Inhaca Island 2-Days Tour | Reefs, Bush & Beaches

Morning is free time, you will probably enjoy your breakfast and the beach at Inhaca village.

Around 10.00 a.m. we shall go to Portuguese Island on a boat tour; maybe earlier, maybe later, depending on the tides. Spend some time there, walk all over the island (just ensure with your trip leader you can count on 2 hours for it) and get back to Inhaca for lunch.

Departure is at 14:30 and you will be back in Maputo around 17:00.

Inhaca is a very local experience, very safe, with many untouched places. A true treasure so close to Maputo.

Inhaca is an island just in front of Maputo, about 30 miles away, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and lush nature.
It is known for the beach, but it has much more than that. The people of Inhaca are very welcoming and there is a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

To get to Inhaca Island you have to go by boat. You can go by public boat, which is working very well today, or by private boat. The public boat takes about 2 hours to travel from the port of Maputo to the pier. It does not even reach Inhaca’s pontoon as it is broken, so people have to board smaller boats that take them to the beach.

Private boats make the journey in about 1 hour. They are fast, but they are also more uncomfortable. Depending on the tastes and what you value you can choose them. However, private boats usually do not have regular careers, they are only rentable by private groups, so if you are an isolated traveler it will be very expensive to go on a speed boat.

Arriving at Inhaca there are several accommodation venues, from simple yet charming places like Cool Runnings or Mauricio Camp or more upscale places like Nahyeeni lodge. Find the option that best suits what you are looking for and what you value.

Cool runnings is a little farther from the village but has a fantastic atmosphere and excellent host. Mauricio camp is closer to the center of the village, and right in the mangrove, great location, and Mr. Mauricio is a concerned host. The vast majority of Inhaca accommodation is in the area I am calling “Vila” which is just one of the island’s villages, but one that faces Maputo and where the boats arrive. It is the liveliest place where you can dine, go out at night, dance, and interact with the island’s resident population. From there also all the tours to the attractions that Inhaca provides.

In terms of restaurants Inhaca does not offer much diversity but a very acceptable quality. The iconic Lucas restaurant is probably the oldest. There is also the ERCA bar and the Ruina. All in the center of the village and next to each other.
We recommend the fresh fish, as it should be, or the seafood.

The village of Inhaca is quite safe, you can go out for dinner and dance if there is a party in the village, usually on Fridays and Saturday evenings.

During the day there are 3 main attractions.

1. Ponta de Santa Maria
It is the southernmost point of Inhaca that almost touches the continent. It is a beautiful place, inserted in the nature reserve of Inca. This place is perfect for snorkeling, it has a very large coral wall with a lot and variety of marine life.

To reach the tip of Santa maria you can go by car or by boat. Both can be hired at the villa. If you are alone try joining a group.
In any case, set the pick-up time, as the sta maria tip is a secluded spot and if you have no ride you will not be able to walk again.
There you will also have to pay a conservation fee for the nature reserve. Incidentally, Inhaca is charged with taxes. If you want to snorkel, you pay a fee of about 4 usd. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent at the villa. Combine this with the car / boat that will take you.

Very often there are flamingos on the tip of sta maria. It’s a decent show that will be in your memory forever if you’re lucky enough to catch them right in front of your beach.

On the way, if you are driving, you may see monkeys often as well. The landscape is very beautiful.
Remember that the sta maria tip has no support structure. There is no bathroom, no restaurant, no cafe. You will need to bring your own food and drinks. You are not left either. As for the bathroom, finally use your imagination 😊

2.Portuguese Island (Ilha dos Portugueses)
The Portuguese island is a smaller island just in front of Inhaca village. It was once a desert island and unfortunately was taken a few years ago by a cruise company that set up its infrastructure there, building a bar, bathrooms, warehouse, etc., which, being used only a few days a year, create a much worse visual effect than when it was actually deserted.

Still, the Portuguese isle (Ilha dos Portugueses) is large enough to feel this desert island stillness. You can go around the island walking along the coast. The sea of the Portuguese island is clearer, because it already catches open sea, although one side faces the Bay of Maputo.

To reach the island of the Portuguese you can rent one of the small boats in the village. Again try to join a group to share expenses, and make sure the time and place of return is agreed upon.
Also the Portuguese Isle (Ilha dos Portugueses) has no support infrastructure, other than the cruise company but they do not let it be used by anyone who is not their client.

So if you want to spend some time there take your water and some snacks.

3. Lighthouse Beach
The lighthouse is on the opposite side of Vila da Inhaca, is facing east, ie in open sea. It is a very long beach, with a beautiful beach. The beach has waves, but also creates, at low tide, small natural pools. There are still tall observation structures on the beach and, of course, the lighthouse, this magnanimous building that stands among the vegetation.

The way to the lighthouse is by car and you will have the opportunity to get to know a more inland side of the island, the banana trees, the coconut palms, the small fields. You will pass in the lighthouse village itself which also has some animation.
When you get to the beach there is no support, so once again bring your own water and snacks.
At Farol beach do not forget that you are in open sea and in an unsupervised beach, so pay attention to safety.

The sunset, on the village side, is one of Inhaca’s strengths. Facing Maputo you will be able to see a round orange sun falling over the city and reflecting off the sea in an unobtainable tranquility in Maputo.
And the best thing about inhaca is people, since Dona Rita has been pushing her “Erca Bar” forward for years, which started as a small establishment that sold drinks to a very high quality restaurant. Mr. Lucas, who was the only person with a generator 20 years ago, but still, when the fuel ran out he served candlelit meals when there was no power, and so often there was no power!
Or Angelo, an easy-smiling gentleman, his uncle Roger with his wise tranquility, Renato, Harry Potter, Fernando, Mauricio, Pedro, Ninguinha and so many other good souls that will make you feel at home.

Take, above all, an open heart to know this little treasure, a bit stopped in time, but, perhaps for that reason, has that special charm right next to the rush of Maputo city.