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Inhaca Island, Moçambique - Things to Do in Inhaca Island

Things to Do in Inhaca Island

Inhaca Island, Moçambique - Complete Travel Guide

Inhaca Island is a pristine tropical paradise located just 32 kilometers east of Maputo, Mozambique's capital city. This small coral island, measuring only 12 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide, is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life. The island forms part of the Inhaca Island Marine Reserve and is home to the Eduardo Mondlane University Marine Biology Research Station, making it a significant center for marine research and conservation in the Indian Ocean. Despite its proximity to Maputo, Inhaca Island feels like a world away from urban life, offering visitors an authentic slice of Mozambican island culture. The local communities still maintain traditional fishing practices, and the island's economy revolves around sustainable fishing, tourism, and marine research. With its stunning coral reefs, diverse bird life, mangrove forests, and laid-back atmosphere, Inhaca Island provides the perfect escape for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty, excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, and a glimpse into traditional Mozambican coastal life.

Top Things to Do in Inhaca Island

Snorkeling and Diving in Coral Reefs

Explore the spectacular coral reefs surrounding Inhaca Island, home to over 300 fish species, sea turtles, dolphins, and vibrant coral formations. The island's protected marine environment offers some of the best underwater visibility in Mozambique, with dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Booking Tip: Book diving excursions through local dive operators on the island for $30-50 per dive, including equipment. Best visibility is during dry season (April-September). Look for operators certified by PADI or SSI with good safety records.

Beach Hopping and Swimming

Discover the island's collection of pristine beaches, each with its own character - from the main beach near the village to secluded stretches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The warm Indian Ocean waters and powder-soft sand make for ideal beach days year-round.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 per day to show you hidden beaches and safe swimming spots. Bring sun protection and water as facilities are limited on remote beaches.

Marine Biology Station Visit

Tour the Eduardo Mondlane University Marine Biology Research Station to learn about marine conservation efforts and the island's unique ecosystem. The station offers educational tours showcasing their research on coral reefs, marine species, and conservation projects.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits in advance through the research station for $5-10 per person. Tours are typically available weekday mornings. Contact the station directly or ask your accommodation to arrange the visit.

Traditional Fishing Village Experience

Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting traditional fishing villages and observing daily life on the island. Join local fishermen on their boats, learn traditional fishing techniques, and experience authentic Mozambican coastal culture.

Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through local guides or your accommodation for $15-25 per person. Early morning (5-7 AM) is best to see fishing activities. Bring small gifts for children and respect local customs.

Mangrove Forest Exploration

Explore the island's mangrove ecosystems by foot or small boat, discovering unique flora and fauna adapted to this brackish water environment. These areas are crucial nurseries for marine life and offer excellent bird watching opportunities.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides for $10-20 per person for 2-3 hour mangrove walks. Wear waterproof shoes and bring insect repellent. Best explored during low tide when walking is easier.

Getting There

Inhaca Island is accessible only by boat from Maputo. Regular ferry services operate from Maputo's Catembe terminal, with the journey taking approximately 2.5-3 hours each way. Ferries typically run twice daily (morning and afternoon) and cost around $15-20 per person each way. For a faster option, private speedboat transfers can be arranged through tour operators or accommodations, taking about 45 minutes but costing $100-150 per person. Some visitors opt for helicopter transfers for a scenic 15-minute flight, though this is significantly more expensive at $200-300 per person.

Getting Around

Inhaca Island is small enough to explore on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of accommodations. The main village and beaches are connected by sandy paths and dirt roads. For longer distances or to reach remote beaches, local guides offer walking tours or you can rent bicycles from some accommodations for around $5-10 per day. Small boats can be hired locally to reach secluded beaches or for fishing trips. There are no cars or motorized transport on the island, which adds to its peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere.

Where to Stay

Main Village Area
Praia do Farol (Lighthouse Beach)
Praia da Ponta Torres
Near Marine Research Station
Secluded Beach Areas
Traditional Guesthouse Areas

Food & Dining

Dining on Inhaca Island revolves around fresh seafood and traditional Mozambican cuisine, with most meals featuring the daily catch prepared with local spices, coconut, and piri-piri sauce. The main village has several small restaurants and beach bars serving grilled fish, prawns, crab, and lobster alongside rice, matapa (cassava leaves), and tropical fruits. Many accommodations offer full-board options featuring home-cooked meals with ingredients sourced locally. For a truly authentic experience, arrange to dine with local families or join beach barbecues where fresh fish is grilled over open fires. Vegetarian options are limited, so inform your hosts in advance if you have dietary restrictions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Maputo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

BBQ House

4.8 /5
(3545 reviews) 2
grocery_or_supermarket store

Istanbul

4.5 /5
(2175 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

SALT Restaurant Maputo

4.7 /5
(902 reviews) 2

Lumma

4.7 /5
(230 reviews)

Desfrute

4.5 /5
(189 reviews) 2

BICA Maputo

4.5 /5
(129 reviews)
cafe store

When to Visit

The best time to visit Inhaca Island is during the dry season from April to September, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling. Temperatures are comfortable (20-26°C), and the southeast trade winds provide pleasant cooling breezes. The wet season (October to March) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, though the island remains beautiful with lush vegetation. Cyclone season (December to April) can bring rough seas and ferry cancellations. For the best weather and marine life viewing, plan your visit between May and August.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Mozambican meticais as there are no ATMs on the island and card payments are not accepted
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, as these items are not available for purchase on the island
Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases as English is not widely spoken among locals, and showing effort to communicate in the local language is greatly appreciated

Explore Activities in Inhaca Island