Bazaruto - General Info

See Security for latest warnings for cruisers heading to Mozambique.

Where is Bazaruto?

Bazaruto is an island and not a port. It is long and narrow sandy island lying parallel to the coast of Mozambique, approx. 100NM south of Beira. It is a National Park - the main function of which is to protect the rare mammal, the dugong (similar species to the manatee), turtles, dolphins and the fragile eco-system.

Entrance Notes or Cautions

• This is not a viable place to carry out entry procedures into Mozambique - there are no officials here.
• Once considered a safe and accepted stopover in the Mozambique Channel, the Bazaruto Archipelago has seen an increase in yachts anchored here being boarded and threatened since 2020. This threatening behaviour continues with yachts reporting being pursued and chased out of the anchorage by locals in 2025.
• If needing to stop in Bazaruto for a short time to avoid weather, do so with caution and consult with other cruisers to get current advice.
• The general opinion is to seek shelter in the northern anchorages behind the northern tip of Bazaruto, which tend to be safer. This does make the exit a bit longer and is subject to timing your departure with the tides, however, may help avoid corrupt officials.
• See Mozambique Security for useful WhatsApp groups etc.
• For a historical report on the deteriorating security situation here for yachts, see this report from 2020.

Useful numbers provided by OSASA[2021]:

• Parks Chief Thomas Massane: +258847920373
• Head of law enforcement Pablo Schapiro: +34615559097
• Mario Lebrato, scientist on Benguera Island, can help with fresh water and advice: +34610677742 - WhatsApp

Position:

21° 30.64'S, 035°27.05'E (anchorage near the northern tip of the island).