Seychelles boasts five different cruise ports scattered across its gorgeous island chain. When visiting Victoria on Mahé, your ship docks right at the port for easy city access.
For the other islands – Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse, and Desroches – you’ll hop on tender boats from your anchored cruise ship. Each stop offers something special, from UNESCO heritage sites and massive tortoises to incredible beaches and colorful reef systems.
Remember to bring sunscreen and water shoes, especially for the more remote spots where you won’t find many facilities.
Every island gives you a unique taste of Seychelles’ natural beauty.
Victoria, Mahé Cruise Ship Port Guide
Port Victoria: Your Gateway to Mahé Island
Cruise ships dock at the deep-water terminal at Ogden Point on MahĂ©, putting you just a 15-20 minute walk from Victoria’s colorful center. No need to worry about getting around – taxis and buses are easy to find if you don’t feel like walking.
Don’t expect much at the terminal itself – facilities are pretty basic, though you’ll spot some temporary stalls selling stuff when ships are in port. Most locals speak English, French, and Creole, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. Got euros? Many places accept them, though the Seychelles Rupee is the official currency.
Once you’re off the ship, you’re in a perfect spot to check out the lush Botanical Gardens, snap a photo of the iconic Victoria Clocktower, or head for the hills where some gorgeous mountain trails and lookout points await.
Praslin Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Praslin Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Heads up – Praslin doesn’t have a deep-water port like MahĂ©, so your ship will drop anchor offshore. You’ll hop on tender boats that zip you over to this slice of paradise, which happens to be the second-largest island in Seychelles.
Once you hit the shore, check out these can’t-miss spots:
- VallĂ©e de Mai Nature Reserve – A UNESCO gem where those weird and wonderful coco de mer palms grow
- Anse Lazio – Trust me, one of the most jaw-dropping beaches you’ll ever see
- Curieuse Island – Just a quick boat ride away with giant tortoises lumbering around
- CĂ´te d’Or – Great for a bit of retail therapy, grabbing a bite, or cooling off in the water
- Local grub – Dig into some fresh jobfish or spicy octopus curry while you’re here
La Digue Cruise Ship Port Guide
La Digue’s got some unbelievable views, but let’s be real about the port situation. Your ship’s gonna drop anchor offshore, and you’ll hop on tender boats that’ll ferry you to the simple dock at La Passe.
Don’t expect anything fancy – there’s no cruise terminal in sight. Just basic stuff like toilets and a few shops selling souvenirs. Do what the locals do and grab a bike for $10-$15 a day, or if pedaling isn’t your thing, join the crowd in one of those electric golf carts.
Make sure you hit up Anse Source d’Argent beach – it’s ridiculous how beautiful it is. The Veuve Nature Reserve and L’Union Estate plantation are worth checking out too. With only 8 ships calling here in 2024/2025, you’re part of a pretty exclusive club of visitors!
Curieuse Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Curieuse Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Unlike other spots in Seychelles, Curieuse Island is wild and untamed – home to just a handful of park rangers. Your ship will drop anchor offshore, and you’ll hop on tender boats to reach this gorgeous conservation area.
- Wander the 1.7km trail through lush mangroves to discover the hidden gem of Anse José
- Hang out with over 500 giant Aldabra tortoises that cruise around the island at their own pace
- Dive into St. Pierre’s stunning coral gardens where you can see up to 30m deep in April
- Check out the old leprosy colony ruins for some killer views across the island
- May through October is your best bet for great hiking and spotting wildlife
Don’t forget to bring €20 cash for entry fees, and pack plenty of water and sunscreen – there’s not much in the way of shops or facilities on this natural slice of paradise.
Desroches Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Tucked away in the Amirantes Islands group, Desroches Island gives you that genuine castaway experience about 227 km southwest of Victoria. Your ship will drop anchor offshore, and tenders will ferry you right up to the gorgeous beaches that wrap around this 5.5 km island.
Better bring your essentials since there’s literally nothing here – just 4 km² of pristine paradise that rises dramatically from the deep ocean floor. You’ll discover amazing snorkeling spots along the 50-mile coral reef, swim with colorful parrotfish and reef sharks, and enjoy peaceful walks on empty beaches.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and some decent reef shoes. The remoteness of this island means you’ll get a real Seychelles experience without having to dodge the usual tourist crowds.
Silhouette Island Cruise Ship Port Guide
Rising from the Indian Ocean like something out of a dream, Silhouette Island sits just 20 km northwest of MahĂ©. This place offers cruise passengers a wild, untouched experience you won’t find at other Seychelles ports. Your ship will drop anchor offshore, and you’ll hop on a tender boat to reach this little slice of paradise where only a handful of visitors are allowed each day.
- Hike through the rainforest on Mount Dauban to check out those weird, cool pitcher-plants you can’t find anywhere else
- Jump into crystal-clear waters where you can see up to 30 meters deep while snorkeling
- Chill out on the empty beaches at Anse Mondon and Anse Lascars
- Tag along with locals who’ll tell you all about the island’s pirate treasure legends
- Hang out in La Passe village and soak up some authentic Creole culture
Farquhar Atoll Cruise Ship Port Guide
Farquhar Atoll Cruise Ship Port Guide
Way down at the bottom of Seychelles lies Farquhar Atoll, easily one of the most out-of-the-way spots you’ll hit while cruising the Indian Ocean in style. This hidden gem boasts unusual 10-meter sand dunes and a gorgeous turquoise lagoon that stretches across 12.5 km².
Since there’s no cruise terminal, you’ll have to hop on a tender boat to reach shore. The Emerald Azzurra stops by in January and February 2026, giving lucky travelers a rare chance to explore this untouched paradise. Once you’re on land, dive into some world-class snorkeling among pristine coral reefs, snap photos of the incredible scenery, or tag along with guides who’ll help you spot sooty and black-naped terns on a birdwatching adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Cruise Seychelles?
Looking to cruise the Seychelles? April-May or October-November are your sweet spots. You’ll hit that perfect combo of calm waters, crystal-clear visibility, and just-right temperatures. Plus, these in-between seasons mean you won’t be fighting crowds, and your wallet might thank you with better rates. Win-win for your island escape!
Are Vaccinations Required for Seychelles Cruise Passengers?
If you’re over 1 year old and coming from countries with yellow fever, you’ll need to show your vaccination certificate. No need to worry about this if you’re flying in directly from places like Australia where yellow fever isn’t a problem. While you’re at it, you might want to look at what vaccines the CDC suggests – they’re good to have for your own health anyway.
What Currency Is Accepted at Seychelles Ports?
When you dock in the Seychelles, bring Seychelles Rupees (SCR) – that’s your go-to currency at the ports. Most places take credit cards, and you can find ATMs around if you need cash. Some vendors might take Euros in a pinch, but you’ll always get a better deal using the local currency instead.
How Accessible Are Seychelles Ports for Mobility-Impaired Travelers?
If you’ve got mobility issues, Seychelles ports aren’t the easiest to navigate. You’ll struggle with those tender transfers – they involve tackling stairs, and there’s not much help on hand. The facilities onshore aren’t great for accessibility either. Your best bet is to pick cruise companies that really make an effort with mobility accommodations.
What Local Customs Should Visitors Respect When in Seychelles?
When visiting Seychelles, remember to keep your outfit modest in towns (save the bikinis for the beach!), stick to using your right hand for meals and handshakes, snap photos of locals only after getting their OK, and kick off your shoes before stepping into someone’s home or a temple.
