Farquhar Atoll doesn’t have a proper cruise port – it’s pretty exclusive, honestly. Only small luxury ships like Ponant and Emerald Cruises can visit, and they’ll drop anchor offshore.
For other Seychelles Cruise destinations check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Seychelles page.
You’ll hop on a tender boat to reach this remote Seychelles gem, where you can try your hand at some world-class fly fishing, spot amazing wildlife, or just chill on untouched beaches.
Bring light clothes, decent sun protection, and something waterproof for your adventure. The weather’s typically a pleasant 81°F with nice sea breezes to keep you comfortable.
It’s the kind of unspoiled place most travelers never get to see – pretty special if you ask me.
Map of Farquhar Atoll Cruise Ship Port
Essential Port Information and Geographic Features
Farquhar Atoll lies tucked away in a far-flung corner of the Indian Ocean, part of Seychelles’ Outer Islands at -10.123° latitude and 51.169° longitude. The weather’s pretty much perfect all year – temperatures hover around 81°F (27°C) with nice sea breezes at about 4.9 m/s.
Don’t expect fancy docks or harbor facilities here – this uninhabited atoll keeps things simple. Ships drop anchor offshore, and you’ll get to shore via tender boats. Only small luxury yachts and boutique cruise ships make it out here, mostly between January and March. The big commercial cruise liners? They don’t bother with this unspoiled spot, which means you’ll be among just a handful of travelers lucky enough to experience it.
Cruise Lines Visiting Farquhar Atoll
Cruise Lines Visiting Farquhar Atoll
Tucked away from the crowds, Farquhar Atoll‘s untouched beauty has caught the eye of a few high-end cruise companies. Hop aboard one of these exclusive trips and you’ll get to explore this hidden gem with just a handful of other travelers.
The main players here are Ponant and Emerald Cruises, offering:
- Intimate boat experiences with less than 100 passengers
- Expert guides who’ll show you massive 10-meter sand dunes and spot rare birds you won’t see elsewhere
- Top-notch comfort with seriously luxurious cabins and amazing food
- Cool combo routes that let you check out Farquhar plus Aldabra and Alphonse atolls
These cruises are your ticket to seeing Farquhar’s one-of-a-kind natural wonders without sacrificing any creature comforts along the way.
Popular Itineraries and Connecting Destinations
Farquhar Atoll isn’t typically a standalone stop on most travelers’ itineraries – it’s more like the highlight of longer expedition cruises around the Seychelles.
If you’re planning your trip, check out Emerald Cruises‘ 12-night Seychelles & Indian Ocean Quest, which features Farquhar alongside MahĂ©, La Digue, Praslin, the Amirante Islands, and the Alphonse Group. They’ve put together routes that really show off all the different sides of the Seychelles.
Want to go bigger? Emerald Azzurra runs 22-day trips connecting the Seychelles with East African coastal spots – perfect if you’re after a real deep-dive into what the Indian Ocean has to offer.
Shore Excursions and Island Activities
Shore Excursions and Island Activities
Step onto Farquhar Atoll and you’re in for a treat – this place is packed with adventures that’ll show off the island’s jaw-dropping natural beauty. Get ready for some unforgettable moments in this untouched slice of paradise.
- Guided Fly Fishing – Splash through the shallows chasing monster Bumphead Parrotfish and Giant Trevally from our specialized 17.3-ft skiffs
- Wildlife Observation – Watch in awe as thousands of sooty terns nest across South Farquhar and GoĂ«lette islands
- Photography Tours – Snap incredible wildlife shots at prime spots near the dunes and lagoons
- Cultural Immersion – Roll up your sleeves and try traditional Seychellois farming or watch local artisans craft amazing pieces on North Farquhar
See what’s on offer from the Silhouette Island for a different Seychelles Cruise destination.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
Cruising to Farquhar Atoll? You’ll need to plan smart to make the most of your time on this off-the-beaten-path paradise. Double-check those docking dates (Jan 19th, Feb 4th 2026, Feb 25th 2027) and arrival times before locking in any activities.
Book your adventures through GetYourGuide (with free cancellation options!) and pack smart: light clothes, serious sun protection, and waterproof pouches for your phone and camera. Don’t forget cash – USD works best. If you’re hiring fishing guides, budget around $700/week for tips, and bring smaller bills for everything else.
Grab those offline maps while you still have good internet, give your bank a heads-up about your trip, and mentally prepare for spotty cell service. With ships only stopping by 3-4 times a year, you’ll want to soak up every minute!
Environmental Conservation and Visitor Guidelines
Welcome to Farquhar Atoll, Cruisers!
This gorgeous place you’re about to enjoy has been under the careful watch of the Farquhar Foundation since 2007. It’s a Zone 2 protected area, and we’ve been working extra hard to restore things since Cyclone Fantala knocked us around in 2016.
While you’re soaking up this slice of paradise, we ask that you:
- Keep your distance from our seabird hangouts – the ICS folks are tracking them
- Stick to the marked trails – we’ve got invasive plants we’re battling
- Hands off the coral! Those reefs are bouncing back and need time
- Listen to your guides – they know which areas are off-limits and why
Thanks for helping us keep Farquhar amazing for the next bunch of lucky visitors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use My Mobile Phone Network at Farquhar Atoll?
Don’t count on your regular phone working at Farquhar Atoll. Pretty much all the remote Seychelles spots (over 95%) have zero cell coverage. If staying connected matters, grab a satellite phone before your trip or plan to use the ship’s WiFi when available. The atoll is gorgeous but definitely off-grid!
Are There Medical Facilities for Emergencies During Shore Excursions?
While on shore excursions, your guides carry satellite phones to reach the ship’s medical staff if something goes wrong. They’ll help patch you up right there before getting you back to the ship, where doctors are available around the clock to check you over and decide what care you need.
What Currency Is Accepted at the Few Available Local Vendors?
Like stumbling on an oasis, the local vendors here mostly take Seychellois Rupee (SCR). You’ll blend right in with some small SCR bills in your pocket, but don’t sweat it if you’ve only got US dollars or euros – plenty of tourist spots will take those too as a Plan B.
How Strictly Is the Baggage Weight Limit Enforced on Tender Boats?
The baggage weight limits on tender boats aren’t something to mess with. They stick pretty firmly to the 20kg checked and 5kg carry-on rules. It’s not just about being difficult – they need to balance passenger safety and make sure there’s enough room for food supplies heading to the atoll.
Are Special Dietary Requirements Accommodated on Expedition Cruises to Farquhar?
Yes, they’ve got you covered for special diets on Farquhar trips, but make sure to let them know about your needs 45-90 days before sailing. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, kosher, or have other dietary restrictions, the kitchen crew will sort you out with meals that work for you.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Victoria, Mahé Cruise Ship Port.
