Most travelers to Seychelles touch down on Mahé and never leave its orbit. That’s a shame — because the country is over 115 islands, and the ones that require a little more effort to reach are where the real magic lives. Desroches Island, for example, sits 230 kilometers southwest of Mahé and receives fewer than 20 passengers per flight on the small IDC Aviation aircraft that serve it. You share the runway with giant Aldabra tortoises, not other tourists. This article covers five off-the-beaten-path islands — Desroches, Silhouette, Curieuse, Cousin, and Fregate — plus a few outer atolls for the truly adventurous. Whether you’re a family looking for space or a couple wanting total privacy, these islands deliver solitude without sacrificing comfort.
Over 115 islands make up Seychelles, but most visitors never leave Mahé. The hidden islands offer true escape — and you can often have an entire beach to yourself.
Seychelles’ hidden islands aren’t hard to reach — they just require one extra flight or boat ride. That small effort is the difference between sharing a beach with dozens of people and having it entirely to yourself. The trade-off is higher cost and fewer dining options, but for pure isolation, these islands deliver.
Couples seeking privacy
Families wanting space
Wildlife lovers
| Island | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desroches | All-inclusive seclusion | Bicycle-based island exploration + tortoise sanctuary | 2–3 nights | Book the Lighthouse Lounge for sunset — it’s the only one on the island. |
| Silhouette | Hiking & wild landscapes | Untouched granite peaks and endemic forest | 1–2 nights | Wear sturdy shoes for the summit trail; it’s steep but worth it. |
| Curieuse | Day trip from Praslin | Hundreds of free-roaming giant tortoises | Half-day | Combine with a snorkel stop at nearby St. Pierre Islet. |
| Cousin | Birdwatching | UNESCO sanctuary for rare Seychelles Warbler | Half-day guided tour only | No independent visits allowed — book through a tour operator in advance. |
| Fregate | Ultra-luxury conservation | Private villa resort + Seychelles Magpie Robin breeding program | 2–4 nights | Helicopter transfer from Mahé is the only way in — plan accordingly. |
Desroches Island: The Coral Island You Reach by Runway
Desroches is a coral island at the southern edge of the Amirantes group, about 35 minutes by air from Mahé. The flight itself is an experience — the small IDC Aviation plane carries fewer than 20 passengers and lands on a single strip that cuts through the island’s interior. Once you step off, every guest is issued a bicycle, and that becomes your primary mode of transport for the entire stay. The only resort on the island is the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, which means you’re sharing the 6-kilometer-long island with a very small number of other guests.
Fly from Mahé to Desroches on IDC Aviation. The flight takes roughly 35 minutes. You’ll land on the island’s runway — yes, the same strip you’ll later cycle on at sunset. Book your seat well in advance as capacity is very limited.
Every guest receives a bike at check-in. The island is flat and compact, so you can cycle from the resort to Hidden Beach, Aquarium Beach, or Bombay Beach in under 15 minutes. Hidden Beach is so well concealed it doesn’t appear on some maps — you’ll only find it once you’re on the island.
The island’s tortoise sanctuary houses giant Aldabra tortoises. You can feed baby tortoises and interact with adults. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike — Lily and Ethan still talk about the tortoise that followed their bike for a quarter-mile.
The Lighthouse Lounge is Desroches’ only bar, serving sunset cocktails with breadfruit chips. After dark, the island’s minimal light pollution makes for exceptional stargazing — you can even lie on the runway and watch the stars.
Book the Lighthouse Lounge for sunset at least a day in advance — it’s small and popular with other guests. The sushi at the Japanese restaurant AHI is excellent, especially the watermelon sashimi.
Silhouette Island: Wild Granite Peaks and Endemic Forest
Silhouette Island sits about 20 kilometers north of Mahé, making it the third-largest granitic island in Seychelles. Unlike Desroches, Silhouette is mountainous — its highest peak, Mont Dauban, rises to 740 meters — and most of the island is covered in dense tropical forest. Only a small fraction has been developed, with Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and a few eco-lodges providing accommodation. The rest is protected as a nature reserve, home to endemic species like the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat and the Seychelles scops owl.
Regular transfers run from Mahé to Silhouette, taking about 30 minutes. The boat drops you at the jetty near the resort. If you’re staying at an eco-lodge, arrange pickup in advance — there’s no public transport on the island.
The guided hike to Mont Dauban takes about 3–4 hours round trip. You’ll pass through dense forest with endemic palms and granite boulders. The trail is steep and can be muddy — wear hiking boots rather than sandals. Guides are mandatory for the summit trail.
After the hike, head to Anse Lascars on the island’s west side. The snorkeling here is excellent, with healthy coral and plenty of fish. The beach is quiet and often empty — a good spot for a picnic if you packed one.
The summit trail can close after heavy rain due to slippery conditions. Check with your guide before setting out, and always carry water — the humidity makes the hike more strenuous than the distance suggests.
