Bazaruto Archipelago National Park

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is a protected marine and island area off the Inhambane coast of Mozambique that conserves the Bazaruto Archipelago and surrounding sea. The park covers the islands and adjacent marine habitats that support coral reefs, seagrass and coastal wildlife.

The archipelago comprises five main islands with wide sandy beaches, dune systems and fringing reefs that are popular for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, sport fishing and beach tourism. Clear waters and underwater visibility allow dive operators to run regular trips to coral sites and reef channels.

Mozambican authorities designated the archipelago and surrounding waters as a protected area to conserve its marine and island ecosystems and to manage tourism and fisheries. Protection has focused on reef, seagrass and dugong habitats and on regulating visitor activities.

The islands lie off the Inhambane coast in southern Mozambique, in the Mozambique Channel, accessible from the port and town of Inhambane by boat or small aircraft.

• How to get there: Access is by boat from Inhambane or by small charter flights to nearby airstrips; many visitors stay on Bazaruto or Benguerra and take day trips to other islands.
• Conservation focus: The park protects both island and marine environments and is important for dugong conservation and reef-based tourism such as diving and snorkeling.

What to See #

• Main islands: The archipelago's five main islands include Bazaruto (the largest), Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina (also called Paradise Island) and one smaller islet; each supports beaches, dunes and fringing reefs.
• Marine habitats: Extensive seagrass beds and coral reef systems surround the islands and form the marine core of the protected area, giving habitat for dugongs, reef fish and marine megafauna.