Mozambique Bazaruto Archipelago

"Escape to Paradise: Discover Mozambique's Stunning Archipelago!" 

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands located off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical paradise.

The six islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago are Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island, Magaruque Island, Santa Carolina Island (also known as Paradise Island), Bangue Island, and Shell Island. Each island has its own unique character and attractions, but all offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Mozambique.

The archipelago is surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to a diverse range of marine species, including dolphins, whales, sharks, and turtles. Visitors can take part in diving and snorkeling tours to explore the underwater world and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition to its marine life, the Bazaruto Archipelago is also known for its stunning beaches and lush vegetation. The islands are home to a number of small villages, where locals engage in fishing and farming. Visitors can explore the islands on foot or by boat, and can enjoy a range of activities, such as birdwatching, hiking, and horseback riding.

The archipelago in Mozambique situated some 35 km off the mainland and accessible by boat or small aircraft from the town of Vilanculos,  attracts international visitors with high quality accommodation. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can take part in a number of outdoor activities and water-sports, including snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, salt water fly fishing, sailing and water-skiing. Small antelope roam the islands alongside fresh-water crocodiles, mangrove crabs and samango monkeys while flamingo nest on the freshwater lakes. The islands are in fact home to over 240 varieties of birds . Bazaruto Marine Park now covers the entire Bazaruto Archipelago making this 1400 sq km reserve one of the largest in the Indian Ocean. In addition to humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays and five species of turtle, some 100 dugongs survive here - one of the very few viable populations on the East African coast.

How to get to Bazaruto from Maputo

Combination of flights and boat transfers 

To get to Bazaruto Island from Maputo, you will need to take a combination of flights and boat transfers. Here's how you can get there:

1. Fly from Maputo to Vilanculos: There are several flights per day from Maputo to Vilanculos, which is the closest airport to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The flight takes approximately 1 hour.
2. Take a boat transfer to Bazaruto Island: From Vilanculos, you can take a boat transfer to Bazaruto Island. The boat transfer takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions.

Alternatively, you can also fly directly to Bazaruto Island from Vilanculos. There are several small airlines that operate flights to the island, but the schedules and availability may vary depending on the season.

Once you arrive on Bazaruto Island, you can explore the island on foot or by boat, and enjoy a range of activities, such as diving, snorkeling, and fishing. There are also several accommodation options on the island, ranging from luxury resorts to rustic beach huts.

Note that the transportation options and schedules may vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so it is recommended to plan your trip in advance and confirm all arrangements with your travel agent or tour operator.

By road and boat transfers

 if you prefer to travel by road, you can take a road trip from Maputo to Vilanculos, which is the closest town to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The drive from Maputo to Vilanculos is approximately 700 kilometers and takes around 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route follows the EN1 highway, which is a well-maintained road that runs along the coast.

Once you reach Vilanculos, you can take a boat transfer to Bazaruto Island, which takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Alternatively, you can also fly directly to Bazaruto Island from Vilanculos, as there are several small airlines that operate flights to the island.

Bazaruto National Park  

Bazaruto National Park is a protected area located in the Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of Mozambique. The park was established in 1971 and covers an area of approximately 1,430 square kilometers, including the six islands that make up the archipelago and the surrounding waters.

The park is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical paradise. The park is home to a diverse range of marine species, including dolphins, whales, sharks, and turtles, as well as various species of fish and coral.