Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique Travel Guide

The idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique are known for their unspoilt beauty and diverse ecologies. The pristine coral reefs are home to more than 2000 fish species as well as whales and dolphins.

Why You'll Love It

Needless to say, the diving and snorkelling in the Bazaruto Marine National Park is superb and sought after by many travellers. Mozambique visitors who would just like to get away from it all will find Bazaruto just the place to relax, sip cocktails and indulge in a delicious seafood beach dinner or perhaps sail away on a dhow for a castaway picnic!

As a world-class diving hotspot, a honeymoon haven and a must-do beach getaway, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago sets the bar pretty high as a holiday destination.

Bazaruto Archipelago brims with incredible dive sites that are rated as being among the best in the world, where avid divers have become regular visitors. It is also an ideal place for first-timers to take the plunge.

For those who prefer to keep their heads above water, the untouched, remote beaches beckon. Set sail the waters in an old wooden dhow boat to the abandoned Carolina Island or soak up that laid-back island living. It really is the perfect addition to a southern Africa safari. The archipelago's excellent variety of water and land-based activities adds a good dose of fun to your ocean experience (for when you are ready to leave your sunlounger).

The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five islands which lie just off the mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro.

Bazaruto Island - the largest of the five
Benguerra Island - a mecca for avid birders
Santa Carolina - an off-the-beaten-track rock island
Magaruque - snorkelling on your doorstep
Banque - a tiny paradise

Visitors exploring the islands will find huge dunes, forest and savannah, inland lakes and wetlands. These Mozambique islands have endless stunning and deserted white beaches, swaying palms and shallow turquoise waters. The Bazaruto Archipelago is just perfect for peace, solitude and time to watch the magnificent sunsets.

Best Time to Visit Bazaruto

When it comes to the weather, the best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago is during the dry season from May to November-these are also the cooler winter months when the temperatures are most pleasant.

It can be quite hot during December and January, while February to March marks the duration of hurricane season, so if you do visit during this time, be prepared for occasional downpours.

Getting to Bazaruto Archipelago

The coastal town of Vilanculos acts as the gateway to Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago, and makes getting to Bazaruto simpler than you think-- it's just a two-hour flight from Johannesburg to Vilanculos.

You can also fly directly from the Kruger National Park to Vilanculos in little over an hour - enjoy a game drive in the morning and toast the ocean sunset that evening. There is at least one flight each day from Johannesburg to Vilanculos which takes a couple of hours. Then, from there, some lodges are reached by air, others by speedboat.

Bazaruto Archipelago Activities

Try your hand at some of the water activities on offer, from deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, glass-bottom, or dhow boating and scuba diving at the Bazaruto National Park, which features an expansive two mile reef. There’s something for everyone and with a water clarity of up to 30 metres, there is no better place to encounter the creatures of the deep that live along the sheets of multicoloured reefs.

Snorkellers will love The Aquarium, a huge protected natural pool. The coral reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique are known for being incredibly varied and the least disturbed in this part of the Indian Ocean. The dive sites are not crowded and spectacular marine life can be seen and even swum with.

This protected area is home to whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and whales (Hump Back) as well as the mysterious and rare Dugong. Five species of Indian Ocean turtle breed on the beaches, while offshore, sailfish and marlin living in deeper waters surrounding the park, provide spectacular game fishing opportunities.

Diving and Fishing

The time of year that you decide to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago also depends on what activities you are looking to partake in. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are always pleasant for water-based activities and fortunately, diving conditions are also generally good all throughout the year.

Arrive in time for the greatest show on earth- the migrating humpback whales that can be seen lobtailing, breaching and fin slapping in the these waters from June to September. The best time to witness whale sharks is from October to early December, and you can even arrange to go snorkelling with them.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts. It will reward you with world class big game. For marlin fishing, the best time to cast out is generally between September to January, while sailfish can be seen in the waters from around May through to September.

Stay in Bazaruto

So whether you’re looking for a sun-lounger set under the palms or a rugged Robinson Crusoe escapade, add the Bazaruto Archipelago to your list. There are plenty accommodation options suited to all types of travellers, and we know just where you can find them...

Get a head start on your Mozambique holiday by browsing through our Bazaruto Archipelago accommodation and holiday packages or, get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists, who will create a one of a kind itinerary just for you.

Our favourite accommodation in the Bazaruto Archipelago includes Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Azura Benguerra Island and Benguerra Island Lodge. The unique eco-system of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique sustains diverse fauna and flora.

Stay at these recommended Bazaruto Archipelago Accommodations