Cruise port Alphonse Atoll
Info for port Alphonse Atoll on 7 Feb 2028
Port information & tips for Alphonse Atoll
Alphonse Atoll is a pristine jewel in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles and is considered one of the most exclusive natural paradises in the Indian Ocean. Its remote location ensures an incomparable Robinson Crusoe flair with powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and lush tropical vegetation. Highlights include fascinating encounters with majestic Aldabra giant tortoises, as well as exploring colorful coral reefs and world-class fly fishing in the protected lagoon. As there is no harbor for large ships, expedition vessels anchor off the coast and guests reach the Alphonse Island Jetty safely by tender boat. From this central landing point, all the island's highlights are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle thanks to the short distances.
Alphonse Atoll in the Seychelles is an exclusive destination that primarily serves as a starting point for expedition ships or yacht charters and is typically reached via a Fly & Cruise arrival. Due to the small size of the atoll, there are no classic cruise terminals or connections to a road network.
Airplane
Arrival at Alphonse Atoll is usually via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the main airport of the Seychelles. From there, scheduled charter flights with small propeller aircraft (usually about 1 hour flight time) operate directly to the airstrip on Alphonse Island. These flights are often organized by the cruise lines or resorts. For international arrival from the DACH region, long-haul flights to Mahé are required, often with stopovers.
Transfer & Shuttle
After arriving at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), a transfer to the terminal for the onward flight to Alphonse Atoll is required, which is often part of the booked travel package. On Alphonse Island itself, after landing at the airstrip, you will be met by staff from the lodge or your cruise line and taken by a short transfer to your accommodation or directly to the embarkation point. These are usually short trips with golf carts or similar vehicles.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flight times and the special transfer logistics to Alphonse Atoll, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel on Mahé is strongly recommended. This allows you to acclimatize and buffer potential flight delays before starting your onward flight to Alphonse. Some cruise lines or tour operators also offer packages that already include an overnight stay on Mahé.
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 the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same 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 as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
