Desroches IslandAbout Desroches Island
Desroches Island is a low-lying coral island in the Amirante group of the Seychelles’ Outer Islands, developed as a small private resort and conservation area. It combines sandy beaches, lagoons and fringing reefs with resort infrastructure.
The island contains an airstrip used by charter flights and a resort complex offering accommodation and recreational activities such as diving and fishing. Natural highlights include turtle-nesting beaches, shallow reefs and coastal birdlife.
Originally used for coconut cultivation and small-scale activity, the island was later developed for tourism while retaining conservation measures for its marine and coastal habitats.
Geographically it lies in the western Indian Ocean as part of the Amirante Islands, several hundred kilometres southwest of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles; access is by light aircraft or private boat.
- Access: The island has a commercial airstrip and scheduled charter flights from Mahé, making it one of the more accessible outer-island resorts in the Seychelles.
- Marine life: Nesting beaches support sea turtles and there are coral reefs and lagoons suitable for snorkeling and diving.
What to See#
- Airstrip: A small airstrip serves regular charter and resort flights, providing the main connection to the island from Mahé and other outer islands.
- Resort area: A privately operated resort occupies developed parts of the island, with accommodation, beaches and guest facilities concentrated near the airstrip and lagoon.
Best Time to Visit Desroches Island
May-October (the dry season) is the best time for diving and calm seas; book well ahead during this period.
Weather & Climate near Desroches Island
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1698 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 277 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.3h |
| February | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 213 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.2h |
| March | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 149 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.8 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 149 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Excellent | 25° - 30° | 32° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Excellent | 24° - 29° | 27° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| July | Excellent | 24° - 28° | 26° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.7h |
| August | Very Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| September | Excellent | 24° - 29° | 26° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Excellent | 24° - 29° | 27° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 150 mm | some cloud | 81% | 3.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.3h |
| December | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 224 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
How to Get to Desroches Island
Desroches is reached by a short charter flight from Mahé (Seychelles) to Desroches Island Airport. The resort typically organizes transfers and entry formalities for guests.
Tips for Visiting Desroches Island
- Desroches is a luxury resort island-book accommodation and any island activities well in advance, especially in high season.
- Expect resort-arranged dives and snorkeling trips to be the easiest way to see reef sites-independent diving is possible but regulated.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the island's coral ecosystems are sensitive and the resort enforces environmental measures.