Pearl of the Indian Ocean

A Seas4Life Safari in Bazaruto takes you aboard your exclusive yacht, guided by expert marine conservationists and connects you to the rich and diverse waters and island life of this very special island chain. You will move to a new location each day, and be given the chance to dive or snorkel with whale sharks and feeding sea turtles, watch manta and devil/mobula rays, and dolphins swimming and leaping out of the water. Because this spectacular ecosystem hosts over 1,500 species of fish, including napolean wrasse, schools of snappers, surgeonfish, and butterfly fish you are likely to make a new discovery for yourself everyday. If you are lucky, you will encounter the elusive seagrass eating dugong. From May – September, you will observe hundreds to thousands of humpback whales on their annual migration. This archipelago is nature’s splendor in motion and a destination that everyone in the world should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Apart from viewing the wonders of the ocean, other activities include exploring beaches on horseback, walking the sand-dunes, identifying a few of the 180 bird species and 45 reptile species, or finding a couple of the endemic butterflies and suni antelope. Helicopter and/or micro-light flights can be arranged as it is a must to view this incredible archipelago from the air. From the sky you can spot the mysterious dugong, and watch dolphins and whales breaching. You will meet the scientists, managers and local fishers, and learn more about the islands and its people. A trip to Bazaruto is a wonderful blend of luxury, adventure and learning.

Same Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Vilanculos airport – be met by your guide, make your way to the boat to meet your crew. Pull up the anchor and sail to Magaruque Island for your first night, where you can jump into the sea, snorkel, swim or kayak before a sundowner and delicious supper on deck.
Day 2: Enjoy the reefs around Magaruque, travel to Benguerra island. Here you can meet the scientists and visit the Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies. There is also wonderful diving to be had for those who love to explore under the waves. Anchor off Benguerra island for the night.
Days 3-4: Explore the underwater world in the morning, around the two mile reef dive site (one of the most pristine dive sites in the world) for a couple of dives, and for the non divers snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding before pulling up the anchor and heading to the southern end of Bazaruto island. Here walk the beaches, explore the dunes and get to know the birds and wildlife.
Day 5: After some snorkeling, beach walk or swim, head to the northern tip of Bazaruto Island. En route you could throw out a line or two and try your luck with the exciting game fish, which Bazaruto is known for including the black and blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, kingfish and barracuda. Most of these fish occur in the reserve boundaries and with the strong marine conservation policy of tag and release to keep the population sustainable. Anchor off the northern tip of the island, and if in the whale migratory months i.e. June –September, watch the 1000’s of migrating whales frolicking in the sea with their young ones.
Day 6: Early activities of walking, snorkeling, whale watching and/or fishing, then head west to the inside of the archipelago area in search of the elusive dugong, having crossed checked with the scientists on their location. Anchor in calm waters and explore the seagrass meadows and area for dugong, and if no dugong, check out the coral reefs on the inside of Bazaruto island.
Day 7: Santa Carolina – explore the reefs around the island which are spectacular. Anchor here or head back to the location close to Benguerra island for your last night.
Day 8: Travel day – after a fun-filled morning of snorkeling, fishing, walking, kayaking (not diving) head back to Vilanculos for your next destination, or extend your stay for an extraordinary safari in Botswana or Zambia.
Accommodation
Being on board your own luxurious yacht, means you can travel from one island to another, fish, watch dolphins as you sail or swim with whales and dugongs, while having the luxury of being a part of the ocean in different locations. It’s mobile camping in the sea, far from the crowds, with your own personal guide. With Seas4Life bespoke safaris, you will have exclusive use of a 75ft luxury sailing catamaran which is super comfortable, spacious and has all the gear that you need. Plus you have a wonderful crew who care for their boat, love the sea, will share their enthusiasm with you and cook you delicious food. You have tackle to fish as well as snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and scuba equipment. Horse-riding, kitesurfing and helicopter rides can be made available.