The 9 must-do things in the Bazaruto Archipelago

Bazaruto Island is the largest in the archipelago (about 110 km²) and gives it its name. Beyond its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, it stands out for dramatic inland scenery: towering dunes up to 90 m high, among the tallest on any barrier island, and freshwater lakes home to Nile crocodiles and many waterbirds.

Its reefs rank among the best diving and snorkeling sites in the Indian Ocean. The park's waters shelter dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays. The island's interior is explored on foot across the dunes or by 4x4, looking out for small antelope (suni, duiker) and the rich birdlife.

The island is reached by light aircraft (about 15 minutes) or by boat from Vilankulo, the hub for domestic flights and the direct flight from Johannesburg.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is among the best diving destinations in the Indian Ocean. Its reefs, drop-offs and clear waters shelter remarkable marine life: turtles, dolphins, manta rays, reef sharks and, more rarely, whale sharks.

The best-known site is Two Mile Reef, in the channel between southern Bazaruto Island and northern Benguerra. Magaruque and the waters around Santa Carolina offer fine snorkeling areas, accessible even without diving experience.

The archipelago is also home to the western Indian Ocean's last viable dugong population; encountering one underwater is rare and down to luck. The best visibility (15 to 30 m and more) is in the dry season, from May to October.

Benguerra is the second-largest island in the archipelago, after Bazaruto. It mixes white-sand beaches, lagoons, dunes and untouched vegetation, in a quiet setting prized by travellers seeking calm.

The island borders the Two Mile Reef channel, one of the park's signature reefs, making it an ideal base for diving and snorkeling trips. You can spot dolphins, turtles, tropical fish and, if lucky, manta rays. Boat trips, kayaking and sport fishing round out the offering.

Several lodges (including Azura and Kisawa) provide upscale accommodation. Benguerra is reached by light aircraft (about 15 minutes) or by boat from Vilankulo.

This is the archipelago's most iconic encounter: Bazaruto shelters the last viable dugong population in the western Indian Ocean, estimated at 250-350 individuals. This large herbivorous marine mammal, a relative of the manatee, grazes the seagrass beds in the park's shallow waters.

Boat trips run by the lodges and operators often combine looking for dugongs with watching dolphins, turtles and rays. The chances of spotting a dugong vary — the animal is shy — but the experience takes place in one of the species' last strongholds worldwide.

The population is fragile: it can sustain only a very small number of human-caused deaths each year. Strictly following the guides' and park's instructions is essential.

A boat trip in the Bazaruto Archipelago is a great way to discover its clear waters and marine life, dolphins above all. Several dolphin species frequent the national park's waters and regularly swim close to the boats.

Depending on the season, the trip may also be a chance to spot turtles, manta rays and, during the austral winter (June to October), humpback whales migrating along the Mozambican coast. Snorkeling stops on the reefs often complete the outing.

Local guides share their knowledge of the species and of the archipelago's national park, created in 1971 and co-managed by African Parks and ANAC since 2017.

Magaruque is a small island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, off Vilankulo. Fringed with white-sand beaches and coral reefs, with a deep channel close to shore, it is especially good for snorkeling and diving straight off the beach.

The surrounding waters shelter dolphins, sea turtles, colourful fish and sometimes manta rays. It is also a popular departure point for dhow trips, the traditional wooden sailing boat of the Mozambican coast.

Access is by boat or light aircraft from Vilankulo. The island stays quiet, making it a peaceful stop within the archipelago.

Santa Carolina, nicknamed "Paradise Island", is the only rocky (volcanic-origin) island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, and the only one uninhabited today. It lies between Bazaruto Island and the mainland.

A former Portuguese outpost — a settlement was founded here in 1855, later serving as a penal colony and then hosting a hotel now in ruins — it keeps a timeless atmosphere. Its white-sand beaches, clear waters and reefs make it a favourite for a day trip, snorkeling and swimming.

It is reached by boat as part of an organised excursion from Vilankulo or the lodges on neighbouring islands.

The dhow is the traditional wooden sailing boat of the East African and Mozambican coast. Sailing aboard one in the Bazaruto Archipelago at the end of the day is one of the most popular experiences of any stay.

At dusk, the calm waters reflect the orange hues of the sky as the breeze fills the sail. The trip, often arranged by the lodges, lets you glide past the archipelago's beaches and islets in a peaceful atmosphere.

It is also a chance to discover local craftsmanship: building and sailing dhows is part of the region's maritime heritage.

The interior of Bazaruto Island reveals a completely different side of the archipelago. This is not a savanna-style safari: there are no lions, elephants or zebras on the islands. The outing is on foot or by 4x4 through dramatic dune landscapes, among the tallest on any barrier island, rising up to 90 m.

The island also has inland freshwater lakes, home to Nile crocodiles and a feeding ground for flamingos, pelicans and many migratory birds. The land fauna is discreet: small antelope (suni, red duiker), bushbuck and monkeys, plus rich birdlife.

This guide-led nature outing focuses on the scenery, the birds and the fragility of the island ecosystem rather than on big game.