This document lists the rules and regulations for visitors who visit the beach. It also lists requirements that boat owners need to adhere to (particularly sea-going boats). In addition to this, fishing regulations, along with lists of safe, restricted and prohibited fish that anglers can catch in Mozambique. These list may vary according to the area of Mozambique that you visit and are not comprehensive. Please obtain a comprehensive list of species when you get your boat permit and fishing license.
For your own safety, Mozambique.co.mz does not recommend walking on the beach at night. When going to the beach, please leave all valuables at your accommodation or securely locked away in your vehicle. Avoid taking mobile phones, laptops, jewelry or other valuables to the beach.
A holiday to Mozambique usually includes a sun tan, however, please be aware of the damaging effects of UV rays from the “African” sun. It is highly recommended that you apply a sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body, especially while you are on a boat or on the beach. We also recommend that you avoid extended exposure to the sun. Children should wear wide brimmed sun hats for further protection against sunburn. Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to stay hydrated. As a further precaution, add hydration salts to your water. Sun stroke is a serious condition that should be considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of sun stroke include: throbbing headache, dizziness, lack of sweating despite the heat, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, rapid shallow breathing, disorientation, and possibly even a loss of consciousness. If you feel cold in warm weather you have likely suffered bad sunburn. If you have been burnt by the sun, use an “after sun” cream or lotion to reduce the damaging effects to your skin. After Sun lotion can also prevent skin from peeling if applied to sun burnt skin every two – three hours for a few days. Remember to re-apply sunscreen if you have been swimming, or as directed by the instructions on the bottle. (It usually needs to be re-applied every four hours). For more information on Sun Stroke, see First Aid Kit: Other Warnings" Please don’t mistake sun stroke for Malaria.
The following are prohibited on Mozambican Beaches and are subject to fines:
• Littering, Nudity, Animals, Making Fire
• Bicycle Riding, damaging fauna and flora
• Cultural or sports events without a relevant license
• Driving or Parking of vehicles on the beach, without relevant permit
• Fishing without a license
• Removing sea-shells for commercial purposes
• Breaking off pieces, removing or damaging coral and coral reefs
• Removing or hurting turtles and / or damaging their eggs
• Any act which may damage the ecosystem
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The following guidelines apply to owners of Boats, Rubber Ducks and Jet skis who are visiting Mozambique.
Check with your lodge, resort, or appropriate authority regarding the requirements for boats. The list below may vary depending on the type of boat / rubber duck or jet ski. The list below is not a comprehensive list, but as a basic guideline, please make sure you have the following items and documentation for boats smaller than 10 meters:
• Lifejackets for all crew as stated in the registration book
• Ring boy with 30 meters of rope
• 3 handheld light flares
• 2 parachute flairs
• 2 orange smoke pots
• Metal mirror (stainless steel)
• Rubber torch with spare bulbs and batteries
• Sound horn / device
• V flag
• VHF or 29 Mhz radio
• Fixed compass not smaller than 6 cm
• Spare handheld compass
• Local navigation charts
• Valid tide table
• Two fire extinguishers (minimum 1.5 kg each with a validity of at least 12 months)
• Two metal buckets
• Complete set of sails (for sailing boats)
• Spare engine in case single engine boats (Note that sea-going motor boats need to have two engines)
• Boat hook
• Oars (for small boats and inflatables)
• Anchor with 100 meter rope
• Spare anchor with rope
• Emergency helm device
• Plastic distress sheet of minimum 300 x 50cm
• Skippers license
• Floating bottle with a security rope
• A plastic blanket for all crew members
• A package of 500g emergency biscuits for every two crew members
• Security knife
• 1 liter of water per crew member
• First aid kit
• Only for motor boats
a. A-flag
b. Echo sounder or hand lead line
c. Security rope all around the boat
Before you can use your boat, you need to get a permit from the local Mozambican Maritime Offices. Each person who is intending to fish, also needs to get a fishing license. Ask the lodge or resort that you are booking into where licenses are obtained and ask if there are any specific regulations for fishing in that particular area. If you book a fishing trip through an Activity Center, they will more than likely get all these for you. Launch fees vary according to the boat and cover a 30-day period. Fishing licenses also last for 30 days. If you buy fish to take home you will need to get an additional permit to transport the fish, and an import permit from the country you are returning to.
