Sandbank of Bazaruto near Vilanculos - Drone view

Activities and Things to do in Vilanculos

Whatever your holiday preferences, Vilanculos has something for you

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Scuba diving Bazaruto island sunset red dune vilanculos aerial view bazaruto island mozambique kayak in vilanculos

Vilanculos: Beaches, Adventure, and More

Endless choices: Craft your perfect Vilanculos escape

You dream of lazy days soaking up the sun on pristine beaches or by the pool? Or are you the active type, seeking adventure and new activities to fill your vacation? Or maybe your interests lean toward cultural exploration or scenic adventures? Vilanculos caters to all desires!

From leisurely island days in the Bazaruto Archipelago to underwater discoveries through diving or snorkeling, kite-surfing, market visits, inland canoe excursions, horse riding or simply strolling the beach to meet local fishermen, Vilanculos offers endless possibilities. Choose your ideal experience and create unforgettable memories!

Discover the Mozambican culture

Explore beyond the beach

Vilanculos buzzes with life, offering a safe environment for leisurely strolls where interacting with locals is both common and effortless.
Take time to explore the vibrant market, witness the fishermen’s return on the beach with their catch, or embark on a tour to nearby villages for an authentic taste of Mozambican life.

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bazaruto island tour beach bazaruto island mozambique bazaruto island Dugong swimming underwater near Vilanculos

Bazaruto Islands tours

Explore the Bazaruto Archipelago: A day of adventure and natural wonders

Embark on a dhow or speed boat to explore the pristine environment and magnificent marine life of
the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Ascend the breathtaking dune of Bazaruto for an incredible panoramic view, or uncover the historic remains of the old Santa Carolina hotel, rumored to be the birthplace of
Bob Dylan’s iconic song “Mozambique”.

Trek across Magaruque Island for an enriching experience.
En route, keep an eye out for playful humpback and bottlenose dolphins. With luck, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the elusive dugongs inhabiting the bay.

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scuba diving in Vilanculos and National park of Bazaruto

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The Bazaruto Archipelago: uncrowded and pristine diving

If you’re seeking a diving destination where encountering other divers underwater is rare, where you can enjoy a picturesque lunch break on a stunning island, and where you have the opportunity to witness 75% of the species found in the Indian Ocean, then the Bazaruto Archipelago is the place for you. The marine life here is diverse and captivating.

Three species of turtles, reef sharks, various species of rays and impressive groupers are regular visitors. On our deep dive sites, you might get the chance to spot manta rays and from July to October, you will also have the privilege of witnessing humpback whales. Are you ready to take the plunge into these waters?

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Kite surf in Vilanculos

Kite Surfing

Vilanculos bay: the ideal place for beginners and experienced kiteboarders alike

Relatively undiscovered by the kiteboarding community, Vilanculos offers a dreamy setting for gliding over crystal-clear waters amidst sandbanks that emerge during low tide. The bay is sheltered and nearly wave-free, making it exceptionally comfortable for beginners to learn.

For more experienced kiteboarders, depending on wind direction and strength, Vilanculos provides limitless opportunities for thrilling downwind rides along the coastline or around the islands of the archipelago.

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Traditional Mozambican food Mozambican cooking class mozambican cooking class mozambican cooking class

Mozambican cooking class

Join on a culinary adventure into Mozambican cuisine!

The journey begins at the bustling market, where you’ll unveil the secrets behind the vibrant leaves that define Mozambican cooking. From cassava to beans, pumpkin or sweet potato, our chef will guide you through their unique flavors.

You’ll even learn how to pick the perfect coconut for the creamiest milk. Then, roll up your sleeves and dive into the cooking process.

While there’s effort involved, the reward is a delectable lunch spread featuring Matapa, Xiguinha, a fragrant coconut and peanut curry, and for the sweet teeth, a melt-in-your-mouth sweet mandioca. After all, isn’t food the best cultural journey?