Inhaca Island, Subtropical island in Maputo Bay, Mozambique.
Inhaca is a subtropical island in Maputo Bay that covers roughly 52 square kilometers. It features sandy beaches, inland swamps, and forested dunes, with Mount Inhaca marking its highest point.
The island was under British control from the early 19th century until 1875, serving as a strategic base for monitoring and stopping the slave trade across the region. Its role shifted entirely after this period ended.
Residents follow fishing traditions that shape daily life: women wade into shallow waters at low tide to gather seafood, while men take boats out for deeper catches. These practices remain central to how the community uses the water and shoreline.
The island is reached by ferry from the fishing harbor in Maputo on weekends. Plan your visit around tidal changes, as they affect access to different areas of the island and the surrounding waters.
A marine research station has operated on the island since 1951, studying the waters that teem with coral reefs, dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles. These waters draw the attention of scientists and visitors interested in ocean life.
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