The best hotels in Vilankulo
Vilankulo is the jumping-off point for the Bazaruto Archipelago. These 10 properties cover the mainland and the islands.
Our Top Picks in Vilankulo
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Zombie Cucumber Backpackers
Town Centre, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Casa Barry Lodge
Beachfront, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bahia Mar Club
Beachfront, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Vilankulo Beach Lodge
Praia do Vilankulo, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Smugglers Restaurant and Lodge
Town Centre, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Uluru Camp Vilankulo
South Beach, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Archipelago Resort
Beachfront North, Vilankulo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Dugong Beach Lodge
Benguerra Island, Benguerra Island
Free cancellation & Pay later
Azura Benguerra Island
Benguerra Island, Benguerra Island
Free cancellation & Pay later
Andbeyond Bazaruto Island
Bazaruto Island, Bazaruto Island
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zombie Cucumber Backpackers | Town Centre, Vilankulo | $45–75/night | 7.2/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Casa Barry Lodge | Beachfront, Vilankulo | $75–110/night | 7.8/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Bahia Mar Club | Beachfront, Vilankulo | $110–160/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Vilankulo Beach Lodge | Praia do Vilankulo, Vilankulo | $130–185/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 5 | Smugglers Restaurant and Lodge | Town Centre, Vilankulo | $140–190/night | 8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 6 | Uluru Camp Vilankulo | South Beach, Vilankulo | $155–210/night | 8.4/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Archipelago Resort | Beachfront North, Vilankulo | $180–245/night | 8.7/10 | Top Rated |
| 8 | Dugong Beach Lodge | Benguerra Island, Benguerra Island | $210–280/night | 8.5/10 | Family Friendly |
| 9 | Azura Benguerra Island | Benguerra Island, Benguerra Island | $950–1 600/night | 9.3/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Andbeyond Bazaruto Island | Bazaruto Island, Bazaruto Island | $1 100–1 900/night | 9.5/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Zombie Cucumber Backpackers
A no-frills backpacker spot right in the heart of Vilankulo town, a short walk from the main dhow jetty. Dorm beds and basic private rooms are clean enough for the price. The communal area is a good place to meet other travelers and swap tips on boat trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Staff can arrange budget snorkeling excursions. Bring a padlock for the lockers.
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Casa Barry Lodge
Casa Barry sits directly on the beach on the southern end of Vilankulo, with good views toward Bazaruto Island. The bungalows are simple but comfortable, with mosquito nets and basic amenities. The beach bar does decent grilled seafood and cold Manica beers most evenings. It draws a relaxed crowd of overlanders and independent travelers. The direct beach access alone makes this excellent value for the area.
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Bahia Mar Club
Bahia Mar is a well-established property on the beachfront strip of Vilankulo, popular with families and couples visiting the archipelago. The chalets are spacious with air conditioning and private terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean. Their diving and boat charter desk is one of the better organized in town. The restaurant serves fresh catch daily and the portions are generous. Book the ocean-facing chalets for sunrise views.
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Vilankulo Beach Lodge
This lodge is positioned right on Praia do Vilankulo, with the dhow sailing boats visible from the terrace at low tide. Rooms are finished with local timber and African textiles, giving it a distinct sense of place. The infinity pool facing the sea is a genuine highlight on hot afternoons. Staff are attentive and can coordinate full-day trips to Bazaruto and Benguerra islands efficiently. The bar is well stocked and the sundowners here are hard to beat.
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Smugglers Restaurant and Lodge
Smugglers is a long-running local institution on the main strip in Vilankulo town, known more for its restaurant than its rooms. The accommodation block was renovated and the rooms are now clean and well-furnished with proper beds and hot water. The restaurant downstairs is genuinely good, serving peri-peri prawns and fresh crab that locals and visitors both seek out. It is not a luxury property but the value is strong and the location is convenient. A solid mid-range choice for those prioritizing good food.
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Uluru Camp Vilankulo
Uluru Camp sits on a quiet stretch of south beach, removed from the busier central strip of Vilankulo. The tented chalets are stylish, with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms despite the canvas walls. The elevated deck over the beach is the property's best feature, especially at high tide. Staff organize private dhow charters and can arrange overnight camping trips to Bazaruto. It works especially well for couples wanting seclusion without going fully off-grid.
