What to do in Benguerra

Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the Bazaruto Archipelago is nothing short of sensational. And what better way to explore it all than on a boat trip round its five fabulous islands? The archipelago sits within a protected marine reserve, complete with powdery soft beaches, azure water and amazing sea life. Climb to the top of the sand dunes, park off under a palm on one of the uninhabited isles, search for the rare pansy shells, snorkel along the life-filled reefs and scan the water for everything from dolphin to dugong on the way. Stop for a beach picnic and a dip in the water to finish of a magnificent day of island hopping.

Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the Bazaruto Archipelago is nothing short of picturesque. Ask anybody and they'd tell you, one of the best ways to take in this dreamy destination is from a dhow. The traditional way of getting around these seas for thousands of years, dhows have become synonymous with Africa's east coast. From the island's quiet beaches of soft white sand you'll watch local dhows sail to and fro on the turquoise waters. As the wind fills the wistful, curved sails, you'll cruise across the water, toasting another splendid day as the sun turns the sea from gold to pink to dusky blue. Keep your eyes peeled for flocks of pelicans, sea turtles, rare dugong and dolphin dancing in the waves! Temperate and steady most of the year (with the chance of rain between January and March), there isn't a 'bad' time for a dhow cruise.

With a variety of reef and big game fish, the waters offer a stunning experience for both beginners and advanced fishermen. We're happy to report that the fishing here is informed by the marine reserve's conservation policies and is done on a catch and release basis. Head out on a fully-equipped fishing boat to catch everything from sailfish, wahoo and giant trevally (up to 50kg) to giant black marlin - it's one of the best places to do so! The conditions are good all year round but peak season for big game fishing is between mid-September and late December.

Crystal-clear, turquoise waters, year-round balmy weather and lively reefs, Benguerra promises dives that are out of this world. The second largest island in the archipelago, it's only a short boat-ride away from a collection of incredible scuba diving sites. You'll join the ranks of a lucky few who get to dive here each year! PADI-certified dive masters are ready to accompany you to the location of your choice, including the famous Two Mile Reef, which has reefs that begin at 5 metres and reach depths of 22 metres. Once you break the water's glassy surface, the reefs are a hive of activity and colour. Part of a thriving marine national park, you'll be dazzled by darting shoals of fish, forests of coral, and everything from rays and reef sharks to diving pods of dolphin and the secretive dugong. Conditions and underwater visibility remain ideal all year, but the dry season months (May to November) tend to be the most enjoyable.

Set sail across the waters off Benguerra Island on a boat trip to spot the biggest creatures of the coast. A protected marine reserve, the archipelago is home to some incredible sealife and you may just see it all on a morning's cruise. Zip over the waves, watching dolphin as they dance in the water beside manta rays. Each season also brings a different array of wildlife. Between November and February, you could see turtles (Loggerhead and Leatherback); humpbacks make their way down the coast between August and October; and whale sharks visit between April and July. After a truly memorable cruise, return to the island for drinks.

Depending on your plans for the day, head out in the early morning or late afternoon to explore the dunes, island roads and beaches on horseback. In the category of unique activities, this ranks highly on our list. You'll get a feel for the natural rhythm of Benguerra as you navigate overgrown paths abuzz with birdlife, and canter past glassy lakes and across powdery white sand beaches. You could even go swimming with your horse and it doesn't much more magical than that. Of course, this activity is dependent on the weather and tides, but May to September is the best time to visit. Temperatures are hot but comfortable, with little chance of rain.

The Bazaruto Marine National Park is home to a menagerie of underwater creatures, from the rare dugong to green sea turtles and over 2000 species of fish. The archipelago is also a snorkelling Nirvana with myriad reefs to choose from, and balmy and crystal-clear water. After a boat ride across the bay, enter a world of underwater flora and fins along the reefs off Paradise Island or the Two Mile Reef, one of the most unique ecosystems in Mozambique. Spend as long as you like exploring the colourful coral formations, keeping your eyes keen to spot the endangered species of the Mozambican Channel. While the islands off Mozambique's east coast are temperate most of the year, the dry season (May to November) is the most enjoyable.

Leave the resort for a scenic tootle across the island, where your guide will take you past lakes (speckled with exotic birdlife and sunning Nile crocodile) and platinum beaches, and through local villages amongst wild orange and cashew nut trees. As you take in the stunning island views, your guide will share its century-spanning history with you. Enjoy a tasty picnic in the shade, the ocean rolling up the beach. Should you fancy it, take a swim or snorkel in the water before heading back.