Cruise to Portuguese Island from Durban 2021/2022

Portuguese Island is a small, uninhabited, sandy island situated at the edge of Maputo Bay, very close to Inhaca Island. This is one of the most affordable and popular destinations to visit if you're looking to travel to an island on a cruise from South Africa. The 3 night/long weekend cruises go to the Portugese Island, while the 4 night cruises usually visit Pomene (Maputo is not often visited anymore) as well, all departing from Durban. Ocean conditions are superb for landings on the island, and MSC have achieved a 98% success rate of visits to the island (in the other 2% the weather was too dangerous to ferry passengers to the island). Other than a few thatch-roofed buildings set up by MSC Cruises, Portuguese Island is compromised of pristine stretches of beach skirted by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. A walk around the island is recommended, covering some 6km (put on sunblock!).

Cruises between Durban & Portuguese Island Fill in this form to check for availability

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Number of adults:

If more than 20 people, please specify the number in the special request field

Number of children between the ages of 12 and 17 (but not yet 18 years old)

Please note that the child must still be under 18 at the date the cruise RETURNS to be included as an under 18

Number of children between the ages of 2 and 11 years of age:

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Please select your cruise. *Pricing and specials change continously. Pricing below is indicative only and may no longer be available. Prices are per person sharing, including mandatory port & service charges & insurance*

10 Feb 2023 to 13 Feb 2023 - MSC Orchestra - [ATKV Cruise]Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 5,537 pps* 17 Feb 2023 to 20 Feb 2023 - MSC Orchestra - Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 5,937 pps* 24 Feb 2023 to 27 Feb 2023 - MSC Orchestra - Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 4,937 pps* 03 Mar 2023 to 06 Mar 2023 - MSC Orchestra - [Finesse]Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 6,537 pps* 17 Mar 2023 to 20 Mar 2023 - MSC Orchestra - [Super Sokkie]Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 6,537 pps* 24 Mar 2023 to 27 Mar 2023 - MSC Orchestra - [Bhangra Cruise]Durban, Portuguese Island, Durban - Sold out 01 Dec 2023 to 04 Dec 2023 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 7,587 pps* 08 Dec 2023 to 11 Dec 2023 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,287 pps* 15 Dec 2023 to 18 Dec 2023 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,287 pps* 22 Dec 2023 to 27 Dec 2023 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Pomene(Mozambique), Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 9,445 pps* 27 Dec 2023 to 08 Jan 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Port Louis (Mauritius), La Possession (Reunion), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 21,478 pps* 12 Jan 2024 to 15 Jan 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,087 pps* 19 Jan 2024 to 22 Jan 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,087 pps* 26 Jan 2024 to 29 Jan 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,087 pps* 02 Feb 2024 to 05 Feb 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,087 pps* 09 Feb 2024 to 12 Feb 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,087 pps* 12 Feb 2024 to 17 Feb 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Pomene(Mozambique), Portuguese Island, Durban - from R 7,845 pps* 23 Feb 2024 to 26 Feb 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,087 pps* 01 Mar 2024 to 04 Mar 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,587 pps* 08 Mar 2024 to 11 Mar 2024 - MSC Splendida - Durban(South Africa), Portuguese Island(Mozambique), Durban - from R 5,587 pps*

Number of cabins required:

If you would prefer not to share one cabin, please indicate the number of cabins you require. Cabins on the Sinfonia sleep a maximum of 4 people.

Cabin position: *

Inside (no window) Outside (window) Balcony Cabin Balcony Suite

Preferred bedding

Double Single

Are you on honeymoon?

Yes No Cruise must fall within 6 months of wedding date. Proof of wedding must be provided

Are you 60 years or older?

Yes No A valid drivers license, ID or current passport will be required for validation at the pier

If yes, how many adults are 60 years or older?

Senior discount only applies to those 60+ in the cabin

Are you an MSC Voyagers Club Member?

Yes No

Special Request:

As your boat lands on Portuguese Island, here is the view to your left:

And here is your view to the right - passengers from the ship are swimming in the warm seas, and many returning to the ship with their distinctive orange towels. On the island you will find locals are selling goods and music playing from the huts, where drinks and food are served, and one can relax in the lounges next to the bars:

As you can see in the map below, Portuguese Island is on the opposite side of the bay to Maputo. Zoom in to see the island in detail.

If a picture tells a thousand words, a video is an encyclopedia - watch the below to get a good idea of what the island is like. Obviously the video was taken in perfect weather; which is the case a lot of the time, but sometimes it's overcast, sometimes too windy so watersports are cancelled, and on rare occasions the water is too rough to even go to the island.

Here is a close-up of the island. As you can see, it's completely unspoilt, with the only structure being what MSC have built on the south-western part of the island. To the bottom right of the photo you can see a tiny bit of Inhaca Island.

Portuguese Island is sandy with light vegetation. The beachsands are great for going for a walk on, but do wear shoes, as the sand can get very hot in summer.

