Places to Visit in Desroches Island, Seychelles, East Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Desroches Island, Seychelles, East Africa, Africa

Desroches Island or Ile Desroches is one of the islands forming Amirante Islands group, in the island country, Seychelles. The island stretches a length of 6.2 km, covering an area of 3.24 km². Desroches Island is situated around 230 km southwest of Mahe, the main island of Seychelles and on which the country’s capital Victoria is located. Like other islands of Seychelles, Desroches Island is also famous among tourists, mainly for its pristine beaches that are great sites to enjoy different water sport activities, including scuba diving. The geographical coordinates of Desroches Island are 5°40′ S 53°39′ E.

History of Desroches Island:

Desroches Island got its name from the Governor of Isle de France (former name of today’s Mauritius), Chevalier des Roches. The name was assigned by the commander of the ship L’Heure du Berger, Chevalier de Roslan, when Seychelles was under the French rule. Desroches Island had also seen the rule of the British along with the rest of Seychelles and became independent on June 23, 1976.

How to reach Desroches Island?

Desroches Island is served by a domestic airport, with scheduled and private charter flights from Mahé, the main island of Seychelles. It generally takes around 40 minutes by flight from Mahe to Desroches Island.

Mahé Airport or Seychelles International Airport handles flights from many global destinations like Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Colombo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Paris.

The local transportation of Desroches Island is catered by rental vehicles like bikes and scooters.

Food and Shopping in Desroches Island:

Desroches Island Resort is the focal point of Desroches Island’s shopping and dining. There is a wide range of restaurant options in Desroches Island Resort, visitors can choose according to their budget.

Things to do in Desroches Island:

Scuba diving
Hiking
Beach exploration
Island tour

What to see in Desroches Island?

Beaches of Desroches Island:

Desroches Island itself is very attractive, pleasant and nice island, highlighted by its 14 km of virgin white sand beaches, which offer a wide range of water sport activities for all age groups, including children. There are many tour operators on the island in order to aid visitors in finding the real beauties of Desroches Island’s beaches.

Lighthouse on Desroches Island:

Desroches Island houses a lighthouse dating from the colonial period that is still good in condition attracting both tourists and locals for its historic importance.

Desroches Airport:

The Desroches Airport is one of the landmarks of the Desroches Island. Although it receives a less number of flights, the airport draws a substantial number of tourists, mainly for its solid construction and pleasant surroundings.

Shark Rocks:

The Shark Rocks are natural rock formations, located at the northern edge Desroches Island. Measuring depth between 3 and 6 meters, the Shark Rocks are famous among those who are fond of nature.

List of other places of interest in and around Desroches Island includes:

Marie Louise Island
Étoile Cay
Boudeuse Cay
Bertaut Reef
Saint Joseph Atoll
D’Arros Island
Remire Island
Remire Reef
Lady Denison-Pender Shoal
Seychelles Natural History Museum
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
Clock Tower in Victoria

When to visit Desroches Island?

Desroches Island can be visited throughout the year, although the most ideal time to visit Desroches Island is from May to September.

Where to stay in Desroches Island?

Desroches Island Resort is the major accommodation centre on Desroches Island, home to 6 cottages with all upgraded facilities and services. Price varies on amenities and season. For more options, below is listed the hotels on Mahe Island (around 230 km from Desroches Island):