Delagoa Bay

Delagoa Bay, then Maputo Bay, is an inlet of the Indian Ocean on the Mozambique coast. It opens toward the northeast, with the spit at Ponta da Macaneta shaping its northwestern end and mangroves behind the western beaches. The Machangulo peninsula protects the eastern side and provides safe anchorage on its inner shore.

Inhaca Island rises beyond the peninsula and adds another sheltering mass between the bay and the open ocean. Several rivers give the harbour its connection with the interior. The Komati enters at the northern end, while the Matola, Umbeluzi and Tembe meet in the western Espírito Santo estuary; the Maputo River reaches the southern shore.

Bars and shallows obstruct navigation, but large vessels can still use the bay throughout the year. Portuguese commander António de Campo reached it in 1502, and merchant Lourenço Marques explored the upper estuaries in 1544. Later Dutch and Austrian traders established factories, showing how coastal access, river routes and uncertain sovereignty combined around this valuable Indian Ocean harbour.