The Ilha Quisiva Weblog

Shark dive site found...

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:03:48 +0200

Thought I would just let everyone know that a site has been found off the South Eastern side of Ilha Quisiva. At this site there have been many sightings of sharks.The type of sharks I'm not sure about and waiting to hear back from friends in the area. I expect they are white tip reef sharks. Sharks are not common on most dive sites from my experience. This may purely be to the fact we dive mainly at slack tide.

At this dive site I've been told there is very good healthy coral growth. A large school of silver Batfish frequenting the reef and on the odd occasion a school of Barracuda have been spotted. Large Napoleons are common as well.

As my friend put it, "It is Magic!"

I look forward to exploring this site when I have the opportunity to visit.

The Ilha Quisiva Villas

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:44:51 +0200

Set back from the tense edge of the low coral cliffs on the eastern shore of Ilha Quisiva and secreted into the island bush, lie 14 villas designed for either one or two couples or for whole families comprising up to eight people. The villas will look out over a surreal vista; each set on a small private beach cove and carefully sited to ensure complete privacy and seclusion.Renowned for their ability to produce emotive and original responses to dramatic conditions, international award winning architects Andrew Makin, Mark Horner and Janina Masojada (architects of Singita Lebombo & the Johannesburg Constitutional Court) have produced an inspired contemporary villa design whose surprising style contrasts with the structures and design of the island village on the western side of the island. Constructed from coral rock and glass and finished in fragrant local hardwoods and marble, each villa uses width, depth and height to frame private vantages on a stunning natural marine world. Beautiful original artifacts, furnishings and the best environmental design ensure ultimate comfort and an exquisite sense of space, generous luxury and heightened well-being.

The smallest villa has 270m� under roof and external areas covering 300m�. Each villa features superb bedroom, en-suite bathroom and dressing areas offering the last word in panoramic moonscapes and sunrises. Optional outside showers and lapa, study and private freshwater pool are designed to evoke surprise and delight, and the kitchenette with spacious inside or outside in-villa dining completes the experience of a living to the dictates of a slower pulse set by natural island rhythms.

1 Double Bedroom Ensuite with Lounge
Internal Area: 278 m� / External Area: 320 m�

2 Double Bedrooms Ensuite with Lounge
Internal Area: 383 m� / External Area: 358 m�

4 Double Bedrooms Ensuite with Lounge
Internal Area: 592 m� / External Area: 425 m�

For a more detailed look at the villas or for information on how to purchase a share in a villa, please go our main website at:

www.quisiva.com

Endangered species in the Quirimbas Archipelago

Mon, 7 Jan 2008 14:10:35 +0200

The small chain of stunning islands off the North coast of Mozambique in the Quirimbas Archipelago is an incredibly unique aquatic sanctuary. Many endangered species reside there and to date it is a unique and unspoilt haven for these rare underwater creatures.
Turtle-lovers certainly would be in paradise in the Quirimbas Archipelago with possibly up to five different species of turtle living there. The Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle are the most commonly sighted turtles around Ilha Quisiva. While diving on the outer reef sometimes I sighted Green turtles that were so big they were mistaken for huge coral blocks until they suddenly swam away as we approached. On night dives it is a common occurrence to find several turtles sleeping in the small caves in the reefs.

Another example of marine animals listed as endangered which can be found within the Quirimbas is the elusive Dugong. Although never sighted underwater by myself, Dugongs were spotted on the surface by several people when doing sunset cruises on the local dhow boats. The Dugong population in the world is very small and these creatures are renowned for being incredibly shy. No real research into the local population has yet been done but the grassy seaweed beds found in the many estuaries near Quisiva and Quilalea seem ideal for them.

Humpback whales migrate past Quisiva every year and it is not uncommon to see them displaying their huge tails or jumping out the water. The whales have also been known to enter into the more protected areas around the islands to give birth to their young. The whale season begins at the end of June to early July with most of the activity happening during August.

The list of endangered sea creatures in the Quirimbas Archipelago is far too extensive to put in this blog and the truth is that the number of animals that need protection is numerous. This unique and breathtakingly beautiful area still needs to be thoroughly explored and researched since it is such an uncharted diving territory. However, the stories from local fisherman of sea horses and many strange fish are fascinating enough to inspire me to make the trip back there to discover more of the seas wonders.

New "Add New Item" facility

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:12:00 +0200

Hi Guys,

This is just a quick test post to test the "Add New Item" facility, which is now accessible straight from the blog when you are logged in.If it works, I think it will be better, as it saves you having to go into the admin to create a post.

Village Facilities will be coming soon, if this test is successful.

Regards
Brendon

Fishing & fly fishing gallery

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 22:54:04 +0200

This gallery contains images of the fishing and fly fishing on St Lazarus Bank and in the Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique.

For more information please visit our main website at:
www.quisiva.com

Brendon

Yacht Charter promo video

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:42:55 +0200

This video contains aerial and ground footage of the Eleuthera 60 under sail. The Eleuthera is a luxurious 60ft catamaran built by the reputable french yacht builder, Fountaine Pajot. We intend offering yacht charters to St Lazarus Bank and around the Quirimbas Archipelago on the Eleuthera 60. Enjoy stunning images of a world class yacht in the tranquil waters of an Island paradise.

For more information please visit our main website at:
www.quisiva.com

Video footage courtesy of
Fountaine Pajot
www.fountaine-pajot.com
2006

Scuba diving impressions...

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:23:51 +0200

This is a collection of scuba diving images shot around Ilha Quisiva by Peter Cronje.

Ilha Quisiva Impressions

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:48:00 +0200

This is a collection of some of my favourite photos of Ilha Quisiva�

Video of Ilha Quisiva from the air

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:16:43 +0200

This is a video I shot in the beginning of 2006 while flying around Ilha Quisiva in Northern Mozambique. Although it was shot in the dry season, the video clearly shows the stunning 400m sand spit and the many private coved beaches where our villas will be sited. The Island is 350 hectares and is largely covered in Coastal thicket and fringed with coral cliffs, which form the protected coved beaches for our villa sites.

Ilha Quisiva is situated within the Parque Nacionale das Quirimbas about 20 NM north of Pemba. The island will site our exclusive 6-star eco lodge in the near future and become home to our luxury charter catamarans. The area boasts some of the best diving in Africa, with deep wall dives and pristine reefs.

If you would like to see more about Ilha Quisiva, please visit our website at

http://www.quisiva.com

Video created and edited by
Brendon Held
2006

Video of the amazing diving off Ihla Quisiva

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 13:20:57 +0200

Well, I thought as I had treated you all to a little info about the diving in the Quirimbas Archipelago. I should up the stakes a little and let you make up your own mind. So I have put a little video together, so why not have a look.

I really hope you enjoyed the video, I certainly enjoyed reliving those dives when making it and I would love to hear your comments.