Making the most of Ilha dos Portugueses
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships cannot dock, so passengers arrive by tender in small motorboats. Life jackets are required, with these clear instructions: “Shoes off, hold everything in your right hand, left hand free, left knee on blue towel, hold rail with left hand, step onto the boat.”
Mozambique seems recently to have changed its Visa conditions, and visas apparently can no longer be obtained on board. It is unclear how long this will last, but most visitors from non Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries may need a visa before travel. Mozambique has consulates in few countries; where one exists, fees will be expensive and the process will take considerable effort. Check with your cruise line before booking a cruise.
See the Portuguese Island cruise schedule.
Portuguese Island covers 2.5 square km and is almost uninhabited, offering island life as nature intended.
Azure water surrounds coral reefs that are an ideal playground for tropical fish, making snorkeling and diving as good as anywhere. The rare Red-Tailed Tropic Bird nests on Nosy Ve alongside ground tortoises and hermit crabs.
Getting around
Portuguese Island is best enjoyed by swimming in its warm azure water, breathing salty air and floating in the buoyant sea, happily distant from citylife noise.
Food and shopping
Cruise cooks set up braai stands on Portuguese Island serving braaied sausage, lamb and burger patties. The few locals from nearby Inhaca island greet visitors with drinks, handicrafts and more.
Money
Mozambique uses the Metical, plural Meticais, pronounced “meta-caysh” and abbreviated Mts. Prices are often quoted verbally without the thousands: Mts 150,000 becomes “one hundred fifty”. Cash dispensers, or ATMs, in every town accept all major credit-cards.
Staying connected
Portuguese is the official language, and most educated Mozambicans speak English.