Portuguese Island Mozambique
Mozambique

11 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

MSC Cruises (11 Cruises)


Frequently Asked Questions

Nowhere: the ship anchors offshore in Maputo Bay and tenders run a shuttle of about twenty minutes to the sandbank.
Nothing, in the usual sense of the word. The islet has no road, no village and no monument. It is a beach day on a piece of the Indian Ocean left in its natural state, and that is the whole promise.
Because Portuguese navigators named it Ilha de Santa Cruz in the late fifteenth century, when their caravels were charting the route to the Indies. Common usage eventually kept the visitors' nationality instead.
Yes. The islet stretches about six kilometres and can be walked briskly along the waterline, with seabirds and ghost crabs for company. At low tide the sea pulls back to reveal wide firm flats, ideal for walking.
Excellent. The lagoon shelves gently and the water stays warm nearly year-round in this subtropical climate. Do follow the crew's instructions, however: tidal currents can be noticeable at the ends of the sandbank.
Yes, over the coral formations close to shore, which draw plenty of colourful fish. With some luck a sea turtle or a pod of dolphins passes further out.
Cruise lines usually set out chairs, umbrellas and often a grill on the sand, where fish and lobster sizzle at lunchtime. Nothing exists beyond what the ship brings ashore.
When the itinerary allows, yes: a narrow channel separates the two and local boats cross it in minutes. Inhaca has a fishing village, a modest market, a century-old lighthouse and a marine biology station.
Water-resistant sunscreen, a hat and water shoes, since natural shade is scarce and some stretches are shelly. A stretched sarong or a rented umbrella helps through the hottest hours.
Yes, in the good season: people from Inhaca cross over to offer carvings, shell necklaces and sarongs laid out on mats. Bring meticais or small foreign notes.