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Vilanculos, Moçambique - Things to Do in Vilanculos

Things to Do in Vilanculos

Vilanculos, Moçambique - Complete Travel Guide

Vilanculos is a stunning coastal town in Mozambique that serves as the gateway to the world-renowned Bazaruto Archipelago. This tropical paradise combines pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs with authentic African culture and Portuguese colonial influences. The town sits along the Indian Ocean coastline, offering visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure activities. As the main departure point for the Bazaruto National Park, Vilanculos has developed into Mozambique's premier beach destination while maintaining its laid-back charm. The area is famous for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, traditional dhow sailing, and some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Indian Ocean. With its year-round warm climate, swaying palm trees, and friendly local community, Vilanculos provides an idyllic escape from the modern world.

Top Things to Do in Vilanculos

Bazaruto Archipelago Island Hopping

Explore the five pristine islands of Bazaruto National Park, including Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Magaruque islands. These islands offer untouched beaches, massive sand dunes, and some of the world's best snorkeling and diving spots with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $80-150 per person including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Book through established operators with good safety records, and choose trips that include multiple islands. Best visibility is during dry season (May-October).

Traditional Dhow Sailing

Experience the Indian Ocean aboard a traditional Arabic dhow boat, the same vessels used by local fishermen for centuries. These scenic sailing trips offer spectacular sunset views and a peaceful way to explore the coastline and nearby islands.

Booking Tip: Half-day dhow trips range from $40-70 per person, while sunset cruises cost $30-50. Book directly with local operators on the beach for better prices, but ensure boats have safety equipment. Sunset trips are most popular and should be booked in advance.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Discover world-class diving sites with excellent visibility, coral gardens, and abundant marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, and tropical fish. The warm Indian Ocean waters provide perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced divers.

Booking Tip: PADI dive courses cost $300-400, while certified dives range from $45-65 per dive. Choose PADI-certified operators with good equipment maintenance. Best diving conditions are April-December with visibility up to 30 meters.

Deep Sea Fishing

Experience some of Africa's best game fishing in the Mozambique Channel, targeting marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna. The continental shelf drops off close to shore, providing access to deep waters and excellent fishing opportunities year-round.

Booking Tip: Full-day fishing charters cost $600-1200 for groups of 4-6 people. Book with operators who practice catch-and-release and have well-maintained boats. Best fishing is October-April, book well in advance during peak season.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Enjoy scenic horseback rides along Vilanculos' pristine beaches and through coastal dune systems. These guided rides offer a unique perspective of the coastline and are suitable for riders of all experience levels with well-trained horses.

Booking Tip: Beach rides cost $35-55 per hour depending on duration and group size. Book with operators who provide helmets and have insurance. Early morning or late afternoon rides offer the best lighting and cooler temperatures.

Getting There

Vilanculos Airport (VNX) receives direct flights from Johannesburg (2 hours) and Maputo (1.5 hours) via LAM Mozambique Airlines and other regional carriers. Alternatively, you can drive from Maputo (approximately 6-7 hours) on the EN1 highway, though road conditions can be challenging during rainy season. Many visitors combine flights with road transfers, flying into Inhambane Airport (1 hour drive) for potentially better flight options and rates.

Getting Around

Vilanculos is a small town easily explored on foot, with most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators concentrated along the main beachfront area. Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxis) and motorcycle taxis are available for short trips around town, typically costing $2-5. Most accommodations offer bicycle rentals for exploring the immediate area. For trips to nearby attractions or the airport, hotels can arrange transfers, or you can hire a taxi or private driver for the day.

Where to Stay

Vilanculos Beach (main tourist area)
Bazaruto Island luxury resorts
Benguerra Island exclusive lodges
Town center budget options
Coconut Bay beachfront
Chidenguele coastal area

Food & Dining

Vilanculos offers a delightful mix of fresh seafood, Portuguese-influenced cuisine, and traditional Mozambican dishes. The town's restaurants excel in grilled prawns, fresh fish, and peri-peri chicken, often served with rice, cassava, or Portuguese-style potatoes. Many beachfront establishments offer casual dining with ocean views, while local markets provide authentic experiences with traditional dishes like matapa (cassava leaves with coconut) and fresh tropical fruits. Most restaurants cater to international tastes while incorporating local spices and cooking methods, and fresh seafood is caught daily by local fishermen.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mozambique

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

View all food guides →

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

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Vilanculos is during the dry season from May to October, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. Temperatures are comfortable (20-28°C), humidity is lower, and ocean conditions are generally calmer. The wet season (November-April) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. This period can still be enjoyable, especially for fishing, though some activities may be weather-dependent.

Insider Tips

Exchange money in Maputo or Johannesburg before arriving, as ATMs are limited and many establishments prefer US dollars or South African rand
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a good hat - the equatorial sun is intense and marine environments are environmentally sensitive
Learn a few Portuguese phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist establishments, and locals appreciate the effort

Explore Activities in Vilanculos