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Sailing in Bazaruto Archipelago
A chain of five islands and surrounding marine national park off Vilanculos in southern Mozambique, protecting the Western Indian Ocean's last viable dugong population. Turquoise channels, towering dunes on Bazaruto Island, and coral reefs reached by traditional sailing dhow.
Why here
The Bazaruto Archipelago is classic Mozambican dhow country, and its waters hold the last viable dugong population in the Western Indian Ocean. From the mainland town of Vilanculos, wooden sailing dhows run out to Magaruque, Benguerra and Bazaruto islands, threading channels where dolphins, turtles and manta rays are common and dugongs still graze the seagrass meadows. The archipelago is a protected marine national park, so the sailing doubles as slow wildlife watching, with snorkelling stops on Two Mile Reef and time ashore on islands ringed by white dunes. Trips range from a day under sail to multi-night island camping, wind and tide setting the pace.
Best months
Dhow safaris run year-round, with the calmest seas and clearest water from about April to November. Humpback whales pass through between June and October. Traditional dhows are wind-dependent, so schedules flex with the breeze and some operators carry motorboats as backup. Dugong sightings are a matter of luck rather than a guarantee, but dolphins, turtles and reef fish are near-daily. Seas can build through the afternoon.
Getting there & around
Vilanculos is the launch point, reached by scheduled flight from Maputo or Johannesburg to Vilanculos airport, or a long drive up the EN1. Dhow operators are based in town along the beachfront and run day trips as well as overnight island-camping safaris. Book a day or two ahead and keep plans flexible, departures depend on wind and tide. Bring sun cover, the dhows carry little shade.
Skill levels: beginner
Schools & guides (2)
Sailaway Dhow Safaris
OutfitterVilanculos-based dhow operator running trips into the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park since 1997. It offers day sails to Magaruque and Bazaruto islands, overnight island-camping safaris, and snorkelling on Two Mile Reef off Benguerra where dugongs graze the seagrass. A five-day Island Explorer itinerary added in 2024 links the outer islands with a stay at Zenguelemo Lodge. Trips run from a private beach base in Vilanculos and include meals and snorkelling gear.
Sunset Dhow Safari
OutfitterA local Vilanculos operator sailing traditional dhows built from Mozambican chafunta wood, run day to day by Captain Jeff with bookings handled by Johannes. It runs trips to Magaruque, Bazaruto and Santa Carolina islands, mixing sail with backup motorboats, and adds seasonal whale watching between June and September. Sailings take in dolphins, turtles and the archipelago's reefs, with sunset cruises off the Vilanculos beachfront as its signature outing.