In the 1960's a man named Jochim Alves built a lovely hotel on the shores of Vilanculos, but when he saw the great potential the Bazaruto Islands had to offer, he decided to venture further and build the Santa Carolina Hotel. The fact that the Island was nicknamed "paradise Island" says it all! The Island used to be a haven and playgroung for wealthy upmarket South African & overseas tourists - even the rich and famous. Apparently the Hotel was "never empty"... and even if you go there today, you could almost still feel the great atmosphere that was once there!

Will a new hotel ever be built there? Yes, in fact, Rani Resorts - a major invester in Mozambique's ever improving tourism industry, has announced that they will be developing a retro style Hotel (a style similar to that, of the original Hotel), consistint of 50 rooms, upmarket restaurants, bars, a fishing and dive centre, tennis courts, spa's plus much more!

Along side all this, Echo Delta Holdings Ltd (concession holders of the island) has agreed to a joint-venture with Rani Resorts and they are also planning to develop 40 free standing luxury interval-ownership villas!

If you are interested in casting a line for big game fish or exploring the islands magnificent coral reefs, then Santa Carolina has got plenty of that to offer.
Around the Island are 3 coral reefs, rich in marine life and there are a few deep channels, great for big game fishing... Some of the common fish that are caught around the islands include: Giant Trevally, Kingfish, Bonito, King & Queen Mackeral, Springer and Kawakawa. Sailfish is popular between the months of April and August where as Marlin are popular between September and January.