Snorkeling in Maputo: Santa Maria and Portuguese Island

Reef snorkeling at Santa Maria, then island-hopping to Portuguese Island

A full-day boat trip from Maputo to Santa Maria and Portuguese Island with snorkeling equipment and lesson, kayaking, lunch at a local restaurant, and a walk through Inhaca village. The day runs nine hours from 8am departure through 5pm return, with licensed captains and local guides leading the route across three stops.

The experience

The boat leaves Maputo Marina at 8am and reaches Santa Maria an hour later, where snorkeling equipment and a lesson are waiting. The reef here holds coral and fish, and the operator sets up beach chairs and shades so you can rest between water time. Snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking all happen at this first stop. The choice is yours how to spend the morning.

At 12:30 the boat heads to Inhaca Island for lunch at one of the oldest restaurants there (a local spot, not a tourist setup), and a village tour afterward. You walk through markets, meet people selling handmade goods, and see how the island actually works beyond the beach. The tour wraps at Portuguese Island, the final stop, where you have an hour to swim and rest before the return journey to Maputo, arriving at 5pm.

The trip includes snorkeling gear, a kayak, lunch, water, snacks, and all island and marina fees. A live guide speaks English or Portuguese and travels with the group the whole day. Children from age one are welcome. The operator does not recommend it for babies under two or for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Boat transport from Maputo to Santa Maria, Inhaca Island, and Portuguese Island.
• snorkeling equipment and lesson.
• kayak use.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• water and snacks.
• beach chairs and shades.
• all island and marina fees.
• live guide in English or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years): free · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Maputo Blue

Is this one for you?Small mixed groups work well for this itinerary. The boat carries multiple travelers, so you meet other visitors while the guide and crew manage the route and timing. If you prefer to snorkel and explore at your own pace without a fixed schedule, a private rental would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years): free; Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the coral reef like at Santa Maria?

Santa Maria's reef holds coral and fish visible from the surface. Snorkeling equipment and a lesson are provided, so even first-timers can enter the water safely.

How much time do I spend snorkeling versus other activities?

You arrive at Santa Maria around 9am and stay until 12:30pm (three and a half hours) with snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking all available. The choice of how to split your time is yours.

What is lunch like on Inhaca Island?

Lunch happens at one of Inhaca's oldest and most established local restaurants, known for good food and island atmosphere. It is included in the price.

How long is the village tour at Inhaca?

After lunch you walk through local markets and meet people in the village for roughly an hour before heading to Portuguese Island for the final beach stop.

What time does the boat return to Maputo?

The boat departs Maputo at 8am and returns at 5pm, making it a full nine-hour day. Portuguese Island is the last stop, and you leave there around 4pm for the return journey.