Amirante Islands

The Amirante Islands are a chain of low coral islands, sand cays and reefs in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, southwest of the main Mahé island. The group includes several small islands used for limited resort operations, conservation and fishing.

Clear waters, fringing coral reefs and seagrass beds make the archipelago notable for diving, snorkelling and marine biodiversity, and several islands host seabird nesting sites. The islands are sparsely populated or uninhabited and have limited visitor facilities compared with the inner islands of the Seychelles.

Historically the islands have been used intermittently for coconut plantations, guano extraction and limited settlement; more recently a few islands have been developed for low-density tourism and conservation projects. Administration falls under the Outer Islands governance of the Republic of Seychelles.

Geographically the Amirantes lie to the southwest of Mahé in the western Indian Ocean and consist of a linear chain of reefs and islands forming part of the Seychelles outer-archipelago.

• Marine and wildlife: A remote outer-island group of low coral islands and sand cays in the Seychelles, valued for clear waters, coral reef diving and seabird colonies.

What to See#

• Desroches Island: Desroches Island is the largest and most developed island in the group, with an airstrip and a small resort operation serving visitors.
• Amirantes Bank and reefs: Amirantes Bank and associated coral reefs, a broad shallow area with multiple low islands, sand cays and coral formations important for marine life.

Access is by liveaboard dive boat or private charter from Mahé; there are no scheduled commercial passenger ferries. Plan for overnight travel and gear for changing sea conditions.

• Boat charters are the only practical way to visit the Amirante Islands-plan for longer passages from Mahé and include contingency days for weather.
• Snorkelers and divers will find standing reefs and clear water-carry reef-friendly sunscreen and respect no-take zones.
• Accommodations are limited-most visitors stay on Mahé and take day trips or join liveaboard dive cruises.