SURFING
Due to landscape and point break, surf continues to deliver readable waves all year round. Raging cold fronts during winter times tend to push the swells straight past the point and further up the coastline. Tailends of swells usually lap into the bay and sometimes offer fun rides during nasty storms, rides that last from the point all the way to the motel a km down the beach. The only problem is the paddle, wearing a wetsuit does not help but is sometimes needed as water temperatures can drop to 21 degrees and air temperature to about 15 on a really cold day. Summer time is surf time....
An absolute bonus to surfing Ponta are the resident bottlenose dolphins who have been known to line up with the two leggedes on many an occasion.
Ponta has an abundance of waves to offer any budding surfer. Keep it safe and keep it real. “Goose”
Available onsite @ Moya:
Surfing: hour lessons including board hireR200
Surf and Body-board hire per dayR100-R200 per day
KITING PONTA DO OURO
Mocambique makes up about 3000 km of the east coast of Africa. Much of this unexplored by kite surfers and surfers alike. The coast line consists of sandy bays with rocky “points” that have been formed over the millennia by the predominant north easterly winds. The “beastly eastly” as the locals call it,… well not all the locals…The sheltered bay and point break combine to make Ponta Do Ouro the ideal kite surfing venue, regardless of your experience level. The headland that dominates the southern part of the bay ,rules out kiting for any winds from the south and west. But south easterly down-winders can be done if you stay out of the bay. The prime wind is the north-easterly, which gives cross/on conditions in the bay and is ideal for beginners and advanced alike. When the bay drains out on spring low tides, it creates the flat conditions that are so enjoy by the freestyle enthusiasts. And the point break will leave any wave rider completely satisfied. Although the bay can get crowded during peak holiday periods, our pristine beaches ensures that nobody has to share if they don’t want too…..
Just north of Ponta Do Ouro, “one bay up” as the locals say, is Ponta Malongane. Here there is just one resort that nestles in the southern end of the bay. Due to the fact that the point at Ponta Malongane does not jut out to sea quite as far as Ponta Do Ouro, it allows the south easterly into the bay there and makes for one of the few spots that can be kited in this wind. Also, as the bay is quite shallow it is a great wave riding spot. Both in the south-easterly and the north easterly. But for the same reason, this continuous surf action is not pleasant for beginners.
Ponta Mamoli, 20 km north of Ponta Do Ouro, is the “last out-post” on this stretch of the coastline before the Maputo Elephant reserve limits your access further north. Although this bay is very good for wave riding, it is better know as starting point for north-east downwinders back to Ponta Do Ouro. This two hour wave riding fest will expose the rider to vast treks of unspoilt beaches which is typical of this coastline. For the not so fit, a quick stop at Ponta Malongane’s beach bar, will provide the necessary sustenance to complete the last leg back to Ponta Do Ouro.
The time for wind in this region is August to December, when consistent high pressure systems and shoring temperatures produce favorable north-easterly conditions. This coincides with spring and early summer, with sunny clear sky’s, warm water and hot nights. During this period the wind cycles though three to five consecutive days north east, with two to four day breaks in between. In the closing months of the year, the air and sea temperature rise from hot to hotter and board shorts and sun block perpetuates the days. December is also the main tourist season, so if you enjoy crowds and a lively, holiday atmosphere this is the best time of the year for it. In January and February it gets even hotter with high humidity that sends everybody either undercover or underwater. Sea temperatures of 30-32º C are not uncommon. This is also the start of the annual cyclone season, which , for Ponta Do Ouro, means very little wind, but the occasional monster swell. For “winter” (Mar – Jul), “this little wind and lots of waves” theme, continuous to make it a superb surfing destination.
Available onsite @ Moya:
Kite Boarding Lessons, 2 hour lessons are available on site when the on shore is blowing.
One generally needs 3 lessons to get up and riding. Gear included @ R400 per lesson.
DIVE
Southern Mozambique is famous for its pristine coral reefs and scuba diving is a must for those qualified, please bring along a valid sea card. Dives range from the shallowness of Crèche at some 12 meters to deep shark dives at Pinnacles 35 meters. A number of concessions operate in the area and both gear hire and dive courses are available.
Prices range R280+
THERAPY
Ponta do Ouro has been home to various traveling healers over the years. Special people find their way to the point of gold and offer various forms of holistic disciplines.
Prices range from R300 per session
