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Inhaca Island Mozambique
Just across the bay from the port of Maputo is Inhaca Island,
an attractive holiday destination for anyone who wants to savour
the laid-back rhythms of a small, semitropical, Indian Ocean island.
On the fringe of the tropics, it has a wealth of breathtaking beaches,
coral reefs and exotic marine life on offer.Inhaca Island is a small-inhabited
island, lying just 37 km off the Mozambican capital of Maputo and
positioned at the entrance to Delagoa Bay. It has much to recommend
it: it is easily accessible by boat or ferry from the capital of
Mozambique, Maputo; it has a wealth of breathtaking beaches and
it offers some of the best scuba diving and big-game fishing in
the world. The island also features large areas of unspoiled evergreen
forest and bush land. Large areas of its land and shores have been
protected as natural reserve since 1976, providing a unique and
pristine environment, which can be enjoyed by taking one of the
excellent two- to three-day hiking trails that are available for
the avid walker.All told, Inhaca has some 100 km of coastline, much
of it having some of the best coral reefs in the Mozambique Channel.
Snorkeling conditions in the inshore bay areas are excellent for
novices and, while visibility may not be as good as it is on the
offshore reefs, marine life is plentiful. |
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The diving Inhaca has on offer is world class. The fish life
is virtually untouched and the reefs are unspoiled. The best time
to dive here is when the water level is at its highest; you can
then catch the tide on its ebb and drift a kilometre or more along
the reef. Spearfishing is permitted on the offshore reefs, but is
prohibited in the immediate vicinity of Inhaca.A fascinating experience
for scuba divers is exploring the many shipwrecks in the area. Shark
diving is also possible. Staghorn and plate coral, moray eel potato
bass, large school of barracuda and kingfish are in abundance. Dolphins,
whale sharks and manta rays are not uncommon during the summer months.
The maximum diving depth is 30m with an average depth of approximately
18m. The average water temperature is 22-27 C and water visibility
is between 10 - 30m. |
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Deep-sea fishermen will find themselves well catered for on Inhaca. There
are several large ocean-going boats with experienced crews, and all the
necessary fishing equipment is provided. Catches in the vicinity of Inhaca
are often outstanding, with the island holding the several world records
for various game fish and shark. Game fish in the area include marlin,
sailfish, tuna, dorado, kingfish and barracuda. Other watersport facilities,
which are provided include, water-skiing, para-sailing, wind surfing,
kayaking, hobby cat sailing and sunset cruises. The staff is always on
hand to offer professional advice and to assist where possible.Situated
just to the northwest of Inhaca Island is another smaller island called
Portuguese Island. You can amble across the narrow strait when the tide
is low, snorkel in the enclosed lagoon, or be even more adventurous and
venture out further towards the reef with flippers, snorkel and mask.
However, only do so when the water is clear, since there are sharks in
the deeper waters of both these islands.Other excursions available on
the island which can be booked after arrival included mountain bicycles
rental, light house trips, visit to the Marine Biological Centre and boat
trips to the Portuguese Island.
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