Bazaruto Archipelago Dhow Sailing & Snorkeling Day Trip

60% of revenue stays with the host community.

About

A full-day dhow sailing adventure through the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, a UNESCO-listed marine protected area of five islands off the coast of Vilankulo. Local captains navigate traditional wooden dhows — the same vessel type used by Arab traders for a thousand years — to prime snorkeling sites at Two Mile Reef and the Aquarium. Expect to see 180+ coral species, reef sharks, loggerhead and green turtles, and seasonal dugong sightings (the archipelago hosts the last viable dugong population in the western Indian Ocean, estimated at fewer than 250 individuals). The trip includes a beach lunch on Benguerra Island prepared by community cooks, a visit to a freshwater lake on the island, and opportunities to spot flamingos and pelicans. 60% of revenue supports the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park community patrol programme, which employs local fishers as marine rangers to combat illegal fishing and monitor dugong populations. Full-day trips depart Vilankulo at 7am, return 4pm. Snorkeling gear included. WhatsApp booking available. Best conditions April–November. Accessible via Vilankulo Airport (VNX) with direct flights from Johannesburg and Maputo.