Bazaruto Archipelago Yacht Charters
Bazaruto Archipelago | Yacht Charters | Mozambique
Mozambique - Bazaruto Archipelago
We offer yacht charters sailing holidays, dive liveaboards and fishing cruises to the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.
The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of 6 islands. The 2 main islands are Bazaruto and Benguerra, with 4 smaller islands - Santa Carolina (Paradise Island), Magaruque, Bangue and Linene Island.
This string of islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Southern Mozambique offers world-class beaches, diving, fishing and of course is an ideal yacht charter destination.
Unique Yacht Charter Holidays
The whole Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Conservation project whose primary objective is to maintain the ecological and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park by wise sustainable use of the resources.
Bazaruto Archipelago islands attract nature lovers, sun and beach worshipers and water sports enthusiasts alike. There is well-developed tourism infrastructure and is a popular beach holiday destination in Africa with a number of 5 star international resorts and lodges in the islands. However, for a yacht charter vacation, Bazaruto Archipelago is an undiscovered destination – with very few yacht charters - this means exclusivity for you with beaches and islands all to yourself.
Highlights
Here are the key highlights of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, one of the Indian Ocean’s most pristine and unspoilt destinations:
Protected Marine National Park – Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows protected within a national park.
Exceptional Snorkelling & Diving – Vibrant coral gardens, reef fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, and seasonal whale sightings.
Dugongs – One of the last remaining habitats in East Africa where dugongs can still be seen.
Spectacular Sand Dunes – Towering white dunes on Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands offering panoramic views of the archipelago.
Unspoilt Beaches – Miles of powder-white sand with very few visitors, ideal for total seclusion and relaxation.
Island Hopping – Easy cruising between Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina (Paradise Island), and surrounding reefs.
World-Class Fishing – Renowned for deep-sea, game, and fly fishing, including marlin, sailfish, kingfish, and tuna.
Traditional Dhows – Iconic wooden sailing boats that reflect local culture and provide beautiful sunset scenes.
Luxury Lodges & Remote Escapes – Exclusive island lodges blended into untouched natural surroundings.
Calm, Turquoise Lagoons – Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and shallow-water exploration.
Our Charter Yachts
Plan Your Next Adventure
Our Bazaruto Charter Yachts
Bazaruto Yachts
We have a selection of catamaran yachts you can charter to explore the Bazaruto Archipelago Island. So contact us for some ideas and quotes for your next yachting adventure.
Private Crewed Yacht Charters
Charter a yacht for your own private use for your own group of friends and family.
A crewed private yacht charter is where you charter a boat or yacht with a fully a captain, chef and crew. They take care of all sailing, navigation, cooking, cleaning and are experts in the Bazaruto region, where you will be chartering. All your needs are taken care of so all you need to do it sit back, relax and enjoy.
Cruise the Islands
Cruise Areas & Islands
Cruise Area – Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a protected marine paradise off the coast of Mozambique, made up of the two main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, along with several smaller islands including Santa Carolina (Paradise Island), Magaruque, Bangue, and Linene Island. Together, these islands form one of the most unspoilt and scenic cruising grounds in the Indian Ocean.
A yacht charter in the Bazaruto Archipelago typically explores most, if not all, of these islands, allowing guests to experience a diverse range of landscapes and activities. Expect sweeping white-sand beaches, towering sand dunes, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and calm, sheltered anchorages ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Wildlife encounters are common, with dolphins, turtles, rays, and the rare dugong often seen in these waters.
Cruise routes remain flexible and are tailored to weather and sea conditions, guest interests, and the time available. This freedom allows each charter to be a unique journey—whether focused on relaxed beach time, underwater exploration, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of this remote and breathtaking island group.
Be Active
Activities and Excursions
Beach & Water Sports
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters, sheltered lagoons, and abundant marine life. Guests on a yacht charter can enjoy a wide variety of activities directly from the yacht or at secluded anchorages.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, rays, turtles, and the rare dugong. Dive sites around Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Santa Carolina offer some of the best underwater experiences in Mozambique.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Glide through calm lagoons and mangrove channels, enjoying the tranquillity and stunning scenery of the archipelago.
Swimming: Pristine beaches and sheltered bays provide safe, inviting waters for swimming in turquoise waters.
Deep-Sea Fishing: The region is renowned for game fishing, including marlin, sailfish, kingfish, and tuna, with charters often combining sport fishing with luxury cruising.
Other Activities: Guests can also enjoy dolphin watching, sunset dhow cruises, or simply relaxing on sun decks and floating platforms.
Fishing
Fishing Bazaruto
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a world-renowned big game fishing destination. The shallow flats between the islands and the mainland provide an excellent breeding ground for bait fish, which in turn provide sustenance for the numerous species of abundant game fish in the Archipelago. Fish Black, Blue and Striped Marlin, Tuna, GTs, Dorado, Wahoo and a whole lot more.
Bazaruto also of the best popping and jigging fishing in the world is can be found over the numerous reef systems outside the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Our yachts are fullly rigged and well kitted out for fishing charters so chat to us about a Mozambique fishing trip.
Diving & Snorkelling
Scuba Diving in Bazaruto Archipelago
The waters around the Bazaruto Archipelago World Heritage Site and National Park are an ecological paradise. At 1400km², it is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the Indian Ocean.
