Bazaruto Archipelago National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, a 1400-square-kilometer marine sanctuary, safeguards a quintet of enchanting islands and their surrounding waters. This oasis of biodiversity, spared from the mainland's historical conflicts, bursts with natural splendor. The skies are graced by dozens of bird species, such as fish eagles and pink flamingos, while the land hosts red duikers, bushbucks, and Nile crocodiles, particularly on Benguerra Island. The waters teem with life, including dolphins, over 2000 fish species, and three varieties of turtles—loggerhead, leatherback, and green. Among the park's most fascinating inhabitants are the elusive dugongs, which forage in the seagrass meadows around the islands. The archipelago's human residents, numbering around 3500, add to its charm, providing a 'lived-in paradise' atmosphere. Bazaruto Island, the largest, features a 30-kilometer spine of breathtaking dunes above a turquoise sea. To the south lies the smaller Benguerra Island, followed by the even tinier Magaruque and Santa Carolina islands. At the archipelago's southernmost point, Bangue Island is essentially a sandbar, and the minuscule Pansy Island disappears at high tide. The park, headquartered at Sitone on Bazaruto Island's western side, offers unparalleled opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and recreational fishing. Though fees for various activities are approved, they are not currently enforced. A day trip to Pansy sandbar reveals a landscape dotted with striking sea-urchin shells, while the underwater world presents divers and snorkelers with sights of whales, sharks, turtles, and rays. Despite their rarity, dugong sightings are a highlight for visitors.