Boat days, helicopter flights, sunset dhow cruises and slow afternoons on islands the world hasn't ruined yet. Run by Marina & the Mapapay family — Italian eye, Mozambican heart.
Three of our most-loved experiences below — the full catalogue (boat days, helicopter, village tour and more) lives on the activities page.
Most loved
Speedboat to Punta Oundo, climb the red dunes, snorkel the Aquarium, grilled-fish lunch on the sand, swim at flamingo-pink Benguerra.
90 minutes north to the most ethereal island in the chain — abandoned colonial hotel, white circumference walk, buffet lunch.
Couples favourite
Lulled by the waves on a traditional dhow, anchored off the red dunes. Champagne, snacks, the most photographed sunset of your trip.
Each boat has a job. La Dolce Vita for the full archipelago days, Never Give Up for the long crossings to Santa Carolina, Dona Marina for the slow sunset sails. Meet the whole fleet →
In 1993 — just after the civil war — Mozambique's first tourists started arriving in Vilanculos. Joao Mapapay, a fisherman who knew every bend of the archipelago, took them out in his dhow.
In 2012, Marina Ferraris flew in from Italy and never quite left. She found in the Mapapay family the partners for what became Bazaruto Incoming Agency. Read the full story →
Marina & Helder Bazaruto Incoming Agency · Mapapay Dhow Safari
"Excellent tour operator. Marina and her team were always quick to answer, the trips well-organized, comfortable boats, great lunches with quality grilled fish. Vilankulos remained in our hearts."
★★★★★ — Recent guest
"On the way there we spotted dolphins, and once we reached the island we saw turtles — and even swam with them. Ilha de Santa Carolina has a real vibe; the abandoned resort adds a slightly mysterious atmosphere."
★★★★★ — Santa Carolina day-trip
"Marina organizes these boat trips and takes first-class care of her clients. The boat was in great condition, the staff spoke excellent English, and the food was delicious. Bazaruto, fantastically beautiful."
★★★★★ — Bazaruto Tour
"A long-distance relationship of questions and clear answers from the start. Marina, an exquisite person, an experienced and serious coordinator who won our trust with her professionalism and her desire to make your holiday unforgettable. A SHOW."
★★★★★ — Federico & Claudia, Italy
"We organized our trip to Mozambique and South Africa with Marina and it was a perfect choice. She followed everything with great care, made every move simple. Authentic experiences in contact with the local reality, which we would never have discovered on our own."
★★★★★ — Repeat visitor
"Tiger prawns, fish and fresh rice and salad on the beach. After exploring the dunes it was swimming at a private spot on Benguerra island. Professional boat crew. A wonderful day."
★★★★★ — Bazaruto + Benguerra
Staying in Vilanculos? We pick you up at reception and return you at sunset. We work with every lodge in town.
Airlink flies daily JNB → VNX. LAM connects Maputo. Visa on arrival. The airport is a short hop from town — most lodges include the transfer.
All flights + visa info →
