Main image

Jean-Claude Hanon CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Cerf Island

Island

A small granitic island near Mahé in the Seychelles, Cerf Island offers beaches, snorkeling and short walking trails; visitors stay in boutique lodgings or arrive on day trips from Victoria.

Cerf Island VictoriaPraslinLa DigueCerf Island
In this guide

Cerf Island essentials

Country: Seychelles
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Rupee (₨)
Language: English

Cerf Island at a Glance

About Cerf Island

Cerf Island is a small island off the east coast of Mahé in the Seychelles, administratively part of the Mont Fleuri district. It lies close to the main island and is a low‑lying granite island used for tourism and day visits.

The island’s reefs and shallow bays make it a frequent destination for snorkeling, swimming and short boat trips from Mahé. A small number of guesthouses and private villas operate on the island rather than large‑scale resort developments.

Cerf Island lies a short distance offshore from Victoria and the eastern coast of Mahé in the inner islands of the Seychelles, making it accessible as a half‑day or day trip from the capital.

  • Access from Mahé: A short boat transfer from Victoria on Mahé connects the island to the capital; day trips and snorkeling excursions are common.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cerf Island

The dry season (May-October) is the most pleasant for beach and boat activities; inter-island transport runs year-round but is most reliable in the dry months.

Dry Season
May-October · 75-86°F (24-30°C)
Calmer seas and excellent visibility for snorkeling and swimming.
Wet Season
November-April · 77-88°F (25-31°C)
Warmer with occasional storms; some boat services may be affected.

Weather & Climate near Cerf Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2275 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 373 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
February Very Good 25° - 30° 31° 275 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.6 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 188 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.3 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 183 mm some cloud 77% 3.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 11.9h
May Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 149 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
June Very Good 25° - 29° 27° 92 mm partly cloudy 82% 5.7 m/s 2.0 very high 11.7h
July Very Good 24° - 28° 26° 80 mm partly cloudy 83% 6.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
August Very Good 24° - 29° 26° 124 mm partly cloudy 82% 6.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
September Very Good 24° - 29° 27° 137 mm partly cloudy 81% 5.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 184 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
November Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 205 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
December Very Good 24° - 30° 30° 285 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cerf Island

Cerf Island is reached by speedboat from Victoria (Mahé) or by private charter; the crossing takes roughly 10-20 minutes depending on conditions. Regular day-trip operators run services from the central harbors on Mahé.

Tips for Visiting Cerf Island

  • Boat transfers from Victoria are frequent but vary by operator; book return rides ahead in high season.
  • There are no large commercial centres on Cerf - pack essentials before departure from Victoria or Eden Island.
  • The island is popular for day-trippers; early arrival guarantees quieter beaches and better snorkeling spots.