Bazaruto Archipelago National ParkBazaruto Archipelago National Park at a Glance
About 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.
Nearby Attractions to Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
Best Time to Visit Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
The archipelago is most reliably visited in the May-October dry season for calm seas and clear water; wildlife spotting remains possible year-round but is weather-dependent.
Weather & Climate near Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (933 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 174 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.1h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 205 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.7h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 26° | 107 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 20° - 29° | 25° | 57 mm | some cloud | 75% | 2.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| May | Ideal | 17° - 28° | 22° | 43 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| June | Excellent | 15° - 25° | 20° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 2.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.7h |
| July | Ideal | 14° - 25° | 20° | 29 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 2.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.8h |
| August | Ideal | 16° - 26° | 21° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| September | Ideal | 17° - 27° | 22° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 37 mm | some cloud | 81% | 3.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 25° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.3h |
How to Get to Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
Most visitors travel from Vilankulo (Inhambane Province) by boat or light aircraft. Regular boat transfers and scheduled charters operate from Vilankulo to the islands; some lodges also arrange flights to small airstrips on Bazaruto itself.
Tips for Visiting Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
- Book boat transfers and any diving/snorkeling through reputable operators based in Vilankulo or Inhambane to ensure fuel and safety standards.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a reef map: the archipelago is a protected marine park with sensitive coral and dugong habitats.
- Seasonal currents affect visibility for divers - aim for the dry season (May-October) for the clearest underwater conditions.