Port information & tips for Grande Soeur
Grande Soeur, one of the picturesque private islands of the Seychelles, is considered an untouched paradise in the Indian Ocean. The island impresses with its exclusive atmosphere, characterized by spectacular granite rocks, lush greenery, and two dreamlike beaches. Highlights include the crystal-clear West Beach for snorkeling with sea turtles and the wild East Beach with its fine white sand. A short climb to the viewpoint also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the neighboring islands of Felicité and Coco Island. As there is no industrial port, cruise ships anchor off the coast and guests arrive by tender boat directly at the natural landing site on West Beach. From here, the entire island can be easily explored on foot thanks to short distances.
Grande Soeur is typically visited as a picturesque anchorage as part of Seychelles cruises and does not serve as an embarkation port. Most cruises in this region start and end at Port Victoria on Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles and the main point of entry for international guests.
Airplane
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is the nearest airport and is reached from DACH countries with a connection. It is located approximately 8.8 to 12 kilometers from Port Victoria, which makes it very convenient thanks to short transfer times. Due to the long journey from Europe, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation to start your cruise adventure in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
From SEZ airport, you can easily get to Port Victoria. A taxi ride takes about 9 minutes and costs between 35 and 50 US dollars. Numerous private transfer providers are also available, with travel times and costs being similar. Many cruise lines also offer their own shuttle services that take you directly to the cruise terminal. Public buses also run, but these are not suitable for passengers with a lot of luggage.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
A pre-cruise hotel on Mahé is highly recommended for a stress-free embarkation. Numerous hotels in and around Victoria are available, many of them with their own airport transfer. This allows you to acclimatize after the long-haul flight and explore the island's capital Victoria with its charming center and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market before your cruise begins.
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 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 pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Grande Soeur is typically visited as a picturesque anchorage as part of Seychelles cruises and does not serve as an embarkation port. Most cruises in this region start and end at Port Victoria on Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles and the main point of entry for international guests.
Airplane
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is the nearest airport and is reached from DACH countries with a connection. It is located approximately 8.8 to 12 kilometers from Port Victoria, which makes it very convenient thanks to short transfer times. Due to the long journey from Europe, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation to start your cruise adventure in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
From SEZ airport, you can easily get to Port Victoria. A taxi ride takes about 9 minutes and costs between 35 and 50 US dollars. Numerous private transfer providers are also available, with travel times and costs being similar. Many cruise lines also offer their own shuttle services that take you directly to the cruise terminal. Public buses also run, but these are not suitable for passengers with a lot of luggage.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
A pre-cruise hotel on Mahé is highly recommended for a stress-free embarkation. Numerous hotels in and around Victoria are available, many of them with their own airport transfer. This allows you to acclimatize after the long-haul flight and explore the island's capital Victoria with its charming center and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market before your cruise begins.
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 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 pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival at Grande Soeur is very convenient via tender boat directly to the white sandy beach of this paradisiacal private island. From the landing point, the untouched nature of the Seychelles can be explored wonderfully and directly.
Tender Service
Since the island does not have a large cruise port, the ship's own tender boats bring guests safely to the beach. The short crossing also offers fascinating views of the turquoise water and the characteristic granite rocks of the coast.
On Foot
The entire island can be discovered excellently and in a relaxed manner on foot. In just a few minutes, you can reach the various coastal sections on well-maintained paths while enjoying the untouched flora and fauna of this private island.
Boat Transfers
Local boats are often available for individual exploration of the surrounding waters. Thanks to the proximity to neighboring islands such as Félicité or Coco Island, these water connections are a convenient option for snorkeling trips in the immediate vicinity.
To make the most of your stay on the private island of Grande Soeur, it is recommended to spend your time combining complete relaxation on the dream beach with exploring the fascinating tropical wildlife.
Weststrand Grande Anse
This paradisiacal stretch of coastline directly at the arrival area impresses with its powdered-sugar white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water; additionally, the iconic granite rocks of the Seychelles provide a breathtaking backdrop for an exclusive swimming experience.
Das Schildkröten-Plateau
On the green meadows in the heart of the island, numerous majestic Seychelles giant tortoises live in their natural environment and, thanks to their trusting nature, allow visitors unforgettable encounters amidst pristine tropical flora.
Die Ostküste
Just a short walk across the island lies the somewhat wilder east side, which is perfect for snorkelers and, thanks to a vibrant underwater world and spectacular rock formations, represents a fascinating contrast to the gentle west coast.
Grande Anse (West Beach)
The paradisiacal Grande Anse on the west side of Grande Soeur is easily accessible by tender boat and impresses with its crystal-clear, calm water and fine, white coral sand. This exclusive private island section offers you a first-class backdrop for snorkeling with sea turtles and also invites you to take relaxed walks where you can observe the island's majestic giant tortoises in their natural environment. The island features a well-maintained infrastructure with shaded areas and sanitary facilities, making the stay perfect for a carefree day in the Indian Ocean. Ideally, use the first tender boats in the early morning to enjoy the pristine atmosphere and the best underwater visibility in peace, and plan your return to the tender about sixty minutes before departure.
The return journey to the anchorage off Grande Soeur is a relaxed walk across the island's central beach section and, thanks to the manageable size, allows for a punctual return to the ship.
Tender Boats and Water Transfers
The return journey to the cruise ship is made directly via the provided tender boats or organized water taxis that depart from the main beach. Thanks to the regular frequency, you can reach the ship comfortably while enjoying an unobstructed view of the picturesque coastline of the Seychelles.
On Foot
The paths on the private island are easy to walk and lead you directly through the tropical nature back to the landing point. Orientation is easy, and you will reach the meeting point for the return trip within a few minutes, as all paths converge centrally at the beach.
Local Coordination
Since there are no public roads or motorized taxis on the island, crew members and guides coordinate the return journey directly at the shore. Thanks to this personal support on-site, a smooth process is guaranteed, and you will always find a direct contact person on the beach for your timely return journey.
