Travel blog

Cruising the Portuguese Islands: A South African Guide

If you’re staying (sort of!) local for your holidays at the moment, but still craving a little escape and a change of scenery, a cruise to Portuguese Island could be exactly what you need.

2.4min read

Published 27 February 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

If you’re staying (sort of!) local for your holidays at the moment, but still craving a little escape and a change of scenery, a cruise to Portuguese Island could be exactly what you need.

Nestled in Maputo Bay off Mozambique’s coast, this island is a tropical paradise just a short sail away. Think white sandy beaches, warm water perfect for swimming, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from the madness of city life.

MSC Cruises makes getting there easy, with departures from Durban. These cruises to the Portuguese Islands are popular with South African travellers thanks to the mix of sun, sea, and onboard entertainment. Considering a few days at sea for a breakaway? Here’s everything you need to know about cruising to Portuguese Island and Mozambique from South Africa.

Discovering Portuguese Island

Portuguese Island, surrounded by crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, is all about laid-back luxury. The island itself is small enough to explore on foot, with a pleasant stroll from one end to the other taking just about an hour. Along the way, you’ll find pockets of shade under beach umbrellas, perfect for escaping the midday sun, or quiet spots to relax and soak in the ocean views.

For beach lovers, there’s no shortage of activities. Rent snorkel gear to explore the underwater world or gather a group for a lively game of beach volleyball. If you prefer something slower, there’s always the option to take a walk along the shoreline with your toes in the lapping waves. Or, you could hop on a short boat ride to nearby Inhaca Island.

If you’re sailing to Portuguese Island with MSC, everything on land is made simple with your cruise card. Need to grab a drink or a bite to eat? Or want to rent some gear for snorkelling? All it takes is a quick swipe.

Life Onboard: More Than Just a Cruise

One of the best parts about a cruise holiday is that the journey itself is just as exciting as the destination. Onboard an MSC cruise ship like the MSC Opera, you’ll find plenty to do. There’s onboard entertainment, loads of facilities to keep you busy, and incredible wining and dining too. Being able to enjoy the ‘travelling’ part of a holiday is one of the main reasons cruises are so popular. You could start your mornings with a buffet breakfast featuring fresh coffee, pastries, and fruits before heading up to the deck to enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, take a dip in the pool, relax in a sun lounger with a good book, or even have a spa treatment.

The food and drinks never stop coming onboard, so afterwards, you could treat yourself to a long, lazy lunch at one of the ship’s main restaurants. As the sun sets, the real fun begins with live music, themed bars, and even theatre performances offering something for everyone.

For families, the kids’ clubs and beach activities ensure little ones are entertained, while couples can enjoy romantic dinners under the stars or quiet strolls on deck. With packages for specialty dishes and drinks available to pre-book, you can make your reservation and then forget about all the other arrangements. Especially if you use a travel agent to help you choose the most suitable packages, dates, and add-ons.

Beyond Portuguese Island: Unmissable Stops

Many cruises from Durban include a stop at Portuguese Island, but depending on your itinerary, you may also explore some of the Indian Ocean’s other treasures. Pomene Island is another stunning stop with pristine beaches and calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Then there’s Maputo, Mozambique’s lively capital. A stop here – while there are beautiful beaches – is more about exploring the local culture. On the other hand, destinations like Port Louis in Mauritius and La Possession in Réunion add something more far-flung to your trip. And, of course, they also have unforgettable beaches and tropical scenery.

Mzansi Boys Take MSC Cruises

CHECK IT OUT

Make It Happen with Flight Centre

If you’re ready to set sail this holiday season, Flight Centre has you covered with exclusive packages tailored for South Africans. Whether it’s your first time cruising or you’re planning your next escape, options for departures from Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth make it easy to plan.

From the moment your ship leaves port to the day you return, a Portuguese Island cruise blends relaxation, adventure, and family fun into one unforgettable holiday.

Book your Portuguese Island cruise with Flight Centre and let the sun, sea, and white sandy beaches take care of the rest. Speak to one of our cruise specialists for the best deals!

In Partnership With: