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Île Longue
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Île Longue, Seychelles, offers a secluded offshore setting near Mahé, with maritime scenery and a distinctive former-prison history.

Île Longue is a small island lying off the eastern coast of Mahé, one of the granitic Inner Islands of Seychelles. Its wooded slopes and narrow shoreline sit within the sheltered waters east of the capital, Victoria, close to the islands of Sainte Anne, Île Ronde and Île Moyenne. Although it appears on maps as a distinct island destination, it is not an independent resort centre or a conventional day-trip attraction. Access, where permitted, depends on authorisation and suitable boat arrangements from Mahé.
Read more about Île Longue
The island’s identity is shaped more by its history and setting than by visitor infrastructure. Île Longue was used for institutional and isolation purposes, most notably as a prison island during the late twentieth century. Remains associated with that period, together with the island’s secluded position, give it a very different character from the beaches, hotels and marine-excursion centres of nearby Mahé. Visitors should not expect public restaurants, shops, marked sightseeing circuits or a permanent tourism service on the island.
Its natural setting is nevertheless significant. Île Longue forms part of the group of islands and waters around Mahé where granite outcrops, tropical vegetation, sheltered channels and coral-rich marine habitats create the landscape. The surrounding sea is more important to the visitor experience than the island’s land area: boat approaches, views towards Mahé, calm-water conditions and the wider marine environment provide the principal sense of place. Any landing must respect local access rules and the condition of the shoreline.
Île Longue is therefore best understood as a geographically specific and historically interesting offshore island rather than as a standalone holiday base. Most travellers experience its vicinity as part of a boat excursion from Mahé or a wider exploration of the Sainte Anne area, while the island itself may remain inaccessible. Its appeal lies in the contrast between Seychelles’ celebrated tropical scenery and the austere, restricted history of a former prison site.

When is the best time to visit Île Longue?

Best: June–August · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30300
February31230
March31190
April31170
May31140
June (best)3090
July (best)3080
August (best)3080
September30120
October31170
November31230
December30290

Getting to and around Île Longue

How to get there

Île Longue has no airport, public ferry terminal or regular visitor service. International travellers first reach Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, which is on the main island but outside Île Longue, and then arrange a boat transfer from an authorised operator on Mahé. Because landing conditions and access permissions can change, confirm the journey with a local boat company or accommodation provider before departure rather than assuming that a standard excursion stops on the island.

Transportation

There is no public transport, road network or established walking infrastructure on Île Longue. Travel is by boat from Mahé, and the crossing can be affected by wind, swell and rainfall. A local skipper is preferable because the surrounding Inner Island waters include reefs, channels and regulated marine areas. On land, visitors should remain only in authorised areas and should not attempt to explore former institutional buildings or rough vegetation without permission and suitable guidance.

Best attractions in Île Longue

Île Longue has a narrow attraction profile, centred on its offshore setting and former institutional history rather than a developed programme of visitor facilities. The principal point of interest is the island itself: a wooded, secluded landmass close to Mahé, approached by boat through the island-dotted waters east of Victoria. Where authorised, a landing can offer a sense of its isolation and an opportunity to understand the physical context of its former prison use, although there is no established public museum or interpretive circuit. The surrounding sea is often the more rewarding part of the excursion, with opportunities for coastal views, photography, swimming or snorkelling depending on the route, weather, marine regulations and operator. Île Longue is also commonly understood in relation to nearby Sainte Anne and other Inner Islands, but these should be treated as separate destinations rather than folded into the island itself. Travellers interested in nature, conservation or maritime geography will gain more from a carefully managed boat visit than from expecting a conventional sightseeing attraction. Because access and landing rights can be restricted, confirm the current arrangement before setting out.

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Best landmarks in Île Longue

The defining landmark of Île Longue is its former prison complex, whose institutional history distinguishes the island from the resort beaches and marine excursions associated with neighbouring parts of the Mahé area. The buildings and walls should be viewed only from authorised areas, as some structures may be restricted, altered or unsafe; the site is not a conventional open-air museum. The island’s other important feature is geographical rather than architectural: its elongated wooded form rising from the sheltered waters east of Mahé makes it readily recognisable from the sea. Its position among the Inner Islands also gives it a clear maritime relationship with nearby Sainte Anne, Île Ronde and Île Moyenne, though those islands are separate landmarks with their own histories and access arrangements. For visitors, the combination of a former place of confinement, tropical vegetation and surrounding marine space is more significant than any single monumental building.

