Desroches Island isn’t your typical cruise stop – you’ll be making a wet landing from tender boats while your ship stays anchored offshore.
For other Seychelles Cruise destinations check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Seychelles page.
Pack your water shoes because you’ll wade knee-deep through crystal waters where fish dart around your legs!
The island keeps things simple with just a restaurant, bar, and a few shops, but that’s because nature is the real star here.
Grab one of the rental bikes to cruise around 20km of island trails, or grab a mask and snorkel to check out the amazing coral gardens where visibility stretches up to 30 meters.
Our detailed guide below has everything you need to know about this slice of Seychelles paradise.
Map of Desroches Island Cruise Ship Port
Arriving at Desroches Island: Tender Process and Beach Landing
When your cruise ship drops anchor off Desroches Island, you won’t find any fancy docks here – it’s tender time! You’ll hop aboard either one of the ship’s lifeboats or a local boat that’ll be packed with 50-150 of your fellow cruisers.
Heads up – you’re in for a wet landing on this slice of paradise. Count on wading through knee-deep water to hit the beach. Smart move: pack some water shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral bits, and bring waterproof bags to keep your phone and wallet dry.
If you’ve booked an excursion, you’ll get first dibs on the tenders. Everyone else will follow the crew’s instructions – usually by ticket numbers or groups. Don’t stress about getting back – tenders run back and forth all day long, just keep an eye on when your ship plans to sail away!
Essential Port Facilities and Onshore Amenities
Desroches Island isn’t your typical cruise port with fancy facilities, but that’s kinda what makes it special. You’ll find just the basics here – a restaurant, bar, and a handful of shops to grab a cold drink or pick up some local treasures.
If you’re hoping to stay overnight, tough luck – cruise visitors need to head back to their ships when the day’s done. Big cruise ships can’t pull right up to Desroches either. They drop anchor at Victoria on Mahe Island, and you’ll hop on tender boats that shuttle you to the beach. Sure, the amenities are pretty minimal, but that’s the trade-off for experiencing this unspoiled slice of the Seychelles in all its natural glory.
Spectacular Snorkeling and Diving Opportunities
The real magic of Desroches Island? It’s all underwater. Dive into 18 amazing dive sites where the water stays between 26-30°C year-round and you can see up to 30 meters ahead. Doesn’t matter if you’re just getting your feet wet in the calm lagoons or you’re a seasoned pro looking to tackle the outer reefs – our underwater playground has got you covered.
- Cruise alongside hawksbill turtles and blacktip reef sharks
- Check out the jaw-dropping underwater cliffs at Desroches Drop
- Get blown away by more than 150 fish species darting through colorful coral gardens
- Catch majestic manta rays hanging out at their underwater cleaning spots
- Roll up your sleeves and help with conservation work in our protected marine areas
Island Exploration and Guided Excursions
Desroches Island isn’t just about what’s underwater – the island itself is begging to be explored, and we’ve put together some awesome excursions to help you discover it all.
Grab one of our free bikes (if you’re staying with Four Seasons) and hit the 20 km of flat cycling paths crisscrossing the island. You can join our guides for rides through swaying coconut groves or just follow the marked routes at your own pace.
Love fishing? Our charter boats will take you where the big boys swim – we’re talking sailfish and tuna that’ll give you bragging rights for years. Or maybe just hop on a boat for some island-hopping, topped off with sunset cruises where the champagne flows freely.
Our conservation walks are pretty special too – you’ll see where turtles nest and visit the tortoise rehab center where these ancient creatures are making a comeback.
And don’t skip the old lighthouse from the 1800s. The climb is worth it for the mind-blowing 360° views, especially with a rum cocktail in hand at the seafood joint nearby.
See what’s on offer from the Curieuse Island for a different Seychelles Cruise destination.
Practical Information for Cruise Visitors
Practical Information for Cruise Visitors
Forget fancy port terminals – your ship will drop anchor offshore and tender boats will ferry you straight to the beach. That’s where the magic starts on Desroches!
- You can swipe your card at the resort, but tuck some cash in your wallet for little purchases (no ATMs or banks here, folks)
- WiFi’s only available around the resort – perfect excuse to ditch your phone for a day
- April’s a scorcher (around 28°C) with serious UV rays – pack the good sunscreen (reef-safe!) and something to cover up
- We’re on GMT+4 time, same as the rest of Seychelles
- If you need medical help, head back to your ship – the island doesn’t have facilities for emergencies
Connecting to Nearby Seychelles Destinations
After soaking up the sun on Desroches Island’s gorgeous beaches, you might be itching to see more of what Seychelles has to offer. No worries – getting around is pretty straightforward! Regular small planes fly between Desroches and MahĂ©, and you’ll be there in just 30-60 minutes.
Once you hit Mahé, the Seychelles is your oyster. The stunning islands of Praslin and La Digue are just a hop away, making it super easy to island-hop your way through paradise. Think of Mahé as your jumping-off point for all these adventures.
Got a bit more cash to splash? Private charter flights can whisk you directly between Desroches and other islands without the layover in Mahé.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Dangerous Marine Creatures Around Desroches Island?
No need to worry! The waters are pretty safe to explore. Yeah, there are a few things to watch out for – stingrays and sea urchins hang around, but they’ll leave you alone if you don’t mess with them. Just keep your eyes open and we’ll show you how to swim around here without any trouble.
Can Cruise Passengers Use Private Yacht Facilities?
Unfortunately, cruise passengers aren’t able to use private yacht facilities. Desroches doesn’t have cruise infrastructure or any shared yacht amenities. When you visit this beautiful island, you’ll need to stick with whatever services your own vessel provides.
Is There Wi-Fi or Mobile Connectivity on Desroches Island?
Wi-Fi is only available at the fancy Four Seasons Resort, and forget about cell service on Desroches Island. Your phone won’t pick up any mobile networks, so you’ll have to stick with the resort’s Wi-Fi to stay connected with the outside world.
What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available for Cruise Passengers?
If you need medical help while cruising, you’ll find on-call medical staff and a nurse who can handle basic care. Your ship’s infirmary offers more comprehensive options, which is good to know since getting evacuated to the hospital on MahĂ© takes about 45 minutes and can only happen during daylight hours.
Are There Restrictions on Drone Photography Around the Island?
Yes, you need to register drones weighing 200g or more with the SCAA. Keep your drone away from airfields (stay at least 5km clear) and don’t buzz around the cruise ship port. Remember to respect people’s privacy while you’re capturing those aerial shots. Oh, and if you’re planning to use those photos for commercial purposes, make sure to get approval beforehand.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Silhouette Island Cruise Ship Port.