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Archipelago Resort
Archipelago Resort is one of the best-reviewed properties on the Vilankulo mainland, sitting on a north-facing beach with wide ocean views. The villas are spacious with polished concrete floors, outdoor showers, and plunge pools on the larger units. The dive center on site is professional and well-equipped for trips into the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park. Breakfast is included and the quality is notably better than most places at this price point. This is the strongest all-round option on the mainland before crossing to the islands.
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Dugong Beach Lodge
Dugong Beach Lodge is located on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, reached by a 30-minute boat transfer from Vilankulo. The lodge has a relaxed, family-run feel with just a handful of bungalows set among indigenous trees above the beach. Snorkeling directly off the beach is excellent, with clear water and healthy reef just a few meters from shore. Meals are communal and the food is fresh and well prepared each evening. The isolation from the mainland is a feature, not a drawback.
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Azura Benguerra Island
Azura Benguerra is a genuine luxury island lodge on Benguerra Island, consistently ranked among the top beach properties in southern Africa. The villas are private and beautifully constructed with their own pools and direct beach access on one of the quietest stretches of sand in the archipelago. The marine activities program is exceptional, with expert guides for diving, fishing, and whale shark encounters depending on the season. All meals, drinks, and most activities are included in the full-board rate. The price is significant but the experience justifies it for a special occasion.
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Andbeyond Bazaruto Island
AndBeyond Bazaruto Island sits on the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, accessed by light aircraft or boat from Vilankulo. The lodge has a small number of villas with sweeping dune views and direct access to what is frequently described as the best beach in Mozambique. The conservation ethos is genuine, with dugong monitoring and reef protection programs guests can participate in. Service is attentive without being intrusive and the food quality is exceptional for such a remote location. This is a benchmark property for East African island luxury.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Vilankulo
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Getting to the Bazaruto Islands
From the main dhow jetty in Vilankulo town, organized boat transfers run to Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands daily. Speedboats take 30 to 60 minutes depending on conditions. Traditional dhow sailings are slower (2 to 4 hours) but a more authentic and scenic experience. Most mainland lodges (Archipelago Resort, Vilankulo Beach Lodge) include the coordination of day trips and multi-day island packages.
Azura and AndBeyond fly their guests by light aircraft or operate private speedboat transfers as part of the full-board rate. If you are island-hopping independently, the ferry service from Vilankulo to Benguerra and Bazaruto runs on a schedule (check with Vilankulo Tourism office for current times). Budget around $80 to $150 per person for private speedboat transfers each way.
The Mainland: Vilankulo Town and Beaches
Vilankulo town is a small, low-key settlement spread along a beachfront road facing west toward the archipelago. The main beach called Praia do Vilankulo is the central meeting point and launching area for dhow trips. At low tide the water retreats dramatically, exposing a wide expanse of sand flat with the islands visible in the distance.
The town has a small but functional market, a few restaurants, several ATMs, and the lodges clustered along the beachfront. The southern end of the main beach (South Beach) is quieter. Uluru Camp and Turtle Cove are here for those wanting distance from the central strip. The northern beachfront has Archipelago Resort as the best all-round mainland base.
Diving and Snorkeling at Bazaruto
Two Mile Reef off Bazaruto Island is the most celebrated dive site in the archipelago, with healthy table corals, abundant reef fish, and regular dugong and turtle sightings. Visibility at the reef typically runs 15 to 25 meters in the dry season. Snorkeling at the sandbanks around the islands is excellent at low tide.
The marine park entrance fee is $20 per day for foreign visitors, paid at the jetty or through your lodge. All the island lodges include diving and snorkeling in their all-inclusive rates. From the mainland, dive day trips can be arranged through Archipelago Resort's dive operation.
Food and Eating in Vilankulo
Seafood dominates every menu in Vilankulo. Smugglers Restaurant on the main strip is the best independent restaurant in town, serving peri-peri prawns and fresh crab that draw both locals and tourists. Expect to pay $15 to $25 for a full dinner with drinks. Vilankulo Beach Lodge's infinity pool terrace bar serves decent sundowner snacks.
Self-catering travelers can buy fresh fish directly from fishermen at the beach each morning for $5 to $10 per kilo. The market in town sells vegetables, fruit, and dried goods. South African staples are available at the Shoprite in the town center. Most mid-range lodges include breakfast in their rates.
Island Life: What to Expect
Benguerra Island is 17 kilometers from Vilankulo and the most accessible of the main islands. It has several lodges including Azura and Dugong Beach Lodge, with a total population of a few hundred people. The beaches on the east and west sides of the island have different characters, east faces the open ocean for snorkeling, west faces the calmer channel toward the mainland.
