What to do in Vilanculos

The southern coast of Mozambique 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. As the wind fills the wistful, curved sails, you'll cruise across the water - a glass of champagne in hand - as the sun begins to set, keeping 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.

While technically still on the Mozambique mainland, Vilanculos feels like an island paradise where adventure is never far off. One way to tap into this is finding your sea legs on a morning of kite surfing. Whether you're a true beginner or wanting to add to your bag of tricks, join a trainer from the kite surfing school for a few hours. Then, hit the waves, rewarded with an adrenaline rush of note, amazing views and some photo-worthy moments.

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.

Set sail across the waters off Vilanculos 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 land for drinks.

A tiny, colourful town on Mozambique's sleepy southern coast, Vilanculos is a delight to wander through for a few hours and scratches any retail therapy itch with its bustling markets. Enjoy a stroll through the bright market stalls, browsing handmade items to remind you of your holiday by the sea and the scent of freshly fried crab wafting through the air. Grab some for a snack before making your choice of souvenirs.

The waters off Mozambique's southern coast are home to a menagerie of underwater creatures, from the rare dugong to green sea turtles and over 2000 species of fish. The Bazaruto Archipelago is also a snorkelling Nirvana with myriad reefs to choose from, and balmy and crystal-clear waters. 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.

Depending on your plans for the day, head out in the early morning or late afternoon to explore the dunes, rustic 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 Mozambique 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.

Crystal-clear, turquoise waters, year-round balmy weather and lively reefs, the southern coast of Mozambique promises dives that are out of this world. And a collection of incredible scuba diving sites is only a short boat-ride away. 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.