Excursions
Rio Azul offers unique excursions, where you are sure to experience the breathtaking beauty of the natural wonders surrounding Rio Azul lodge.
The following excursions can be experienced:
Paradise Island
This excursion is a full day excursion where the boat departs in the morning. The day will be spent on one of the most naturally and historically rich islands in Mozambique called Paradise Island. Explore the island where the old, abandoned hotel named Santa Carolina hotel still stands in ruins. Learn about its history and explore the beauty of the island. The reef around the island offers excellent snorkelling and incredible opportunity to encounter the colourful fish of the ocean, and its natural marine habitat. Lunch will be had on the island, where freshly cooked meals will be served while you relax with some drinks in hand. In the afternoon once the island has been explored to your heart’s content, the boat will depart and head back to Rio Azul lodge.
Bartholomew Diaz Island
This excursion is a half day excursion where the boat departs in the morning. After a short boat ride, you will arrive at a white sandy remote island, where a dining area will be set up for you to enjoy some freshly cooked breakfast prepared by our friendly chef and staff. Take some incredible pictures, watch the local fishermen apply their trade, collect pansy shells, take a dip in the clear-blue and calm ocean water, or sit back and relax with a mimosa in hand. After breakfast and a dip in the water, the boat will depart the island and head back to the lodge, where the rest of the day can be spent exploring the estuary, enjoying some water sports like kayaking or wakeboarding, or simply relaxing under the umbrella by the pool.
Explore the Govuro Estuary
At Rio Azul lodge, each room has their own assigned motorised boat in which you can explore the different channels within the estuary.
The clear blue Govuro river estuary has formed a unique Mangrove forest eco system which covers an area of over fifty square kilometres where it enters the sea. It is characterised by diverse habitats, including mangroves, mudflats, and brackish waters. This area serves as a crucial habitat for various species of fish and other marine life, as well as birds.
The estuary is perfect for those nature enthusiasts who are keen birders and enjoy fishing as well. Migratory bird species often use the area as a stopover, so you’ll be sure to spot some gems.
The mangrove forest provide critical habitat, protect coastlines from erosion, and filter pollutants, playing a vital role in the local ecology. It is essential for local fisheries, supporting both subsistence and commercial fishing activities.
You can take your motorised boat out to explore the estuary at any time of day, however for best birding and fishing opportunities, early morning and late afternoon is most suitable.