Bazaruto Archipelago Tourism Information

Quick Facts: Bazaruto Archipelago

• The word Bazaruto stands for 'island of the mist'
• Rainfall in this humid subtropical climate accounts from between 50 and 100 centimeters annually
• The nearest mainland to Bazaruto is Inhassoro
• Administratively Bazaruto belongs to the Inhambane Province of Mozambique

Distance to Airport: 40 km

Distance to City: 40 km

Introducing Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of six islands in Mozambique, near the mainland city of Vilankulo. The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique comprises the islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina, which is also known as Paradise Island, and Shell.

The Bazaruto Archipelago forms part of the Vilancolos District of Mozambique's Inhambane Province. The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, were formed from sand which has been deposited here by the Limpopo River, which has since shifted its course.

Tourist attractions in this region of Southern Africa include sandy beaches, coral reefs, and many opportunities for surfing and fishing. The Bazaruto Archipelago became a National Park in 1971. The tropical island of Santa Carolina measures only 2 miles by 0.3 miles in size. Santa Carolina in Mozambique is a true rock island with deep channels. Santa Carolina has three beautiful beaches with coral reefs close to the shore. The island, also known as Paradise Island, is regarded as the ‘gem’ of the islands forming the Bazaruto Archipelago which is a proclaimed marine national park which is home to magnificent beaches and beautiful scenery.

Bazaruto, meaning 'island of the mist', is a sandy island located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of the mouth of the Save River in Mozambique.  As the water along this coastal area in Mozambique is very clear, much of the sub-surface channel pattern around the island is discernible. Several narrow lines of plankton bloom  parallel the shoreline. The coastal plains are dotted with numerous lakes and a swampy environment.

Rainfall in this humid subtropical climate accounts from between 50 and 100 centimeters annually.  The closest mainland town to Bazaruto is Inhassoro.  Administratively, Bazaruto forms part of the Inhambane Province.