Santa Carolina Island is a mere 17km from Dreamcatcher by boat and is better known as Paradise Island. It is the smallest of the six islands that make up the Mozambique Bazaruto Archipelago, measuring just 3km by 0.5km. A true rock island with deep channels, three beautiful beaches, and coral reefs close to the shore, Paradise Island is dotted with century old palm trees and was used as a prison colony during the Second World War.

This island was a classic retreat during the 1950s and 60s when the hotel offered huge crayfish, fresh oysters and other fresh seafood. During Mozambique’s independence unrest, the hotel was deserted by all staff, some at gunpoint. Paradise Island has since been declared a national marine sanctuary where one can snorkel amongst the coral reefs, sunbathe on the white sandy beaches and explore the remnants of the historic hotel and chapel abandoned in 1973. 

It is truly a small piece of paradise and one of our favourite islands.