Curieuse Island: Tortoises, Mangroves, and a Day Trip from Praslin
Curieuse Island is a short boat ride from Praslin, but it feels worlds away. The island is a marine national park, and the only structures on it are a few park ranger houses and a restored doctor’s house that now serves as a small museum. What Curieuse lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for in wildlife — hundreds of giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely across the island, and the mangrove forests along the coast are among the best-preserved in Seychelles. Curieuse is one of the most accessible hidden islands, making it an easy day trip from Praslin or even Mahé.
Boats depart regularly from Praslin’s Baie Ste Anne jetty. The crossing takes about 15–20 minutes. Book through a tour operator or arrange with your hotel — independent boats aren’t allowed to dock without prior permission.
A raised boardwalk cuts through the mangrove forest, with interpretive signs explaining the ecosystem. The walk takes about 30 minutes and is easy — suitable for kids and anyone with limited mobility. It ends near the doctor’s house museum.
Tortoises are everywhere on Curieuse — grazing near the beach, resting under trees, and occasionally blocking the boardwalk. You can approach them quietly, but don’t feed them or touch their shells without a ranger present. Ethan counted 47 tortoises on our visit; I’m not sure he was wrong.
Most boat trips include a stop at nearby St. Pierre Islet, a tiny granite outcrop surrounded by clear water and coral. The snorkeling here is superb — sea turtles, parrotfish, and reef sharks are common. Bring your own mask and fins as rentals are limited.
Visit early in the morning — the tortoises are most active before the midday heat, and the boat crowds from Praslin don’t arrive until around 10 a.m. Pack a hat and reef-safe sunscreen; there’s very little shade on the beach.
Cousin Island: A UNESCO Sanctuary for Rare Birds
Cousin Island is tiny — just 27 hectares — but its conservation impact is enormous. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is a private nature reserve managed by Nature Seychelles. It’s home to the critically endangered Seychelles Warbler, whose population has rebounded from just 26 individuals in the 1960s to over 3,000 today. Cousin is a must-visit for serious birdwatchers, but independent visits aren’t allowed — you must join a guided tour.
Cousin Island is a strict conservation area — no sunscreen, insect repellent, or food is allowed on the island. Apply sunscreen before you leave the boat, and bring only water in a reusable bottle. Tours can be cancelled at short notice during seabird nesting season if the birds are stressed.
Fregate Island: Conservation Meets Ultra-Luxury
Fregate Island is the gold standard for secluded luxury in Seychelles. The private island resort has just 16 villas, each with its own pool and direct beach access. But what sets Fregate apart isn’t the accommodation — it’s the conservation work. The island is home to the last remaining wild population of the Seychelles Magpie Robin, a bird that was on the brink of extinction in the 1990s. Fregate’s conservation program has brought the species back to over 100 individuals, and guests can join guided walks with the resident conservation team.
The only way to reach Fregate is by helicopter, which takes about 20 minutes from Mahé. The resort arranges the transfer — it’s included in the villa rate. The flight itself offers stunning views of the granitic islands below.
Join the island’s conservation team for a guided walk through the forest. You’ll see Seychelles Magpie Robins, giant tortoises, and endemic plants. The rangers are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions — Lily asked so many the ranger gave her a mini field guide to take home.
With only 16 villas on a 3-square-kilometer island, you’ll often have entire beaches to yourself. Anse Victorin is the most famous — a long stretch of white sand with granite boulders at either end. The resort provides snorkel gear, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards at no extra cost.
Outer Atolls: Aldabra and Farquhar for the Truly Adventurous
For travelers who’ve done the inner islands and want something even more remote, the outer atolls of Seychelles offer unparalleled isolation. Aldabra Atoll is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access requires a special permit from the Seychelles Islands Foundation, and visits are strictly controlled. Farquhar Atoll, about 770 kilometers southwest of Mahé, has a small luxury resort with private beaches and world-class diving. These atolls are among the most secluded places in Seychelles, but they require significant planning and budget.
If you’re considering Aldabra, start the permit process at least 6 months in advance. The atoll is only accessible by liveaboard or private charter, and the permit limits the number of visitors per year to protect the ecosystem.
Getting to these hidden islands requires a bit more planning than a standard Seychelles trip. Here’s what you need to know about logistics, costs, and timing.
