Hotels in Desroches

Desroches: Coral Atoll in the Outer Seychelles

Desroches Island sits in the Amirantes Group, roughly 230 km southwest of Mahé, in the outer Seychelles. The island is a flat coral atoll — barely 4 km long — ringed by a barrier reef and 14 km of continuous white-sand beach. Access is by light aircraft from Mahé, a flight of around 45 minutes. A single high-end resort has operated here since the 1970s, now branded as the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island. The island's isolation keeps visitor numbers low and the reef largely undisturbed.

Getting Around and What to Do

The atoll is small enough to cover by bicycle, the primary mode of transport on-island. The surrounding reef supports strong populations of reef sharks, eagle rays, and hawksbill turtles, making Desroches a consistent draw for divers and snorkellers. The channel on the southwest side is a known site for pelagic species. There is no settlement or public infrastructure beyond the resort; all stays, meals, and activities are resort-based.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Charter flights depart from Mahé (SEZ); the resort coordinates transfers.
• Best diving conditions: April–May and October–November, between the two monsoon seasons.
• Pack light: luggage on charter aircraft is strictly limited, typically 20 kg total.
• Currency: Seychellois rupee (SCR); the resort accepts major cards.