Vilanculos and Bazaruto Road Trip
Vilanculos is the base for this short coastal route and its island day trips. Offshore lie the sand islands and reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago, while the San Sebastian dunes stretch south of town.
Highlights include:
- Buying fruit, seafood and crafts at Vilanculos Market
- Watching dhows from Vilanculos Beach
- Taking a dhow or speedboat to Magaruque Island
- Exploring the islands and reefs of Bazaruto National Park
- Snorkelling among the coral gardens at Two Mile Reef
- Looking for turtles and dugongs in the protected archipelago
- Visiting the dunes of the San Sebastian Peninsula
- Staying on the Vilanculos waterfront at Baía Mar
Mozambique road trip from Vilanculos to Vilanculos Beach (2 km, about 0 hours driving). Plan this trip with Sideroads Africa.
Stops along the way
- Vilanculos Market: Bustling local market in Vilanculos — fresh seafood, fruit, and crafts before island day trips to Bazaruto.
- Baía Mar Vilanculos: Beachfront lodge in Vilanculos with easy access to dhow trips, Bazaruto day excursions, and the town waterfront
- San Sebastian Peninsula Dunes: Wild dune peninsula south of Vilanculos — remote coastal scenery and bird-rich wetlands on the San Sebastian coast.
- Bazaruto National Park: Protected archipelago of sand islands, dunes, and reefs — dugongs, turtles, and some of Mozambique’s best island scenery.
- Magaruque Island Day Trip: Dhow or speedboat day trip from Vilanculos to Magaruque Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
- Two Mile Reef Snorkel: Classic Bazaruto reef snorkel and dive site off Vilanculos — clear water and colourful coral gardens.
- Vilanculos Beach: Gateway beach to the Bazaruto Archipelago — dhows on the horizon and a lively waterfront strip.