Bazaruto Archipelago National Park

Mozambique declared the Bazaruto Archipelago a national park in 1971, protecting a chain of dune islands and about 1,430 km² of channels, seagrass beds, and reefs off Vilankulo. The seagrass matters most: the park holds the last viable dugong population in the Western Indian Ocean, alongside humpbacks in season, five turtle species, reef-fish-rich pinnacles like Two Mile Reef, and game fish that made the archipelago famous among anglers first. African Parks took over management in 2017, rebuilding patrols and community programs. Diving runs from island lodges and Vilankulo operators across tide-swept channels, with sand spits and flamingo flats above the waterline.

The rules that bind divers

Every visitor pays a park entry fee, collected by lodges and licensed operators, and tourism activities run under park permits. Zoning sets aside sanctuary areas — closed to fishing and heavily patrolled, particularly dugong habitat — while community fishing continues in designated zones under gear restrictions. No-take rules cover coral, shells, and all marine life for visitors; boats mind seagrass and reef when anchoring and give dugongs and whales wide berth under wildlife-approach rules. Island landings and dune walks follow lodge and park guidance to protect nesting birds and turtles.

Fees & permits: Daily park entry fee per visitor, typically added by lodges/operators; rates are set by the park administration and revised periodically.