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VILANCULOS, GATEWAY TO PARADISE
FROM AFRICAN CITY TO PARADISIACAL ISLANDS
Vilanculos is located about 300 km north of Tofo (and 750 km north of Maputo).
The city is a real African city, rather spread, with no real city center. Vilanculos is, above all, famous for its bay, particularly beautiful according to the light and the tide, with gradations of green and blue, the coconut and filaos trees, the endless beach and white sand,…
But the great interest is the Bazaruto archipelago, just across the sea... (see Bazaruto page).
ACTIVITIES
SCUBA DIVING
It is a PADI dive centre catering for all levels of experience including the beginner who can join in on the discovery of the underwater world, to people wishing to gain more experience and qualifications. The setting is an ideal location for obtaining a PADI open water or advanced PADI diving qualification.
They have a pool so that they can provide a complete range of diving education based in a relaxed and comfortable surrounding.
They aim to launch everyday if possible to one of the several locations in the area. Meeting is generally at 08:00 am and departure around 08:30 am. Most sites take around 45 min to 1 hour to reach. After the first dive, stop for lunch on the amazing Bazaruto. Following a relaxing surface interval and return to the sea for the 2nd dive, returning to Vilanculos around 3.30pm.
- One 8,50 m semi-rigid boat (2 x 85 cv engines) and one 5,50 m semi-rigid boat (2 x 50 cv engines). From 2 to 12 divers.
- Tanks are in steel, 10 and 12 liters, regularly checked and tested.
- On board : GPS, Fish Finder and a VHF Radio as well as all the safety equipment including plenty of life jackets. They also carry a first aid kit and an O2 kit with both free flow and demand regulator on all the dive trips.
The groups are organized according to the levels and/or the air consumption. Three main reefs (Two-Miles Reef, Cabo Sao Sebastian and Magaruque Island) with diving sites between 6 and 40 m deep.
- Big quantity and large variety of Indian Ocean fishes
- 6/7 different type of ray (sting ray, eagle ray, devil ray, manta ray …)
- Green turtles : frequently meet
- Grey reef shark, black tips, white tips, hammer shark, ragged tooth shark, guitar shark…
- Groupers (up to 2 m)
- Moray eel, all kind of nudibranche, crab, shrimp…
- Dugongs for the Luckiest !
SNORKELING
The Bazaruto National Park has some of the best snorkeling that the East Coast of Africa has to offer. In the shallow water on the inside of "2 Miles Reef" amongst fields of stag horn coral, a colorful array of reef fish dance in the reflective light cast down through the water.
Hiding in the crevices, Honeycomb Moray Eels can be spotted with gaping mouth and if you are lucky a green or hawksbill turtle may glide by.
Coupled with this is plenty of relaxation time on the beaches of Bazaruto, Benguerra or Pansy Island and for the more energetic, a climb up the sand dunes for fantastic views. Only taking 45 minutes to get to the islands by fast boats, you can spend more time snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Remember to keep your eyes open as you can have regular encounters with dolphins and the Bazaruto region is famed for the elusive Dugong.
You can as well charter one of the boats and make your own itinerary or take a trip further north to visit Paradise Island.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Fishing
- Sunset cruise with local boat
- Canoë
- Sail boat
- Water skiing
- City tour with or without guide
- Car rental
- Massage
ACCOMMODATIONS IN VILANCULOS
CASA BABI
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Vilanculos, overlooking the bay of Bazaruto, Casa Babi guesthouse is the latest addition to accommodation in Vilanculos. Designed by Odyssea Dive owners , the Italian Sabrina and French Denis as a “boutique hotel”, their aim is to meet the needs of travellers, divers and non-divers, who wish to spend some time enjoying the unique decor in a cosy and familiar atmosphere, where details are important. A real home away from home. Each of the 4 luxury rooms with en-suite bathroom has its own personality and benefits from a private veranda, from which you’ll be able to enjoy the most stunning views of the islands.
Casa Babi offers a proper taste of Africa with all the European comfort, including a swimming pool , a restaurant, open only to their guests, prepares different meals every day, based on a fusion of local fresh products and recipes with an international touch. Odyssea Dive will take you diving on the amazing reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Non-divers are welcome on board for a snorkeling trip.
CASA REX
Casa Rex now offers travelers a sublime stopover in Vilanculos. Reminiscent of a gracious era, its buildings encompassed in lush gardens, Casa Rex overlooks the southern-central section of Vilankulo Bay.
Accommodation is charmingly decorated in an individual style with an emphasis in the lounge and dining areas on custom crafted wood furniture and fittings. With bathrooms en-suite, all rooms offer a breezy perspective of the bay and have wireless ADSL internet access. For maximum comfort, airy mosquito nets are hung and windows are fitted with shutters against the occasional rain shower. The Acacia rooms and Courtyard Suites have air-conditioning.
The renowned a la carte restaurant offers guests a magnificent array of fresh seafood dishes and both local and imported wines. Sip sundowners on the terrace or refresh yourself in the swimming pool overlooking the harbour – the perfect way to end the day ….. or begin one.
PALMEIRAS GUESTHOUSE
Palmeiras Lodge is situated in the village of Vilanculos, no more than 20 meters from the beach.
The lodge offers two types of accommodation. B&B chalets or a backpacker dormitory. The accommodation is set in exotic tropical gardens with a large swimming pool and is within walking distance to numerous local restaurants and bars. Activities such as diving, fishing, dhow trips and island hopping can be arranged through the lodge.
Chalets (Bed and Breakfast) : 5 chalets with en-suite bathrooms with showers. All chalets have fans and mosquito nets
