Boat trips, helicopter tours, diving, kitesurf and slow afternoons on islands the world hasn't ruined yet. Run by Marina & the Mapapay family — Italian eye, Mozambican heart.
Every trip includes the marine-park fee, snorkelling gear, a fresh-fish lunch under the trees, water and a soft drink. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light heart.
Most loved
Speedboat from your hotel beach to Punta Oundo, climb the red dunes, snorkel the Aquarium when the tide is low, grilled-fish lunch on the sand, then a final swim at flamingo-pink Benguerra.
90 minutes north to the most ethereal island in the chain — abandoned colonial hotel, white circumference walk, buffet lunch in the tree shade.
Private boat, deserted beach, your own picnic or our chef-prepared lunch. For honeymoons, family days and people who just want quiet.
Couples favourite
Lulled by the waves on a traditional dhow, anchored off the red dunes for the show. Champagne, snacks, the most photographed sunset of your trip.
Aerial
Lift off, see the entire archipelago in a single arc — sand bars, reefs, the whole impossible blue. We also charter for transfers to Bazaruto and Benguerra lodges.
75% of the Indian Ocean's species pass through here. Eagle rays, turtles, moray eels, and friendly groupers. Beginners and experts welcome — Sabrina & Denis run the dive ops.
Waist-deep, flat water and consistent winds — a kiteboarder's daydream. IKO-certified instructors, English-speaking, courses for total beginners through to advanced.
Pat & Mandy's horses know these beaches better than anyone — beginners welcome, sunset rides are the picture you'll keep on your phone for years.
The largest marine reserve in the Indian Ocean. The last viable population of dugongs on the African coast. Tap an island to learn its character.
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.
His son Helder grew the operation — two boats by 2002, then four. Osvaldo, the family's driver, picks guests up from their lodges every morning, returns them at sunset.
In 2012, Marina Ferraris — twenty years in European tourism — flew in from Italy and never quite left. She found in the Mapapay family the partners for what became Bazaruto Incoming Agency: Italian eye for detail, Mozambican joy.
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? Osvaldo will pick you up at reception and return you at sunset. We work with every lodge in town.
Visas on arrival, currently US$31. Vilanculos International Airport is a short hop from town — most lodges include the transfer. We handle the rest from there.
