Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park Tours

Duration is 1 day of Island dhow cruise visit, and staying over on each island, living off the sea!

Declared a protected area in 1971, the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is one of the most important marine sanctuaries along the East African coastline.

Made up of five islands, three of which are inhabited by some 7,000 people, its waters are home to iconic megafauna, including whales, sharks, sailfish, manta rays, dolphins, marlin and nesting marine turtles, as well as East Africa’s last-known viable population of dugong. The sheer beauty of this seascape, along with the diversity of its wildlife, has made Bazaruto a globally sought-after tourism destination.

In 2017, the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) invited African Parks into a partnership agreement to manage its oldest national marine park, ensuring that this valuable resource could be sustainably protected long into the future. Over the last five years, positive collaboration with local communities, tourism operators and government partners has helped to secure a more sustainable future for people and wildlife.

The park’s management team has grown, infrastructure has improved, conservation measures have been enhanced, and illegal activities have been significantly curtailed. A conservation-led economy is being bolstered through tourism, creating jobs and local skills development.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five islands which lie just off the mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro.

Bazaruto Island - The largest of the five

Benguerra Island - A mecca for avid birders

Santa Carolina - An off-the-beaten-track rock island

Magaruque - Snorkelling on your doorstep

Banque - A tiny paradise

Bazaruto Highlights:

A satellite tagging project is improving conservation methods for East Africa’s last-known viable dugong population by providing insights into the Critically Endangered mammals’ behaviour and movements.

Dugong and turtle deaths caused by fishing nets have greatly decreased, thanks to regular ranger patrols, improved capacity and collaboration with the Maritime Authority and the local police.

20% of all annual tourism revenue goes to supporting projects that benefit local people.

Nearly 90 tonnes of plastic were collected and transformed into over 85,000 paving bricks.

Over 100 boat skippers from the tourism sector were trained in best practices to limit negative environmental impact, including a code of conduct for wildlife viewing, snorkelling and scuba-diving.

Needless to say, the diving and snorkelling in the Bazaruto Marine National Park is superb and sought after by many travellers. Mozambique visitors who would just like to get away from it all will find Bazaruto just the place to relax, sip cocktails and indulge in a delicious seafood beach dinner or perhaps sail away on a dhow for a castaway picnic!

As a world-class diving hot spot, a honeymoon haven and a must-do beach getaway, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago sets the bar pretty high as a holiday destination.

Bazaruto Archipelago brims with incredible dive sites that are rated as being among the best in the world, where avid divers have become regular visitors. It is also an ideal place for first-timers to take the plunge.

For those who prefer to keep their heads above water, the untouched, remote beaches beckon.

Set sail on the waters in an old wooden dhow boat to the abandoned Carolina Island, or soak up that laid-back island living. It really is the perfect addition to a southern Africa safari. The archipelago's excellent variety of water and land-based activities adds a good dose of fun to your ocean experience (for when you are ready to leave your sun lounger).