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Explore Île Longue on the map

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Best restaurants in Île Longue

Île Longue has no established restaurant, café, food market or permanently available dining service. Any visit should therefore be organised from Mahé, where the widest choice of Seychellois food is available, including grilled fish, octopus preparations, coconut-based curries, rice, fruit and Creole-influenced dishes. Boat excursions may include packed refreshments or meals, but this depends on the operator and should be arranged beforehand rather than assumed. The island’s offshore location also makes it important to carry drinking water and to remove all packaging and food waste. For a more distinctive local meal, visitors can seek Seychellois Creole cooking in Mahé’s restaurants, takeaways, cafés and guesthouses, where seafood and produce from the archipelago are more readily represented. Dining on Île Longue itself is not a reliable part of the destination experience.

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Best bars in Île Longue

Île Longue has no bars, nightclubs, breweries or evening entertainment. Its restricted, uninhabited character means that visits take place during daylight and are necessarily dependent on boat access and sea conditions. Evening activity belongs on Mahé, particularly around Victoria, hotel areas and coastal settlements, where visitors can find hotel bars, restaurants, occasional live music and a modest selection of late venues. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed than that of a major international nightlife centre, and opening arrangements vary. Anyone returning from an offshore excursion should arrange transport in advance, since there is no way to obtain a taxi, drink or meal on Île Longue. Local evening life is best approached as part of Mahé’s wider Creole and coastal culture rather than as an attraction of the island itself.

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Best nightclubs in Île Longue

Île Longue has no bars, nightclubs, breweries or evening entertainment. Its restricted, uninhabited character means that visits take place during daylight and are necessarily dependent on boat access and sea conditions. Evening activity belongs on Mahé, particularly around Victoria, hotel areas and coastal settlements, where visitors can find hotel bars, restaurants, occasional live music and a modest selection of late venues. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed than that of a major international nightlife centre, and opening arrangements vary. Anyone returning from an offshore excursion should arrange transport in advance, since there is no way to obtain a taxi, drink or meal on Île Longue. Local evening life is best approached as part of Mahé’s wider Creole and coastal culture rather than as an attraction of the island itself.

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Best shops in Île Longue

There is no shopping on Île Longue: no high street, craft outlet, market, gallery or provisions shop operates there as a dependable visitor service. Shopping associated with a visit should be completed on Mahé before departure, particularly if water, snacks, reef-safe sun protection, dry bags or secure footwear are needed for a boat excursion. In Victoria and other settled parts of Mahé, visitors can look for Seychellois spices, locally made crafts, coconut products, artwork, textiles and packaged foods, while larger shops provide ordinary travel supplies. Purchases should be made with the understanding that locally made and imported goods are both present in the Seychelles market, and that availability varies. Do not collect shells, coral, plants, stones or historic objects from Île Longue or its surrounding shore; such items belong to the natural or cultural heritage of the island.

