Plizio Visual Lab

Desroches Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Island

Weather…

Desroches Island is the largest island in the Amirantes group and belongs to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Located approximately 230 kilometers southwest of Mahé, it spans nearly six kilometers in length with a total area of 3.24 square kilometers. The island was named in 1771 after the French explorer Chevalier des Roches and served for many years as a hub for coconut cultivation and copra production. Today, Desroches is primarily known for its pristine nature and the spectacular coral formations that encircle the island, providing handy conditions for divers. The island hosts an important giant tortoise sanctuary and provides nesting grounds for numerous seabirds. Despite the presence of a luxury resort, most of the island remains wild and natural, dominated by dense coconut groves and kilometers of deserted sandy beaches.

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	27	28	28	29	28	27	26	26	26	27	27	27
Rain mm	206	110	118	105	97	57	47	32	57	111	122	146

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Typically reached by a short domestic flight from Mahé. Once on the island, visitors generally get around by bicycle or on foot along the sandy coastal paths.

📅

Best season

The months of April, May, October, and November usually offer the calmest waters and clearest visibility for snorkeling around the extensive pristine beaches.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The island features entirely flat, sandy terrain covered in lush tropical vegetation, bordered by fourteen kilometers of easily accessible, pristine white beaches.

🎒

What to bring

Lightweight tropical clothing, snorkeling equipment, high-quality reef-safe sunscreen, and comfortable beach sandals are the primary items needed here.

🅿️

Parking

No cars are typically used by visitors on the island, so parking is not applicable; bicycles are usually left near the beach access points or resort facilities.

⚠️

Safety

The environment is incredibly safe, though visitors should be mindful of strong ocean currents outside the protected lagoons and falling coconuts under the palms.

⏱️

Time needed

Most visitors stay for several days to a week, though a comprehensive tour of the island's coastal paths and beaches can easily be completed in a single day.