Santa Carolina, or Paradise Island as it is locally known, is an isolated island with an abandoned resort situated between Bazaruto Island (one of the top 10 island breaks in Africa) and the Mozambique main land. In September of 2012 Alasdair McCulloch was invited to photograph a luxury yacht, the Quo Vadis, at the end of its maiden voyage from Cape Town to Bazaruto.
Santa Carolina in photos
By Alasdair McCulloch
After leaving a rainy Cape Town behind us, it took us a mere three hours (courtesy of a privately owned Pilatus PC-12) before we were on the balmy coastal town of Vilankulo, Mozambique. The town, situated in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique, is the first stop for most visitors to the Bazaruto Archipelago. After a cold 2M, I was well settled in my living quarters upon the 75 foot Quo Vadis: a luxury motoryacht that had just anchored after completing its voyage from Cape Town, where it was built. Immediately I was in awe of the beauty of my surroundings, the clear turquoise water, the blue skies, the golden sands of the islands. The best part was, I was there to capture it all with my camera.
Sail boats, or dhows, are a common site around the Bazaruto Archipelago.
The main hotel building. Supposedly Bob Dylan conceptualised his song 'Mozambique' at the hotel's piano.
Nature conservation officers, permits are needed to land on the island.
Still standing: this building has been abandoned since 1973.
After decades of war, only recently has the island been accessible to the public.
Like much of Mozambique's architecture, there is a distinct art-deco influence.
As the island is mostly deserted, the flora flourishes.
Vilankulos harbour is in disrepair. The only pier has collapsed making it impossible to dock. This ship is no different.
The north view from the smaller chalets.
Panoramas of the beaches and the hotel's chapel.
Sunset behind the Quo Vadis off the shore of Santa Carolina.
Sunset over the Mozambique mainland.
An African sunset
Inspired? Check out these all-inclusive Mozambique travel packages or find affordable accommodation in Bazaruto here.
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