Best things to do in Vilanculos

Explore a safe haven for dugongs, marine turtles, and birds at Parque Nacional de Bazaruto. The national park includes a wide variety of habitats, ranging from the sand dunes of the islands to the forests and savannah of the interior. Participate in diving or snorkeling and enjoy the underwater views of the ocean floor and marine life. See humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and barracudas as you glide through the crisp, clear water. The park offers protection to the only remaining viable population of dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean.

Buy a piece of a unique, handmade art at Machilla Magic and help support this community project. A vital source of income for more than 60 artists and their families, the project came to life in 2002 initiated by Sandy and Snowy Somerville. With dramatic decline of the fishing revenues, the founders urged fishermen to use their net-repairing skills to produce hammocks on handmade looms. Browse through the plethora of bags, wicker baskets, hats, clothing, bead and tin works, wood carvings, and handmade furniture nearly all made from recycled materials. Bargains abound; you can find many souvenirs for less than one U.S. dollar.