The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands in Mozambique, near the mainland city of Vilankulo. It comprises the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island) and Shell. The group belongs to Vilankulo District of Inhambane Province. The islands were formed from sand deposited by the Save River, which has since shifted its course. Tourist attractions include sandy beaches, coral reefs, and opportunities for diving, snorkeling and fishing. The archipelago became a National Park in 1971.
Bazaruto island [ view satellite image ] Coordinates: 21°38′S        35°30′E                                            Bazaruto (Portuguese: Ilha do Bazaruto, from Ushurutswa, island of the mist) is a sandy island located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the mouth of the Save River, Mozambique  It is the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The warm, southward-flowing Mozambique current seems to contribute to the increasing buildup of the sandy coastline. Because the water along this coastal area is very clear, much of the sub-surface channel pattern around the island is discernible. Several narrow lines of plankton bloom parallel to the shoreline on the satellite photo below. The coastal plains show numerous lakes and a swampy environment that appears to be karst topography. Underlying the area is limestone rock that has eroded into a pockmarked landscape, creating water-filled sinkholes. Rainfall in this humid tropical climate amounts to around 850 mm (33 inches) annually, largely concentrated in the months December to March.
Benguerra island [ view satellite image ]   Coordinates: 21°51′59″S  35°26′24″E                                     Benguerra Island in Mozambique is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometers (11km long x 5.5 km wide), and lies 14km offshore. It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive sites, excellent horse riding and incredible fishing. Benguerra Island comprises forest, savannah, freshwater lakes and wetland eco-systems that sustain a diverse population of fauna and flora. Fresh water crocodiles can be found in the three lakes, bearing testimony to the island’s mainland past. The island, which is home to approximately 140 bird species, was declared a National Park in 1971.
Magaruque island [ view satellite image ] Coordinates: 21°57′59″S 35°25′49″E Magaruque Island, formerly Ilha Santa Isabel, is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of Mozambique. It is located 5.6 km south of Benguerra Island, and 9.9 km east of Ponta Chuè on the mainland of Mozambique.The island is 2.4 km long north-south, and up to 1.0 km wide. Its area is less than 2 km².
Santa carolina [ view satellite image ] Coordinates: 21.619°S   35.341°E Santa Carolina is an island at the mouth of the Limpopo River in Mozambique. Santa Carolina is a true rock island with deep channels and is just 3 km by 0.5 km in size. It has three beautiful beaches with coral reefs close to the shore. The island, also known as Paradise Island for obvious reasons is regarded as the ‘gem’ of the islands forming the Bazaruto Archipelago which is a proclaimed marine national park that boasts sensational beaches and magnificent scenery.

This is not a quick trip out and back this is a full day adventure. Guests are requested to meet at the Activity Centre at 08H00 to sort out equipment, load the boat and meet the team.

With briefings completed and all aboard the journey takes about 40 to 50 minutes. On the voyage out we often sight dolphin. The archipelago is home to bottle nose and humpback dolphin so look closely and see if you can identify which species they are. We stop briefly at one of the islands for organising the boat for diving, donning wetsuits and to do a dive briefing. It is another 10 minute boat ride out to “2 Mile” reef from the north point of Benguerra Island. If it is a morning, low tide snorkelers will also join for snorkeling on the inside of the reef protected from the swell of the open ocean.

There are numerous dive sites at 2 Mile which is a classic hard coral reef and is a stunning example of a healthy reef eco-system. You are likely to see: Devil ray, shovelnose ray, 3 type turtles (Hawksbills, Loggerhead and Green), big grouper, hunting king fish, orbital batfish, fusilier and a proliferation of colourful reef fish. On occasion we have also seen whale shark, manta ray, dugong, reef shark, giant guitar shark, humpback whale and dolphin.

After the first dive it is back to Bazaruto Island for lunch and a bit of exploration of the beautiful beach and the impressive sand dune. The view is well worth the effort of trekking to the top.

After lunch another dive briefing and off for the 2nd dive at another location along 2 Mile Reef or out to 5 Mile Reef.

2 Mile Reef snorkeling is done dependant on low tide. After lunch you can explore above the waves and climb the sand dune for a spectacular panoramic view of the entire archipelago. Or you can snorkel the rocky spine of the island which trails off to the south, there is an abundance of fish activity along this structure.

How about a day trip to the beautiful Island of Magaruque with a civilized start time due to its proximity to Vilanculos? It is only about a 20 minute trip by speedboat or a little longer at low tides when we must pick our way along the shallow channels.

Magaruque is ideal for the lazy snorkeler as there is always a current to push you along. All you have to do is find out if it is incoming or outgoing. Walk up current, enter the water and let it move you along as you enjoy the multitude of reef fish that inhabit the rocky reef. You will see: sergeant fish, angle fish, groupers, goat fish, moonies, king fish… If the current makes you uncomfortable or you are worried about the kids then the protected lagoon is just the spot for you to relax and cool off in protected waters.

Margaruque is also frequented by the many wooden dhows offering day trips from Vilanculos so it is the most social island visit.

This trip is a little more adventurous to the beautiful island that hosted Survivor South Africa in 2009. The voyage north along the mainland inner-coast will take a little over an hour and offers the opportunity to see dolphin and if you are lucky, the endangered dugong. The knowledgeable staff will ply you with information about the spectacular luxury homes along the shore, tales of Cleopatra’s pearls, escape from the civil war and life on the islands. This trip is about exploration, discovery and relaxation. At high tide we snorkel on the beautiful shallow reefs to the south of the island. At low tide we encourage you to explore the derelict hotel where it is rumoured that Bob Dylan wrote his well-known song “Mozambique” at the bar piano. You can feel the spirit of good times enjoyed in its prime years. Make sure that your camera battery is fully charged and that you have plenty of disc space for all the images you will want to capture.

Lunch will be a braai (bbq) to be remembered with chicken, seafood and steak featuring prominently on the menu. There will also be a selection of salads and seasonal local fruit. After lunch, doze in the shade of palm trees or wander the powder sugar beaches.

This trip takes you south for high energy dives that are for the more experienced diver. The dives are deeper and there can be strong currents but the challenges have their rewards. Here we see bigger and more abundant sea life and since there is not a convenient island to stop by for lunch we do the surface interval on board. The plus side to this is that we have the opportunity to cruise for dolphin, whales, turtle and whale shark while we move to the second dive site. During dives in this area you have a good chance of seeing: manta ray on cleaning stations, big grouper who come close to check you out, curious sharks, turtles feeding or sleeping, schooling fish such as fusilier or bludges, golden king fish, king mackerel and giant reef rays lying in the sand.