Inhaca Island Mozambique
Mozambique
Frequently Asked Questions
Offshore at the entrance to Maputo Bay, about forty kilometres from the Mozambican capital. Transfers are by tender, and the last shuttle times must be respected to the minute.
Not always. In practice the day often takes place on neighbouring Portuguese Island, an uninhabited sandspit where the lines set up their beach day. Inhaca, the inhabited big sister, stays within boat reach for anyone who wants to see beyond their towel.
Swim, essentially, and that is enough: gently sloping sandy bottoms, banks that emerge at low tide, the enveloping warmth of the Indian Ocean. A little further out, coral heads visited by colourful fish reward snorkellers.
The village, the lodges, and a marine biology research station with a small museum where skeletons, shells and jars tell the story of the bay. The visit is modest and endearing, often guided by locals: you come out able to name the shells you picked up an hour earlier.
Yes, some go by tractor and trailer, a bumpy expedition across the coastal bush rewarded by a wide view over Maputo Bay. The lighthouse watches over the island's northern point.
Because they redraw the beaches twice a day. On the ebb the sea pulls far back and turns the shore into exploring ground, bucket and camera in hand; on the flood, swimming takes over again. The day adjusts to the tide, not the other way round.
Serious sun protection and water shoes: shade is scarce on the sandspit. The lines usually provide chairs, umbrellas and refreshments landed from the ship, but there are almost no services on site.
Yes, turtles, rays and shoals of reef fish frequent these waters. Nothing is guaranteed, but the warm waters of Maputo Bay are rich, and the Indian Ocean here stays warm almost year-round.
A traditional Indian Ocean sailing boat with a triangular sail, plying these waters for centuries. Dhow trips, when offered, are the finest way to take in the landscape, sail taut and hull heeled, with Maputo a grey line on the horizon.
Through the ship, before you go ashore: trips to the main island, the museum and the lighthouse are generally booked on board, since there are few services on site. Allow some patience during the tender rotations, which set the tempo of the day.
