Dhows have been used on Mozambique's Quirimbas archipelago for centuries, but now they have a new use – taking tourists island-hopping around the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
Fashioned from Tanzanian teak, our dhow, Vagabundo, lies beached near Arimba Island. Island-hopping trips are so popular that Ibo Island Lodge has another two dhows on order.Photograph: Daniel AllenA young girl on Arimba wears natural sunscreen made from local plant extract.Photograph: Daniel AllenThe characteristic lateen sail of a distant dhow drifts slowly across the horizon off Arimba beach.Photograph: Daniel AllenArimba villagers return from a seafood foraging trip on the foreshore. Despite the increase in tourism, marine harvesting remains the main industry in the Quirimbas.Photograph: Daniel AllenKids show off their latest prize capture …Photograph: Daniel Allen… and somersaulting in the sand near Arimba beach. Photograph: Daniel AllenThe bountiful waters of the Quirimbas are home to an incredible array of aquatic species.Photograph: Daniel AllenA fisherman in his canoe. Villagers rely heavily on their daily catch.Photograph: Daniel AllenDimorphic egrets take flight. Birdwatching tours are a big draw on the archipelago.Photograph: Daniel AllenArimba villagers return from harvesting grasses in the nearby bush. The grass will be used as roofing.Photograph: Daniel AllenA driftwood campfire at Arimba, site of much nocturnal merrymaking during my brief stay on the island.Photograph: Daniel AllenReflections on the Ibo Island foreshore. Quirimbas islanders share a deep connection with the sea.Photograph: Daniel AllenThe Fort of São João Baptista, part of Ibo's colonial legacy. The fort was used to house slaves waiting for onward shipment to the Americas and other parts of the Indian Ocean.Photograph: Daniel AllenSandbank dining, a short dhow ride from Ibo Island Lodge. The incoming tide means stays here are short yet sweet.Photograph: Daniel AllenSnorkelling off the uninhabited shores of Mogundula Island. Coral outcrops here are home to a huge variety of fish.Photograph: Daniel AllenCamping beside a baobab on Mogundula Island. Mogundula was once populated by sufferers of elephantiasis, but is now owned by Ibo Island Lodge and used for luxury holidaymaking.Photograph: Daniel AllenRudimentary yet charming – Ibo Island airport's well-ventilated departure lounge.Photograph: Daniel AllenThe short flight back to Pemba from Ibo Island takes around 30 minutes. In-flight entertainment takes place outside the window …Photograph: Daniel AllenAn aerial vew of the Qurimbas Archipelago, a Unesco world heritage site which extends right up to Mozambique's northern border with Tanzania.Photograph: Daniel Allen
