Bazaruto is the largest of five tropical islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Africa. Surrounded by the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, this location is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. It boasts five stunning islands, unspoiled reefs, freshwater lakes, grasslands, and bird-watching opportunities. This destination is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, with magical coral reefs and perfect sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and escape the stress of city life, Bazaruto is the perfect location for an island-style vacation. The closest airport is in Vilankulos.
The Archipelago is a group of five tropical islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue, all located within the Bazaruto National Park. The unspoiled reefs and waters are protected, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers to explore hundreds of species of tropical fish and coral.
The inland lakes are home to freshwater crocodiles, while the tall palm trees and lush vegetation consisting of thickets and grasslands provide sanctuary to a wide variety of bird species and exotic butterflies. The ocean is a safe haven for humpback whales, whale sharks, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. It also provides wildlife enthusiasts with the opportunity to spot the rare dugong, which is threatened with extinction, and the reason why the National Park was formed.
The archipelago of Bazaruto consists of a chain of islands, except for Santa Carolina Island, which is located closer to the mainland and to the west of the largest island, Bazaruto Island. Santa Carolina Island is known for its abundant and varied fishing opportunities. Benguela Island is the second largest island, located to the south of Bazaruto Island, while Magaruque Island is situated further south of Benguela Island. Bangue Island, which is uninhabited but worth exploring, is very small.
Since the 1970s, the Bazaruto Archipelago has been protected by strict conservation policies to safeguard marine biodiversity. As a result, big game fishing is now restricted to tag and release practices only.
Santa Carolina Island, Bazaruto Archipelago
Situated between Inhassoro and Bazaruto Island along Mozambique’s deep channel, Santa Carolina is the smallest island in the Archipelago, also known as “Paradise Island”.
As Seen on TV
In 2010, Santa Carolina hosted the popular TV show ‘Survivor South Africa’, providing viewers with a glimpse of this exotic and rocky island.
Ruins of the Abandoned Hotel
Boat excursions are available to Santa Carolina Island, which was once a popular holiday destination for the rich and famous. It is said that Bob Dylan played on a piano in the retro hotel built by Jochim Alves in the 1960s. Although there were plans to restore the once-popular hotel and open it to tourists, those plans have fallen away. Therefore, you can still explore the abandoned ruins of the hotel. Alves also built a small chapel on the island.
Explore Life Under the Sea
The island boasts shallow, azure waters that are protected by on-shore reefs, making it an absolute paradise for endless snorkeling activities. Here, you’ll find a remarkable diversity of colorful fish darting about, as well as crabs, shrimp, and eels taking cover along beautiful coral reefs. Additionally, you’ll be able to spot larger fish like the grouper slowly drifting along the ocean’s current.
Renowned for world-class big-game fishing
Around Santa Carolina Island, three main coral reefs are rich in marine life. Also, there are a few deep channels that attract big game fish, offering fishing enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. Some of the big game fish commonly caught around the islands include:
- Giant Trevally
- Kingfish
- Bonito
- King & Queen Mackeral
- Springer
- Kawakawa.
- Sailfish (popular between the months of April and August)
- Marlin (popular between September and January)
The Bazaruto Archipelago has been under strict conservation policies since the 1970s. As a result, big game fishing is now limited to tag and release practices only, ensuring the protection of marine biodiversity.
Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago
Welcome to Benguerra, the second largest island (11 km long and 5 km wide) in the Bazaruto Archipelago. This tropical paradise boasts freshwater lakes, golden dunes, indigenous forests, savannah grasslands, and wetlands, all within its boundaries.
Benguerra Island offers a dream location for anyone looking to escape to a tropical island. The white sand beaches are surrounded by coral reefs that thrive in the rich marine life below the warm turquoise waters. It all sounds too good to be true, but you can pinch yourself as much as you like because Benguerra and the Bazaruto Archipelago are truly some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
So why not come and experience life in the tropics? You won’t regret it!
Benguerra Island, along with the other islands, used to be connected to the mainland many years ago, but was separated due to the erosion caused by the Limpopo River. As a result, the islands have developed unique and interesting ecosystems. The eastern part of the island boasts massive golden dunes, which provide an excellent opportunity for a walk and offer stunning views of the inland and ocean, especially during Mozambique’s sunset. If you look towards the west, you will notice freshwater lakes that are home to crocodiles.
Further inland, beyond the freshwater lakes, a combination of indigenous forest, savannah grasslands, and wetlands blend into each other, forming a diverse population of flora and fauna. This ecosystem provides a habitat to over 160 bird species, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts.
“Get ready to tick off a few unusual birds from your “birds-to-see” list, including Crab Plovers, Paradise Flycatchers, Mannikins, Olive Bee-eaters, Bar-tailed Godwits, Green Coucals, Green Pigeons, Whimbrels, Narina Trogon, Purple-banded and Black Sunbirds.
The local residents make good use of the natural vegetation surrounding them. You can buy great souvenirs like baskets, hats, and mats made from the leaves of Mlala Palm fronds at very reasonable prices. Additionally, liquor is produced from the sap of the palms.”
