Santa Carolina Island — White-sand beach and rock platforms

Bazaruto Archipelago · Mozambique

Santa Carolina Island in a single day.

Overview

Known as Paradise Island — the oldest in the archipelago.

Paradise IslandRock and coral originAround 120,000 years old

Known as Paradise Island, Santa Carolina is a small and captivating island in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Unlike the other islands, which are made largely of sand, Santa Carolina grew from ancient rock platforms and coral reefs. Geological studies date its formation to around 120,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest in the archipelago.

In the 1950s the island won international fame when the Portuguese businessman Joaquim Alves built the Hotel Santa Carolina. It became an exclusive destination, drawing visitors for its beaches, clear water and tropical setting.

The old hotel was abandoned over the years, but its ruins remain part of the island’s story. Today Santa Carolina still enchants visitors with its idyllic beaches, coral reefs and calm water — a rare jewel of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Highlights

The bestmoments.

  • White-sand beaches and crystal-clear water
  • Snorkelling and exploring the marine life
  • Watching fish, corals and turtles
  • Remarkable landscapes for photographs
  • Swimming and time to relax on the beach
  • A walk and time close to nature
  • Boat excursion around the Bazaruto Archipelago
  • Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends

Included

What isincluded.

  • Boat excursion around the Bazaruto Archipelago
  • Lunch served on the island
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Beach activities — volleyball, football and beach tennis
  • National Park entrance fee
  • Alcoholic drinks
Santa Carolina Island — Arriving at the island by boat
Santa Carolina Island — A boat trip around the archipelago
Santa Carolina Island — Snorkelling in crystal-clear water
Santa Carolina Island — Swimming over the corals
Santa Carolina Island — Turquoise water in the archipelago

Where it is

In the archipelago,departing from Vilanculos.

West of Bazaruto, the smallest and the oldest.

Bazaruto Archipelago

Most sought-after destinationsin a single day at sea.

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