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There
are five main islands making up the Bazaruto Archipelago, Bazaruto
Island is the largest of these and there are daily shuttles from
Vilanculos for those staying at one of the two luxury lodges on
the island. Between this island and the mainland at Inhassorro is
the small island of Santa Carolina also known as 'Paradise Island'.
South of Bazaruto Island is Benguerra Island, (or Santa Antóniao),
the second largest of the islands and also with two luxury lodges.
Further south still are the islands of Magaruque (Santa Isabel)
and tiny Bangué island, neither of which currently have any
accommodation options. You may also hear about Pansy Island or Pansy
Shell Island popular for snorkelling, this is actually a moving
sandbar which regularly disappears and reappears at a slightly new
location.

The coral reefs in the Bazaruto area are regarded as some of the most diverse
and least disturbed in the Western Indian Ocean. Two Mile Reef situated
to the east of the park and between Bazaruto & Benguerra Island
is particularly well known as a snorkelling and diving site internationally.
Please remember that the flaura & fauna on land and in the ocean
is protected and therefore may not be removed or tempered with.
All visitors to the park need to pay park entry fees which must
be obtained from registered operators or the WWF office in Vilanculos.
National Park fees are excluded from many lodge rates and activities,
so please check when booking.
Bazaruto Reefs: Water Temperature: 22 – 29 ° C
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Two Mile reef |
Level of dive: Open Water / Advanced (depending on section of reef dived) |
Depth: 1 - 21m |
A large reef with several dive sites, as a general overview a whole mix of all types of coral, rocks, boulders, swim thru's, and overhangs. Turtles are common with 5 species in the area, large numbers of reef fish (Surgeon, Moorish Idols, Parrot, Angel and Butterfly fish to name but a few), Rays, Game fish and Nurse Sharks are just some of the wonders to see here.
Two Mile Reef Dive Sites
Some of the dive sites on Two Mile Reef include:
|
a. The Aquarium
|
Depth: 1 - 9m |
This is an excellent area for snorkelling as well as diving, fields of Stag horn Coral in the shallows and lots of reef life, including curious Octopus.
|
b. The Surgery
|
Depth: 9m - 21m |
Large Corals and rocky outcrops in this area are occupied by large numbers of Sturgeon, Honeycomb Morays, Devil Rays and huge Potato and Camouflage Grouper patrol the busy reef.
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c. The Powder Box
|
Depth: 6 - 16m |
A coral garden paradise, Large Table tops, towering Whip Coral, entwined with vibrant soft corals and Powder Blue Tangs dotted all around.
Clown Fish defend their Anemones while Crocodile fish (if you can spot them) lurk on the ocean floor, drift up and down the channels and let the macro life on the reef entertain you.
|
d. Coral Gardens
|
Depth: 8 - 19m |
Coral heads and Green Branching Coral sprawl over this area, Damsel fish, Batfish and Kingfish are among the overhead circling fish, keep a look out for the occasional Reef Shark here, and check out the Blue Spotted Rays that nestle in the sandy patches.
|
e. Stingray Alley
|
Depth: 12 - 20m |
The sandy floor of the reef is a great place to look for a good selection of Rays, smatterings of coral and plenty reef fish also drift around this area.
|
2. Manta Ray Reef
|
Level of dive: Open Water |
Depth: 12 - 18m |
Another large reef, this flat coral reef is nearly 1km long, large shoals of fish like crescent-tailed big eyes, Neon Fusiliers and blue-banded snappers are regularly encountered, along with Brindle Bass, Job Fish and good sightings of Green Turtles.
In the Summer Manta's can be seen in this area.
|
3. Turtle Ridge Reef
|
Level of dive: Open Water |
Depth: 12 - 14m |
A lovely relaxing dive, great for photographers, a flat narrow coral reef excellent for Turtles lots of reef fish including Parrot fish and Snappers as well as game fish like Barracuda. A great dive for refreshing skills.
|
4. Greek Temple |
Level of dive: Open Water |
Depth: 12 - 18m |
A great dive with caves, overhangs and resembles a tumbling Greek Temple. Best dived at low tide allowing lovely light for photographers. Turtles and Rays flit around the 'ruins' and a myriad of reef life keeps you well entertained.
|
5. Rainbow Runner
|
Level of dive: Advanced (quick descent skills essential) |
Depth: 18 - 27m |
Strong currents are common here so a quick entry and descent are essential but the rewards are large schools of Pelagic fish, Barracuda, kingfish, Tuna, Eagle Rays, Devil Rays, Rainbow Runners, Green Jobfish, Brindle Bass and even Zambezi Shark.
|
6. The Potholes
|
Level of dive: Advanced |
Depth: 11-12m |
You can only dive here on a low tide. A great place for Black tail Reef sharks and Nurse Sharks, which hang around the caves, potholes and overhangs. Moving carefully around the site through the potholes and tunnels can be a test of your skills.
|
7. Brindle Bass Ridge
|
Level of dive: Advanced / Minimum 20 dive experience. |
Depth: 15 - 18m |
Lined with dazzling soft corals this is a lovely dive featuring lots of caves and overhangs, but has a strong current. Large numbers of snappers, angelfish, rubber lips here and keep a look out for Brindle bass, reef sharks, Kingfish and Eagle Rays.
|
8. Zenguerema Point
|
Level of Dive: Advanced |
Depth: 15 - 30m |
Providing habitat for spectacular reef fish including frogfish, crocodile-fish, stonefish, scorpion fish, lionfish, parrotfish and pipefish as well as Brindle Bass, Barracuda and Big-eyed Kingfish you can be sure there is always a surprise here.
|
9. Five Mile Reef
|
Level of Dive: Open Water / Advanced |
Depth: 8 -20m |
Not as diverse as 2 mile reef but a good location for spotting the large Pelagics and Zambezi sharks. Interesting reef structures and all the usual reef fish.
|
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