Île Moyenne, Seychelles Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Île Moyenne, a secluded paradise in Seychelles, where giant tortoises roam and vibrant coral reefs await underwater explorers.

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Île Moyenne

Île Moyenne is a small, picturesque island nestled in the heart of the Seychelles archipelago. Known for its lush greenery and pristine beaches, this island offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is part of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park and is renowned for its unique history and natural beauty. The island spans just 24 acres, making it easy to explore on foot. As you wander through its well-maintained paths, you'll encounter giant tortoises roaming freely, adding to the island's charm. Île Moyenne is also home to several ancient ruins and a quaint chapel, which provide a glimpse into the island's past. Snorkeling enthusiasts will be delighted by the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island. The clear, turquoise waters are teeming with marine life, making it a perfect spot for underwater exploration. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, hike through scenic trails, or dive into the underwater world, Île Moyenne has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Île Moyenne.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the island is best explored on foot.
Bring a snorkeling kit to explore the surrounding coral reefs and marine life.
Pack a picnic, as there are no restaurants on the island, but several scenic spots to enjoy a meal.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the island's tranquility.
Respect the wildlife, especially the giant tortoises, and avoid feeding or disturbing them.

Explore Île Moyenne: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Île Moyenne

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Ile Moyenne

Explore the enchanting Ile Moyenne, an unspoiled island paradise in the Seychelles, where breathtaking nature meets rich marine life.

4.8

Clamshell Rock

Explore Clamshell Rock, a stunning hiking area in Providence that offers breathtaking views and a perfect escape into nature's beauty.

5.0

Landspitze Dasha

Explore Landspitze Dasha, a serene tourist attraction in Silhouette, Seychelles, where stunning landscapes and tranquility await every visitor.

5.0

Dog House Ruins

Discover the enchanting Dog House Ruins in Providence, a hidden gem that offers a captivating glimpse into ancient history amidst stunning natural beauty.

Best landmarks in Île Moyenne

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Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort

Experience luxury and tranquility at Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort, where lush landscapes meet stunning ocean views for an unforgettable getaway.

4.3

Victoria Clock Tower

Explore the iconic Victoria Clock Tower in Mahé, Seychelles—a historical landmark that embodies the island's rich heritage and vibrant culture.

4.1

Club Med Seychelles

Discover luxury and adventure at Club Med Seychelles, a premier resort hotel on Sainte Anne Island, where unforgettable experiences await in paradise.

4.7

Jardin du Roi Spice Garden

Explore the lush beauty and rich heritage of Jardin du Roi Spice Garden in Anse Royale, a true gem of Seychelles' botanical wonders.

4.2

Best restaurants in Île Moyenne

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Del Place Restaurant

Experience exquisite Creole cuisine at Del Place Restaurant with breathtaking ocean views in Seychelles.

4.5

The Boat House Restaurant

Experience exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views at The Boat House Restaurant in Beau Vallon - a true taste of Seychelles.

4.3

Mahek Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Indian flavors at Mahek Restaurant in Beau Vallon – a must-visit culinary gem in Seychelles.

4.3

La Perle Noire Restaurant

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Perle Noire Restaurant in Beau Vallon, where local flavors meet traditional recipes for an unforgettable meal.

4.6

Best bars in Île Moyenne

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Beach Shak Seychelles

Discover Beach Shak Seychelles: A vibrant grill and cocktail bar offering delicious local cuisine with stunning ocean views and a laid-back atmosphere.

4.4

Gecko Bar

Discover Gecko Bar in Beau Vallon for a delightful blend of refreshing drinks, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.0

The Boardwalk Bar & Grill

Experience the lively atmosphere of The Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Eden Island, where delicious cuisine meets stunning marina views and vibrant nightlife.

4.3

Summer Bar

Experience the refreshing ambiance of Summer Bar at Anse Intendance, where tropical drinks and stunning views await every visitor.

4.9

Best nightclubs in Île Moyenne

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The Boardwalk Bar & Grill

Experience the vibrant culinary and nightlife scene at The Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Eden Island, where stunning views meet delicious flavors.