Bazaruto Island is the largest in the archipelago, 37 kilometers long, with freshwater lakes in the interior and some of the most dramatic dune formations in southern Africa. AndBeyond Bazaruto is the only significant lodge there. Santa Carolina (Paradise Island) and Magaruque are smaller and largely uninhabited, visited mainly on dhow day trips.
Practical Guide to Vilankulo
Vilankulo Airport handles international arrivals from Johannesburg and regional connections through Maputo. The airstrip is a short taxi from the lodges. Taxis from the airport to the beachfront lodges cost about $10 to $15. Chapas (minibuses) run between Vilankulo and the EN1 highway for 30 to 50 meticals.
Electricity cuts are common in Vilankulo. All the mid-range and luxury lodges have generator backup. Mobile data works on Vodacom and Movitel networks but can be slow. Bring a physical map as Google Maps coverage in the outlying areas is incomplete. The rainy season runs from November to March with afternoon thunderstorms that can delay boat transfers.
Vilankulo's best neighborhoods
Vilankulo sits on the Mozambican coast roughly 700 kilometers north of Maputo, at the closest mainland point to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The town divides into the central strip along the beach road, the beachfront lodge area, and the quieter south beach. The islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra are reached by boat in 30 to 90 minutes.
Beachfront 3 vetted hotels The main lodge strip facing the Bazaruto Archipelago
The main lodge strip facing the Bazaruto Archipelago
The beachfront strip of Vilankulo has the highest concentration of lodges and the best views toward the archipelago islands. Casa Barry, Bahia Mar Club, and the Dugong Beach Lodge (on Benguerra Island) are in this category. The beach here faces west and the sunset views over the islands are extraordinary.
This is the most practical base for organizing dhow trips and marine park excursions. The dhow jetty is a 5-minute walk from most beachfront properties.
Town Centre 2 vetted hotels The central strip near restaurants and market
The central strip near restaurants and market
The town center has Zombie Cucumber Backpackers and Smugglers Restaurant and Lodge, both near the commercial strip. This area is noisier but has the best access to local life, the market, ATMs, and restaurants.
It is a 10 to 15-minute walk to the main beach departure point for island trips.
South Beach 1 vetted hotel Quieter southern end for couples and seclusion
Quieter southern end for couples and seclusion
South Beach is set back from the main strip and has a more private atmosphere. Uluru Camp is here with stylish tented chalets and a deck directly above the beach at high tide.
The walk to the dhow jetty takes about 20 minutes or a quick taxi ride.
Beachfront North 1 vetted hotel Best mainland option for diving and island access
Best mainland option for diving and island access
The north-facing beach has Archipelago Resort as the standout property. The views from the north-facing shore give a wider panorama of the archipelago than the central beach.
The dive operation at Archipelago is the most professional on the mainland and organizes full-day island trips efficiently.
Bazaruto Archipelago Islands 3 vetted hotels The islands: Benguerra and Bazaruto's luxury lodges
The islands: Benguerra and Bazaruto's luxury lodges
Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands are reached by boat from Vilankulo. Dugong Beach Lodge, Azura Benguerra, and AndBeyond Bazaruto Island are at three very different price points. All include meals and most activities.
The island experience is categorically different from the mainland. No traffic, private beaches, and wildlife that includes sea turtles, dugongs, and samango monkeys.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Vilankulo.
Beach
The west-facing Praia do Vilankulo has the best mainland beach views of any town on the Mozambican coast, looking directly across the calm channel toward Benguerra and Bazaruto Islands. At low tide the sand flats extend 500 meters from shore. The island beaches at Azura and AndBeyond are completely private.
Romantic
Azura Benguerra Island is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Indian Ocean. Private villa pools, all-inclusive dining on the sand, and snorkeling at Two Mile Reef. On the mainland, Uluru Camp's tented chalets above the beach are the best romantic option at $155 to $210 per night.
Budget
Zombie Cucumber Backpackers in Vilankulo town starts at $45 per night. Casa Barry on the beachfront gives direct beach access from $75. The dhow trip to the sandbanks costs $80 to $100 per person including seafood lunch. You can experience the archipelago properly on $150 per day total.
Culture
The dhow jetty at sunrise is one of the most authentic scenes in coastal Mozambique, with traditional wooden sailing boats loading for the islands. The town market sells local crafts and fresh produce. The fishing community on the beach prepares nets and boats from 5am. This is one of the least Westernized tourist towns in southern Africa.
