Inhaca is the island that closes Maputo Bay — 30 km across the water, accessible by daily boat or chartered crossing. It's an easy day trip from the capital and a perfect first beach day for anyone arriving in Mozambique.
How to get there
Two options. The public catamaran from the Marítima dock (90 minutes, busiest on weekends) or a private speedboat (40 minutes, costlier but on your schedule). We arrange both. Most clients choose the private boat for the time and quiet.
Half a day on the island
Lunch at Sangala or Lucas. Two beach restaurants, both family-run, both serving fresh seafood by the kilo. Sangala has the cleaner setup; Lucas has the better view.
Walk the beach. From the village, walk south along the inner bay for half an hour. White sand, warm water, dhows passing on their way back from fishing. Bring a hat — there's no shade.
A full day
- The lighthouse (Farol). A 30-minute walk inland from the village. Views across the bay back to Maputo on a clear day.
- Portuguese Island (Ilha dos Portugueses). A tiny uninhabited island just offshore. Local fishermen run boats across for snorkelling and lunch on the beach.
- The marine biology station. Mozambique's oldest research station, established in 1958. Quick tour if it's open. Quiet, slightly forgotten, charmingly so.
- Snorkelling reef south of the lighthouse. Calm protected lagoon, manageable for beginners.
Stay overnight
We use one of two small lodges. Both modest, both right on the water. Stay one or two nights — beach, books, slow dinner, watch the sunrise over the mainland. The island empties at night when the day-trippers leave; that's when the place is best.
What we'd skip
- The aquarium next to the bio station. Underwhelming.
- Independent walks far from the village in the heat of the day. Sun is fierce; bring water.
- Diving — Tofo and Ponta do Ouro are dramatically better. Inhaca's reef is for casual snorkelling, not serious dives.
Inhaca is the gentle first answer to "is Mozambique what people say." It is. Write to us if you'd like us to put it inside a longer trip.