The Quirimbas Archipelago is a mixed nomination of about 31 islands along the northern end of Mozambique, with a rich ecosystem of coral reefs, mangrove and sandy beach. It also includes old Portuguese settlements with Arabic influence (and connection to slave and ivory trade) and pre-colonial Swahili settlements (as the Ibo Stone Town).
Full screen map of The Quirimbas Archipelago (On tentative list - Mozambique)
I spent nearly three months on Quirimba Island in the summer of 1996. As part of a volunteer team we spent our days researching the surrounding reefs of the archipelago and joining the fishing fleet to 'count' catches. Quite simply the most memorable summer of my life. A beautiful place and amazing people.