Sail to the Bazaruto islands
The number-one thing, and rightly so. Traditional dhows and motorboats leave Vilanculos every morning for Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque islands — giant dunes, empty beaches and snorkelling on coral reefs in a protected national park. A full day trip usually includes snorkelling and a fresh seafood lunch on the beach.
We help our guests arrange trips with trusted local skippers — see our full Bazaruto day-trip guide, or just ask us on WhatsApp.
Watch the sunset from the red dunes
A short ride along the coast, Vilanculos’ famous red sand dunes rise straight out of the turquoise shallows. Go late in the afternoon: as the sun drops, the sand turns a deep rust-red and the tidal flats below shift colour with it. Bring a camera and something to drink — it’s the best free show in town.
Follow the tides
Vilanculos lives by its huge tides. At high tide you swim in warm, calm water right off the town beach; at low tide the sea pulls back to reveal sandbanks you can walk for what feels like forever. Check the tide times when you arrive — locals plan everything around them, and so should you.
Get on (and under) the water
Dive centres in town run scuba trips and courses on the reefs around the archipelago, and the shallow, flat lagoon makes Vilanculos one of southern Africa’s friendliest places to learn kitesurfing when the winter trade winds blow. In season, ocean safaris head out to look for dolphins, turtles — and humpback whales passing along the coast.
Market mornings and town life
Spend a slow morning in the central market: pyramids of mangoes and papaya, capulanas in every colour, and the day’s catch coming straight off the boats. Watch the fishermen mend their nets on the beach and you’ll understand the rhythm this town has kept for generations.
Eat seafood like a local
Crab, prawns, lobster in season and whatever the dhows brought in that morning — grilled over charcoal, Mozambican style, with piri-piri if you’re brave. Our own restaurant serves exactly that, with meals from 200 MZN (about US$3), and non-guests are always welcome.
When to come
April to November is dry, sunny and mild — peak season for island trips and kitesurfing. December to March is hotter and brings occasional heavy rain, but also quieter beaches and greener landscapes. Island trips run year-round, weather permitting.
