Home › Destinations › Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto Archipelago, Moçambique - Things to Do in Bazaruto Archipelago

Things to Do in Bazaruto Archipelago

Bazaruto Archipelago, Moçambique - Complete Travel Guide

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a pristine collection of five tropical islands off the coast of Mozambique, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and exceptional marine biodiversity. This protected marine reserve, located about 20 kilometers from the mainland town of Vilanculos, offers some of Africa's most spectacular diving and snorkeling experiences, with vibrant coral reefs, dugongs, whale sharks, and over 2,000 species of fish calling these waters home. The archipelago consists of Bazaruto (the largest island), Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina (Paradise Island), and Bangue, each offering unique experiences from luxury eco-lodges to untouched wilderness areas. With its blend of African and Arabic influences, the islands provide an authentic Mozambican experience while maintaining their status as one of the Indian Ocean's most exclusive and unspoiled destinations, perfect for those seeking pristine nature, world-class fishing, and unparalleled tranquility.

Top Things to Do in Bazaruto Archipelago

Snorkeling and Diving at Two Mile Reef

Explore one of the Indian Ocean's most spectacular coral reefs, home to an incredible diversity of marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, and colorful tropical fish. The crystal-clear waters offer visibility up to 30 meters, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.

Booking Tip: Book through your lodge or reputable dive operators in Vilanculos, with full-day trips costing $80-150 per person. Best visibility is during dry season (May-October), and always verify equipment quality and safety certifications.

Dhow Sailing and Sunset Cruises

Experience traditional Mozambican culture aboard a handcrafted dhow sailboat, gliding through turquoise waters while watching spectacular sunsets over the archipelago. These traditional Arab-influenced vessels offer an authentic way to explore the islands and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of island life.

Booking Tip: Half-day dhow trips cost $40-80 per person, with sunset cruises being the most popular. Book through your accommodation or local operators in Vilanculos, and confirm if refreshments are included.

Deep Sea Fishing

The Bazaruto Archipelago is considered one of the world's premier game fishing destinations, offering excellent opportunities to catch marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado. The deep Mozambique Channel provides year-round fishing with peak seasons for different species throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Full-day fishing charters range from $800-1500 for up to 6 people. Book with established operators who practice catch-and-release, and confirm if tackle, bait, and refreshments are included. October to April is peak season for marlin.

Dugong and Marine Wildlife Watching

The archipelago is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for dugongs in the western Indian Ocean, along with dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Guided boat tours offer opportunities to observe these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Wildlife watching tours cost $60-120 per person for half-day trips. Best sightings are early morning or late afternoon, and success rates are higher during calmer sea conditions from May to September.

Island Hopping and Beach Exploration

Discover the unique character of each island in the archipelago, from Bazaruto's massive sand dunes and freshwater lakes to Benguerra's luxury lodges and Santa Carolina's historical ruins. Each island offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and opportunities for swimming and relaxation.

Booking Tip: Full-day island hopping tours cost $100-200 per person including lunch and transfers. Book through tour operators in Vilanculos or your lodge, and confirm which islands are included and if snorkeling equipment is provided.

Getting There

The gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago is Vilanculos, accessible by daily flights from Maputo (1.5 hours) or Johannesburg (2 hours) to Vilanculos Airport. From Vilanculos, boat transfers to the islands take 20-45 minutes depending on your destination island and sea conditions. Most luxury lodges arrange helicopter transfers directly from Vilanculos Airport to the islands (10-15 minutes), while budget travelers can take scheduled boat transfers or arrange private boats from Vilanculos town. Road access to Vilanculos from Maputo is possible but involves a 6-hour drive on sometimes challenging roads.

Getting Around

Transportation within the archipelago is primarily by boat, helicopter, or on foot. Most visitors stay at lodges that provide all necessary transfers and excursions as part of their packages. On the larger islands like Bazaruto, some lodges offer 4WD vehicle transfers for exploring inland areas and sand dunes. Walking is the most common way to explore individual islands, with well-marked paths and beach walks being the primary means of getting around. Inter-island transfers are typically arranged through your accommodation or tour operators in Vilanculos.

Where to Stay

Bazaruto Island (luxury eco-lodges)
Benguerra Island (high-end resorts)
Vilanculos town (budget to mid-range)
Magaruque Island (intimate lodges)
Santa Carolina Island (boutique properties)
Vilanculos beachfront (resort hotels)

Food & Dining

Dining in the Bazaruto Archipelago focuses heavily on fresh seafood, with most island lodges offering all-inclusive packages featuring locally caught fish, prawns, and lobster prepared with Portuguese and Mozambican influences. Restaurants typically serve peri-peri grilled seafood, coconut curries, and tropical fruits. In Vilanculos town, you'll find local restaurants serving traditional Mozambican dishes like matapa (cassava leaves with coconut milk) and fresh seafood at more affordable prices. Many lodges offer romantic beach dining experiences and can arrange private dinners on secluded beaches. The cuisine reflects the region's Portuguese colonial history and Swahili influences, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and spicy flavors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mozambique

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Vilanculos Beach Lodge and Restaurant

4.5 /5
(864 reviews)
bar lodging

Sumi Bar and Kitchen

4.5 /5
(325 reviews) 2

Branko's

4.5 /5
(258 reviews) 1

Mozambique bar

4.8 /5
(190 reviews)
bar

The Melting Pot @ Tri M Waves Lodge

4.5 /5
(200 reviews)
bar

Tasca do Juan by Activmoz

4.5 /5
(191 reviews) 2

When to Visit

The best time to visit Bazaruto Archipelago is during the dry season from May to October, when you'll experience sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures (20-28°C) and calm sea conditions perfect for water activities. November to April is the wet season with higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional cyclones, though it's also when marine life is most active and fishing is excellent. Whale watching is best from June to November, while turtle nesting season runs from October to March. For the best overall experience combining good weather, marine life, and comfortable conditions, plan your visit between May and September.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance as the archipelago has limited lodges and they fill up quickly, especially during peak season from June to September
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and protective clothing as the sun is extremely strong, and many areas have strict environmental protection policies
Pack light and in soft bags as helicopter transfers have strict weight limits (usually 15kg per person), and excess baggage fees can be expensive

Explore Activities in Bazaruto Archipelago