An exotic tropical holiday destination with vast, unspoiled beaches, sand dunes, coral reefs with excellent diving and snorkeling and some of the best game fishing in Africa – Bazaruto Islands of Mozambique offer all this and more. The peaceful islands are an untouched paradise that is also great for horseback riding and birdwatching, not to forget the spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets!
Tropical islands located in Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique, The Bazaruto Islands are an archipelago of five uninhabited, idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Margaruque, Santa Carolina and Banque. The islands and the extensive coral reefs around them are protected as a Marine National Park, hosting a variety of wildlife and marine life. As newly found holiday destination, Bazaruto Islands host several resort hotels, and you can visit the area also by day trips from the nearby coastal resort town of Vilanculos.
Untouched dive paradise. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are ideal for diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and diving in Bazaruto Islands is considered one of the best in Africa. The waters around the islands are also teeming with big game fish, and sports fishing in Bazaruto Islands is excellent.
Activities & cruises. Local sailboats called dhows take you around the islands, offering pleasant cruises and day trips from the mainland. Fast dive boats can also take you to the numerous dive destinations around the islands. Birdwatching and wildlife viewing in Bazaruto Islands can be done by boat or by walking. Horseback riding in Bazaruto Islands is also available on Benguerra Island.
Tropical islands located in Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique, The Bazaruto Islands are an archipelago of five uninhabited, idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Margaruque, Santa Carolina and Banque. The islands and the extensive coral reefs around them are protected as a Marine National Park, hosting a variety of wildlife and marine life. As newly found holiday destination, Bazaruto Islands host several resort hotels, and you can visit the area also by day trips from the nearby coastal resort town of Vilanculos.
Sights and activities in Bazaruto Islands: diving, fishing, boat cruises and wildlife
Bazaruto Islands have no historical or cultural sights, but the natural surroundings are amazingly beautiful and you can find many activities from diving and snorkeling to boat cruises, horseback riding, birdwatching and so on. The islands host vast, deserted sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming. The leeward sides of the islands have calmer waters more suitable for swimming, whereas the windward sides offer untamed seas with high waves suitable for surfing.Untouched dive paradise. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are ideal for diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and diving in Bazaruto Islands is considered one of the best in Africa. The waters around the islands are also teeming with big game fish, and sports fishing in Bazaruto Islands is excellent.
Activities & cruises. Local sailboats called dhows take you around the islands, offering pleasant cruises and day trips from the mainland. Fast dive boats can also take you to the numerous dive destinations around the islands. Birdwatching and wildlife viewing in Bazaruto Islands can be done by boat or by walking. Horseback riding in Bazaruto Islands is also available on Benguerra Island.
Bazaruto Islands travel tips and practical information
Bazaruto Islands have a tropical climate with two main seasons:
Photo: richardstupart, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
a dry season from May to October with lower temperatures and little rainfall, and a wet season from November to April with more rainfall and high temperatures, as well as occasional cyclones. February and March witness most rainfall. Evenings can be cool on the islands.
Travel to Bazaruto Islands can be done either by air or by sea. The islands do not have an airport, but there is an international airport in the nearby town of Vilanculos, receiving direct flights to the area from for example South Africa. There are many boats to the islands from Vilanculos. You can also fly directly to Bazaruto Islands by small charter plane from Maputo. The beach town of Inhassoro also offers boats to Bazaruto islands. The islands are relatively small and have no real roads, so walking and boats between the islands are the only form of transport within the Bazaruto Islands. Car Rental is not available on the islands.
Services & safety. There are several upmarket beach resort hotels in Bazaruto Islands, offering a wide range of activities. The coastal resort town of Vilanculos offers yet more choices for accommodation close to the islands. The only restaurants in Bazaruto Islands are within the hotels, usually offering full board accommodation. There are more choices on restaurants in Vilanculos. No real nightlife exists on the islands, but again, there are bars and discos nearby in Vilanculos. Bazaruto Islands are a safe destination, where your only safety concerns are sunburns and poisonous marine creatures, as well as occasional storms and tropical cyclones.
