The Best Beaches in Mozambique: From Bazaruto to Ponta do Ouro
Mozambique is a country with a vast coastline and an abundance of picturesque beaches. The Indian Ocean’s warm waters and white sandy beaches make it an ideal destination for sunseekers and beach enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a look at the top ten beaches in Mozambique, and what makes them unique. As a holiday destination the Mozambique beaches stand out as some of the very best in Africa. With over 2000km of coastline there is ample to explore from adventurous self-drive travelers to those seeking luxury resorts on the Bazaruto Islands or the beaches of Vilanculos.
Tofo Beach one of the best beaches in Mozambique
Tofo Beach, located in the Inhambane Province, is considered one of Mozambique’s best beaches. It is a beautifull picturesque and popular beach town, 550 kilometers north of Maputo (about 6 – 8 hours’ drive) and 22 kilometers from Inhambane. There are daily flights from Maputo to Inhambane to get you to one of the top 10 beaches in Mozambique. This Mozambique beach is famous for its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. With its world class reefs Tofo Beach attracts divers from all over the world. It is certainly one of the best places to dive in Mozambique especially for manta rays and whale sharks
It is also a famous surf destination on a little point called Tofinho in the south of the bay. Some of the best surf spots in Mozambique here – hire boards from the local surf shops and get the best advice on wave conditions and surf spots from them.
The Mozambique beaches at Tofo is also well known for its lively atmosphere, with a variety of beach bars and restaurants catering to tourists. Most of the Tofo accommodation boast beautiful sea views making it the perfect getaway destination. And it is within walking distance of all the action on Tofo beach!
Barra Beach one of the world famous Mozambique beaches
Barra Beach known locally as Praia de Barra is located in the Inhambane Province, is another popular destination for beachgoers and one of the best beaches in Mozambique. Barra is best known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters and is certainly one of the most famous beaches in Mozambique. Barra Beach is also a great spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, as the beach is located in an area with consistent winds. The beach is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and unwind. This may just be one of the best beaches in Mozambique!
You can always swim in Barra year-round as because of the bay and tropical waters it remains warm throughout the year. It is safe with small waves and very little in the way of currents – so perfect for a Mozambique beach holiday for families with children. In the history of Barra as the number one in Mozambique beaches, not a single shark attack has occurred. It is a marine paradise for diving and snorkeling excursions and Barra Reef is just 200m from shore and easily accessible for a shore launch dive. You can also dive for whale sharks and mantas at the world famous Manta Reef at Tofo (Praia de Tofo) just south of Tofo.
Tofo is also famous for its big game fishing and charters can easily be arranged with Mozambique Travel.
Mozambique beaches on Inhaca Island
Inhaca Island, located off the coast of Maputo, is another top beach destination in Mozambique. The island is known for its secluded beaches, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters. Inhaca Island is also a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, as the island is surrounded by a marine protected area, home to a diverse array of marine life. The island is also known for its relaxed atmosphere, with a variety of small guesthouses and lodges catering to tourists. The locals are super friendly, and it is one of the safest places to enjoy the beaches in Mozambique.
The island can only be reached by boarding the Maputo ferry or a private boat charter from the Maputo Marina. Most of the island is an incredible marine reserve and it is famous on the Mozambique beach lists – but there is more. Stunning tracts of pristine mangrove and coastal forest, not to mention the elusive dugong grazing in the sea grass beds offshore.
Some of the best beaches in Mozambique on Inhaca Island
Looking for best beaches in Mozambique near Maputo? The Lighthouse is quite a distance from the town and Inhaca accommodation establishments. You can take a 4-wheel drive with a guide or hire a fat bike or quad bike for your adventure. Inhaca Lighthouse is located on the northern tip of Inhaca Island but really worth the visit. You can also get there with a boat excursions and approach the beach and lighthouse from the sea. It’s a fairly steep 3km slog up the hill to the lighthouse but the 360-degree views from there make it really worthwhile. The lighthouse keeper can also show you around for a small fee. You will be able to see the 1932 wreck of M/S Tecumseh Ship from the beach or lighthouse.
The best kept secret of one of the secret Mozambique beaches is Wild Beach. It is quite difficult to find so use a local guide and save yourself lots of trouble. Nearby to Kings Residence on the east side of the island you will find the turnoff. Hold your breath as you walk over a dune for expansive views of one of the best beaches in Mozambique. You can look over powdery white sand for 5 kilometers in both directions.
