service

Amirantes Archipelago | Outer Islands


Information

Landmark: Amirantes Archipelago
City: Outer Islands
Country: Seychelles
Continent: Africa

Amirantes Archipelago, Outer Islands, Seychelles, Africa

Overview

About 250 kilometers south of Mahé, the Amirantes Archipelago stretches across the Seychelles-remote, gorgeous, and dotted with slight islands where turquoise waves break softly on white sand, then the archipelago belongs to the Outer Islands of Seychelles and holds around 11 islands-Desroches, Poivre, St. Joseph, Malabar, plus a scatter of tiny islets and pale sandbars where the tide leaves rippled patterns, and the Amirantes boast crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs teeming with fish, and a wild, untouched beauty, drawing eco‑tourists and thrilling anyone who loves wildlife.Here’s what stands out about the Amirantes Archipelago: 1, besides the Amirantes Archipelago spans a wide stretch of sea, and Desroches Island-its largest and most developed-stands out with long white beaches and a petite airstrip.Among the standout spots in the archipelago are Poivre Island, St, as a result joseph Atoll, and Malabar Island, where shallow lagoons shimmer beside coral reefs and sandbars-perfect for snorkeling, diving, or casting a fishing line into clear blue water.The terrain lies low and flat, wrapped in dense tropical greenery, with beaches of soft, white sand that squeaks underfoot, at the same time teeming with marine creatures and countless seabirds, the Amirantes Archipelago is a vital haven for wildlife and conservation.Around the islands, coral reefs glow beneath the surface, alive with darting tropical fish, gliding sea turtles, sluggish-moving rays, sleek sharks, and playful dolphins, equally important the coral reefs off Desroches and Poivre Islands teem with life, from flickering schools of parrotfish to deliberate-gliding sea turtles, drawing divers and snorkelers from around the world.The archipelago forms part of Seychelles’ marine conservation work, and its coral reefs-alive with darting parrotfish-help keep the entire ecosystem in balance, meanwhile the waters teem with huge schools of napoleon wrasse, glowing parrotfish, and darting triggerfish, and it’s not unusual to spot a whale shark gliding past or a manta ray’s wings cutting through the blue.Overhead, frigatebirds, terns, herons, and boobies nest in the cliffs and trees, filling the air with their sharp cries, consequently desroches Island plays a vital role in protecting seabirds, sheltering several species that return each year to nest among its windswept palms, more or less The Amirantes Archipelago teems with life, serving as vital nesting grounds for endangered species and drawing birdwatchers eager to spot rare terns skimming the shoreline, alternatively protected as part of Seychelles’ marine reserves, its coral reefs, marine life, and bird habitats are carefully monitored by the Seychelles Islands Foundation to keep the environment thriving for generations to come.Several islands, including Desroches and Poivre, welcome visitors under strict sustainable tourism rules that curb human impact, then desroches, the main base for overnight stays, offers a luxury resort where eco-friendly villas sit shaded beneath swaying palms, in a sense Desroches Island Resort is famed for its secluded setting, where guests can unwind in plush villas or beachfront suites that open onto turquoise ocean views and the scent of salt on the breeze, also you can reach it by charter flight from Mahé, and once there, spend days diving among coral reefs, snorkeling in clear shallows, or heading out to fish.While it’s the most developed island in the chain, nearby places like Poivre are usually visited by boat for day trips or to take part in conservation work, subsequently st. Joseph and Malabar remain largely untouched, serving mainly as sites for conservation work and wildlife studies, consequently in contrast, the Amirantes draw divers and snorkelers to their clear waters, where parrotfish flash past sparkling coral gardens teeming with life.Honestly, Divers can slip through shadowy underwater caves, glide along steep drop-offs, and wander into vivid marine gardens alive with darting tropical fish, simultaneously the islands offer unforgettable night dives and vibrant reef exploration, where flashlights catch the silver flick of passing fish.The surrounding waters are also a warm spot for sport and deep-sea fishing, not only that poivre and Desroches Islands are famous for their bonefish and trevally, while St. Joseph Atoll draws anglers chasing huge game, to boot in the Amirantes, seabirds wheel over turquoise shallows, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.Desroches Island shelters a variety of birds, from the sparkling red Seychelles fody to soaring boobies and frigatebirds, while nearby Poivre and St, besides joseph lure rare and migratory seabirds.Visitors can wander sun-warmed beaches, drift beneath the shade of palm-lined forests, and follow winding coastal trails, equally important you can kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding, or cycle along winding island paths, feeling the warm breeze as you take in the archipelago’s beauty.The ideal time to explore the Amirantes is the dry season, from April through October, also this time of year usually brings steadier weather-clear skies, lower humidity, and little rain-perfect for diving, snorkeling, or casting a line into calm blue water.From November to March, the wet season rolls in with heavier air and the occasional shower, yet it’s still a great choice if you’re after quieter shores, at the same time to reach the Amirantes Archipelago, most travelers fly by charter from Mahé straight to Desroches Island.The flight lasts about half an hour, maybe a bit longer-just enough time to sip a coffee before landing, furthermore after arriving on Desroches Island, travelers can hop on a boat or book a private charter to explore the other islands scattered across the archipelago.Its tiny airstrip handles light aircraft with ease, making Desroches the easiest island to reach, consequently in the Amirantes, sustainability isn’t just a slogan-it’s a way of life, with eco-friendly tourism helping protect the clear waters and delicate reefs.Take the Desroches Island Resort-it uses sustainable materials and green building methods to keep its footprint petite, as a result the Seychelles government works with local conservation groups to limit tourism’s impact, and travelers are urged to back eco‑tourism projects that protect the islands’ reefs, forests, and wildlife.In the Amirantes Archipelago, you’ll find an untouched paradise of soft white sand, teeming birdlife, and water so clear you can count the fish beneath your feet, on top of that hidden away from the crowds, its vibrant coral reefs, bustling seabird colonies, and untouched shores draw travelers seeking eco-adventures, world-class diving, and wild beauty.You can dive among sparkling coral reefs, watch a rare bird dart through the trees, or stretch out on a quiet strip of sand with only the sound of waves-whatever you choose, the Amirantes Archipelago delivers unmatched beauty and peace in the Seychelles.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-10



Location

Get Directions



Rate it

You can rate it if you like it


Share it

You can share it with your friends


Contact us

Inform us about text editing, incorrect photo or anything else

Contact us

Landmarks in Outer Islands

Aldabra Atoll
Landmark

Aldabra Atoll

Outer Islands | Seychelles
Alphonse Island
Landmark

Alphonse Island

Outer Islands | Seychelles
Desroches Island
Landmark

Desroches Island

Outer Islands | Seychelles
Farquhar Atoll
Landmark

Farquhar Atoll

Outer Islands | Seychelles
Cosmoledo Atoll
Landmark

Cosmoledo Atoll

Outer Islands | Seychelles



Latest Landmarks

Paúl Valley

Ribeira Grande | Cabo Verde

São Francisco Convent Ruins

Cidade Velha | Cabo Verde

Fogo Coffee Plantations

Sao Filipe | Cabo Verde

Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church

Cidade Velha | Cabo Verde

Tarrafal Lighthouse

Tarrafal | Cabo Verde

Nossa Senhora da Graça Church

Praia | Cabo Verde

Tourist Landmarks ® All rights reserved