Santa Carolina Island | Visit Paradise Island

Visit Paradise Island 

Paradise Island, also known as Santa Carolina, is the only completely deserted island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, boasting with an old abandoned hotel dating back to the early 1950’s. It is said that Elton John and many famous artists came here in it’s hay day to find inspiration for their works. Bob Dylan wrote his song ‘Mozambique’ in the restaurant of the hotel a few decades back.

Santa Carolina – or Paradise Island as it is affectionately known amongst locals and tourists alike – is an isolated island with an abandoned resort situated between Bazaruto Island and the town of Vilankulo on the Mozambique main land.

It is evident why this island is so affectionately called ‘Paradise’ by locals and tourists alike: visitors can step back in time, explore a time gone by and feel as if they are in their own Robinson Crusoe adventure film while walking on the vast stretches of white beach encircling the island itself.

The reefs surrounding Santa Carolina offer some of the best snorkelling in the Bazaruto Archipelago, both off the boat and directly from the shore. As the tide pushes in around the shores of the island, it brings with it many amazing turtles playing in the currents.

The best spot for snorkeling is located just near a gold sandy beach where during low tide you can relax; the biggest advantage of snorkelling at this reef is that you can snorkel all day round as long as you have got the energy.                        

Although it is the furthest island from the mainland Vilankulo, you not even feel the distance because of the friends that will escort you alongside.

These good friends are called Dolphins, they are so cute following our boat and playing with us, on several occasions our customers will end up jumping in the ocean and swim with them while taking selfies.

After some snorkelling and island exploring, a freshly cooked lunch on open fire is served in a catered shady spot and guests can relax, enjoying the last rays of afternoon sun on the palm lined beaches before heading home.

St Carolina is the best place to meet turtle and dugong, usually they are coming very near to the beach as they feel very well protected.

Cost: 145.00 USD$ PER PERSON (children 10y and under receive a 40% discount)

Departure is 8.00 am from Vilankulos beach (place to be arranged based on your request). This trip is normally done by speed boat and it will take approximately 1.20 hour as the distance is about 42 km. You can spend your day here with beach activities and snorkeling that can be arranged in the morning and/or afternoon.

If you want we can take a walk on the island discovering the old Portuguese ruin, the spectacular panorama of the neighbouring Bazaruto island and the long unspoiled beach.
Lunch will be served on the beach.

In the afternoon around 3.00 pm we will return to Vilankulo. Now is the time to be on the lookout for dugongs and dolphins!
Arrival to Vilankulos is planned around 4 pm (winter season) or 5 pm (summer season).

Includes: National park fees, snorkeling equipment, shade on the beach, chairs & table, soft drinks, lunch (fruit & snacks, fresh fish, rice, salad, homemade sauce, fresh bread).