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Île Longue essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Seychellois rupee, coded SCR, as throughout Seychelles. Payment arrangements for a boat excursion should be confirmed in advance; card acceptance is common among established tourism businesses on Mahé, while cash may be useful for smaller operators, incidental purchases or places with weak connectivity. There are no shops, cash machines or dependable payment facilities on Île Longue itself.
Safety
The main risks are maritime and environmental rather than urban: changing sea conditions, slippery rocks, strong sun, dehydration, sharp coral and uneven ground. Wear secure footwear if a landing is authorised, follow the skipper’s instructions and avoid swimming near boats or unfamiliar channels. Do not enter abandoned or restricted structures, and keep a safe distance from unstable walls. Travel insurance covering boat activities is sensible.
Emergency Situations
Emergency arrangements are governed by Seychelles’ national services rather than by Île Longue. For an immediate emergency, use the locally recognised emergency number 999 and give the boat operator’s position, the island or nearby channel, and the nature of the incident; the operator should coordinate with the relevant police, ambulance, fire or coastguard services. Mobile coverage can vary offshore, so visitors should share their itinerary with their Mahé accommodation and carry the operator’s contact details.
Do's and Don'ts
Do obtain permission before landing, follow marine-park and operator instructions, take all rubbish away and respect wildlife, vegetation and historic remains. Do not trespass into restricted areas, remove artefacts, damage former prison structures, anchor carelessly near coral or assume that an apparently empty beach is open to everyone. General Seychellois expectations also apply: dress modestly when returning to inhabited areas, ask before photographing people and avoid leaving valuables unattended on boats.
Local Tips
Plan Île Longue as one element of a Mahé-based marine itinerary, not as a destination requiring a full day on land. Ask whether the proposed route includes a permitted landing or only a view from the water, and clarify what equipment, drinking water and insurance are provided. Early departures may offer calmer conditions, but the best timing depends on the day’s sea state. Nearby islands and marine sites should only be visited where the operator confirms current access rules.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjour[bawn-zhoor]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwahr]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[noh]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît[seel voo pleh]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi[ex-kew-zay mwah]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-mohn sah vah]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?[byahn eh voo]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nu seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyahnd]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Au secours![oh suh-koor]
Go away!Allez-vous-en![ah-lay voo zahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur![ah-peh-lay uhn dohk-teur]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pair-doo]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
How much is it?C'est combien?[seh kohm-byen]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[seh troh shair]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kel uhr eh-teel]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel eh oon uhr]
Half past (10)Dix heures et demie[dees uhr eh duh-mee]
MorningMatin[mah-tahn]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-pray mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[ee-air]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor dwee]
TomorrowDemain[duh-mahn]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duhr]
3Trois[trwah]
4Quatre[katr]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[set]
8Huit[weet]
9Neuf[nurf]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?[oo eh uhn/oon]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kel eh lah-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahn eh luh pro-shen (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un ticket (pour ....)[uhn tee-kay (poor ....)]

History of Île Longue

French Settlement and the Granitic Inner Islands

Seychelles was settled by France in the eighteenth century, with Mahé becoming the principal centre of administration and cultivation. Île Longue formed part of the offshore island environment used from Mahé for maritime movement, fishing and the management of isolated land. Its proximity to Victoria and the eastern coast of Mahé meant that it was connected to the history of the capital even though it remained much smaller and less developed than the main island.

British Rule and the Plantation Economy

Britain took control of Seychelles during the Napoleonic period, and the islands subsequently developed within the British colonial system. Mahé’s plantations produced crops including coconut, cinnamon and vanilla, while enslaved and later contracted labour shaped the society of the archipelago. Île Longue was not a major plantation centre, but its location near Mahé placed it within the trading, administrative and maritime network created by the colonial economy.

Quarantine and Island Isolation

Small offshore islands around Mahé have historically been valued for quarantine, confinement and other forms of separation from the main population. Île Longue is associated with this wider history of institutional isolation, reflecting a practical colonial habit of using nearby islands for purposes that required distance from Victoria and the settled parts of Mahé. The legacy is important because it helps explain why several Inner Islands have histories quite different from their modern image as scenic marine destinations.

The Prison Island Era

Île Longue became most closely identified with its use as a prison during the late twentieth century. The facility made the island a working institutional site rather than a leisure destination and gave it a reputation distinct from neighbouring islands used for recreation or conservation. The prison was later closed and relocated elsewhere on Mahé, leaving the island’s built remains and restricted character as reminders of a comparatively recent chapter in Seychelles’ social history.

Marine Conservation around Mahé

The waters around the eastern side of Mahé became increasingly important to Seychelles’ conservation policy as the country developed marine parks and regulated access to sensitive coastal environments. Île Longue’s significance today is consequently both historical and ecological: it sits within a wider island-and-reef setting where boating, anchoring, swimming and wildlife encounters are subject to local rules. Conservation has helped shift attention from the island’s former institutional role towards the protection of its surrounding marine landscape.

Contemporary Seychelles and Restricted Offshore Heritage

Since independence in 1976, Seychelles has developed tourism as a major economic sector while retaining strong controls over land, marine areas and environmentally sensitive islands. Île Longue illustrates the resulting balance between tourism interest and restricted access. It is close enough to Mahé to attract curiosity, yet its former prison history, limited infrastructure and environmental setting mean that it has not become a conventional resort island.

Île Longue in Photos

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