Port information & tips for Farquhar Atoll
Farquhar Atoll is a pristine natural paradise in the far south of the Seychelles and an exclusive highlight for expedition cruises. Its remote location in the middle of the Indian Ocean offers a spectacular backdrop of vibrant turquoise lagoons, snow-white sandbanks, and untouched wildlife. Outstanding attractions include the diverse bird colonies on the Bancs de Sable and the protected nesting sites of the Green Sea Turtle on Île du Sud. As there is no traditional industrial port, cruise ships anchor in the sheltered lagoon, and guests reach the landing site near Farquhar Lodge comfortably by Zodiac. Thanks to this direct connection, the nature adventure in this untouched wilderness begins without detours, right on the fine sandy beach.
Farquhar Atoll, a remote archipelago in the Seychelles, is not a traditional cruise port, but an exclusive Fly & Cruise destination. Arrival for guests from the DACH region is exclusively by plane, with small luxury ships usually anchoring off the coast and embarkation taking place via tender boat.
Airplane
Your journey begins with a long-haul flight to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the main airport of the Seychelles. Direct flights are available from Frankfurt, among others, and there are also good connecting flights via major hubs such as Dubai. Due to the long flight time and the early departure times of the onward flight to the atoll, ideally plan to arrive in Mahé the day before.
Charter Flight & Transfer
From Mahé International Airport, you will continue with a specially chartered aircraft, often a Beechcraft 1900, to Farquhar Airport (ICAO: FSFA) on Île du Nord. This charter flight takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. Please note that charter flights depart from the IDC Hangar, which is not located directly at the international terminal, and departure times may vary. Once on Farquhar, the transfer to the lodge or the waiting expedition ship takes place in a relaxed island manner, often by cart or tractor and trailer.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Embarkation
For a smooth transition, an overnight stay in a hotel on Mahé is strongly recommended before the charter flight to Farquhar. This allows you to cushion any delays of the international flight and start the connecting flight relaxed in the early morning. Since Farquhar Atoll has no paved terminals, embarkation onto your expedition ship takes place directly from the anchorage by means of comfortable tender boats. Plan your return journey so that your international flight from Mahé does not start before 20:00 on the day of your return from Farquhar, as charter flight times can change at short notice.
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 shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Farquhar Atoll, a remote archipelago in the Seychelles, is not a traditional cruise port, but an exclusive Fly & Cruise destination. Arrival for guests from the DACH region is exclusively by plane, with small luxury ships usually anchoring off the coast and embarkation taking place via tender boat.
Airplane
Your journey begins with a long-haul flight to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the main airport of the Seychelles. Direct flights are available from Frankfurt, among others, and there are also good connecting flights via major hubs such as Dubai. Due to the long flight time and the early departure times of the onward flight to the atoll, ideally plan to arrive in Mahé the day before.
Charter Flight & Transfer
From Mahé International Airport, you will continue with a specially chartered aircraft, often a Beechcraft 1900, to Farquhar Airport (ICAO: FSFA) on Île du Nord. This charter flight takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. Please note that charter flights depart from the IDC Hangar, which is not located directly at the international terminal, and departure times may vary. Once on Farquhar, the transfer to the lodge or the waiting expedition ship takes place in a relaxed island manner, often by cart or tractor and trailer.
Pre-Cruise Hotel & Embarkation
For a smooth transition, an overnight stay in a hotel on Mahé is strongly recommended before the charter flight to Farquhar. This allows you to cushion any delays of the international flight and start the connecting flight relaxed in the early morning. Since Farquhar Atoll has no paved terminals, embarkation onto your expedition ship takes place directly from the anchorage by means of comfortable tender boats. Plan your return journey so that your international flight from Mahé does not start before 20:00 on the day of your return from Farquhar, as charter flight times can change at short notice.
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 shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The remote Farquhar Atoll welcomes you as a pristine natural paradise, and the journey from the ship is easily made by boat directly to the picturesque beaches.
Expedition Zodiacs and Tender Boats
Since larger ships anchor in the lagoon or off the atoll, the ship's own Zodiacs will bring you safely to the small landing stage or directly to the sandy beach. These short trips also offer initial fantastic views of the turquoise water and the coral reefs.
On Foot
Exploring the islands is traditionally done on foot and allows for an intensive nature experience at your own pace. The paths between the small settlement, the airstrip, and the untouched coastal sections are flat and very manageable thanks to the small size of the atoll.
Small Boats and Kayaks
To reach the branching lagoon and the remote coral islands, small motorized boats or kayaks are often used. These means of transport are ideal for excursions into the shallower waters and simultaneously offer a quiet and nature-oriented way of getting around.
To make the most of your stay at the remote Farquhar Atoll, it is recommended to use the limited time to explore the unique lagoon and the untouched nature directly in the vicinity of the pier.
Île du Nord
The main island of the atoll impresses with its original atmosphere and, thanks to the small settlement of Grande Poste and well-accessible paths, offers a wonderful insight into life in this secluded place in the world.
Bancs de Sable
These brilliant white sandbanks in the middle of the turquoise lagoon are the epitome of a tropical paradise and, thanks to their crystal-clear water, invite you to relaxed walks and unique photo moments.
Goëlettes Island
This pristine island in the south is a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts and, thanks to its huge seabird colonies, home to one of the most impressive wildlife populations of the entire Seychelles directly in the Indian Ocean.
The Lagoon Beaches of Île du Nord
The stunning beaches of Île du Nord are easily accessible after a short ride on the ship's own Zodiac and impress with their fine white sand and the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the protected lagoon. This location is ideal for nature and beach lovers, as you can enjoy a completely untouched backdrop and also have the chance to observe rare giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Thanks to its exclusive seclusion, the atoll offers a deeply relaxed atmosphere and perfect conditions for extensive snorkeling in a species-rich underwater world directly from the shore. Ideally, take the first tender connections in the early morning to enjoy the morning tranquility and the best light for photography, and plan your return to the landing site at your leisure for the early afternoon.
The return journey to the landing site on Farquhar Atoll is very straightforward and safe, thanks to the professional organization of the expedition teams. Since the atoll remains in its natural state, you will return directly to the central meeting point at the landing site on Île du Nord.
Zodiacs and Tender Boats
The return transfer to the ship is carried out comfortably using the ship's own Zodiacs or tender boats, which depart regularly from the marked landing site near the IDC station. Please pay attention to the communicated tidal windows and arrive at the beach on time so that the crossing can be carried out safely and punctually by the experienced crew.
On Foot and Orientation
As the atoll has no public transport, you can easily reach the landing site on foot via the sandy paths of the main island. Orientation is easy thanks to the prominent buildings of the settlement and the proximity to the airstrip, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed walk through the untouched nature back to the shore.
Organization by the Expedition Team
Staff from your cruise line are present at key points and directly on the beach to actively assist you with a safe boarding of the boats. This personal accompaniment ensures a smooth process and guarantees that all guests are back on board their ship safely and well before departure.