With sites at a depth of 12 to 30 m and visibility up to 40 m you will discover protected reefs teeming with dolphin, hump back whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays, game fish, green turtles and giant lobster. The endangered dugong of which only a very small number still exist, swim in the shallow crystal clear waters that are also home to abundant starfish, soft and hard corals, anemones, seahorses and a dazzling array of beautiful tropical fish.
Our catamarans are kitted out for diving, so we can offer dive focused or a more casual diving experience.
Island Excursions
Activities and Excursions
Our Bazaruto yacht charters offer a wide range of activities to suit every type of traveller, from adventure seekers to those seeking pure relaxation. Onboard, guests can enjoy scuba diving to explore vibrant coral reefs, snorkelling among colourful fish and rays, kayaking through calm lagoons, swimming in pristine waters, and deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna, and kingfish.
While many guests choose to spend their time on the yacht, unwinding on sun-drenched decks or enjoying water sports, the Bazaruto Archipelago also offers numerous land-based adventures.
Take a horse ride along the beaches, try sandboarding down towering dunes, or go bird watching to spot the islands’ diverse wildlife. For the more active, hiking along dramatic sand dunes reveals breathtaking panoramic views of the archipelago.
Explore the islands’ landscapes with 4x4 safaris, visit secluded bays, and end the day with a sunset dhow cruise, gliding across turquoise waters as the sky lights up in stunning colours.
Whether you prefer active exploration, wildlife encounters, or simply relaxing in paradise, a Bazaruto yacht charter delivers unforgettable experiences tailored to your interests.
Beach Resorts and Yachts
Add on a Beach Resort to your Yacht Charter holiday
Yacht and Beach Resort Combinations
Bazaruto Island Resorts & Yacht Combinations
The Bazaruto Archipelago is home to a selection of world-class luxury resorts and lodges, offering the perfect complement to a yacht charter experience. From the pristine islands to the mainland town of Vilanculos, guests can enjoy a variety of beachfront properties, combining the freedom of sailing with the comfort and amenities of high-end accommodations.
On the islands themselves, resorts like Azura Benguerra Lodge, Azura Marlin, andBeyond Benguerra Lodge, and Anantara Bazaruto Resort offer exquisite service, private villas, fine dining, and access to exclusive beaches. Meanwhile, the mainland of Vilanculos features a wide range of boutique lodges and beach resorts, ideal for pre- or post-charter stays, or for guests who prefer a mix of land- and sea-based experiences.
A combined itinerary allows travellers to enjoy the ultimate Bazaruto luxury holiday, spending days exploring the archipelago aboard a fully crewed yacht, snorkelling in turquoise lagoons, or visiting remote islands, and evenings relaxing in stylish resorts with world-class cuisine and spa facilities.
This combination of yacht charter and island resort stays ensures a seamless, memorable, and immersive experience in one of Mozambique’s most breathtaking destinations.
African Safaris
Combining a Yacht Charter with an African Safari is easy.
African Safaris
African Safaris & Bazaruto
Combining a visit to the Bazaruto Archipelago with a safari adventure is effortless, offering the perfect mix of pristine beaches and thrilling wildlife experiences. Guests can enjoy a luxury yacht charter among the islands’ turquoise waters and untouched beaches, then extend their holiday to explore the spectacular wildlife reserves of Southern Africa.
The region’s connectivity makes this combination straightforward. Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) serves as a major air hub, with daily flights to Vilanculos in Mozambique, the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. From Johannesburg, travellers can easily connect to leading safari destinations across Southern Africa, including iconic parks in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. This allows seamless planning of multi-destination holidays, where a relaxing island cruise can be combined with game drives, guided walking safaris, or luxury lodge stays in Africa’s premier wildlife regions.
Whether it’s tracking lions on the plains, witnessing elephants at a watering hole, or enjoying birdlife and scenic landscapes, combining a Bazaruto yacht charter with a Southern African safari creates a uniquely diverse and unforgettable African holiday.
Best Time to Go
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a year-round sailing destination, but the ideal time for a yacht charter is between March and December. During this period, the weather is generally warm and sunny, the seas are calmer, and visibility for diving and snorkelling is at its best. Guests can enjoy tranquil lagoons, pristine beaches, and excellent conditions for swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
Overall, planning a Bazaruto yacht charter during these months ensures the best combination of pleasant weather, calm seas, and vibrant marine experiences, whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.
Getting there
Getting to the Bazaruto Archipelago is straightforward and convenient for international travellers. Most visitors fly via Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB), which offers direct flights to Vilanculos Airport in Mozambique. Vilanculos serves as the main gateway to the archipelago and is well connected to local transfers and charter operators.
Upon arrival, guests are warmly welcomed with a meet and greet at the airport, where a representative will assist with luggage and provide essential information about your stay or charter.
From Vilanculos, you have the option of a road transfer to your hotel or resort if you have pre-charter nights booked. For guests heading straight to the yacht, transfers are arranged to the beachfront, where the crew will be waiting.
From there, you will be transferred to your catamaran or yacht via a rubber duck or small tender, ensuring a smooth and scenic start to your Bazaruto adventure.
This streamlined arrival process makes the journey to your yacht hassle-free, allowing you to start your luxury sailing experience in the pristine waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago without delay.