The Comoros has four pretty cool cruise stops: Moroni on Grande Comore where you can wander through the old medina.
Mutsamudu on Anjouan with its shopping areas and that Portuguese fort, laid-back Fomboni on Mohéli (fantastic snorkeling!), and Dzaoudzi on Mayotte with its French vibe.
Bring cash, learn a few French phrases, and watch the time so you don’t miss your ship.
These ports aren’t crawling with tourists yet, which means you’ll get real local experiences without fighting crowds.
Each island has its own special stuff to see – they’re like hidden treasures in the Indian Ocean that most travelers miss.
Moroni (Grande Comore) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Though you won’t find it on many big-name cruise routes, Moroni is the main stopping point for ships visiting the Comoros islands. Not much detailed info exists about this port in regular cruise guides.
When you drop anchor, you’ll pull into the capital’s basic harbor. Friendly local guides usually show up to help arrange rides and tours. The port has the essentials but don’t expect the fancy facilities of more touristy destinations.
From where you dock, it’s just a quick trip to the old medina with its winding little streets and unique Comorian-Arabic buildings. Just make sure to sort out your ride back to the ship with plenty of time before sailing – you don’t want to be left behind!
Mutsamudu (Anjouan) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Mutsamudu (Anjouan) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Hidden away in the Indian Ocean, Mutsamudu gives cruise travelers a peek into real Comorian culture that few tourists ever experience.
You’ll find yourself docking at the commercial quay or dropping anchor offshore – this is Anjouan’s capital and the only place in the Comoros with a deep-water port. Once ashore, wander through the old medina with its distinctive Swahili-Arab buildings or check out what’s left of the old Portuguese fort from the 1500s.
This working port handles most of the country’s shipping containers and serves as a hub for moving goods around the region. While you’re here, you might spot shipments of ylang-ylang oil and cloves being loaded – these are what the island is famous for.
Keep an eye on your belongings during shore visits and it’s smart to have someone watch the boat. Since big ships don’t come through all the time, your visit will likely feel genuine and uncrowded – none of that touristy atmosphere you get at bigger ports.
Fomboni (Mohéli) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Fomboni offers a totally different vibe than Mutsamudu’s busy port scene. It’s on MohĂ©li – the baby of the Comoros islands, and trust me, it’s worth the visit.
Your ship will drop anchor offshore, and you’ll hop on tender boats to reach this little gem. Don’t expect fancy cruise terminals or Hertz counters – that’s exactly what makes this place special. Instead, you’ll get the real deal: amazing snorkeling in MohĂ©li Marine Park’s colorful reefs, jungle hikes where you might spot massive fruit bats, and local markets where tourists are still a novelty.
Bring cash (ATMs? What ATMs?) and brush up on some basic French phrases. The best time to visit is during the dry months from May through November when the sea’s calmer for tendering and the wildlife is out in full force.
Dzaoudzi (Mayotte) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Dzaoudzi is a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, offering a cool French flavor on your Comoros cruise adventure. You’ll drop anchor offshore at 12°46.9’S 45°15.6E, and hop on tenders that’ll ferry you to this cute little port on Petite-Terre.
Getting around is a breeze with:
- Free ferries running every 30 minutes to Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre
- Free shuttle buses from cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas
- Super cheap “taxi brousse” (local bush taxis) that’ll only set you back €0.75-€2 per ride
Make sure you check out the massive lagoon (it’s actually the world’s largest!) with some killer diving spots, the southern beaches where turtles come to nest, and the cozy town center that’s literally a stone’s throw from where your tender drops you off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Currency Is Accepted at Comoros Cruise Ports?
When docking in Comoros, you’ll want to have Comorian Francs (KMF) on hand. Some touristy places might take US dollars or euros in a pinch, but don’t count on it. Your best bet is to swing by a local bank to exchange your money – they’ll give you much better rates than the tourist traps.
Are There Medical Facilities Near the Cruise Terminals?
Medical facilities around Comoros cruise ports? Pretty scarce, to be honest. Your ship’s infirmary is going to be your best bet if you need medical attention. Got something serious? You’ll probably end up being flown to RĂ©union or Madagascar for proper treatment.
How Reliable Is Cell Phone Service for Cruise Passengers?
Forget the carrier pigeon (though that would be hilarious)! Cell service is super hit-or-miss on cruises – works sometimes in port, but kiss your signal goodbye once you’re out at sea. When docked, your phone will grab whatever local network it can, but everyone else is doing the same thing, so good luck with that! If you’re smart, grab a local SIM card to avoid those eye-watering roaming charges.
What Local Souvenirs Are Unique to the Comoros?
Looking for cool Comorian keepsakes? Grab some of that sweet ylang-ylang oil, those vibrant handwoven fabrics that pop with color, or those detailed wooden carvings that locals have perfected over generations. And seriously, don’t sleep on the vanilla products – they’ll have you reliving your island adventure with every whiff long after you’ve gone back home.
Are Reef-Safe Sunscreens Required for Beach Excursions?
There’s no national rule saying you need reef-safe sunscreen in the Comoros, but honestly, you’ll be doing the oceans a huge favor by grabbing mineral-based protection. When you choose the right sunscreen, you’re basically joining the cool club of travelers who actually care about keeping those amazing coral reefs alive and kicking.
