VISIT MAGARUQUE ISLAND

Magaruque Island, also known as Ilha Santa Isabel, is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago is situated 10 to 15 km offshore between Vilankulo and Inhassoro and consists of five islands; Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. These islands and surrounding waters constitute the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Magaruque is the third largest island in the archipelago. One can walk around this small island in a couple of hours. A base reef on the lee side of the island is a popular snorkeling area.

Two-Mile Reef is situated off the eastern shoreline of Benguerra and offers great snorkeling and diving opportunities. Beautiful and diverse coral formations and thousands of tropical fishes from tiny clownfish to large wrasses and parrotfish can be found here. Moray eels, various rays and white-tip reef sharks can also be seen when scuba diving.

Trip Preparation

Sailaway provides all meals, juice, tea, coffee, drinking water and ice on safari. Alcohol, carbonated drinks or spirits should be purchased in on the mainland before departure. Bring sunscreen, a hat and warm clothing. There is dry storage for cameras and luggage on the dhow whilst on route. Don’t leave any valuables unattended on any isolated island beaches. Passports, valuables and excess luggage can be stored in the safe at the Sailaway office or the camp manager’s office.

Here we have a variety of activities including snorkelling on the house reef, swimming and an Island walk. When weather and tide conditions allow there is sometimes the opportunity to get in a morning and early afternoon snorkel. Species often spotted include, parrot fish, lion fish, barracuda, wrasse, pipe fish, surgeon fish etc. the list goes on and on. We also see lobster, giant clams, octopus and the occasional turtle. Dolphins [Humpback and Bottlenose] are regularly seen on the trip across and back. During the winter season flamingos and a variety of other birds are regular seen in the bay and on the sand bars just near the island.

Lunch typically consists of fish and chicken cooked on the fire with Calamari stew, Salad, bread, rice and fresh tropical fruit. Tea/coffee/water and juice also provided.

Snorkelling Tips

Marine life is diverse and plentiful, home to many coral types and over 200 species of fish. We provide snorkelling equipment, but if you need corrective lenses, please bring your own mask or contacts. Wear a t-shirt whilst snorkelling in summer. The Magaruque rock reef is a good snorkelling area, but also home to razor sharp rock oysters, so tread lightly and wear the boots provided. When walking in any shallows wear boots provided or sandals to avoid sharp clams or shells. Wherever you go snorkelling be aware of the strength and direction of the current. Check with your guide if unsure. On Magaruque Island at certain times the current can run up to 5kmh, which is impossible to swim against. For those first times snorkelling there are nice calm waters without current on the Island side of the reef. Please inform the tour guide if you are a novice snorkeller or swimmer, as we have life rings to assist you