Urok Islands

The Urok islands in the northern Bijagós, Formosa, Nago and Chediã, are managed as a community marine protected area under the authority of the islanders themselves, with fishing rules set and enforced locally and sacred areas kept closed entirely. The mangrove and mudflats around them hold huge numbers of migratory shorebirds. They sit within the World Heritage property inscribed in 2025. The management arrangement here was one of the first of its kind in West Africa and is often cited as a model. Around three thousand people live across the three islands.

What you actually see

• The community management - fishing rules set and enforced by the islanders.
• The mangrove and mudflat - the habitat the shorebirds depend on.
• The sacred areas - the zones kept closed under customary authority.
• The 2025 inscription - part of the Bijagós World Heritage property.

When to go

November to May is the dry season and the peak for migratory shorebirds. The rains from June make travel difficult. Tides govern boat access.

Honest expectations

Visits must be arranged with the community management and are not casual. Sacred areas are closed and the rules matter. Accommodation is basic village arrangements.

Nearby

Caravela is south, and Bissau is east.