Inhaca Island

Ilha da Inhaca sits 20 kilometres from the city in Maputo Bay, separated from Machangulo Penisula. Tropical sands, coral reefs and abundant fish make it popular for visits from cruise ships and mainland. Good seafood is available at the lodge and restaurants around in the adjacent food and curio market.

From 18th century, Inhaca was a thriving Portuguese trading centre, based on ivory and then slavery. At the end of 19th century, the demise of slavery coincided with the opening of the railway through to the gold and diamonds of South Africa's highveld and activity moved over to the mainland.

The island offers a full range of water sports and fishing trips. Scuba diving sees shoals of brindle bass and game fish around shipwrecks close to the lighthouse and further offshore at Baixo Danae. The lighthouse makes a pleasant walk through nature reserve.

Boat excursions to Portuguese Island offer a choice of snorkel and swim in the blue waters, separated by a shallow channel from Inhaca.