Port information & tips for Astove Island
Astove Island is an exclusive natural paradise in the Seychelles and belongs to the pristine Aldabra Group in the Indian Ocean. This remote atoll impresses with a spectacular backdrop of snow-white sandy beaches, a deep blue lagoon, and offers a fascinating silence thanks to its seclusion. Absolute highlights include the world-famous Astove Wall, a breathtaking underwater cliff for divers, as well as the diverse birdlife and the rare flora of the island. Expedition ships anchor safely off the coast, allowing guests to reach the untouched natural beach near the Astove Island Lodge directly by Zodiac. From this landing point, the coastal paths and the wild nature of the island can be explored comfortably and immediately within just a few minutes' walk.
Astove Island is an extremely remote atoll in the Seychelles and is visited almost exclusively as part of specialized expedition cruises. A direct arrival in the classical sense at a cruise terminal does not exist here; instead, guests usually reach the island on a smaller vessel starting from Mahé. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a pre-cruise overnight stay on Mahé is strongly recommended.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily by plane to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé. This airport is served from major European hubs such as Frankfurt (partly seasonal), but also via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul with good connections. The flight time is usually between 10 and 14 hours, which is why arriving at least one day before embarkation is advisable to buffer for time differences and potential flight delays.
Transfer & Onward Journey
From Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, you can reach the embarkation port for your expedition cruise, which is usually located near the capital Victoria, in about 15 to 25 minutes by taxi or via organized transfers from the cruise line. The onward journey to Astove Island then takes place exclusively as part of the booked cruise on a designated expedition ship, as there are no regular ferry services or commercial flight services to Astove. The island has a small airstrip, but it is only used for private charter flights and supply purposes and is not relevant for individual travel as part of a cruise.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey and the necessary embarkation on Mahé, a pre-cruise overnight stay at a hotel on Mahé is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your vacation, gives you time to acclimate to the climate, and to explore the island before your expedition cruise to Astove Island begins. Numerous hotels on Mahé offer excellent comfort and service and are well-connected to the airport and the port.
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 and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Astove Island is an extremely remote atoll in the Seychelles and is visited almost exclusively as part of specialized expedition cruises. A direct arrival in the classical sense at a cruise terminal does not exist here; instead, guests usually reach the island on a smaller vessel starting from Mahé. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a pre-cruise overnight stay on Mahé is strongly recommended.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily by plane to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé. This airport is served from major European hubs such as Frankfurt (partly seasonal), but also via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul with good connections. The flight time is usually between 10 and 14 hours, which is why arriving at least one day before embarkation is advisable to buffer for time differences and potential flight delays.
Transfer & Onward Journey
From Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, you can reach the embarkation port for your expedition cruise, which is usually located near the capital Victoria, in about 15 to 25 minutes by taxi or via organized transfers from the cruise line. The onward journey to Astove Island then takes place exclusively as part of the booked cruise on a designated expedition ship, as there are no regular ferry services or commercial flight services to Astove. The island has a small airstrip, but it is only used for private charter flights and supply purposes and is not relevant for individual travel as part of a cruise.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey and the necessary embarkation on Mahé, a pre-cruise overnight stay at a hotel on Mahé is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your vacation, gives you time to acclimate to the climate, and to explore the island before your expedition cruise to Astove Island begins. Numerous hotels on Mahé offer excellent comfort and service and are well-connected to the airport and the port.
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 and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Astove Island is visited as part of expedition cruises directly off the coast and offers exclusive accessibility via boat transfer. Thanks to the ship's anchoring position, you can reach the heart of the atoll's untouched nature quickly and easily.
Zodiacs and Tender Boats
Landings on Astove are carried out by the ship's own Zodiacs, providing guests with convenient access to the white sandy beach. These maneuverable boats commute regularly between the ship and the island and also offer a safe ride through the shallow waters of the lagoon.
On Foot
Exploration of the island is done entirely on foot and leads over natural paths along the coast as well as into the island's interior. Thanks to the manageable size of the atoll, you can easily reach the most important natural sites and the famous Astove Wall within a short time.
Expedition Teams
Experienced guides coordinate the logistics on land and assist with embarking and disembarking from the boats on the beach. In addition, they accompany the walks across the island while sharing valuable knowledge about the rare wildlife and the sensitive ecosystem of the Seychelles.
To make the most of your stay on the pristine island of Astove, we recommend exploring the spectacular coastline and unique marine ecosystems right from the landing point.
The Astove Wall
This world-famous underwater wall drops steeply into the depths just off the coast and offers snorkelers and divers an incomparable nature experience in crystal-clear water thanks to its enormous biodiversity.
The Inner Lagoon
The shallow, turquoise waters in the heart of the atoll are a true paradise for nature lovers and ideal for observing rare seabirds and sea turtles in their completely untouched environment.
Historic Plantation and Nature Trails
A walk to the remains of the former coconut plantation provides fascinating insights into the island's lonely history and simultaneously leads through wild vegetation that is perfect for explorers and photographers.
The pristine south beach by the lagoon
The bright white sandy beaches directly at the Zodiac landing site on Astove Island can be reached within a few minutes and offer an exclusive nature experience in one of the most remote regions of the Seychelles. Thanks to the shallow, crystal-clear lagoon and the immediate proximity to the famous underwater drop-off "The Wall", this location is ideally suited for snorkeling, where you can often observe sea turtles and colorful schools of fish directly from the shore. The atmosphere is characterized by complete tranquility and untouched wilderness, while your ship's expedition team usually provides refreshments on the beach. Ideally, take advantage of the first landing in the morning to experience the fascinating play of the tides in the lagoon in peace, and plan your return with the second-to-last Zodiac to end the day in a relaxed manner.
The return journey to the landing point on this pristine coral island is particularly straightforward thanks to the manageable paths and clear orientation towards the central lodge.
Zodiac Shuttle
Since Astove has no traditional port, the ship's own Zodiacs will take you safely back to the ship from the beach section directly in front of the Astove Coral House. Please allow for short waiting times on the beach for the transfer and use the fixed time slots provided by the expedition management for a punctual return.
On Foot
The flat paths around the lagoon and the small airfield all lead to the central meeting point at the lodge and are easy to walk. Thanks to the open landscape, you always have the coastline in view and can reach the landing site on the beach within a few minutes' walk from the main observation points.
Expedition Team
The trained staff of your ship as well as the local guides coordinate the return journey at the meeting point and assist you with safe boarding of the boats. Rely on the direct accompaniment of the team, which is stationed at the prominent intersections of the island and guarantees a timely return to the ship.
