Inhaca Island

Inhaca closes the eastern side of Maputo Bay, an island of around fifty square kilometres with dune forest, mangrove and coral reefs that are among the southernmost in the western Indian Ocean, which makes them scientifically interesting: they sit at the limit of where reef-building corals can survive. A marine biology station run by the university has operated here since 1951 and has a small museum. Fringing reefs on the eastern side are the diving and snorkelling.

History

Although it belonged to Portuguese Mozambique, the island was held by the British from 1823 until the MacMahon Treaty of 24 July 1875, as one of the bases from which they patrolled against the slave trade (Wikipedia, Inhaca Island).

What you'll find

• The southern reefs - among the southernmost coral reefs in the western Indian Ocean.
• The research station - a marine biology station operating since 1951, with a museum.
• The mangroves - stands on the sheltered western side of the island.
• The dune forest - coastal forest across the island's interior.

When to go

May to September is the cooler dry season and the best for diving visibility. Summer from November to March is hot and humid with more rain. Ferry crossings depend on conditions.

What to expect

The ferry is slow and uncomfortable and the schedule is unreliable; flights are quick but expensive. Accommodation on the island is limited and basic for the price. Reef condition has declined from bleaching and pressure.

Nearby

Maputo is across the bay, and Ponta do Ouro is south down the coast.

Key facts