Diving on Inhaca Island
The island is home to some of the best reefs in Maputo Bay and you can snorkel shallow reefs from the shore or take a dive charter to some of the more famous reefs around Inhaca like On Fire, Jerimihah and Baixa Danea.
Mozambique beaches in the Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of islands located off the coast of the Inhambane Province. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life and some of the best beaches in Mozambique. The archipelago is also a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, as the waters around the islands are home to a wide variety of fish, coral, and other marine life. The archipelago is also known for its luxury resorts, making it a great destination for a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation.
There are miles and miles of untouched remote beaches to explore from your accommodation on Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands. The resorts you will stay in are literally positioned on the best beaches in Mozambique. Step off your pool deck and go exploring at your leisure. You can also take a traditional sailing dhow to the nearby abandoned Carolina Island for some beach bliss under the coconut trees.
Bazaruto Archipelago brims with incredible dive sites that are rated as being among the best in the world, where avid divers have become regular visitors. It is also an ideal place for first timers to take the plunge. Especially on Bazaruto Island there are also huge dunes to explore that rise majestically from the beaches of Bazaruto.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five islands with Bazaruto being the largest of the five. This is followed by Benguerra Island, Santa Carolina, Magaruque and Banque
Best time to visit the beaches in Mozambique on Bazaruto
The best time to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago and Benguerra Island is in the dry season when besides almost no rain it is a lot cooler and pleasant. So, look from May to November when you enquire about your holiday to Mozambique.
Bazaruto is a five-star exclusive destination so all lodges have aircon – but expect hot temperatures, humidity and the occasional showers in December and January.
Vilanculos has some of the best Mozambique Beaches by far
If you are looking for some of the beast beaches in Mozambique, go to Vilanculos in the Inhambane Province, Mozambique. The beaches along this stretch of coast are known for their long stretches of white sand, crystal-clear waters and the stunning sunset views. The beach is also a popular spot for watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. There is a bustling atmosphere, with a variety of beach bars, restaurants and shops catering to tourists.
Vilanculos Beach is an incredibly long crescent shaped stretch of coastline with more commercial centers and hotels in the center. As you explore further along this Indian Ocean coastline you will find more remote Mozambique beach experiences away from the crowds. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa and a must visit place on your Mozambique holiday.
Ponta do Ouro – Beaches in Mozambique
Ponta do Ouro Beach, located in the Maputo Province, is a secluded paradise that offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The beach is known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the lush greenery that surrounds it. The beach is also a popular spot for water sports such as surfing, diving and snorkeling. The beach is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and unwind.
Maybe you are wondering where this seaside gem and top example of the Mozambique beaches on offer got its name. The name literally means the tip of gold – for good reason. A stretch of coast and beaches in Mozambique that is golden and deserves its fame and popularity. It is a very popular destination with scuba divers and offers some exceptional reef diving north towards Santa Maria including the Pinnacles. This is ranked in the top ten places to dive with Zambezi or Bull Shark spots in the world. Whale shark diving is also world class here and in the months between October and March, these gentle giants are known to be around the waters of Ponta.
The town’s main beach features kilometers of immaculate white sand and aquamarine water, making it ideal for leisurely days on the beach
Most of the Ponta do Ouro accommodation overlooks the bay and beach so you won’t be disappointed. The town has a great vibe with lots of local bars and restaurants to choose from. The night life is exceptional if you are the adventurous type, especially over high season. If you want something more quiet and secluded move 10 kilometers north to Ponta Malongane for a more secluded experience.
Ponta Membene is one of the top ten beaches in Mozambique
Nestled deep within Maputo National Park lies a brand new eco lodge at Ponta Membene. The accommodation is 40 meters up a dune and overlooks some of the most spectacular Mozambique real estate in the country. There are good waves for surfing and safe swimming for kids at low tide. Take a walk for 30km in each direction – that’s how wild and remote it is. The wildlife from the park do come down to the beach especially north of the lodge. There are e-bike options and adventures coming soon.
Go on a game drive in the morning, come back for a slap-up breakfast at the beachfront restaurant and amble down for a late morning swim. This new gem is really good value for money and easily accessible from Maputo or Kosi Bay. If you don’t have a 4×4 transfers are easily arranged from the main gate at Fuji.
