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Nioumachoua Islets

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Island

Weather…

The Nioumachoua Islets are a group of idyllic islands off the southern coast of Mohéli and form the heart of the Mohéli Marine Park, the first protected area of its kind in the Comoros. These islets are famous for their pristine white sand beaches and the exceptionally well-preserved coral reefs surrounding them. The crystal-clear waters host enormous marine biodiversity, including sea turtles, dolphins, and numerous colorful reef fish. For nature lovers, the islands offer one of the best opportunities in the Indian Ocean to observe Green Sea Turtles nesting in a protected environment. The vegetation on the islands consists mainly of coastal forests and mangroves, which are important nesting sites for seabirds. Some of the islands, such as Chissioua Ouénéfou, are also known for their colonies of the rare Livingstone's fruit bat. Sustainable tourism is actively promoted here, with local communities involved in resource protection. Snorkeling and diving near the Nioumachoua Islets allow encounters with an underwater world that has remained largely intact due to strict conservation measures.

Location: Comoros
Nearby: Moimbassa (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	27	26	25	25	25	26	27	28
Rain mm	221	156	140	99	45	30	25	17	14	24	42	96

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The uninhabited islets are typically accessed by hiring a small local boat from the nearby coastal town of Nioumachoua on the island of Mohéli, followed by a short sea crossing.

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Best season

The dry and slightly cooler season is generally the best time for boat trips and snorkeling, offering calmer seas and much better visibility in the surrounding ocean waters.

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Terrain & paths

These small offshore islands feature a mix of rocky shorelines, pristine white sandy patches, and dense tropical coastal vegetation scattered across their relatively flat surfaces.

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What to bring

Snorkeling equipment, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water are highly recommended, as there are no facilities available on these uninhabited islands.

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Parking

Visitors normally leave their vehicles or arrange drop-offs in the town of Nioumachoua, which serves as the primary launching point for all excursions to the islets.

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Safety

Always check the marine weather conditions before departing, ensure the hired boat has proper safety equipment, and be mindful of local ocean currents when swimming.

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Time needed

A typical excursion to the islets lasts around a half-day, which provides ample time for the boat transfer, island hopping, and a relaxing snorkeling session in the clear waters.

Geography

Coordinates

-12.39170, 43.71670

Facts

The group consists of seven larger islands and several smaller ones.
They are located within the Mohéli Marine Park, established in 2001.
The islands are one of the most important nesting sites for Green Sea Turtles.
Dugongs (sea cows) can periodically be spotted in the surrounding waters.
The coral reefs house over 150 different species of coral.
Chissioua Mchaco is one of the islets serving as a bird sanctuary.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nioumachoua<1 km · NEExplore →

Kangani2 km · EExplore →

Chissioua Ouénéfou3 km · SWExplore →

Dugong Sanctuary of Mohéli4 km · NExplore →

Chissioua Chandzi4 km · NWExplore →

Moimbassa4 km · NEExplore →

Mbatsé6 km · SEExplore →

Ouallah6 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nioumachoua Islets (1)

Nioumachoua📍 landmark

Coastal town on Mohéli, starting point for trips to the small islets in the bay.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you go snorkeling at the Nioumachoua Islets?

Yes, they are part of the marine national park and offer fantastic coral reefs.

How do you get to the islets?

You rent a local boat (pirogue) in the village of Nioumachoua for a day trip.

Are there turtles there?

Yes, the beaches of the islets are important nesting sites for green sea turtles.

Can you stay overnight on the islets?

There are no hotels; camping is only allowed with special permission from the park management.

Do I have to pay a park fee?

Yes, a small fee per person is charged for access to the marine national park.

Nioumachoua Islets: where is it located?

Nioumachoua Islets is located in Comoros.

Nioumachoua Islets: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Nioumachoua Islets: why is it worth visiting?

The Nioumachoua Islets are a group of idyllic islands off the southern coast of Mohéli and form the heart of the Mohéli Marine Park, the first protected area of its kind in the Comoros.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →