Cruise port Cousin
Info for port Cousin on 10 Mar 2028
Port information & tips for Cousin
The uninhabited Cousin Island is a true natural paradise in the Seychelles and is considered one of the most important ecosystems in the entire archipelago. The atmosphere is characterized by impressive biodiversity and the untouched beauty of the Indian Ocean, making your visit an exclusive experience. Highlights include observing rare bird species such as the Seychelles warbler, encountering nesting hawksbill turtles, and exploring the dense mangrove forests. Since the island is a strictly protected reserve, ships anchor off the coast and guests reach the fine-sand landing beach by tender boat. Thanks to this connection, the information center is located directly at the arrival point, allowing for a direct start into the fascinating wilderness.
Cousin Island is not a classic cruise port with developed infrastructure, but a strictly protected nature reserve off the coast of Praslin. Arrival usually takes place as part of a cruise by tender boat, as ships anchor off the island. There are no terminals in the traditional sense; the focus is on nature-oriented, guided visits.
Airplane
International arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles. From there, connections exist to the inner islands. Given the long flight time, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before the start of your cruise to begin your island adventure in a relaxed manner.
Domestic Connections & Boat Transfer
From Mahé, you can easily reach Praslin Airport via a domestic flight with Air Seychelles (approx. 15-20 minutes flight time) or with the Cat Cocos high-speed ferry from the Victoria Jetty on Mahé to Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin (approx. 60-75 minutes travel time). Cousin Island is located about 2 kilometers southwest of Praslin and can be reached from there in a short boat ride. For the final stretch to the reserve, you will transfer from the ship's tenders to special boats operated by island rangers to preserve the protected flora and fauna.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Embarkation
Since Cousin Island itself offers no overnight accommodation and visits are limited to morning hours (Mondays to Fridays from 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM), it is advisable to book a pre-cruise hotel on Mahé or Praslin. This allows for a stress-free arrival and gives you the opportunity to acclimatize to the tropical surroundings before embarkation. Cruises that call at Cousin Island often begin in Port Victoria 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 your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind 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 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 mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
