The Bazaruto dunes
Falling to the sea.
FrogsLegs71 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Tom Corser — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Tom Corser — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cornelius Kibelka from Berlin, Germany — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Tom Corser — CC BY-SA 3.0
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of islands off the city of Vilankulo in southern Mozambique, including Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangué. It is a marine national park with high sand dunes, turquoise water and coral reefs. It is among the finest views on Africa's Indian Ocean coast, and visitors come to relax and to dive. The islands formed from sand carried by the Save River, which later changed course. The exception is Santa Carolina, a true rock island 3 km long, also called Paradise Island. The archipelago became a national park in 1971. It shelters a dugong population put at about 120, along with sea turtles and whale sharks. From the air you see lines of white and orange sand curling through blue and green. On Bazaruto huge dunes fall straight to the sea, and you can climb them to see the whole island. On the beach lie painted wooden boats and sand rippled by the wind. Underwater are colourful reefs, with parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and manta rays. It is about 42 km from Vilankulo in a straight line, reached by sailing dhow or speedboat. Hotels and trip operators usually collect the entry fee. Agree what a trip includes before setting out. Do not walk on the reefs or disturb dugongs or turtles. Bring water and sunscreen, as the dunes have no shade.
Falling to the sea.
A traditional sailing boat.
Bright fish and rays.
Off Vilankulo, Inhambane Province, Mozambique
Yes, from Vilankulo, covering the dunes and a swim, though staying on the islands costs far more.
Rarely, as they are few and shy, so do not build your trip around them.