Cashew nut trees are typically found growing closer to the coastlines. The locals harvest cashew nuts, which are sold at a much lower price than in supermarkets. So, if you have the chance, be sure to buy some. Additionally, the husk of the cashew nuts can be used to produce liquor.
Sunsets in Benguerra, which is located 14 km from Mozambique’s mainland, are always breathtaking. During this time of the day, local fishermen silently drift by in their Dhows after a hard day’s work of dragging their nets in the ocean to catch fish and ultimately make a living. These Dhows are not only used for catching fish but also for offering tourists a little tour around the island’s reefs and beautiful azure waters. It’s a great opportunity to witness the very rare Dugong that inhabits these ocean depths. Many years ago, explorers apparently mistook the pale dugongs for “mermaids”.
Benguerra Island Activities & Attractions
Scuba Diving / Snorkeling in Benguerra Island of the Bazaruto Archipelago
Benguerra Island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts in Mozambique. Its unspoiled staghorn coral reefs provide ample opportunities to explore the beautiful marine life. One of the most famous reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago islands is the 2-mile reef located to the northeast of Benguerra Island. The diving experience here is exceptional, and there is also a large protected pool called the Aquarium, which is ideal for snorkeling. The marine life you can spot here includes Blue Striped Snappers, Moorish Idols, tiny Clown Fish, Barred Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Trigger fish, Moray Eels, Black-tipped reef sharks, and much more.
If you are new to diving, don’t worry because there is a dive school available for beginners. You can learn how to set up and control your diving gear, among other things. So, what are you waiting for? Go and explore some of the treasures that the Indian Ocean has to offer!
Shells on the beaches of Benquerra Island
If you are a shell collector and enjoy finding unique shells, then you’ll be happy to know that the Archipelago Islands are an ideal location for you. During low tide, sandbanks around the island surface, revealing a plethora of exotic shells for you to discover. It’s hard to believe, but some of these sandbanks are actually 10 meters under the sea during high tide! If you venture to Pansy Island, you’ll come across an abundance of Pansy Shells, which are renowned and will make a valuable addition to your collection.
Deep Sea Fishing in Benguerra Island of the Bazaruto Archipelago
The islands of Benguerra and the Bazaruto Archipelago are renowned for their world-class big game fishing and saltwater fly fishing. Common fish caught around the islands include giant trevally, kingfish, bonito, king and queen mackerel, springer, and kawakawa. Sailfish is popular between April and August, while marlin is popular between September and January. Professional and experienced fishermen are available to teach newcomers, and fully equipped deep-sea fishing boats are always ready to go. Fly-fishing boats with fish finders are also available for serious anglers. Annual competitions are held for big-game fishing enthusiasts.
Magaruque Island, Bazaruto Archipelago
Magaruque is a stunning small island located just below Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. You can collect Panzy shells, explore the ruins of an old fort, and indulge in the beauty that surrounds you in an island-style. Magaruque is the third-largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
This is an island that offers a lot of potential and is definitely worth visiting. There is an old dilapidated hotel on the island that was once popular and used by the Portuguese during the colonial era. There have been talks of developing an upmarket lodge in its place. The waters surrounding the island are fantastic for scuba diving and snorkelling, as the coral reefs can be reached by swimming, without the need for a boat ride. With both shallow and deep waters, diving here can be very interesting. On the island, you can explore by hiking up to the ruins of a 19th-century fort or take a walk around the beautiful coastline to admire the surrounding beauty.
If you are a fan of panzy shells, then you might be interested in visiting the Archipelago islands of Magaruque. This stunning location is a true paradise for shell collectors. During low tide, sand banks around the island appear and are covered in Panzy shells and other exotic shells for you to collect.
To get to Magaruque, you can take a trip from either Vilanculos or Benguerra.
Magaruque Activities & Attractions
Visit the ruins of the old Magaruque Hotel
On the southwest end of Magaruque Island lies a dilapidated hotel that is connected to the airstrip.
Nearby Coral Reefs (no boats needed)
The waters surrounding Magaruque Island are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, as there are coral reefs very close by. In fact, you can swim to the reefs without the need for a boat to take you there! The shallow and deep waters allow for an interesting dive, whether you are scuba diving or snorkeling. The coral reefs around Magaruque Island are rich with marine life and tropical fish, making it an ideal spot for observing aquatic life.
Pansy Shell Haven
Hundreds of pansy shells are scattered across the sand banks at low tide.
19th Century Fort
One activity you can enjoy on the island is exploring and hiking up to the ruins of a 19th-century fort.
Bangue Island
This small, uninhabited beach island is the southernmost island of the Bazaruto Archipelago. It boasts little vegetation, sparkling white beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, and lots of shells to find, including those beautiful panzy shells. You can spot birdlife perched on driftwood and wading through shallow beach waters, where tiny crabs burrow into the sand.
Dhow and boat trips can be arranged from Bazaruto Island and Vilanculos.