Take note that it is illegal to drive on the beach unless you are launching a boat (and have the necessary permit). Offenders could have their vehicles impounded and fines are steep. Concerns have been raised that driving on the beach may destroy turtle eggs and turtles have become critically endangered throughout the world.
In order to get a boat permit, you will need the following documentation:
• Skipper’s Ticket/License
• Seaworthy Certificate — for the boat used
• Your Passport
• Insurance papers
Also remember the following guidelines. (Check Vehicle Requirements for more information)
• Your trailer & vehicle will require the "yellow triangle on blue" stickers that indicate that you are towing and a country code sticker. It's also important that you tie a red flag on any protruding items - (e.g. fishing roads tied to roof racks).
• Do not forget to obtain Mozambican 3rd Party insurance for you vehicle AND trailer.
• Do not forget to declare your boat (or jet ski etc.) together with your vehicle on the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) obtained at the border. It is advisable to also list fishing equipment, camping equipment and freezers/fridges etc. on your TIP. For more information check Traveller Allowances.
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Every person who is fishing needs to be in possession of a valid fishing license which can also be purchased from the Maritime Offices. To obtain a fishing license you will need to produce your passport. This license will allow you to fish off the boat and beach. Fishing licenses are valid for 30 days. Also be sure to check with the Maritime Office what species you are allowed to fish for and what fishing methods you can use in various areas.
The following species of fish are generally safe to catch because they originate from relatively well managed and healthiest populations.
• Tuna - any type
• Dolphin Fish, Dorado
• Sarah, Mackerel - any type
• Barracuda
• Wahoo
• Needlefish, Halfbeak
• Mullet
• Sardine, Pilchard
• Squid, Calamari, Lula
• Prawns (Generally prohibited in the breading season months of December, January and February, though definitive dates are usually announced by the government. Don’t mistake Prawns and Shrimp – Shrimp is on the prohibited list.)
The following species are generally restricted, meaning you can only catch the specified amount in a day. Quota figures could not be obtained for some of these.
• Slinger - 4 / day
• Soldier - 4 / day
• Blueskin - 4 / day
• Rockcod - 4 / day
• Parrotfish - 1 / day
• Sharks – 2 / day (check to make sure the specific species you catch is not prohibited)
• Rock Lobster - 2 / day
• Crayfish - 2 / day
• Marlin
• Sailfish
• Swordfish
• Dusky Kob
• Mud Crab
• Emperor Snapper
The following species are protected. It is prohibited to fish for protected species. In case you do accidentally catch one of the species below, it must be immediately returned to the water with as little harm and stress as possible.
• Brindle Bass
• All types of Kingfish
• All Batfish
• Humphead Parrotfish
• Any type of Wrasse
• Seventy-Four Seabream
• Potato Bass / Grouper
• Red Steenbras
• Marine Turtles of all type and their eggs
• All Dugong Species
• All Whale Species
• All Dolphin Species
• Giant Clam
• Horned Helmet
• Trumpet Triton
• Great White and various types of Sharks
• All Seahorse Species
• Shrimp (it’s unclear whether shrimp is protected or not due to conflicting information. Don’t mistake shrimp for prawns – they are different. Shrimp fishing is definitely prohibited during the months of January and February in the Maputo and Sofala provinces.)
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Many visitors to Mozambique ask if they are allowed to take seafood back with them when they return to their country: In order to legally transport seafood and fish, you must get a transport permit from the Maritime Office. Some lodges to have permission to issue these permits. Find out from your lodge if they have or where you could get one. Remember that this permit is only to transport fish inside Mozambique. You must still declare it at the border upon entry into the country you are returning to. Most countries have strict laws on agricultural, marine and animal products.
For South Africa specifically, you need to apply for a permit at least two weeks prior to your entry to allow for processing. Other countries may have similar time limits. Some countries, such as Australia, specifically prohibit the importation of agricultural, marine and animal products.
