The Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago, a cluster of idyllic islands off the coast of southern Mozambique, is one of the Indian Ocean's most beautiful and pristine marine wildernesses, protected as a national park. Its islands rise in dramatic, towering sand dunes above dazzling turquoise shallows and coral reefs teeming with life. The warm waters shelter a rare population of dugongs, along with dolphins, whales, turtles and marlin, making it a superb destination for diving, snorkelling, dhow sailing and beach relaxation at a handful of exclusive lodges.

What you actually see

• The islands and dunes - the turquoise seas and towering sand dunes.
• The coral reefs - the diving and snorkelling among marine life.
• The dugongs and dolphins - the rare marine mammals of the park.
• The dhow sailing - the trips on traditional sailing boats.

When to go

May to November, the dry season, for the best weather, calmest seas and clearest diving visibility; the wetter, hotter months bring rain and a cyclone risk. Whales pass on migration in the middle of the year. The islands are reached by boat or light aircraft from Vilankulo on the mainland.

Honest expectations

The archipelago is remote and geared to exclusive, upmarket lodges, so it is a splurge destination rather than a budget one, reached by boat or plane; independent or cheaper travel focuses on the mainland base of Vilankulo. Mozambique's tourism infrastructure is still developing. For pristine islands, superb diving, rare dugongs and gorgeous beaches away from the crowds, though, Bazaruto is a genuine Indian Ocean gem.

Nearby

The mainland town of Vilankulo and the Inhambane coast are the gateways.