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Logistics · Destination Guide

Outer Islands

Remote coral atolls where blue-water adventure meets serious conservation

Updated Mar 26, 2026 • 22 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
  • Typical transfer: 20 minutesute drive to Victoria and nearby airport hotels
  • Entry requirement: All visitors must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure for Seychelles.
  • Getting around: On the adventure islands themselves, transport is usually part of the stay.

Getting There

Most international travelers enter Seychelles through Seychelles International Airport on Mahe, then continue to the Outer Islands on resort-arranged or operator-arranged flights from the domestic side of SEZ. Desroches is the simplest onward hop, with scheduled IDC-operated scenic flights booked through Four Seasons. Alphonse is also reached by operator-managed flights from Mahe and often works best with a Mahe buffer if your inbound long-haul arrives late. Astove and Cosmoledo are much more specialist and should be planned as seasonal expedition-style extensions rather than casual add-ons. There are no regular public ferries to these adventure islands.

Airports

1

Seychelles International Airport

SEZ • FSIA

10 km • 20 minutesute drive to Victoria and nearby airport hotels

Main international gateway on Mahe. Clear immigration here, then continue to outer-island charter or resort flights from the domestic side.

Transport: Airport taxis, Pre-booked hotel transfers, Resort meet-and-greet

2

Desroches Airport

DES • FSDR

1 km • 5 minutesute walk or buggy transfer to the resort

Private runway adjoining Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island. Connected to Mahe by a 35-minute IDC-operated scenic flight booked through the resort.

Transport: Resort representative escort, Buggy transfer, Walking transfer

3

Alphonse Airport

Airport • FSAL

1 km • 5 minutesute walk or buggy transfer to the lodge

Private airstrip serving Alphonse Island Lodge and the Alphonse Group. Typical flight time from Mahe is about one hour.

Transport: Lodge meet-and-greet, Walking transfer, Buggy transfer

Getting Around

On the adventure islands themselves, transport is usually part of the stay. Desroches is best explored by bicycle, while Alphonse mixes bicycles, short buggy transfers, and guided boat moves. Astove and Cosmoledo operate more like expedition bases, with walking, skiffs, and fixed operator routines rather than casual point-to-point transport. There is no rideshare ecosystem and no public transport in the normal sense once you leave Mahe.

Entry Requirements

  • All visitors must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure for Seychelles.
  • Seychelles remains broadly visa-free for most nationalities, but you still need immigration approval, a valid passport, onward or return travel, confirmed accommodation, and proof of funds.
  • The initial visitor's permit is issued free for up to three months if you meet entry conditions.
  • If you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-risk country, check the latest vaccination documentation rules before travel.
  • Outer-island guests should print or save confirmations for flights, accommodation, and eTA because internet access after Mahe may be limited.

Gear Logistics Checklist

  • Pack in soft-sided luggage wherever possible.
  • Keep regulators, computers, cameras, batteries, and prescription medication in carry-on.
  • Do not assume you can buy specialist spares once you leave Mahe.
  • Reserve dive packages, freedive instruction, nitrox, and blue-water sessions before you board the outer-island flight.
  • A lightweight dry bag, spare charging cables, and a UK-style plug adapter save hassle.

Practicalities

Currency

Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

SCR is the official currency of Seychelles. On outer-island lodges, many charges go straight to your room folio and are settled by card, so cash matters most on Mahe for airport snacks, taxis, or small purchases before you fly onward.

ATMs are easy on Mahe and available at the airport and other main-island points, but do not expect useful ATM access once you reach remote outer-island properties. Withdraw what you need before the onward flight.

Electricity

220-240V • 50Hz • G

A UK-style three-pin adapter is the safe default. Remote lodges may mix generator and backup systems, so carry a power bank and avoid relying on one socket at the end of the week.

Communications

Mobile and data service are easiest to sort on Mahe, including SIM or eSIM arrangements before the onward flight. Desroches officially notes that there is no cellular network on the island and that guests rely on landline or Wi-Fi. Alphonse lodging includes Wi-Fi, but you should still treat internet as a convenience rather than a guarantee. On Astove and Cosmoledo, connectivity is more expedition-grade and should never be assumed good enough for constant work calls or large uploads.

Language

English, French, and Seychellois Creole are widely spoken across Seychelles. In outer-island tourism operations, English is the working language for dive briefings, transfers, and conservation activities.

Insurance

Carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes remote medical evacuation. If you dive, add dive accident cover and make sure your policy does not exclude small-aircraft transfers, boating, or specialist activities. Some operators may ask for proof of insurance before diving.

Packing list

  • 3mm suit is enough for most divers in water that often sits around 26°C to 30°C, though colder guests may like a hooded vest on long boat days.
  • Bring booties, SMB, dive computer, save-a-dive kit, and any camera spares.
  • For snorkel and topside time, pack a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, sun hat, dry bag, and polarized sunglasses.
  • Soft luggage beats hard cases on charter sectors.
  • Carry all medication, adapters, and essential chargers in hand luggage.

Expedition Planning

External Booking Partner

Compare liveaboards for Outer Islands

This destination is usually planned around a liveaboard itinerary rather than a local day-boat base. Compare departures and routes with our external booking partner.

DiveJourney may earn referral revenue. Booking is handled by the partner and operator under their terms.