The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of six islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique’s Inhambane Province. Often considered the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, it is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique.
The white sandy beaches and the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean; are home to dolphins, whales, manta rays, and turtles. Plus the endangered dugong. Unspoiled coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first rate diving and snorkeling.
Between August and October; Humpback whales can be seen. Whale sharks between April and July. While dolphins are seen frequently. Leatherback, loggerhead, and green turtles are often seen in the water. They come ashore to lay their eggs on Bazaruto’s sandy beaches. You may also be lucky enough to see a rare dugong. Part of the largest viable breeding population in the western Indian Ocean.
Accommodation offered on Bazaruto and Benguerra is luxurious and the resorts offer all types of water sports.
The two main islands in the Archipelago are Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands. Magaruque Island and Santa Carolina are much smaller. And Bangue Island; in the far south; is little more than a sandbar. A sixth tiny satellite island; which at high tide gets completely submerged is called Pansy (or Shell Island).
Bazaruto Island
The largest island in the Archipelago; Bazaruto is about 37km (23 miles) long and about 7km (4 miles) wide. On the northern tip of the island; there is a 19th century lighthouse; that was built by the Portuguese. The interior of the island contains large freshwater lakes. Which are frequented by flamingos and a wide variety of other water birds. Enormous sand dunes on the eastern coast make for exhilarating dune boarding for the entire family. Horse riding in the forests or dunes on the island is truly memorable. Or a breathtaking beach ride; where you can canter along the beautiful white sandy shores.
Benguerra Island
Benguerra is the second largest island and is less than half a mile (1km) south of Bazaruto. Just like Bazaruto, it has stunning beaches, large sand dunes, and freshwater lakes. Its small indigenous forest and wetland areas attract a huge variety of birds and animals. The surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and snorkeling.
Best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago
The best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago is between May and September. This is because the temperatures are slightly lower and; when there is the least amount of rainfall. January and February are cyclone seasons, and the weather can be very destructive at this time.
Access to the islands is via Vilanculos. Thereafter; transfers to the islands are either by light aircraft, helicopter, or boat. Combining a few days on safari in the Kruger National Park, and a few days in the Bazaruto Archipelago; is very popular.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is famous for 2 activities; namely diving and big game fishing.
Diving
A range of exciting dives can be experienced here with reef fish such as snapper and surgeon. As well as potato bass, kingfish, barracuda, manta rays, and reef sharks.
The Bazaruto Archipelago’s superb scuba diving locations include:
Brindle Bass Ridge (North Point) – large reef (18 meters) with impressive concentrations of snappers, angelfish, rubber lips, brindle bass & reef sharks.
Potholes (North Point) – series of shallow potholes (12 meters) often sheltering black-tail reef sharks.
Manta Ray Reef (North Point) – flat reef (15 meters) with spectacular concentrations of anemones and clownfish.
Rainbow Runner Reef (North Point) – (25 meters) with impressive accumulations of green-tree and whips corals.
Turtle Ridge (North Point) – narrow ridge (14 meters) frequented by turtles and game-fish such as barracuda.
Two-Mile Reef – To the east of Benguerra (2 miles). Well known for excellent snorkeling inside the reef and its protected pool; known as the Aquarium. And for exciting dives on the outside (6-21 meters). This underwater paradise with beautiful corals and a wealth of tropical fish is popular with both divers and snorkelers.
Zenguelema Point – this dive site with a depth of 21m; is on the western side of the island. It is home to schools of Reef Fish, Scorpion Fish, Crocodile Fish, and the occasional Stone Fish.
Fishing
The Bazaruto Archipelago offers some of the most spectacular big game fishing in the world. Species such as Kingfish, Queenfish, Barracuda, Mackerel, and Yellowfin tuna. Plus the most prized Giant Black Marlin; make this area a world renowned fishing destination.