4.3

ＲＯＹＡＬＢＡＹＢＥＡＣＨＣＬＵＢ

Discover Royal Bay Beach Club – A stunning beachside destination in Seychelles for relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights.

4.9

Barrel Night Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Victoria at Barrel Night Club, where electrifying music and a lively atmosphere await you.

4.1

Katiolo

Discover the energetic nightlife at Katiolo, Victoria's premier disco club, where music, dancing, and vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.

4.0

Best shops in Île Moyenne

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Eden Plaza

Discover the vibrant shopping scene at Eden Plaza in Providence, Seychelles, where local charm meets international brands.

4.1

STC Hypermarket

Explore the vibrant STC Hypermarket in Victoria, offering a fusion of local flavors and international brands for a unique shopping experience.

4.0

Koral Souvenir Boutique

Explore Koral Souvenir Boutique in Beau Vallon for unique local crafts, stunning jewelry, and memorable keepsakes from your Seychelles journey.

4.5

The Chop Shop Seychelles

Discover the vibrant flavors of Seychelles at The Chop Shop, your go-to supermarket in Victoria for fresh produce and local delicacies.

4.4

Explore Île Moyenne on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Île Moyenne, mapped for you.

Île Moyenne Essentials

Île Moyenne is a small island located in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, close to Mahé, the main island of Seychelles. The most common way to reach Île Moyenne is by taking a boat trip from Mahé. Several tour operators offer day trips to the island, usually departing from the capital city, Victoria. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Private boat charters are also available for those who prefer a more personalized experience.
Since Île Moyenne is a small island, there is no need for internal transportation. The entire island can be explored on foot, and it takes roughly an hour to walk around its perimeter. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. For trips to and from Mahé, boat services are the primary mode of transportation.
The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). While some tour operators and services on Mahé may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash for expenses on Île Moyenne, as there are no ATMs or card payment facilities on the island. Ensure you have enough cash before departing from Mahé.
Île Moyenne is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel location, it is important to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid leaving them unattended. There are no high-crime areas targeting tourists on the island, but staying vigilant is always recommended.
In case of an emergency on Île Moyenne, contact your tour operator immediately, as they are equipped to handle such situations. For medical emergencies, you will need to return to Mahé, where hospitals and medical facilities are available. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing suitable for walking and exploring. Don't wear high heels or formal attire. Religion: Do show respect when visiting the small chapel on the island. Public Transport: Not applicable as there is no public transport on the island. Greetings: Do greet locals and other visitors with a friendly 'hello' or 'bonjour.' Eating & Drinking: Do bring your own snacks and water as there are limited facilities on the island. Don't litter; always dispose of your trash properly.
To experience Île Moyenne like a local, take your time to explore its lush vegetation and scenic trails. Visit the graves of the former owners of the island, Brendon Grimshaw and his father, who transformed the island into a nature reserve. Don't miss the giant tortoises that roam freely and are a highlight for many visitors. Snorkeling around the island offers a glimpse of the vibrant marine life. Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best experience.

When is the best time to visit Île Moyenne?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Île Moyenne

