Cruise port Aldabra
Info for port Aldabra on 15 Dec 2027
Port information & tips for Aldabra
Aldabra is one of the most remote and pristine natural wonders of the Seychelles and is considered the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean" thanks to its status as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The massive coral atoll impresses with its primeval silence, turquoise lagoons, and a globally unique biodiversity. Absolute highlights include encounters with the famous Aldabra giant tortoises, sightings of the rare Aldabra rail, and explorations of the fish-rich tidal channels. As there is no traditional deep-water port, ships anchor in a protected position off the atoll. The transfer is comfortably carried out by Zodiac to the landing site at the research station on Picard Island, from where the fascinating flora and fauna of this ecological jewel can be explored directly and exclusively.
Aldabra is a unique, strictly protected UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and is not one of the classic cruise ports in the conventional sense. Rather, this remote atoll, located over 1,100 kilometers southwest of the main island of Mahé, is visited exclusively as part of expedition cruises, which usually depart from Mahé.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Several airlines offer connections, often with one stopover, to Mahé. Thanks to international connections, the airport is easy to reach and serves as the central starting point for your journey to the Seychelles.
Arrival at the ship
From Mahé International Airport (SEZ), you can easily reach the embarkation port in Victoria by taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service. The travel time is short, and your transfer to the ship will be smooth, allowing you to begin your expedition cruise in a relaxed manner. Private transfers to the ship are a comfortable option.
Pre-cruise hotel
Due to the often long journey and the specific departure times of expedition cruises, we recommend staying overnight in one of the many hotels on Mahé before the day of embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival, acclimatization to the tropical climate, and a stress-free start to your journey to the fascinating Aldabra Atoll.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Aldabra is a unique, strictly protected UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and is not one of the classic cruise ports in the conventional sense. Rather, this remote atoll, located over 1,100 kilometers southwest of the main island of Mahé, is visited exclusively as part of expedition cruises, which usually depart from Mahé.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. Several airlines offer connections, often with one stopover, to Mahé. Thanks to international connections, the airport is easy to reach and serves as the central starting point for your journey to the Seychelles.
Arrival at the ship
From Mahé International Airport (SEZ), you can easily reach the embarkation port in Victoria by taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service. The travel time is short, and your transfer to the ship will be smooth, allowing you to begin your expedition cruise in a relaxed manner. Private transfers to the ship are a comfortable option.
Pre-cruise hotel
Due to the often long journey and the specific departure times of expedition cruises, we recommend staying overnight in one of the many hotels on Mahé before the day of embarkation. This allows for a relaxed arrival, acclimatization to the tropical climate, and a stress-free start to your journey to the fascinating Aldabra Atoll.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Access to the Aldabra Atoll is direct via tender boat from the ships anchored off the coast, providing a convenient way into this untouched natural paradise.
Tender & Zodiac
As the atoll does not have a traditional port, agile Zodiacs bring you safely to the landing sites on Picard Island. Thanks to the clear water, these trips already offer fascinating insights into the maritime world of the coral reefs during the journey.
On foot
Movement on land is exclusively on foot on guided paths accompanied by experienced rangers. In this way, you can reach the research station and the habitats of the giant tortoises directly and experience the unique flora and fauna up close.
Expedition boats
Within the extensive lagoon, small expedition boats serve as the most important means of transport to reach the mangrove forests and bird colonies. These trips are perfectly coordinated and offer a comfortable way to discover the enormous biodiversity of the atoll from the water.
To experience the pristine wilderness of this strictly protected UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site at its best, we recommend participating in guided Zodiac tours to explore the unique wildlife and bizarre coral formations.
Picard Island
The small research station on Picard serves as an ideal starting point for guided explorations and, thanks to the informative insights provided by the rangers, allows for a deep understanding of the sensitive ecosystem of this remote atoll.
Giant Tortoise Colony
Aldabra is home to the world's largest population of majestic giant tortoises, which can be perfectly observed during a walk along the coastal paths, providing unforgettable encounters with these fascinating original inhabitants of the Seychelles.
The Lagoon and Mushroom Rocks
A boat trip into the huge, turquoise lagoon reveals a spectacular backdrop of bizarre mushroom rock islands shaped by the sea and, thanks to its rich marine fauna, is a paradise for observing rays and sharks in the shallow water.
Picard Island & Aldabra Giant Tortoises
Picard Island is the central starting point for your visit to the Aldabra Atoll and is easily reached by the ship's own Zodiac to provide you with direct access to this unique UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Here you will experience the impressive Aldabra giant tortoises in their natural habitat and also walk on pristine paths along the fascinating coral landscape. The atmosphere is characterized by complete tranquility and the expertise of the local rangers, who provide valuable insights into the protection of this delicate ecosystem. Ideally, take advantage of the first shore excursion offered in the early morning to enjoy the mild temperatures and the full activity of the wildlife, and plan your return with the Zodiac in good time according to the instructions of your expedition leader.
Due to its protected location and untouched nature, the return journey to the ship on Aldabra Atoll takes place exclusively via the ship's own expedition boats. Thanks to the professional organization of the teams, you will get back on board your ship safely and punctually from the landing sites.
Expedition inflatable boats (Zodiacs)
The return transport to the cruise ship is carried out using the ship's own Zodiacs, which shuttle regularly between the beach and the anchorage. Departures take place at the clearly defined landing sites, and the expedition team actively supports you in safely boarding for the short trip across the turquoise water.
Meeting points at the research station
The central meeting point for the return journey is the beach section near the research station on Picard Island. Here, the rangers and the ship's crew coordinate the departures, so you can relax and use the time until the last return trip for final observations of the giant tortoises, and a punctual arrival at the ship is guaranteed.
On foot on the nature trails
The paths back to the landing site are short on Aldabra and lead via clearly recognizable nature trails or directly along the shallow beach. Thanks to the constant accompaniment of experienced guides and the manageable size of the permitted visitor zones, you will find the way to the meeting point easily and directly at any time.
