Fishing and Community at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, a protected national park since 1971, is known for its marine biodiversity and deep-sea fishing opportunities. At Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, guests can explore these waters through guided fishing excursions tailored to different experience levels.
Bazaruto has a long-standing reputation for big game fishing, particularly for giant black marlin. The area is recognized as one of the few places worldwide where marlin over 1,000 lbs have been recorded, including the All-Africa record of 1,298 lbs. Other species include blue and striped marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado, giant trevally, and king mackerel.
Fishing seasons vary: heavy tackle and marlin runs occur from September to April, while sailfish are more common between May and September. Outings also offer frequent sightings of dolphins, turtles, seabirds, whales during migration, and occasionally dugongs.
The resort offers half-day (five-hour) and full-day (eight-hour) charters, priced at USD 714 and USD 882 respectively. Trips include a skipper, equipment, tackle, house beverages, and meals. Catch-and-release is central to the programme, supporting marine conservation. Guests seeking a traditional approach can try a three-hour handline fishing excursion aboard a dhow for USD 72 per person, with freshly caught calamari prepared by the culinary team.
For a broader experience, the “Tide to Table” programme combines fishing, ingredient foraging, and a cooking masterclass led by the head chef, ending with a private lunch. This full-day experience costs USD 800 for two people and USD 60 per additional guest.
Fishing also plays a role in the wider community. Anantara has invested in infrastructure to help local fishermen safely store their catch, reducing spoilage. The opening of a Solar Electric Plant in Zenguelemo in 2024 brought electricity to the community, supporting both households and fisheries. The resort continues to source its menu fish locally, in line with seasonal availability.
Recent refurbishments at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort include updates to Beach and Beach Pool Villas, a renovation of the Two Bedroom Villas, repainted public spaces, gym, and spa, with further upgrades planned for arrival areas and dining venues.
At Anantara Bazaruto, fishing is both a guest activity and a livelihood that connects the island’s community with its natural environment.
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