One of the Indian Ocean's most remote and pristine atolls, Alphonse is a conservation haven where giant tortoises roam white-sand flats and world-class fly fishing draws anglers from every continent.
There is no pier. Expedition ships anchor in the lagoon and ferry passengers by Zodiac or ship's tender to the beach — conditions permitting.
💡 Pro move: Weather, tide, and sea state can cancel shore access entirely. Follow crew guidance; the island has no emergency services.
Alphonse has no cruise terminal or pier; all ships anchor offshore and use small craft for shore access.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise lines (Ponant, Silversea, etc.) | Alphonse lagoon anchorage📍 | Tendered |
| Private charter / superyacht | Lagoon anchorage📍 | Tendered |
Alphonse's excursions are all about the natural environment — world-class flats fishing, snorkelling pristine reefs, and close encounters with giant tortoises and sea turtles.
Walk the island interior with an Island Conservation Society guide to observe Aldabra giant tortoises roaming freely, and learn about the ICS sea-turtle monitoring programme — one of the most active in the outer Seychelles.
Wade or skiff-fish 10,000 acres of hard white-sand flats at St. François Atoll — a legendary destination for bonefish, giant trevally, triggerfish, and Indo-Pacific permit. Strict catch-and-release; guided by specialist guides.
Snorkel along the outer reef wall and lagoon bommies where manta rays, reef sharks, parrotfish, and colourful damselfish are routine sightings. Visibility frequently exceeds 30 metres.
Dive the dramatic outer wall of Alphonse Atoll, dropping through coral formations with pelagic encounters including sharks, large grouper, and tuna. Over 30 dive sites surround the atoll.
Paddle the calm turquoise lagoon on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, drifting over shallow coral gardens and mangrove edges at your own pace.
Skiff across the lagoon to uninhabited Bijoutier Island — a sliver of sand fringed by coconut palms — for a secluded beach picnic with no footprints in sight.
The island is small enough to walk its perimeter in under an hour, with no roads or traffic — just coconut groves, nesting birds, and roaming giant tortoises.
A flat sandy circuit of Alphonse Island passing beach bungalows, the resort jetty, coconut palm groves, and nesting seabird colonies. Keep an eye out for giant tortoises and land crabs crossing the path.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Alphonse Islands, Outer Islands, Seychelles (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:24 AM | 6:52 PM |
| Feb | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 20 | 6:33 AM | 6:52 PM |
| Mar | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 19 | 6:33 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 80°F / 27°C | 21 | 6:30 AM | 6:27 PM |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 20 | 6:31 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 18 | 6:38 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Jul | 78°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 15 | 6:42 AM | 6:27 PM |
| Aug | 78°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:37 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 13 | 6:22 AM | 6:25 PM |
| Oct | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 16 | 6:07 AM | 6:22 PM |
| Nov | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 17 | 6:00 AM | 6:26 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 23 | 6:08 AM | 6:39 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot. Most points of interest are within easy walking distance of the tender landing area.
Bicycles are the primary mode of transport on Alphonse Island, provided by the resort for all guests. The island is flat and the tracks are easy to navigate.
Shore access is via tender from anchored vessels. All transfers are arranged through the cruise operator or resort — no independent options exist.
Snorkeling, diving, fly-fishing, and island-hopping to St. Francois and Bijoutier atolls are available as organized excursions through the resort or cruise line.
Upcoming cruises that call at Alphonse Islands, Outer Islands, Seychelles. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.