Snorkling and Marine Life
3
Details
Set in tranquil, turquoise seas and fringed by powder-white beaches, the Bazaruto Archipelago’s five tropical islands (Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangwe), two of which are uninhabited, make up Mozambique’s oldest marine protected area. Notably, this national park harbours the last known viable population of dugongs within the Western Indian Ocean. Other iconic marine megafauna that inhabit Bazaruto’s waters include whale sharks, whales, manta rays, dolphins, sharks, marlin, sailfish, and nesting sea turtles. A diver’s paradise, Bazaruto’s coral reefs offer some of the most diverse and pristine corals in East Africa, and are accessible at low tide for snorkellers to enjoy.
The five islands, surrounded by sandbanks, protect the mainland from the currents of the open sea, creating a channel of crystal clear waters that hosts one of the most spectacular seascapes in the country.
Bazaruto Island, the largest is characterised by a cordon of dunes, similar to a small desert in the middle of the sea, while the leeward area explodes with vegetation that welcomes families of primates, gazelles, and colonies of crocodiles that live in the small inland lakes, bearing witness to the fact that thousands of years ago, these islands were joined to the mainland. Smaller islands are Magaruque Island and Santa Carolina Island, also called “Paradise Island” (a name, a guarantee!), totally uninhabited among its ruins of colonial buildings, while Bangwe appears as a lost sandy atoll in the middle of the sea.
The main visual charm of these islands is concentrated in the incredible colour nuances on the surface and on the seabed. From the golden yellow of the dunes to the green of the dense vegetation and mangroves, from the crystal-clear turquoise of the shoreline, tinged with the snowy white of the sandbanks emerging from the shallow waters, to the blue of the sea fading into cobalt blue on the horizon, punctuated by the white sails of the dhows that sail one of the richest seas in the Indian Ocean. Dolphins, whales, tropical fish, turtles, dugongs, myriads of flamingos and fish eagles, coral reefs (called “Two Miles Reef”) in which a colourful underwater life hides.
Bazaruto Island is surrounded by some of the most pristine snorkeling sites in the world:
- Two Mile Reef: A must-visit for its diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasional sightings of manta rays. The reef's shallow waters make it perfect for snorkelers of all levels.
- The Aquarium: Known for its calm, clear waters and abundant sea life, this spot is ideal for beginners and families. Expect to see a kaleidoscope of fish darting through the coral gardens.
- Pansy Island: Famous for its unique pansy shells, this area offers a gentle snorkeling experience with plenty of starfish and small reef fish.
A paradise on earth and water that is worth a trip to Mozambique.