The island's irregular coastline approaches the mainland's Machangulo peninsula at Ponta Torres where a 500m-wide tidal race separates the two headlands.

Later 16th century Portuguese traders established an Inhaca Island base to ply the Bay of the Lagoon's (Baía da Lagoa) rivers in search of ivory.

The Inhacazul Lodge and Pestana Hotel are the main destinations of travellers from where different excursions are often undertaken, including scuba diving and snorkelling outings.

Backpackers mostly visit a catering camping area within walking distance of the landing jetty, and are required to take bottled water and their own tents.

The Island can be visited by means of a Ferry which departs from the Porto de Pesca, Maputo at 8:00 and returns at 15:00 every Saturday and Sunday.