Cruise port Astove Island
Info for port Astove Island on 5 Feb 2028
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.