Family
Dugong Beach Lodge on Benguerra Island has a relaxed family-friendly setup with communal dining and children-friendly snorkeling direct from the beach. Bahia Mar Club on the mainland is good for families with spacious chalets and easy island trip organization. Children age 10 and over can do diving introductions.
Foodie
Smugglers Restaurant is the best place to eat in Vilankulo town, with peri-peri prawns and crab that draw the whole expat and tourist community. The dhow day trip seafood lunch cooked on a charcoal grill on a sandbar in the middle of the archipelago is the best meal in the entire region.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Vilankulo
When to visit Vilankulo and what to pay.
Dry Season (May-Oct)
The dry season is the best time to visit. Visibility in the water reaches 20 to 25 meters, humpback whales pass through from June to November, and the weather is settled with minimal rain. South African school holidays in July and August push prices up 30% at the island lodges. Book Azura and AndBeyond 4 to 6 months ahead for July.
Shoulder (Apr, Nov)
April and November sit at the transition between dry and rainy seasons. Prices are lower than peak, weather is still good, and crowds are minimal. April offers the last of the humpback whale tail-end season. November starts the warm water period. Good options for independent travelers wanting value without compromising on experience.
Summer (Dec-Mar)
Hot, humid, and the wettest period. Whale sharks are present from October through March. South African summer holidays in December and January fill the island lodges completely. Book 6 months ahead for Christmas week. Water visibility drops slightly due to plankton but snorkeling remains good. Afternoon thunderstorms can delay boat transfers.
Autumn (Feb-Apr)
February and March are the quietest and most affordable months but also the wettest and hottest. Mainland lodges at Vilankulo drop prices by 20 to 30%. The island lodges sometimes close for maintenance in February. If you do visit, focus on inland activities when weather prevents marine excursions.
Booking Tips for Vilankulo
Insider tips for booking hotels in Vilankulo.
Book island lodges 4 to 6 months ahead
Azura Benguerra and AndBeyond Bazaruto are among the most sought-after island properties in southern Africa. Peak periods (July-August South African school holidays, Christmas week) book out 6 months in advance. Dugong Beach Lodge is more flexible but also fills quickly. Mainland lodges like Archipelago Resort can usually be booked 4 to 8 weeks out.
The island all-inclusive prices are genuine value
Azura's rate of $950 to $1,600 per night sounds high but includes all meals, all drinks, all watersports, and all activities including diving and snorkeling. When you add up the cost of the same activities booked separately from the mainland, the gap narrows significantly. Compare like for like before assuming island lodges are out of budget.
Pay the marine park fee in advance
The Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park charges $20 per day per person for foreign visitors. The island lodges pay this on your behalf and include it in the rate. Day trippers from the mainland need to pay at the jetty or through the lodge organizing the trip. The park is well-managed and the fee directly funds conservation including dugong monitoring.
Malaria prevention is non-negotiable
Vilankulo is in a high malaria risk zone year-round. The island lodges provide mosquito nets and repellent but antimalarial medication should be started before departure. Doxycycline (cheapest), Malarone (most convenient), or Mefloquine are the main options. Consult a travel health clinic 6 to 8 weeks before travel.
Carry USD or ZAR as backup currency
US dollars and South African rand are accepted at all lodges and most restaurants. The Millennium BIM ATM in Vilankulo town gives meticals but can be unreliable. Island lodges settle bills in USD or ZAR. Bring $200 to $300 in cash as backup for smaller purchases, tips, and emergencies on the islands where card machines are not always reliable.
Arrange the dhow trip through your lodge
Independent tour operators at the jetty offer cheaper dhow trips than lodges but quality and safety varies significantly. Casa Barry and Archipelago Resort both run well-organized full-day trips to the sandbanks for $80 to $120 per person including seafood lunch. The price difference from independent booking is small and the reliability difference is large.
Hotels in Vilankulo — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Vilankulo.
What is the best way to get to Vilankulo?
Flying is by far the best option. LAM and Airlink run flights from Johannesburg to Vilankulo Airport, typically 1.5 to 2 hours. Prices run $150 to $300 each way. Driving from Maputo takes 8 to 9 hours on the EN1 and the last 60 kilometers of road is rough. The Baz Bus runs from South Africa to Vilankulo for backpackers. Private charters from Johannesburg and Cape Town are available for island lodges.
How do you get from Vilankulo to the Bazaruto Islands?
