One of the Indian Ocean's last truly wild islands — fearless seabirds nest inches from your feet, giant tortoises roam freely, and hawksbill turtles come ashore on pristine granite beaches. Only small expedition ships call here, and every visit is a guided, conservation-funded experience.
Cousin Island has no pier. Cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers transfer to the reserve's own warden-operated patrol boats for a beach landing — a biosecurity measure to protect the ecosystem.
💡 Pro move: Pre-book your visit through a licensed tour operator before arrival. The island is closed on weekends and Seychellois public holidays.
There is no pier on Cousin Island — all landings use the reserve's own patrol boats, which beach directly on the sand.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise lines (Ponant, Variety, Emerald, Crystal Esprit) | Anchor offshore; warden boat transfer to beach📍 | Tendered |
| Large ships (3,000+ passengers) | Do not call here — island capacity does not permit large-volume visits📍 | Tendered |
Every visit to Cousin Island is essentially one immersive excursion — a guided wildlife walk through a thriving, fearless ecosystem that few travelers ever see.
The island's own young conservationists lead a ~90-minute circuit through granite outcrops, coastal forest, and nesting colonies. Seychelles warblers, Seychelles fodies, white fairy terns, and bridled terns nest at eye level. Giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely. Hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches (peak season October–February).
Book a Cousin Island tour →Cousin Island hosts one of the densest nesting populations of hawksbill turtles in the Indian Ocean. If your visit coincides with nesting season (October to February), wardens may show you females coming ashore or hatchlings emerging — always under strict no-disturbance protocols.
Find turtle season tours →Cousin Island is one of the last strongholds of the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles fody, both globally threatened species. The island's no-predator status means birds show zero fear of humans — you can stand within arm's reach of nesting terns. A serious tick for Indian Ocean bird lists.
Find birdwatching tours →The island is tiny (~27 hectares) and fully explored on the single guided circuit — there are no self-guided walks or independent access.
A single looping trail led by reserve wardens takes in the granite interior, coastal forest, nesting bird colonies, turtle nesting beaches, and patches of native Pisonia and Casuarina woodland. The entire island is covered — there is nothing to explore independently.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Cousin Island, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 17 |
| Feb | 31°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 13 |
| Mar | 31°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 12 |
| Apr | 31°F / -1°C | 26°F / -3°C | 11 |
| May | 30°F / -1°C | 26°F / -3°C | 10 |
| Jun | 29°F / -2°C | 25°F / -4°C | 8 |
| Jul | 28°F / -2°C | 24°F / -4°C | 8 |
| Aug | 28°F / -2°C | 24°F / -4°C | 8 |
| Sep | 29°F / -2°C | 25°F / -4°C | 9 |
| Oct | 30°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 11 |
| Nov | 30°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 13 |
| Dec | 30°F / -1°C | 25°F / -4°C | 17 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Cousin Island, 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.