Top things to do on the Portuguese island

Portuguese island is a perfect getaway for families or friends looking for the original island experience. The key to making the most of this day trip is to enjoy the primitive charm of beach and clear warm water. Top tip: Usually most people flock to the closest spot once getting off the boat, but we recommend taking a stroll past the local vendors, buy some Tipo Tinto (Mozambiquan rum) and head to a spot further on, where it's less crowded to chill and relax in the lukewarm water. Remember an umbrella and sunscreen, as a long day in the sun can leave you looking like a crayfish! Umbrellas can be organised onboard.

Try a boat trip with a difference, it being in a traditional dhow boat:

MSC Cruises may organise a game of beach volleyball:

Shoppers can look through the range of clothing set up at the Portuguese Origins Market, a temporary market established by the locals.

From the Ship to Portuguese Island

The cruise ship is anchored off Portuguese Island, and passengers are ferryed between the ship and Portuguese Island. In order to get off the ship you need a cruise card for each passenger, a completed indemnity form for each cabin, a green wristband for each passenger (to get food) and a tender ticket for each passenger.

 

Be prepared for a relatively bumpy ride, getting wet and to possibly have your hats blown off your heads (and before you ask, the boat doesn't turn round to pick it up).

To return to the MSC Sinfonia, you may need to stand in the queue for longer than you expect (an hour or two), so be sure to use sunblock.

A few years ago MSC Cruises used to ferry passengers using zodiac speedboats. The trip could be a bit bumpy, and the wearing of lifejackets was compulsory.

In the old days, to get back from Portuguese Island on the zodiacs, you needed to wear a life-jacket - one grabbed a life jacket from the pile on the sand south of the area with the hut, and then joined the queue to get onto a zodiac.

Inhaca

Tip: If there is a 2 day stop at Portuguese Island and Inhaca, sometimes MSC only offers a free ferry to Inhaca on one of those days - be sure to check. Alternatively, take a boat transfer from the ship to Portuguese Island, and then an Inhaca Island Transfer from Portuguese Island to Inhaca. Check on the ship what the times are, as these can change; but the last boat transfer to Inhaca is usually at 2pm, and the last back from Inhaca to Portuguese Island is usually 3pm. To get your bearings, here's a map (found on Inhaca Island):

We can see Cape Inhaca, Rasa Point, Torres Point, Inhaca Airport, the Marine Museum, Ponduine Point, the lighthouse and Mazondowe Point.

When you get to Inhaca, take a left turn on the beach and walk to Inhaca village. Inhaca village is not on the beach, so after about 300m (just after you see the boat in the photo below) turn right to go inland.

There are usually a few locals who will try to guide you or otherwise follow you, in the hope of getting a tip. Let them know upfront whether they will get anything (even if you say no, they often continue following, and may even sit outside a restaurant you go to, waiting for you).

There are a few restaurants to eat at, on Inhaca: Lucas, Hotel Pestana and Erca. Erca offers some respite from the sun - note the MSC labelled beach umbrellas, and its modest claim to provide a "bar, restaurant, pub & everything"! We enjoyed a few beers and cooldrinks there. The Erca Bar overlooks the local market, and is across the road from Lucas. Lucas is well known for its tasty food. Note that the restaurants tend to take longer than South Africans may be accustomed to, to prepare and serve their dishes; so avoid the restaurants if you are running late.

Here's a photo of one of the markets at Inhaca village:

At Erca, sample some of the local brew, 2M Mac Mahon beer:

Be sure to order a coconut to drink from the local market - it cost R10 when we were there in December 2014.

Inhaca shore excursion

Read more about Shore Excursions to Inhaca island

History and Culture

The Portuguese island and Inhaca are two islands in the bay of Maputo off the coast of Maputo, Mozambique. On the map of the island, you can see that it looks like a big extension to the sandbanks of the lagoon of Inhaca. In the 16th century Portuguese traders used the Portuguese island as their main port to trade ivory, from there the previous name "Portuguese Elephant Island". The island has since not been further developed and maintain a modest inland surface with grassy dunes to explore if you've got some time to spare. Just remember to take some flip-flops - scorching sand is not your friend!

Food, Drink and Shopping

No need to research the top markets and stores on the Portuguese Island, as the market will come to you! Buy some fresh mangoes, kiwis, coconuts, local rum, woodwork carvings, sarongs etc. from the local vendors walking around on the beach.
Facilities are limited, so if you don't feel like rocking up and seeing what's on offer, we recommend packing a day bag and bringing your own drinks and snacks to have a picnic.

MSC have built a lovely beach bar on the eastern end of Portuguese Island. It's got a vibey atmosphere, and is a good spot to enjoy a cocktail whilst soaking in the beach atmosphere. We did notice that the barmen aren't always aware of all the drinks on offer, so have a look around whilst waiting at the bar - and some drinks may not be available at one bar but is at another (Heineken Zero in my case).

Arriving early at Portuguese Island is a huge advantage, as you can get the best spot - in my opinion the couches at the Palm Bar, overlooking the beach. Here's the view:

FAQ's

1. Do I need a passport to go to the Portuguese island?
Probably the most frequently asked question - YES. The Portuguese island is part of Mozambique, so you will need a passport as you are visiting an international destination.

2. What currency is accepted on the island?
South African Rands, US dollars or (in the unlikely event that you have some) local currency.