The following limitations apply on fish and seafood import permits:
• You cannot import any species listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
• The permit will only be valid for the duration of the trip to and from the country of destination.
• You cannot import live marine fish.
Back To Top
For your own safety, Mozambique.co.mz does not recommend walking on the beach at night. When going to the beach, please leave all valuables at your accommodation or securely locked away in your vehicle. Avoid taking mobile phones, laptops, jewelry or other valuables to the beach.
A holiday to Mozambique usually includes a sun tan, however, please be aware of the damaging effects of UV rays from the “African” sun. It is highly recommended that you apply a sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body, especially while you are on a boat or on the beach. We also recommend that you avoid extended exposure to the sun. Children should wear wide brimmed sun hats for further protection against sunburn. Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to stay hydrated. As a further precaution, add hydration salts to your water. Sun stroke is a serious condition that should be considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of sun stroke include: throbbing headache, dizziness, lack of sweating despite the heat, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, rapid shallow breathing, disorientation, and possibly even a loss of consciousness. If you feel cold in warm weather you have likely suffered bad sunburn. If you have been burnt by the sun, use an “after sun” cream or lotion to reduce the damaging effects to your skin. After Sun lotion can also prevent skin from peeling if applied to sun burnt skin every two – three hours for a few days. Remember to re-apply sunscreen if you have been swimming, or as directed by the instructions on the bottle. (It usually needs to be re-applied every four hours). For more information on Sun Stroke, see First Aid Kit: Other Warnings" Please don’t mistake sun stroke for Malaria.
The following are prohibited on Mozambican Beaches and are subject to fines:
• Littering, Nudity, Animals, Making Fire
• Bicycle Riding, damaging fauna and flora
• Cultural or sports events without a relevant license
• Driving or Parking of vehicles on the beach, without relevant permit
• Fishing without a license
• Removing sea-shells for commercial purposes
• Breaking off pieces, removing or damaging coral and coral reefs
• Removing or hurting turtles and / or damaging their eggs
• Any act which may damage the ecosystem
Back To Top
The following guidelines apply to owners of Boats, Rubber Ducks and Jet skis who are visiting Mozambique.
Check with your lodge, resort, or appropriate authority regarding the requirements for boats. The list below may vary depending on the type of boat / rubber duck or jet ski. The list below is not a comprehensive list, but as a basic guideline, please make sure you have the following items and documentation for boats smaller than 10 meters:
• Lifejackets for all crew as stated in the registration book
• Ring boy with 30 meters of rope
• 3 handheld light flares
• 2 parachute flairs
• 2 orange smoke pots
• Metal mirror (stainless steel)
• Rubber torch with spare bulbs and batteries
• Sound horn / device
• V flag
• VHF or 29 Mhz radio
• Fixed compass not smaller than 6 cm
• Spare handheld compass
• Local navigation charts
• Valid tide table
• Two fire extinguishers (minimum 1.5 kg each with a validity of at least 12 months)
• Two metal buckets
• Complete set of sails (for sailing boats)
• Spare engine in case single engine boats (Note that sea-going motor boats need to have two engines)
• Boat hook
• Oars (for small boats and inflatables)
• Anchor with 100 meter rope
• Spare anchor with rope
• Emergency helm device
• Plastic distress sheet of minimum 300 x 50cm
• Skippers license
• Floating bottle with a security rope
• A plastic blanket for all crew members
• A package of 500g emergency biscuits for every two crew members
• Security knife
• 1 liter of water per crew member
• First aid kit
• Only for motor boats
a. A-flag
b. Echo sounder or hand lead line
c. Security rope all around the boat
Before you can use your boat, you need to get a permit from the local Mozambican Maritime Offices. Each person who is intending to fish, also needs to get a fishing license. Ask the lodge or resort that you are booking into where licenses are obtained and ask if there are any specific regulations for fishing in that particular area. If you book a fishing trip through an Activity Center, they will more than likely get all these for you. Launch fees vary according to the boat and cover a 30-day period. Fishing licenses also last for 30 days. If you buy fish to take home you will need to get an additional permit to transport the fish, and an import permit from the country you are returning to.
