Cerf

Cerf has no public ferry and no regular bus service. The usual way is a short transfer from the jetty at Eden Island on the east coast of Mahé. Depending on the operator, the crossing takes 5 to 15 minutes. Eden Island is about 10 minutes by car from the airport (according to one accommodation provider). It is best to book a taxi or your airport transfer all the way to the jetty. If you are coming by hire car, check the parking arrangements with your accommodation beforehand.

The boats run at fixed times. If you only want to visit Cerf for a few hours, you will usually book a boat tour (see below). For overnight guests, the overview below applies. It is based on information from the accommodation providers and from booking portals. Ask for times and prices to be confirmed in writing when you book.

There is a helipad on the island. It is mainly used by the hotels for their guests. As an independent traveller, you are better off planning to arrive by boat.

There are no paved roads and no vehicles. Footpaths link the accommodation, the beaches and the settlement. Sturdy footwear is worthwhile, as the island is hilly. Many guests borrow kayaks to explore the coast, and some places to stay provide them free of charge.

Cerf has several small sandy beaches, most of them quiet and rarely visited. With rented equipment you can snorkel straight from the beaches. The better coral reefs are on the north side, with more than 150 reef species according to operators. Overall, the park is among the easily accessible rather than the most spectacular areas. The sea there is mostly shallow and well suited to beginners and children.

Cerf lies on the east side of Mahé. In the months of the south-east trade wind, the water can be rougher and murkier there. It is usually calmer in the transitional seasons. You will find the suitable months in the fact box, and more background under Best time to travel and Climate and weather. General information on diving and snorkelling is under Diving and snorkelling, and more beaches under Dream beaches.

We do not know of a signposted hiking trail. You can, however, take a walk across the island between the beaches and the settlement, with views of Mahé. Allow about an hour, depending on the route and your stops. If you specifically want to hike, you will find better routes on Mahé under Hiking.

From Cerf you can explore the other islands in the park: Moyenne with its circular trail, Round Island and Long Island. Access to Sainte Anne is restricted according to the park authority, as there is a hotel there. Visits within the park are arranged through tour operators and boat charters, see Boat tours.

On Cerf you will find several small places to stay, including Cerf Island Resort (24 villas, two restaurants and a spa according to the operator), Villa de Cerf (a villa with four rooms and a pool), the Fairy Tern Chalets (two self-catering holiday apartments) and L’Habitation. How many are actually open changes, so check before you book. You will find all the options under Accommodation on Cerf and the places to eat under Restaurants on Cerf.

Cerf Island Resort says it serves Creole, Asian and international cuisine in its restaurants 1756 and Zepis. According to guest reports, people staying in the chalets often eat at neighbouring L’Habitation. For self-catering, guests shop beforehand on Eden Island and take their supplies across in the boat. You will find tips under Self-catering. Evenings on Cerf are very quiet, so if you want to eat late, ask about kitchen hours in advance.

There is no supermarket, cash machine or doctor on Cerf. Get cash and medication on Mahé, with advice under Money and banks and Hospital, clinics and emergency numbers. In the hotels you usually pay by card or charge it to your room bill. Bring sun protection, water and insect repellent, as shade is mainly found under the trees on the beach.

For a day trip, a boat tour through the park is a good choice, though Cerf is often just one stop on it. Whether you can eat at the resort or use its facilities without staying overnight is something to ask about in advance, as the rules are not published everywhere. An overnight stay is worthwhile if you want peace and quiet but still want to get to Mahé quickly: the boat takes you to Eden Island in a few minutes, and from there Victoria and Mahé are easy to reach. Factor in the crossing times, because a dinner or an excursion on Mahé has to fit around the last boat.

More about the neighbours in the park: Sainte Anne, Moyenne and Eden Island. For an overview of all destinations, see Islands of the Seychelles.