Bazaruto, or in Portuguese Ilha do Bazaruto from Ushurutswa meaning ‘island of the mist’, is a sandy island situated around 80 kilometres southeast of the mouth of the Save River in Mozambique. It is the biggest island in the entire Bazaruto Archipelago, as well as in the Bazaruto National Park.  The shores seem to build up slowly but surely, due to the warm, southward-running Mozambique Current.  Because of the crystal clear water along this shoreline region, much of the channel patterns below water around the island are distinctive. Bazaruto Island is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the whole of Mozambique, originally named Santa Antonio by Portuguese explorers. It was later named Benguerra after a local Tribal chief.

Numerous thin lines of plankton flourish parallel to the coastline. The coastal plains have various lakes and a swampy habitat that appears to be karst topography. Underlying the area is limestone rock that has worn into a pockmarked landscape, forming water-filled sinkholes. Rainfall throughout this humid, tropical climate amounts to about 850 millimetres yearly, mostly concentrated from December through to March. The nearest mainland town to the island of Bazaruto is Inhassoro, though administratively it belongs to the Vilankulo District and the Inhambane Province.

Located off Mozambique on Africa’s east coast, the Bazaruto Islands are one of the most incredible travelling destinations in the world. The islands offer a wide range of private accommodation selections, giving you a paradise getaway. Sunsets, tranquillity and solitude are what to be expected on the Bazaruto islands, allowing travellers to choose what or what not to partake in. Guests are free to relax on the pristine, sparsely populated beaches, but if you seek something more thrilling, feel free to participate in some of the more exciting activities. These include superb bird watching, excellent diving and snorkelling, as well as fantastic fishing.

An almost completely unspoilt oasis, the archipelago has earned its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Between the islands, boats are the only means of travel, whilst on land walking is the more popular choice. The coastal region surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago is world-famous for its excellent selection of white sand, dramatic and vivid sunsets, and tall palm trees that sway gently in the breeze. There are gorgeous stretches of unspoiled sun-kissed beaches that treat you to marvellous views.

The Archipelago’s coral reefs and sparkling waters offer some of the finest diving in the world. Dive sites are not crowded, and sea life is diverse and plentiful. With sites that reach up to 30 metres deep, and visibility for up to 40 metres, you will discover sheltered reefs brimming with dolphin, humpback whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta rays and turtles – an incredible underwater experience.
The surrounding region is classified as the finest fishing destination for Marlin in the whole of the Eastern Indian Ocean. The season begins from early October and runs through until the end of January every year. The Bazaruto Archipelago offers saltwater fly-fishing for those who would like to try their hand at catching a sought-after bonefish. Experience a traditional sailing dhow around the Archipelago. The islands of Benguerra, Bazaruto, Magaruque and Santa Caroline offer  gorgeous azure waters, bronzed beaches, palm trees and untouched coral reefs. With so much to do and see here, Bazaruto Island is most certainly an area to pay a visit to during your travels through the area.

To visit this revitalising island why not book one of our Tours to Mozambique?