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The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five islands (in order of size: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue). The waters surrounding the islands are home to more than 80 percent of all marine fish families of the Indo-Pacific.

Pristine for most of this century, these islands are considered ecological gems. The Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the continent, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees, pristine coral reefs, plus tropical fish to goggle at and big game fish to catch. The whole area between the mainland and the 150 fathom mark is now protected as a world-class conservation area.

The Bazaruto Archipelago, a Marine National Park is located about 10km (6miles) off the coast of Moçambique. The Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the continent, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees, pristine coral reefs, plus tropical fish to goggle at and big game fish to catch. The whole area between the mainland and the 150 fathom mark is now protected as a world-class conservation area. If you stay at one of the lodges, transfers are done by speedboat or light aircraft. A more affordable option are dhows, which can be caught at Vilankulo on the mainland.

Dugongs, lumbering sea grass eaters, are found living in shallow waters along the world's tropical coasts. Here in Bazaruto, however, they seem to have found the resources and protection they need to survive. The pristine sea grass beds of this extensive tropical archipelago are home to the largest remaining population in Eastern Africa, helping make this newly extended protected area a global marine conservation priority.

A ridge of large and picturesque sand dunes dominates the narrow chain of islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago. Extensive tidal flats and inland saline lakes support a wide variety of seabird species, including Palearctic waterbird migrants and 26 species of waders. The dunes and woodlands harbor such mammals as the samango monkey, lesser bushbaby, red duiker, and four-toed elephant shrew.

The real wealth of Bazaruto, however, lies in the full range of tropical marine ecosystems found within this varied seascape. Spectacular coral reefs and rich pelagic waters hold over 2,000 species of fish, 100 hard and 27 soft coral species, four whale and five dolphin species, and 20 species of crustaceans. The extensive sea grass beds support all five of the marine turtle species plying the waters of the Western Indian Ocean as well as the largest and only viable dugong population along the eastern African coast.

Pristine for most of this century, the five islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago are considered ecological gems. The islands, located within the Mozambique Channel 500 kilometers north of Maputo, received some measure of formal protection in 1971 when three were declared a national park. After years of active lobbying and technical assistance, on November 27 of last year, hope for permanent protection of this outstanding conservation area soared when the government gazetted an extension to the national park. This decision effectively doubled the area under protection to 1,400 square Kilometers and incorporated the remaining islands and surrounding waters. The park is now one of the largest in the Indian Ocean and represents a critical milestone in global marine conservation.

Although the Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five islands (in order of size: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue), only Bazaruto (and surrounding reefs) is officially included within the boundaries of the Parque Nacional de Bazaruto (Bazaruto National Park).

The waters surrounding the islands are home to more than 80 percent of all marine fish families of the Indo-Pacific.

Resident minke and right whales ply surrounding seas, as well as common, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, and the highly threatened dugong. Referred to as the 'Galapagos of Africa' by famed ecologist Paul Dutton who lived on Bazaruto Island for many years during the civil war period and studied the unique habitats and training community guardas da fauna to protect the various species of marine turtle through sustainable utilisation.

Between them the islands offer half a dozen lodges, hotels and campsites some catering to those seeking deserted, endless beaches and many accustomed to satisfying the needs and realising the dreams of serious big-game fishermen from all over the world. Scuba divers are never disappointed with the life and forms on famed 3-mile reef, while snorkellers can spend hours mesmerised by the colourful corals and tropical fish in the shallow and protected natural 'aquarium' that lies between Bazaruto and Benguerra.

Airstrips serve all of the islands and, via the International Airport at nearby Vilankulos, there are regular flights from Maputo and Johannesburg. 'Sail-Away', based in Vilankulos run a large, sea-worthy dhow called the 'Funazi' to the islands, providing an opportunity for visitors to experience the islands on an authentic locally built vessel and to gain an insight into a subsistent-fishing way of life unchanged for thousands of years.

Activities:
· Snorkeling
· Scuba diving
· Deep sea fishing
· Saltwater fly fishing
· Relaxing on the beach
· Traditional dhow trips
· Dolphin tours
· Sailing

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