3. How long do you stay on the island?
The ship stops at the island early in the morning and the last transfers are in the late afternoon (check the itinerary for your specific cruise for times).

Shore excursions from the Portuguese Island

The shore excursions change from time to time and are not available to book long in advance, but here's some info to help you get an idea of what's usually available. Note that the watersports are cancelled if the weather isn't conducive. Also note, that the prices have probably changed from those listed below - ask your cruise consultant what the current excursions are, and pricing.

Shore excursions to Inhaca island

Boats will take you from the vessel to the landing point, which is right in front of the in Inhaca Pestana Resort. There are some seafood restaurants, bars, curio stalls and the opportunity to do some bird-watching. This excursion departs very early and is weather-dependent. It is advised to wear beach wear and sandals, as during low-tide passengers will need to wade through knee-deep water.
You can choose between a regular transfer or a fast pass.

Coral Gardens Snorkelling Excursion

Starts from the Portuguese Island, a 30min sail to "Coral Gardens", the only surviving coral reef in Maputo.
Snorkelling gear is included (snorkel, mask, fins), but you're welcome to bring your own, as sizes are not guaranteed. There is a variety of marine life that to be explored; and it's highly unlikely, but is possible, that you'll spot a Dugong. There is a cash bar on the zodiac for your convenience (soft drinks and water). Kids below 12 can't take part in this trip. Passengers need to be medically fit (no back or heart or ear problems, allergies or if you are currently taking meds - please check as failure to take notice won't be refunded of you're not allowed go). Visibility depends on the conditions of the day. It's advised not to drink alcohol before going and wear a shirt, hat and sunscreen. DON'T stand on the coral! We want to preserve it for as long as possible.

Sea Kayaking

Minimum age is 12 years old. Trip is 30 minutes (starting from the time you collect your life jackets).

Fun Torpedo

Fun fun fun on an 8 rider! Minimum age is 8 years old (Parental supvision is required for children 8 - 12 year old). 10 minutes. Participants need to be able swimmers. Eight riders, max weight 90 kg p.p.

Exclusive Beach Lounger

This gives you priority in getting off the boat at Portuguese Island; and allows you to be pampered and feel like a king at the island - you'll get your own beach umbrella, lounger (hence the name) and drinks table, along with a free drink an fruit plate. The exclusive area in which you'll be placed will include a private bar service.

Dolphin watching

Island Transfers

If there's any chance of the weather worsening during the day, go as early as possible, as the Captain will not hesitate to stop transfers to Portuguese Island if there's any risk involved.

MSC used to transfer passengers from the Opera and Sinfonia to Portuguese Island on "zodiacs", which are hard hulled rubber ducks. Nowadays, far larger "tender boats" are used, but you should still expect to get wet (especially if you sit on the side seats) as the boat pounds into the swells again and again. The boats used are the MSC Flamingo, MSC Albatross, MSC Pelican and MSC Ibis. With 4 boats and transfers taking about 10 minutes, there's a boat arriving at the beach about every 3 minutes - it is a very slick and well organised operation.

Here's the MSC Pelican landed on Portuguese Island and fully loaded, whilst passengers queue to get on the next tender boat:

And here are passengers boarding the MSC Flamingo on the same day:

The MSC Portuguese Island Experience

On the Island MSC chefs braai meat and cook food to be served to the many passengers. As there can be over 2000 passengers and almost everybody wants to get off the ship, facilities can get a bit crowded, but there's plenty of place on the island for those willing to venture off.

Activities include snorkelling on the reef off Inhaca, going for a walk around Portuguese Island (takes about 2 hours) and visiting Inhaca. The best thing to do, though, is to relax in the calm warm waters.

Recommended Cruise for Families

Sounds like fun? Navigate to our Cruises from Durban page to see which cruises go to Portuguese Island. Or if you have some dates in mind, pop a mail to cruises@southafrica.to to see what's available during that time. We are eager to help and have the best advice to suit your needs.

TOP TIPS on getting helped most efficiently in the shortest amount of time (avoid mailing back-and forth the whole time!):

STEP 1: Look at schedules of ship departures with itineraries on our Cruise Specials from Durban & Cape Town page.
There you can see exactly when the cruise departs and where it's going and make a decision about which ones would suit your travelling group. When you know you definitely want to depart from Durban, eliminate the options by going to our Cruises from Durban page. Same goes for Cruises from Cape Town.

STEP 2: Fill in the booking form on the page with your query, email us at cruises@southafrica.to or give us a call at 021-531-7453 (e-mail is better though, then we'll have your correct e-mail address to repond to with a quote).
Provide the following information on the form or have it ready for when you're phoning:

1. Cruise code or Cruise date and name of ship
e.g. MU49 or MSC Musica 23rd of April 2019

2. Number of passengers + ages. E.g. 2 adults, 2 children (below 18 years), 2 seniors (over 60).

3. Type of cabin (inside = no window, cheapest), outside (window), balcony (sleep max of 2 people) or balcony suites (sleep a max of 3 adults OR 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years).

Easy as pie!
Now get started planning your perfect cruise get-away, the sooner you book a cabin, the better your chances of getting the best prices.

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