Cruise port Cosmoledo Atoll
Live-Info for port Cosmoledo Atoll
Port information & tips for Cosmoledo Atoll
The pristine Cosmoledo Atoll belongs to the Aldabra Group of the Seychelles and is considered the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" thanks to its enormous biodiversity. This remote wilderness captivates with a vast, turquoise lagoon and offers travelers complete seclusion amidst snow-white coral sandbanks. Highlights include exclusive bird watching on Menai Island, diving in the fish-rich coral gardens, and nature walks on the fascinating Wizard Island. As there is no traditional port, expedition ships anchor safely in the lagoon and use zodiacs for convenient landings directly on the beach at the Cosmoledo Eco Camp. In this natural idyll, the untouched wilderness replaces a city center and provides immediate access to the ecological treasures of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
The remote Cosmoledo Atoll in the Seychelles is not a classic cruise port but an exclusive expedition destination that requires a multi-stage journey by plane and boat. There are no traditional terminals; embarkation often takes place directly from the boat onto the atoll islands.
Airplane
The journey to the Cosmoledo Atoll begins with an international flight to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the main airport of the Seychelles. From Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, direct flights or convenient connections with one stopover are often available. Subsequently, the journey continues with a domestic flight from Mahé to the Alphonse Atoll (approx. 60 minutes flight time), followed by another flight to Astove Island (approx. 120 minutes flight time). From Astove, you reach the Cosmoledo Atoll after an approximately one-hour boat trip to your accommodation on Wizard Island. Please note that strict luggage restrictions of usually 15 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage per person apply to domestic flights. The operating season for the Cosmoledo Eco Camp is from November to April.
Transfer & Shuttle
Upon your arrival at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the most convenient transfer option to your hotel or to the national departure area for connecting flights is a pre-booked private transfer or a taxi. Taxis are available directly in front of the terminal; fares are zone-based and not metered. For a stress-free journey, transfer services monitor your flight times in real time and offer a meet-and-greet service at the arrival area. Public buses are available but are impractical for arriving travelers with luggage.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights and the complex onward journey with domestic flights and boat transfers to the remote Cosmoledo Atoll, an overnight stay on Mahé before the onward flight is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your adventure without time pressure. Numerous hotels and guesthouses near SEZ Airport or in the capital Victoria offer comfortable options for a short stay. Many accommodations also offer practical Park & Cruise packages or arrange transfers to the airport or ferry terminal.
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 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 current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
