Desroches & Outer Islands

Discover the legendary underwater kaleidoscope of the western Indian Ocean coral gardens.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

April to Dec

Overview

The islands that make up the Seychelles are widely flung across the Indian Ocean. In fact some are closer to Madagascar than to Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles! The mostly coral ‘Outer Islands’ include Desroches Island, Amirantes, Alphonse, Farquhar and Aldabra islands.
From the air, all you see are the blue shadows of the pristine coral reefs. And the big attraction of the Outer Islands is the diving with phenomenal marine life including turtles, mantas and hammerhead sharks, as well as columns and caves to explore.

Desroches Island

The best known of these is Desroches Island, covered with coconut palms and tall hardwood trees. It's the classic Robinson Crusoe desert island! Also Desroches is the closest to Mahe, a mere 230km to the south-west! This tiny island, with its luxurious beach lodge, Four Seasons Desroches, has 14km of virgin white sandy beaches. Plus crystal clear azure blue waters. The rich coral reef protects a large shallow lagoon. So, as expected, it is a mecca for scuba divers.

Cycling in forest on Desroches island, outer islands of Seychelles

Alphonse Island also has a huge lagoon, dotted with coral reefs. This island attracts keen sports-fishers, especially for bone-fishing.

Features

Why you may love it

  • Superb Diving off the Outer Islands
  • Great to combine with a more accessible resort onn Mahe or Praslin

Start planning your dream trip

Find me the best in for

Need a little help? View our Safari Guide to help you get started

Did you know
  • GEOGRAPHYDesroches island is the largest of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles