5 Places to Visit around the Bazaruto Archipelago - A Scenic Getaway Like No Other!

Bazaruto, the largest island in the Archipelago, is best known for its soft idyllic beaches that feature thick forests of coconut palms, cashew trees and casuarinas. Its coastal reefs are home to colorful fish, turtles, and dolphins for anyone looking for a vibrant underwater adventure! Bazaruto Island also includes the luxurious Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, making it one of the prime vacation destinations in the region.

The second largest of the Archipelago islands, Benguerra is a paradise for travellers looking to reconnect with nature. Its standout features include massive dunes, freshwater lakes inhabited by crocodiles, a 2-mile coral reef that is perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, and a total of 140 recorded bird species. With all of its natural wonders on display, Benguerra is now a popular travel destination for those staying at any of the Mozambique beach hotels within the region.

Magaruque Island is the third largest of the Bazaruto Archipelago islands and offers the perfect destination for a remote getaway. Surrounded by scenic white beaches, the island also features a permanent deep water channel that allows for snorkelling, diving, and deep-sea fishing, in an area that boasts over 2000 different species of fish. Located nearly directly offshore from Vilanculos town, Magaruque Island brings tourists the perfect combination of isolation and relaxation, away from the grind of urban living.

Spanning approximately 2.5 kilometres, Santa Carolina or ‘Paradise Island’ is the smallest of the Bazaruto Archipelago islands and carries the dilapidated remains of Grande Hotel Santa Carolina. Visitors with an eye for history and old architecture will be delighted to witness the hotel’s ruins that still showcase some of its old grandeur. At the same time, the island’s natural splendour makes it a prime vacation spot; surrounded by crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling and with the tide bringing in sea turtles that emerge near the shore, Santa Carolina is a unique remote haven that combines the beauty of nature and ancient architecture.

Vilanculos is a coastal town located on Mozambique’s mainland just a few kilometres from the bay and is rife with the culture and cuisine of Mozambique. The town is populated with a variety of restaurants ranging from Bohemian-like cafes, to eating houses with finely crafted furniture that offer delectable seafood and cuisine. In addition to its cuisine, Vilanculos has no shortage of exciting activities including dune climbing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, and even beautiful sunset dhow safaris. Because of its convenient location and local airport, Vilanculos provides easy access to and from the Bazaruto Archipelago, making it a popular tourist destination in the region.