BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
The Archipelago consists of four main islands along with a few other rocky outcrops. These are accessed through the town of Vilanculos (“scheduled” flights on LAM from Maputo and a charter flight from Johannesburg):

    • Bazaruto Island
   • Benguerra Island
   • Magaruque Island
   • Santa Carolina Islan

Bazaruto Island and Benguerra Island each have a number of resorts which offer outstanding scuba diving facilities but again these resorts are not cheap. Flights depart on a Monday and Friday only so the minimum time that one is able to spend at any one of these resorts is 4 nights/5 days and, with the 24 hours surface interval time between surfacing from your last dive till you board your flight, this does not allow for much diving!! You must allow at least 7 nights/8 days to do any of these sights justice. You need time to dive Moz!!

HISTORY:
Declared a National Park in 1971, the Archipelago boasts among its wildlife, 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, suni antelope and freshwater crocodiles.

The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, gamefish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle.

Community-orientated conservation projects on Bazaruto are funded by the WWF, the South Africa Nature Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Overnight visitors to the Archipelago Islands are only permitted for the people who are staying at one of the lodges.

The three larger islands were part of an extensive sand-pit peninsula, once attached to the mainland, but since separated as the continent dipped into the Indian Ocean over millions of years. Only Santa Carolina is a true Rock Island and is consequently surrounded by deeper water than the other three.

All of the islands support populations of traditional fisherman and their families, many of whom are not permanent residents and may migrate between the Archipelago and the mainland in their pursuit of good fishing waters.

Magaruque and Santa Carolina Islands are closest to the mainland, with Magaruque 10 kilometers (6 miles) due east of Vilankulo town, and Santa Carolina a similar distance from the coast.

Benguerra and Bazaruto are due north of Magaruque, with Bazaruto 30 kilometers (19 miles) due east of Inhassoro. The eastern seaboard of the islands (apart from Santa Carolina) faces onto deep waters of the restless Mozambique Channel, rich in game fish.

To avoid the occasional high winds and powerful currents, tourist facilities are all located on the landward (lee) side of the islands