This is one of the most beautiful areas of Mozambique. Uninhabited islands of white sand are strung along the coastline, dolphins swim in the channel and many varieties of bird inhabit the dense dune forests. Diving and snorkelling in the area is fantastic with clear, warm waters, excellent visibility and an amazing variety of colourful marine species.
The islands of Bazaruto, Ben Guerra and Magaruque were once joined in one long sand spit, this 70km long stretch of sand separated into three separate islands around 6000 years ago.
This area offers a range of unique and important ecological ecosystems, from pristine coral reefs and clear blue waters to white sand beaches, dune forests and freshwater lakes. The isolation of the islands has also ensured protection for the inhabitants. This protection was increased for Bazaruto & Ben Guerra islands when they were declared a National Park. It is hoped that the surrounding area will be included in this designation in the future, in the meantime partners including WWF, the Southern African Nature Foundation and the Mozambique based Fundacao Natureza em Perigo are working together to ensure the sustainable management of the archipelago.
The huge variety of wildlife species found here include freshwater crocodiles, turtles, small antelope, rodents, snakes, falcons, frigate birds and one of the last remaining viable populations of the enigmatic dugong. The waters are also perfect for game fishing and keen visitors may be lucky enough to catch species such as marlin, sailfish, king, queen & Spanish mackerel. June brings the annual sardine run and all the game fish that accompany it.
Scuba diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago has been likened to diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The corals alone can keep the diver spell-bound as the full spectrums of coral species are present. Over 600 species of fish have been recorded during Scuba diving. Humpback whales, dolphins and moray eels often accompany the diver on explorations of the marine world. Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill turtles and the mystical dugong are also sometimes sighted.
With sites at depths of 12 to 30 metres and visibility of up to 40 metres you’ll discover protected reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish such as angel, butterfly, surgeonfish or graceful Moorish Idols. The bigger species include whale sharks (the biggest fish in the world), sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, and giant lobster.
Around the archipelago are about 100 endangered dugong - strange half mammal, half fish creatures that early sailors thought were mermaids. The shallow crystal-clear waters are also home to starfish, anemones and seahorses, and an abundance of the famous Mozambique prawn.
Night and wreck dives are specialties, and many schools have their own compressors allowing access to remote places. Non-divers have the option of exploring the inner reef of Two Mile, probably the best snorkelling spot along the coast of Mozambique.
Scuba divers need their C-Cards of Log books to dive.
Humpbacks migrate down the coast every year, making July – September spectacular months for whale watching.
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