Mayotte (France) has two main cruise ship ports: Mamoudzou and Dzaoudzi.
Since there’s no actual cruise terminal, you’ll need to hop on tender boats to reach the shore.
Mamoudzou’s downtown is just a short walk away, where you can check out local markets and get access to what they call the world’s largest lagoon.
Over on Petite-Terre, you’ll find Dzaoudzi, which is connected to Mamoudzou by regular ferries.
Getting around is pretty cheap using the local “taxi brousse” (basically bush taxis).
The waters are incredibly clear, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some turtles hanging out at the beaches.
Mamoudzou Cruise Ship Port Guide
Mamoudzou doesn’t have a cruise terminal where big ships can pull up, so you’ll hop on tender boats to reach shore. No worries though – they drop you at a pier that’s just a quick stroll from downtown.
Once you’re on solid ground, you’re in a perfect spot to check out this slice of France in the Indian Ocean. The town’s pretty walkable, but if your feet get tired, grab one of the “taxi brousse” (those funky bush taxis) to zip around the island without breaking the bank.
Make sure you don’t skip the lagoon – it’s literally the biggest in the world with some killer diving spots. The local markets are worth browsing too, with their cool mix of Creole and Malagasy stuff. Feeling adventurous? Book a shore excursion to nearby Petite-Terre for something different.
Dzaoudzi Cruise Ship Port Guide
A Peek at Dzaoudzi Cruise Ship Port
When your cruise drops anchor off Dzaoudzi on Petite-Terre island, you’re in for something different. Instead of stepping directly onto Dzaoudzi’s shores, tender boats will whisk you across to Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre. Don’t worry though – Dzaoudzi still plays a key role in keeping Mayotte’s port traffic flowing.
Once you hit dry land, jump on one of the bush taxis with other cruise folks or catch the regular ferry hopping between islands. Got plans to stick around longer? The Dzaoudzi Pamandzi Airport isn’t far, making it easy to tack on some extra vacation days.
The real stars here are the crystal-clear lagoon (grab your snorkel!) and the southern beaches where you might spot sea turtles laying eggs. Swing by the Port Captain’s office to snag a map – they’ll point you around what used to be Mayotte’s capital city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Local Currency and Should I Exchange Money Beforehand?
Planning your money situation for Mayotte? The Euro (€) is what you’ll need here. Don’t stress about exchanging cash before your trip – there are plenty of ATMs in Mamoudzou where you can grab some euros when you arrive. Most tourist spots also take major credit cards, so you’re covered either way.
Are There Any Cultural Etiquette Rules Tourists Should Follow in Mayotte?
Dress modestly when out and about – shoulders and knees covered is the way to go since Mayotte is mostly Islamic. Throw out a friendly “Bonjour” or “M’bolo” when you meet locals, and definitely ask before snapping pics of people. Remember to kick off your shoes when visiting someone’s home or checking out a mosque. And maybe save the romantic stuff for private – public kissing and such isn’t really the done thing here.
What Wildlife Can Visitors Expect to See During Shore Excursions?
Wow, the wildlife here will blow your mind! You’ll spot everything from leatherback turtles to those gorgeous Malabar groupers hanging around the reefs. Keep your eyes peeled for the Mayotte Drongo birds – they’re only found in this part of the world. Those little Mertens’ Day Geckos add splashes of color everywhere, and if your timing’s right, you might catch humpback whales cruising through during migration. Seriously, we’ve got animals everywhere you look!
Is English Widely Spoken or Should I Learn Basic French Phrases?
English isn’t that common in Mayotte, to be honest. You should definitely pick up some basic French phrases since it’s their official language. The locals really appreciate when tourists make an effort, and trust me, knowing a bit of French will make your time ashore so much easier and more fun.
What Local Dishes or Street Foods Should Cruise Passengers Try?
When you’re off the ship, definitely grab some mataba – that’s cassava swimming in coconut milk – so good! The grilled langouste is a total must-try too. Wander around and sample street eats like brochettes (meat skewers) and poisson grillĂ© (just grilled fish, but way tastier than it sounds). The putu sauce has a nice kick to it, and nothing wakes you up like a cup of tchari. Oh, and heads up – French isn’t really a thing here, so learn a few basic phrases before you dock.
