Nampula (airport).
Last updated January 2016.