Practical Considerations for Island Hopping in Seychelles
| Island | Transfer Time | Transfer Cost (Approx.) | Best Season | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desroches | 35 min flight | $500–700 round trip | April–October | 2–3 months ahead |
| Silhouette | 30 min boat | $100–150 round trip | Year-round | 1–2 weeks ahead |
| Curieuse | 15–20 min boat | $50–80 round trip | April–October | 1 week ahead |
| Cousin | 20 min boat | $60–100 (tour only) | May–September | 2–3 weeks ahead |
| Fregate | 20 min helicopter | Included in resort rate | Year-round | 3–6 months ahead |
Getting Between Islands
Most transfers from Mahé are operated by IDC Aviation (flights) or Cat Cocos (ferries). For islands like Desroches and Fregate, flights and helicopters are the only options. For Curieuse and Cousin, boat transfers run from Praslin, which you can reach by ferry from Mahé in about an hour. If you’re staying on multiple islands, it’s worth comparing island-hopping packages vs. booking each leg separately — packages often bundle transfers at a discount.
Pacing Your Trip
Don’t try to visit all five islands in one trip. A realistic itinerary is 10–14 days: 2 nights on Desroches, 2 nights on Silhouette, and a day trip to Curieuse from Praslin. Add Fregate if budget allows, but treat it as a standalone trip rather than trying to combine it with multiple other islands — the helicopter transfer makes it logistically separate. Cousin is best paired with Curieuse as a same-day double visit from Praslin.
What to Pack
Each island has different requirements. For Desroches and Fregate, pack light resort wear and reef-safe sunscreen. For Silhouette, bring sturdy hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket. For Curieuse and Cousin, a daypack with water, a hat, and a rash guard for snorkeling is sufficient. If you’re planning to capture the landscapes, a compact camera with good zoom — like the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — is lightweight and easy to carry on hikes and boat rides. For underwater shots, the DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle with its waterproof housing and 360° stabilization is a solid choice for capturing snorkeling and diving moments.
The southeast trade winds pick up from May to September, making boat transfers to outer islands rougher. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for flights to Desroches and Fregate during this period, and stick to the calmer morning crossings for Curieuse and Cousin.
Before You Go: Seychelles Hidden Island Questions Answered
Are these islands suitable for families with kids?
Yes, with some caveats. Desroches and Silhouette are family-friendly — both have resorts that cater to children, and the activities (cycling, tortoise visits, easy hikes) work well for school-age kids. Curieuse is a great half-day trip for families, but there’s no shade or facilities, so come prepared. Fregate is more suited to older children or couples due to its ultra-luxury focus and limited kid-specific programming.
What’s the real cost difference between these islands and the main ones?
Expect to pay 30–50% more for accommodation on remote islands compared to similar-standard hotels on Mahé or Praslin. The transfer costs add up too — a return flight to Desroches costs roughly the same as a mid-range hotel room for a night. However, the value is in the experience: you’re paying for privacy, uncrowded beaches, and wildlife encounters that simply don’t happen on the main islands.
Can I visit these islands without staying at the resort?
For Curieuse and Cousin, yes — day trips are the standard way to visit. For Desroches and Fregate, access is restricted to resort guests. Silhouette allows day visitors to the beach and restaurant, but the hiking trails are only open to resort guests. If you’re on a budget, focus on Curieuse and Cousin as day trips from Praslin.
What’s the worst time of year to visit hidden islands?
December to February brings the northwest monsoon, which means heavier rainfall and rougher seas. Some boat transfers to outer islands are cancelled during this period. The calmest and driest months are April, May, October, and November — these are also the best months for snorkeling visibility.
Is it worth visiting more than one hidden island on a single trip?
Yes, but don’t overdo it. Two islands — one for relaxation (Desroches or Fregate) and one for adventure (Silhouette or a Curieuse/Cousin combo) — make for a well-paced trip. Adding a third island often means spending more time in transit than actually enjoying the destination.
Why the Extra Effort Pays Off
The Seychelles most people see — the beaches of Mahé, the granite boulders of La Digue — are beautiful, but they’re also shared with thousands of other travelers every year. The hidden islands require a connecting flight, a helicopter ride, or a scheduled boat transfer. That friction is exactly what keeps them quiet. On Desroches, you can cycle to a beach that doesn’t appear on any map and have it to yourself for an entire afternoon. On Curieuse, you can watch a giant tortoise cross the sand without another person in sight. On Silhouette, you can stand on a granite peak and hear nothing but wind and birds. For a deeper look at how the main islands compare, our Mahé travel guide breaks down what each island offers at different budget levels.
References
NDTV. “Cycling On A Runway, Dining By A Lighthouse: My Dreamy Escape To Desroches Island, Seychelles.” NDTV, 2024. ↗
Must See Spots. “Seychelles Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path Adventures.” Must See Spots. ↗
Travel Around the World Blog. “Islands in Seychelles to Escape the Crowds.” Travel Around the World Blog. ↗
Maarco Francis. “Most Secluded Places in Seychelles.” Maarco Francis. ↗
If you’re still weighing options, our guide to luxury resorts in Seychelles covers the top properties on the main islands, while the secret beaches of Mahé post offers free alternatives to the resort-only spots. For a deeper dive into one of the islands mentioned here, our Silhouette Island guide has trail maps and accommodation breakdowns.
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