Joshua Emanuel’s Beyond Ocean Experience invites you to discover the untouched beauty of Mozambique’s Inhaca Island! Beyond the water, guests can explore coral reefs, enjoy sunset beach dinners, and immerse themselves in vibrant local culture. This experience combines world-class kitesurfing with unforgettable adventures. Find out more and get in touch with Beyond Ocean Experience to book your spot!

I first discovered Inhaca Island at a young age during a family holiday. The memory of its untouched beauty etched itself into my very being. Years later, I did not know where to go when my kitesurfing career led me to seek out unique spots to share with others. Inhaca’s raw beauty and incredible conditions called me back, this time to introduce others to its magic.

Inhaca Island, located off the Santa Maria peninsula in Mozambique, is an awesome spot for kitesurfing. The lagoon between Inhaca and Portuguese Island has shallow, clear waters that are perfect for beginners looking to enjoy calm, flat conditions. A narrow beach separates the lagoon from the open ocean, making it a fun playground for everyone, no matter their skill level.

Having travelled to some of the world’s most popular kiting spots, Inhaca remains etched in my memory. Every time I go, its breathtaking beauty leaves me speechless. What amazes me most is how ‘off the map’ it still feels. Practically, no one has heard of it, which makes it one of the world’s last hidden gems for kitesurfers. 

Accessing Inhaca Island is part of the adventure. We arrange private speedboat transfers from Maputo Marina to the island, a journey that takes about an hour. For those wanting an even more unique experience, we can also organise helicopter transfers, offering a spectacular aerial view of Mozambique’s coastline. Rest assured, we have safety measures and emergency procedures in place for all our transfers, ensuring a smooth and secure journey.

You would generally arrive in Maputo a day earlier and stay at one of the hotels near the marina. It’s a 20-minute drive from the airport to the marina, which we can arrange with a local shuttle service. The boat to Inhaca departs at 10 a.m. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a fresh coconut and lunch before diving into their first kiting session! 

For those with extra time and a sense of adventure, there’s the option to drive through the elephant reserve. This scenic safari route offers the chance to see Africa’s wildlife up close before arriving at the Santa Maria peninsula. From there, it’s a quick five-minute boat ride to the island.

Two adjacent lodges are perched on a hill overlooking the bay of Maputo. The lodges blend rustic charm with luxury. They feature spacious ensuite rooms that offer privacy and comfort. Both lodges have swimming pools and chill-out areas where you can relax and soak in the island’s scenic views, providing a secure and serene environment for your stay.

The facilities are designed to be practical and convenient for kiters. Gear is stored in a beachside room for easy access, while wet items are returned to the lodge to be cleaned and hung up for the next session. The kite spot is just a short boat ride away, though the predominant northerly wind also allows kiting directly in front of the lodge or even downwinding back to it.

Inhaca Island offers an unparalleled kitesurfing experience, a privilege that only a few have had the chance to enjoy. Kiting on smooth, flat water along an endless sandbank in a natural setting is a unique experience. Beginners can build confidence in the calm lagoon, while advanced riders can ride on the ocean side with great waves.

Even non-windy days on Inhaca Island are full of adventure. You can explore vibrant coral reefs and wrecks through guided snorkelling trips, kayaking through lush mangroves, or deep-sea fishing. Fishing charters are a blast and usually bring awesome catches, like yellowfin tuna, king mackerel, and even sailfish.

One of the highlights is the sunset boat ride to the Portuguese Island, where we host a candlelit beach dinner. You can enjoy traditional Mozambican music and dancing performed by local artists—a cultural experience that always leaves a lasting impression. If you visit during humpback whale season (August to October), you’ll have the chance to see these gentle giants up close and sometimes even swim with a calf and its mother. These unique cultural experiences add a special touch to your kitesurfing adventure on Inhaca Island.

For those who love to explore on foot, the island offers scenic walks to the Marine Biology Museum, where you can learn about Inhaca’s unique marine ecosystem. Safari drives across the island take you through coconut forests and local villages and up to the lighthouse, where the view from the dunes is breathtaking.

The ideal time to visit Inhaca Island is during the peak windy season from August to October. You can expect consistent northerly thermal winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots, while occasional southerly winds bring stronger conditions of 20 to 35 knots. This period offers 70–80% kiteable days over a 10-day trip, making it perfect for a kitesurfing holiday!

I recommend bringing kite sizes ranging from 7m to 13m for kitesurfing to adapt to the varying wind conditions. Twintips, surfboards, and foils all have their place here, depending on your style and preference. We can provide a full range of premium gear for those travelling light, including the latest Core products available for demo or purchase. 

Temperatures range from 18–32°C as the season progresses, with water temperatures staying between 20–27°C. Humidity remains manageable, and occasional rain provides a refreshing break.

Meals on the island are an experience in themselves. Chef Amouse and his team prepare buffet-style dinners featuring fresh seafood, Mozambican classics like Peri-Peri Chicken, and South African-inspired dishes. Visitors rave about the variety and quality, often joking that they’re eating like kings without gaining weight thanks to their active days on the water. Lunch favourites include Prego rolls and freshly grilled fish, while the Mozambican chilli sauce is a must-try. For those with dietary restrictions, the team takes great care to accommodate every need.

The local village also offers a chance to explore small markets and enjoy nights out at rustic restaurants, where music and the famous “R&R cocktails” add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Despite its remote location, Inhaca Island is equipped with world-class Starlink Wi-Fi, allowing visitors to stay connected and even work remotely if needed. Mobile network coverage is excellent, and local SIM cards are affordable.

Whether you’re carving through perfect lagoon waters, exploring vibrant reefs, or sharing unforgettable sunsets with new friends, every moment here is magic. This hidden gem in Mozambique is waiting to be discovered—an adventure that combines world-class kitesurfing, cultural immersion, and the untouched beauty of nature! 

Get in touch with Beyond Ocean Experience today and book your spot. 

Contact number +27828534221 / +27 76 829 8155

Email hello@beyondoceanexperience.io

Instagram: @beyondoceanxp

Website: https://beyondoceanexperience.io/

By Joshua.Emmanuel

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