Take note that it is illegal to drive on the beach unless you are launching a boat (and have the necessary permit). Offenders could have their vehicles impounded and fines are steep. Concerns have been raised that driving on the beach may destroy turtle eggs and turtles have become critically endangered throughout the world.
In order to get a boat permit, you will need the following documentation:
• Skipper’s Ticket/License
• Seaworthy Certificate — for the boat used
• Your Passport
• Insurance papers
Also remember the following guidelines. (Check Vehicle Requirements for more information)
• Your trailer & vehicle will require the "yellow triangle on blue" stickers that indicate that you are towing and a country code sticker. It's also important that you tie a red flag on any protruding items - (e.g. fishing roads tied to roof racks).
• Do not forget to obtain Mozambican 3rd Party insurance for you vehicle AND trailer.
• Do not forget to declare your boat (or jet ski etc.) together with your vehicle on the TIP (Temporary Import Permit) obtained at the border. It is advisable to also list fishing equipment, camping equipment and freezers/fridges etc. on your TIP. For more information check Traveller Allowances.
Back To Top
Every person who is fishing needs to be in possession of a valid fishing license which can also be purchased from the Maritime Offices. To obtain a fishing license you will need to produce your passport. This license will allow you to fish off the boat and beach. Fishing licenses are valid for 30 days. Also be sure to check with the Maritime Office what species you are allowed to fish for and what fishing methods you can use in various areas.
The following species of fish are generally safe to catch because they originate from relatively well managed and healthiest populations.
• Tuna - any type
• Dolphin Fish, Dorado
• Sarah, Mackerel - any type
• Barracuda
• Wahoo
• Needlefish, Halfbeak
• Mullet
• Sardine, Pilchard
• Squid, Calamari, Lula
• Prawns (Generally prohibited in the breading season months of December, January and February, though definitive dates are usually announced by the government. Don’t mistake Prawns and Shrimp – Shrimp is on the prohibited list.)
The following species are generally restricted, meaning you can only catch the specified amount in a day. Quota figures could not be obtained for some of these.
• Slinger - 4 / day
• Soldier - 4 / day
• Blueskin - 4 / day
• Rockcod - 4 / day
• Parrotfish - 1 / day
• Sharks – 2 / day (check to make sure the specific species you catch is not prohibited)
• Rock Lobster - 2 / day
• Crayfish - 2 / day
• Marlin
• Sailfish
• Swordfish
• Dusky Kob
• Mud Crab
• Emperor Snapper
The following species are protected. It is prohibited to fish for protected species. In case you do accidentally catch one of the species below, it must be immediately returned to the water with as little harm and stress as possible.
• Brindle Bass
• All types of Kingfish
• All Batfish
• Humphead Parrotfish
• Any type of Wrasse
• Seventy-Four Seabream
• Potato Bass / Grouper
• Red Steenbras
• Marine Turtles of all type and their eggs
• All Dugong Species
• All Whale Species
• All Dolphin Species
• Giant Clam
• Horned Helmet
• Trumpet Triton
• Great White and various types of Sharks
• All Seahorse Species
• Shrimp (it’s unclear whether shrimp is protected or not due to conflicting information. Don’t mistake shrimp for prawns – they are different. Shrimp fishing is definitely prohibited during the months of January and February in the Maputo and Sofala provinces.)
Back To Top
Many visitors to Mozambique ask if they are allowed to take seafood back with them when they return to their country: In order to legally transport seafood and fish, you must get a transport permit from the Maritime Office. Some lodges to have permission to issue these permits. Find out from your lodge if they have or where you could get one. Remember that this permit is only to transport fish inside Mozambique. You must still declare it at the border upon entry into the country you are returning to. Most countries have strict laws on agricultural, marine and animal products.
For South Africa specifically, you need to apply for a permit at least two weeks prior to your entry to allow for processing. Other countries may have similar time limits. Some countries, such as Australia, specifically prohibit the importation of agricultural, marine and animal products.
The following limitations apply on fish and seafood import permits:
• You cannot import any species listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
• The permit will only be valid for the duration of the trip to and from the country of destination.
• You cannot import live marine fish.
Back To Top
Beach, Boat & Fishing Regulations
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