From the main dhow jetty in Vilankulo town, speedboat transfers to Benguerra Island take 30 to 40 minutes. Bazaruto Island is 45 to 60 minutes. Traditional dhow sailings take 2 to 4 hours depending on wind but are a beautiful experience. Lodge transfers cost $80 to $150 per person each way from Vilankulo. Azura and AndBeyond use private speedboats or light aircraft for guests.
What can you see at Bazaruto Archipelago?
The archipelago's marine park is one of the last strongholds for dugongs in the Indian Ocean, with a population of around 250 individuals. Manta rays, whale sharks from October to March, humpback whales from June to November, bottlenose dolphins, and 5 species of sea turtles are all regularly encountered. The coral reefs at Two Mile Reef and Paradise Cove are among the healthiest in the region. Snorkeling from the beach is possible on all the islands at low tide.
Is Vilankulo safe for tourists?
Vilankulo town is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft on the beach at night is the main risk, particularly around the dhow jetty area. The island lodges are completely secure. The road from the EN1 highway to Vilankulo (final 60 kilometers) has occasional reports of car break-ins at rest stops after dark; drive this section in daylight. Malaria is a year-round risk; take prophylaxis.
How much does it cost to stay in Vilankulo?
Mainland budget options start at $45 per night at Zombie Cucumber Backpackers. Mid-range lodge chalets with beach access run $110 to $245 per night. Island properties start at $210 per night at Dugong Beach Lodge on Benguerra. Azura Benguerra runs $950 to $1,600 per night on a full-board basis. AndBeyond Bazaruto Island is $1,100 to $1,900 per night all-inclusive. Island prices typically include all meals, most activities, and boat transfers.
When is the best time to visit Vilankulo?
April to October is the dry season and the best time overall. The weather is settled, visibility underwater is excellent (15 to 25 meters), and humpback whales pass through from June to November. July and August are peak season for South Africans, so book ahead. October to January brings warmer water (26 to 28 degrees) and the start of whale shark season. March is the wettest month and least recommended.
Do I need a visa to visit Mozambique?
Most nationalities including South Africa, US, UK, EU, and Australia can get a visa on arrival at Vilankulo Airport for $50. Some nationalities can also apply for an e-visa online before travel. The visa allows stays of up to 30 days. South African citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check the current requirements at the Mozambique embassy website before travel as rules change periodically.
What is the currency in Vilankulo and can you use rands?
Mozambican meticals (MZN) are the official currency but South African rand is accepted almost everywhere in Vilankulo. US dollars work at lodge-level properties. There is an ATM at the Millennium BIM bank in Vilankulo town. Most mainland lodges accept Visa cards for accommodation but cash is needed for small purchases, chapas, and market items. Bring rand or US dollars as a backup.
What is a dhow safari and is it worth doing?
A dhow safari is a guided sailing trip on a traditional Mozambican wooden sailing boat across the Bazaruto Archipelago. Full-day trips cost $80 to $120 per person from the Vilankulo jetty and typically include snorkeling at a reef, a beach stop on one of the sandbars, and a fresh seafood lunch prepared on board. Archipelago Resort and Vilankulo Beach Lodge both organize these. It is one of the best experiences in southern Mozambique and worth doing even if you cannot afford an island lodge stay.
Should you stay on the mainland or the islands?
For most visitors, the mainland lodges in Vilankulo are excellent value for money and give you access to the same marine experiences via day trips. For a special occasion or honeymoon, Azura Benguerra or AndBeyond Bazaruto justify the cost with private beaches, world-class service, and a level of luxury not available on the mainland. Dugong Beach Lodge at $210 to $280 per night is the best entry-point island option without the ultra-luxury price tag.
What wildlife can you see on the Bazaruto Islands?
Beyond the marine life, the islands have populations of samango monkeys, red duiker, bushbuck, and the suni antelope. Flamingos and osprey are regularly spotted on the sand flats at low tide. Bazaruto Island has freshwater lakes in the interior with crocodiles. Sea turtles nest on the beaches from November to February, and guided night walks to watch nesting are possible through the island lodges.
What should you not miss in Vilankulo?
A full-day dhow trip to the Bazaruto sandbanks is non-negotiable. The snorkeling at Two Mile Reef off Bazaruto Island is the best in the country. A sunrise walk to the Vilankulo dhow jetty when the traditional wooden boats are preparing to sail is one of the most photogenic moments in southern Africa. Sundowners at Archipelago Resort's north beach are reliably excellent. The peri-peri prawns at Smugglers restaurant are the best on the mainland.