The best beaches in Mozambique at Santa Maria
The beaches of Santa Maria are spectacular. There is no other way to describe the remoteness, wild surf and expanse of these beaches in Mozambique. Close to Maputo and easily accessible if you have a 4×4 via Maputo National Park. Take a spectacular game drive on your way in and see elephant and plains game grazing along the coast.
One of our best selling lodges is Machangulo Beach Lodge and its sister property the Cabo Beach Villas.
Cabo operates some of the best value self-catering accommodation in Mozambique and offers exceptional value for money. You also have access to all facilities at Machangulo Beach Lodge.
Take care when you swim here and get advice from your lodge or Santa Maria accommodation provider on the best times to swim on these exceptional Mozambique beaches. In front of Machangulo is a deep channel – fore warned is fore armed. If you walk around the peninsula from the lodge or have splashed out on one of the luxury coastal villas further south you will have miles and miles of white sands stretching to the horizon to explore.
If you are travelling as a family the best excursion ever is to hire a local boat and pop over to the southern beaches of Inhaca – safe and in a lagoon. Ask for a beach barbeque and we promise this will be an exceptional day on your holiday. Best places to hire boats is from Bemugis – speak to Benji or Hetta and they will take care of your requests. Just over the channel from the Santa Maria beaches on Inhaca Island is Ponta Torres. A protected coral reef reserve with exceptional safe swimming coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and boat excursions around the west coast of Inhaca Island. Highly recommended by Mozambique Travel.
And whilst you are enjoying these Mozambique beaches at all costs go and have a meal at Bemugis whilst you are there. Their beach bar is legendary and their food elegantly simple but by far the best around. It is kind of what we all dream of for a beach dinner in Mozambique. Great service, lots of hot sauce,feast on seafood of every description, order their crab curry in advance or go big and get in some giant tiger prawns from their grill.
Beaches in Mozambique Massinga
Massinga Beach Lodge lies conveniently between Inhambane and Vilanculos. So, if you are flying in for a Mozambique beach holiday you have two options to access this amazing and secluded property. There are no other tourists for miles in each direction. The views over what could be considered a “best beach in Mozambique” from the rise where the lodge is situated are simply put – spectacular!
The coolest thing about Massinga is their pool and beach bar. The hub of beach entertainment at Massinga is their Beach Bar with loads of activities to keep you busy. There is a dart board, pool & table tennis table, boogie and surf boards and volleyball plus some more. Its a great place to mingle with other guests on your Mozambique beach holiday.
There are these super cute little transfer vehicles that will take you down to the beach whenever you want. After a long day in the sun and lunch at the beach bar they will take you up the hill again for sundowners you will never forget.
Inhassoro and BD Point beaches of note in Mozambique
BD Point aka Bartolomeu Dias Point, is an unknown location that is remote and excluded. The best part of getting there either in your own vehicle or with a transfer is this incredible 35 km beach transfer at low tide from Inhassoro. Beach driving has its issues, but strict protocol is followed, and a permit is required. It is the only way to get to the newest lodge we just discovered. We know Mozambique so well and it’s a huge pleasure to share this new gem with you. A unique location away from the crowds with legendary fishing charters, a relaxed atmosphere and maybe one of the best places to see the elusive dugong from the lodge on a boat trip.
Most self-cater here but there is a great restaurant at the Tikki Bar overlooking the bay. Be warned their reputation is spreading fast so book well in advance The villas have aircon and a cook – with a stop in Inhassoro on the way there to buy supplies. Go there you will not be disappointed.
The Mozambique beaches south of the lodge are remote and you will see few other tourists. The lodge also organizes beach picnics for you beach holiday to Mozambique.
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Mozambique’s Best Beaches
Mozambique offers a wide range of beaches that cater to all types of travelers. From the lively Tofo and Barra beaches to the secluded Inhaca Island and Ponta do Ouro, there’s something for everyone. Discover the top ten beaches in Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago and Vilanculos Beach are also popular spots for luxury vacations and water sports enthusiasts. No matter what type of beach experience you’re looking for, Mozambique has it all. Plan your next beach vacation to Mozambique and experience the beauty of its beaches and the warmth of its people.