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Île Moyenne. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonzur
  [bɔ̃.zur]
- GoodbyeOrevwar
  [o.ʁɛ.vwaʁ]
- YesWi
  [wi]
- NoNon
  [nɔ̃]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [sil vu plɛ]
- Thank youMersi
  [mɛʁ.si]
- Excuse me/SorryEskize
  [ɛs.ki.ze]
- How are you?Kouman ou ete?
  [ku.mɑ̃ u e.te]
- Fine. And you?Bien. E ou?
  [bjan e u]
- Do you speak English?Es ou koz Anglè?
  [ɛs u ko.zɑ̃.ɡlɛ]
- I don't understandMon pa konpran
  [mɔ̃ pa kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMon anvi vwar meni, sil vous plaît
  [mɔ̃ ɑ̃.vi vwaʁ me.ni sil vu plɛ]
- I don't eat meatMon pa manze vyann
  [mɔ̃ pa mɑ̃.ze vjɑ̃]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sɑ̃.te]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMon anvi peye, sil vous plaît
  [mɔ̃ ɑ̃.vi pe.je sil vu plɛ]
- Help!Sos!
  [sos]
- Go away!Ale lo!
  [a.le lo]
- Call the Police!Apel Polisi!
  [a.pɛl pɔ.li.si]
- Call a doctor!Apel en doktor!
  [a.pɛl ɛ̃ dɔk.tɔʁ]
- I'm lostMon perdi
  [mɔ̃ pɛʁ.di]
- I'm illMon malad
  [mɔ̃ ma.lad]
- I'd like to buy...Mon anvi achte...
  [mɔ̃ ɑ̃.vi aʃ.te]
- I'm just lookingMon zis pe regarde
  [mɔ̃ zis pe ʁə.ɡaʁ.de]
- How much is it?Konbyen li kost?
  [kɔ̃.bjɛ̃ li kɔst]
- That's too expensiveSa tro cher
  [sa tʁo ʃɛʁ]
- Can you lower the price?Es ou kapav redwir pri?
  [ɛs u ka.pav ʁɛ.dwiʁ pʁi]
- What time is it?Ki le li?
  [ki le li]
- It's one o'clockLi en ler
  [li ɛ̃ lɛʁ]
- Half past (10)Demi (10)
  [də.mi (diz)]
- MorningMatin
  [ma.tɛ̃]
- AfternoonApre midi
  [a.pʁe mi.di]
- EveningSware
  [swaʁ]
- YesterdayYeri
  [je.ʁi]
- TodayAjourd'hui
  [a.ʒuʁ.dɥi]
- TomorrowDemain
  [də.mɛ̃]
- 1En
  [ɛ̃]
- 2De
  [de]
- 3Trois
  [tʁwa]
- 4Katre
  [ka.tʁə]
- 5Senk
  [sɛ̃k]
- 6Siz
  [siz]
- 7Set
  [sɛt]
- 8Huit
  [ɥit]
- 9Nef
  [nɛf]
- 10Dis
  [dis]
- Where's a/the...?Kot i la...?
  [kɔt i la]
- What's the address?Ki adres?
  [ki a.dʁɛs]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Es ou kapav montre mwen (lo kat)?
  [ɛs u ka.pav mɔ̃.tʁe mwɛ̃ lo kat]
- When's the next (bus)?Kan i prochen (bus)?
  [kɑ̃ i pʁo.ʃɛ̃ bus]
- A ticket (to ....)En tiké (pou....)
  [ɛ̃ ti.ke pu]

History of Île Moyenne

Île Moyenne, one of the smallest islands in the Seychelles archipelago, was reportedly first discovered by early European explorers in the 18th century. The island remained largely uninhabited and untouched, serving as a natural sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Île Moyenne became a rumored hideout for pirates. Legend has it that the island's dense vegetation and secluded beaches provided the perfect cover for pirates to stash their treasures. Many believe that hidden treasures still lie buried somewhere on the island, waiting to be discovered.
In 1962, the island was purchased by Brendon Grimshaw, a former British newspaper editor. Grimshaw moved to Île Moyenne and dedicated his life to its preservation. He planted over 16,000 trees, introduced giant tortoises, and transformed the island into a natural paradise. Grimshaw's efforts were instrumental in conserving the island's unique ecosystem.
In 2009, four years before Brendon Grimshaw's death, Île Moyenne was designated as a national park, officially named Moyenne Island National Park. This designation was a testament to Grimshaw's dedication and efforts to preserve the island's natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations.
Today, Île Moyenne stands as a symbol of conservation and cultural heritage in the Seychelles. The island is home to numerous archaeological sites, including ancient ruins and graves believed to belong to early settlers and pirates. Visitors can explore the island's rich history and enjoy its pristine natural beauty, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.