Bissagos Islands

Off the coast of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

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The Bissagos Islands, also known as the Bijagós Archipelago, are a group of about 88 islands and islets located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Guinea-Bissau. Known for their pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and rich marine ecosystems, the islands are one of the most important natural treasures in West Africa. The archipelago is home to the Bijagó people, who maintain distinctive cultural traditions, and it supports exceptional wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, migratory birds, and the rare saltwater-adapted hippopotamus. Its ecological importance led to its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1996, and parts of the archipelago were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025. Today, the Bissagos Islands are celebrated for their outstanding biodiversity, traditional island culture, and unspoiled landscapes, making them one of the most unique and remote destinations in Africa.