Plan a CruiseDzaoudzi Cruise Port Guide
Upon arrival in Dzaoudzi, your cruise ship will anchor offshore, and guests will be tendered ashore to Mamoudzou, located on Grande Terre island. Mamoudzou's town center is a short, easily walkable distance from the tender pier, making it convenient for initial exploration. Dzaoudzi itself is a commune within Mayotte, a French overseas collectivity, located on the smaller Petite-Terre island. Mayotte's capital was relocated from Dzaoudzi to Mamoudzou in 1977. While exploring, you'll find various vehicles available for taxi services, often converted small pickup trucks with benches in the back, though few cars offer air conditioning. The wider Comoros region is known as one of the world's poorest, with inadequate transportation links between its islands.
Getting Around from the Port
From the tender pier in Mamoudzou, the town center is just a short walk away. To venture further afield on Mayotte, the most common and easiest transport option is using "bush taxis" (taxi brousse). These shared taxis can take you around the island for just a few euros. For longer distances or specific destinations, individual taxis (often the converted pickup trucks) are also available.
Attractions and Activities
Mayotte offers several unique natural attractions for visitors:
- Diving in the Lagoon: Explore the world's largest enclosed coral lagoon, renowned for spectacular diving sights.
- Sea Turtle Spotting: Head to the southern beaches where sea turtles frequently come to roost.
- Whale Watching: During August and September, the lagoon becomes a nursery for humpback whales, offering a chance to spot mothers with their calves. It's advisable to compare independent excursion options with those offered by your cruise line to find the best fit for your interests and budget.
Dining & Shopping
When considering local cuisine, a key tip is to only consume food that has been thoroughly cooked. A unique local specialty is the "Djak," a large green fruit, typically 1.5 to 2 feet in length, which is described as having a taste similar to lychee. There is no specific information about shops or restaurants directly at the tender pier or within walking distance provided in the reference.
Safety
Visitors should be aware that malaria, including cerebral malaria, is prevalent in the Comoros region. Culturally, Mayotte is a liberal Muslim country, but respectful dress is important. For women, it is considered disrespectful to expose shoulders, much of the chest, knees, stomach, or lower back. Wearing shirts or shawls that cover these areas is recommended. Foreign, non-Muslim women are not expected to cover their heads. When swimming, local women are fully dressed; while foreigners are not expected to do the same, wearing shorts and a swimming shirt is more respectful than a bikini or swimming topless. Men should wear shorts that extend below the knee. Public displays of affection between men and women are generally not acceptable.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (EUR).