Moyenne Island National Park
A small island sanctuary in Seychelles, home to free-roaming giant tortoises and unique natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Moyenne Island National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small island sanctuary in Seychelles, home to free-roaming giant tortoises and unique natural beauty.
"Great natural reserve to spend 1-2 hours hiking with terrific views and lots of turtles."
🐢 Walk with Giants
Observe and gently pet the Aldabra giant tortoises; they're a highlight for many visitors!
🥾 Hike the Loop Trail
The 1-hour trail offers history, nature, and stunning views. Wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giant Tortoise Sanctuary
Wander among nearly 50 Aldabra giant tortoises freely roaming this lush island paradise.

Clamshell Rock
Discover unique jagged rock formations, reminiscent of Madagascar's Tsingys, offering stunning photo opportunities.

Panoramic Island Views
Enjoy breathtaking views of neighboring islands from various vantage points across the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Hopping Essential
Tortoise Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Walk with Giants
Observe and gently pet the Aldabra giant tortoises; they're a highlight for many visitors!
🥾 Hike the Loop Trail
The 1-hour trail offers history, nature, and stunning views. Wear comfortable shoes!
🍹 Jolly Roger Bar
Enjoy excellent food and fruit shakes with beautiful views at this laid-back beach bar.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the unique clamshell rock and panoramic island vistas for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Walk with Giants
Observe and gently pet the Aldabra giant tortoises; they're a highlight for many visitors!
🥾 Hike the Loop Trail
The 1-hour trail offers history, nature, and stunning views. Wear comfortable shoes!
🍹 Jolly Roger Bar
Enjoy excellent food and fruit shakes with beautiful views at this laid-back beach bar.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the unique clamshell rock and panoramic island vistas for great photos.
🚤 Book a Boat Tour
Tours from Mahé are common and often include snorkeling and visits to other islands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moyenne Island is a highly recommended nature reserve, praised for its free-roaming giant tortoises and stunning island views. Visitors enjoy the easy hiking trails and the unique Clamshell Rock formation. While generally a positive experience, some find the island tours can feel a bit rushed.
"It’s one of the spots they take you to on the St Anne-Moyenne-Cerf island hop. Nice little hike, a little under an hour if you cover all the spots. There’s a lot of giant tortoises roaming around the trailhead and you can pet and stroke them.
The island has views of all the neighboring islands on a clear day. Not to be missed is the clamshell rock, the jagged features reminiscent of the Tsingys of Madagascar."
Khidhir Azali
"Very nice island. You can take an island tour following the path. Big turtles free. All tour takes around 2 hours with stop for photos in the nice points."
Petru Tichindelean
"Great natural reserve to spend 1-2 hours hiking with terrific views and lots of turtles."
Yotam Kadishay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moyenne Island is accessible via boat tours from Mahé, typically departing from Eden Island or Beau Vallon. These tours often combine visits to other islands within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, such as Cerf Island and Sainte Anne Island. Booking a tour in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, Moyenne Island is a key part of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, which encompasses several small islands off the coast of Mahé.
The boat ride from Mahé to Moyenne Island is quite short, usually taking around 15-30 minutes depending on your departure point and the sea conditions.
While it's possible to arrange private boat hire, most visitors experience Moyenne Island as part of an organized boat tour. This is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to visit.
There are no public ferries directly to Moyenne Island. Access is primarily through organized boat tours or private charter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Moyenne Island is a national park and typically requires a fee for entry, which is often included in the price of boat tours. It's best to confirm this when booking your excursion.
Moyenne Island is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of day tours. The Jolly Roger bar has its own operating hours.
It is highly recommended to book your boat tour to Moyenne Island in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
Ticket options usually depend on the tour operator. Some tours might focus solely on Moyenne Island, while others combine it with snorkeling and visits to other islands.
The ticket price for a tour typically covers the boat transfer, island access, and sometimes guided walks. Food and drinks at the Jolly Roger bar are usually an additional cost.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can hike the island's loop trail, encounter giant tortoises, explore unique rock formations like Clamshell Rock, and enjoy the beaches. The Jolly Roger beach bar offers food and drinks.
A typical visit to Moyenne Island takes about 1 to 2 hours for the hike and exploring the main attractions. Tours often extend this with snorkeling or beach time.
Yes, you can swim in the shallow waters around Moyenne Island. The waters are crystal clear and offer a refreshing experience.
Yes, children often love the experience of seeing and interacting with the giant tortoises. The easy trails are also suitable for families.
Light, comfortable clothing, swimwear, and sturdy walking shoes or sandals are recommended for the hike and exploring the island. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Jolly Roger beach bar is a popular spot on Moyenne Island, offering excellent food, including fresh seafood, and delicious fruit shakes.
The Jolly Roger typically serves local Creole dishes, grilled fish, and other light meals. Their fruit shakes are a must-try!
Food and drinks at the Jolly Roger are usually not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check with your tour operator. However, supporting the local establishment at Jolly Roger is encouraged.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for a tourist destination, offering good value for the quality of food and the unique setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the giant tortoises, the unique Clamshell Rock, panoramic island views, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Yes, the tortoises are accustomed to people and often come close, making it easy to get great close-up shots. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. However, the vibrant colors of the island are beautiful throughout the day.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a waterproof case if you plan on getting close to the water or doing any snorkeling.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a boat tour that includes snorkeling, as many families enjoy this combined experience. The Jolly Roger bar also offers kid-friendly food options and a relaxed atmosphere for a break. Remember to bring sun protection and hats for everyone.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
Many boat tours cater to solo travelers, offering a chance to meet other visitors. The Jolly Roger bar is also a great place to relax, enjoy a drink, and perhaps strike up a conversation with locals or fellow travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for morning light for softer shadows and fewer crowds. The crystal-clear waters also present opportunities for underwater photography if you bring a waterproof camera or case.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Brendon Grimshaw
Grimshaw, a former newspaper editor from Yorkshire, England, dedicated his life to this project. He single-handedly planted trees, cleared paths, and worked to restore the island's flora and fauna. His efforts laid the groundwork for its designation as a national park and a sanctuary for wildlife, particularly the Aldabra giant tortoises. His story is a testament to conservation and a unique chapter in the Seychelles' history.
Visitors can still see remnants of his work, including his former home's foundations and some of the graves on the island, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty.
Encountering the Gentle Giants
With nearly 50 adult tortoises calling Moyenne home, sightings are almost guaranteed. Visitors often describe the experience of walking among them as 'indescribable' and 'unforgettable.' While they are wild animals, they are generally docile and accustomed to human presence, allowing for gentle petting and observation.
Conservation efforts on the island have been crucial in maintaining this thriving tortoise population. Observing these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat is a highlight for many, providing a unique connection to nature and a memorable part of any visit to Moyenne Island.
Exploring the Island's Trails and Views
As you traverse the paths, you'll encounter lush vegetation, unique rock formations like the striking Clamshell Rock, and numerous Aldabra giant tortoises. The trail also leads to various vantage points offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding islands, including Mahé, Cerf Island, and Sainte Anne.
These viewpoints are perfect for photography and appreciating the beauty of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. The combination of natural scenery, wildlife encounters, and historical remnants makes the island hike a comprehensive and engaging activity.
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