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Bazaruto Archipelago

Islands

An island group off Inhambane Province with coral reefs, clear lagoons and marine megafauna including dugongs; tourists visit for scuba diving, sport fishing and lodge-based island stays.

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In this guide

Bazaruto Archipelago essentials

Country: Mozambique
Driest months: Jul-Sep
Pay in: Metical (MT)
Language: Portuguese
Emergency: 119

Bazaruto Archipelago at a Glance

About Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a chain of tropical islands off the Inhambane coast of Mozambique that form part of a protected marine area. The islands are internationally known for clear water, coral reefs and important marine species.

Beaches, dune systems, reef channels and lagoons are the main attractions; diving and snorkelling trips target reefs and seasonal sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. Several islands host small lodges, day-trip beaches and traditional dhow routes between islands, with boats and light aircraft providing the usual visitor access.

The islands are managed as a conservation and tourism area to protect reefs and marine megafauna while supporting local livelihoods. Protection and tourism development have been the main drivers shaping how islands are used in recent decades.

The archipelago lies off Mozambique’s Inhambane Province near the mainland town of Vilanculos and is reached by short boat crossings or light-air transfers from coastal airstrips. The islands sit in shallow coastal waters with extensive reef systems and sandbanks.

  • Marine wildlife: Marine life includes coral reefs, whale sharks, manta rays and dugongs, making the archipelago a high-value diving and snorkelling area.
  • How to reach: Access is usually by small aircraft or boat from the mainland town of Vilanculos; many lodges operate transfers by plane or dhows.

What to See#

  • Bazaruto Island: The largest island in the group, featuring dune-backed beaches and the main lodges and airstrips used by tourism operators.
  • Benguerra Island: Known for clear waters, coral reefs and dive sites; contains several tourism camps and marine-access points.
  • Magaruque (Banana Island): A small low-lying island valued for beaches and shallow reef systems that attract snorkelers.
  • Santa Carolina (Paradise Island): A small, often privately managed island known locally as Paradise Island with clear lagoon waters and sandbanks.
  • Bangue: A low sandy island with tidal sandbanks popular for short day trips from mainland ports.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Bazaruto Archipelago

Best visited in the dry season (May-October) for diving, clearer seas, and safer travel between islands.

Dry season
May-October · 22-28°C (72-82°F)
Calm seas and best visibility for diving and snorkelling.
Wet season
November-April · 25-33°C (77-91°F)
Hotter, cyclone risk in some years; coral spawning events can occur.

Weather & Climate near Bazaruto Archipelago

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 14°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (963 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 23° - 31° 27° 179 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.1 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.1h
February Very Good 23° - 31° 27° 210 mm some cloud 78% 3.0 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.7h
March Excellent 21° - 30° 26° 113 mm some cloud 78% 2.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
April Excellent 20° - 29° 24° 64 mm some cloud 75% 3.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
May Ideal 17° - 27° 22° 44 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 Excellent 14° - 25° 20° 30 mm mostly sunny 73% 2.5 m/s 1.1 high 10.8h
August Ideal 15° - 25° 20° 24 mm mostly sunny 76% 3.3 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
September Ideal 17° - 26° 22° 15 mm mostly sunny 80% 3.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
October Ideal 20° - 28° 24° 39 mm some cloud 81% 3.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
November Excellent 22° - 29° 25° 70 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.0h
December Very Good 22° - 30° 26° 145 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Bazaruto Archipelago

Access is by small plane or boat from Vilankulo or Inhambane; daily air services to Bazaruto Island may operate seasonally with local charter options for other islands.

Tips for Visiting Bazaruto Archipelago

  • Island-hopping requires licensed operators from Vilankulo or Inhambane - plan at least several days for safe travel between islands.
  • Marine conservation fees may apply for diving at declared protected sites - ask operators for current rules.
  • Respect local fishing zones and avoid night anchoring in coral-sensitive areas.