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Desroches Island
Desroches Island
Desroches Island
Desroches Island

Desroches Island is part of the Amirante Islands.

14km of sandy beaches circle the whole island.

While the island offers some fun activities...

...it’s idyllic and remote location guarantees relaxing holidays.

Desroches Island

Desroches Island

A smart private island fringed by stunning beaches, and beyond them coral reefs – with excellent snorkelling and diving.

About 230km south-west of Mahé, Desroches is part of the Amirante Islands, a group of atolls in the Seychelles' Outer Islands. Named after the 18th century Governor of Mauritius, Chevalier des Roches, and historically part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, Desroches rejoined the Republic of Seychelles in 1976 as part of the Independence agreement and enjoyed success from its large, central coconut plantation and resulting copra production.

Today, though the eclectic influences remain and the plantation remains operational, the island is better known for its idyllic setting and smart resort. The 14km of sandy beaches which circle the island, the clear reef waters, swaying palms and remote tropical location all lend to its characteristically Indian Ocean vibe. The resort here is quite literally the only one for hundreds of miles, and this sense of exclusivity and isolation holds great appeal.

Since 2009, Desroches has been changing - with the addition of a cluster of four-bedroom family villas. The island certainly has the spatial capacity to absorb this influx without detracting from its natural charm and feeling of isolation, but additional facilities, perhaps a local-style Creole restaurant in the copra workers' village and a new spa, may be on the cards for all guests to enjoy.

Desroches Island

Holidays visiting Desroches Island

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Itinerary image

Triggerfish island holiday

4 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Desroches is beautifully rugged and remote island atoll with stunning villas, slick Four Seasons service and exciting array of adventures above and below the waves.

US$3,290 - US$7,280 per person

View all holidays

Where to stay in Desroches Island

There's only one place on this island – the Four Seasons Desroches Island! This is a smart, top-end retreat with some lovely suites, and some very promising, and very large, villas.


Four Seasons Desroches Island

Four Seasons Desroches Island

Desroches Island is a smart private island with some lovely suites, some very large, promising, new villas and even a small, working coconut plantation. It's fringed by stunning beaches, and beyond them coral reefs – with excellent snorkelling and diving.


No reviews yet

View all places

When to go to Desroches Island

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Desroches Island in Seychelles


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seychelles in January

January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
  • Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
  • Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
  • Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Seychelles in February

Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, February does have highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • Warm weather all year round.
  • One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
  • Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Seychelles in March

The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.

The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island.

It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.

  • Warm weather all year round.
  • Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
  • Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
  • The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
  • Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Seychelles in April

April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.

In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.

  • One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
  • Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
  • Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
  • Good time of year for birding.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

Seychelles in May

May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.

Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Warm, dry weather.
  • Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Seychelles in June

June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.

  • Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
  • Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Seychelles in July

July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.

  • Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Seychelles in August

Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Seychelles in September

September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
  • A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

Seychelles in October

October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.

During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.

For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.

  • Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
  • A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
  • Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
  • Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
  • A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Seychelles in November

By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.

The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.

Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

  • Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
  • A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
  • Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
  • Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
  • Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Seychelles in December

December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.

The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.

Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.

  • December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
  • Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
  • Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
  • Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
  • Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Map of Desroches Island

Choices for where to stay in Desroches Island


Reference map

Desroches Island: Beach holidays


Showing 1-1 of 1
Name
Duration
Cost
Most popular
Itinerary image

Triggerfish island holiday

4 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Desroches is beautifully rugged and remote island atoll with stunning villas, slick Four Seasons service and exciting array of adventures above and below the waves.

US$3,290 - US$7,280 per person

Showing 1-1 of 1

Our best lodge on Desroches Island


Showing 1-1 of 1
Name
Traveller's rating
No. of reviews
Four Seasons Desroches Island

Four Seasons Desroches Island

Desroches Island is a smart private island with some lovely suites, some very large, promising, new villas and even a small, working coconut plantation. It's fringed by stunning beaches, and beyond them coral reefs – with excellent snorkelling and diving.


No reviews yet
Showing 1-1 of 1
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