The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is located in Inhambane Province, between 21° 30 east and 22° 00 south of the equator. The group of 5 islands is situated approximately 8 to 15 nautical miles east of the main land centers of Vilanculos and Inhassoro.

The Islands are: Bazaruto (largest), Benguera, Margaruque, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island) and Bangue (smallest).

The islands are home to approximately 3,500 people, who rely heavily on fisheries subsistence for their livelihood. These sand islands have spectacular moving dunes and a diverse range of habitats for exotic and endemic wildlife.

On the land there are fresh water lakes, home to crocodiles, fish and migrant wading birds. Mangroves, where one regularly sees the beautiful “greater flamingo”. Remnant forests along the dunes, where samango monkeys may be viewed. Grasslands and swamps, which house a variety of, bird life and mammals.

In the surrounding ocean, which attracts the majority of tourists, there are near-pristine fringing and offshore coral reefs. Sea grass beds, upon which the nearly extinct dugong (sea cow or mermaid) and turtle feed. Good stocks of pelagic fishes, and long stretches of sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, walking or just relaxing. Four of the islands have a total of 6 tourist hotels (of which 4 are currently in operation), and this offers facilities for relaxing and exploring, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and other water sports. The WWF is busy with extensive conservation programs in this area, now declared a World Heritage Site!!