Frégate

The island is also home to more than 3,000 free-roaming giant tortoises, a population that has grown from about 150 animals. Frégate is easy to explore on foot, either straight through the forest or along the coast. From a 125 m hill in the middle of the island, Mont Signal, the view is superb.

Frégate is a conservation project that funds a resort, not the other way round. Only about 10 per cent of the island is built on, and the remaining 90 per cent stays protected. The Seychelles magpie-robin shows what this has achieved: in 1960 only about a dozen birds were left, and they lived on Frégate. Birds from here were later relocated to Cousin, Cousine, Aride and Denis. According to reports, a count in 2025 found more than 200 birds on Frégate again.

A setback came in 1995 with the arrival of rats. A first attempt at eradication was abandoned, but a second one in 2000 succeeded. Since then the island has been considered rat-free, and this biosecurity is guarded strictly. Since 2009 there has also been the largest tree nursery in the Seychelles, where native trees are raised for reforestation. You will find more background under Flora and fauna and Nature and conservation.

From Mahé, Frégate takes about 15 to 20 minutes by helicopter. Flights leave from Mahé airport. They operate only in daylight, according to operators roughly between 6.30 am and 5.45 pm. If your connecting flight lands too late, you will need to stay overnight on Mahé, so allow for this when booking your flights. The transfer is usually charged extra and arranged through the resort. Luggage on helicopters is limited, so pack light and in soft bags, see Luggage. For domestic connections in general, see Domestic flights.

By sea, the crossing from Mahé takes about 90 minutes. The island has its own harbour. According to the information available, anyone arriving by yacht needs proof that the vessel is rat-free and must arrange the landing with the island. Without an invitation, no mooring is permitted. From the water you can see the coast and the wooded slopes of Mont Signal, which is also possible on sailing trips and boat tours.

Frégate also has a short airstrip (502 m, unpaved). It plays no role for visitors, and the usual way in remains the helicopter.

The island is so small that distances hardly matter. Guests have so far mostly travelled by electric buggy. The resort also lists cycling, walking and guided nature walks as activities. There is no public transport network and no hire cars. On Mahé, by contrast, you will find everything under Travelling by bus and Car hire.

The best-known beach is Anse Victorin. The British newspaper The Times has named it the best beach in the world several times. The other bays each have their own character:

Frégate is regarded as a good place for snorkelling and diving, and the resort runs its own dive team. The guides on the island will tell you which bay is calm at which time of year. Whether seaweed or surf is a nuisance depends on the wind. For general information on the months, see Best time to travel, and for dive sites, Diving and snorkelling.

The climb up Mont Signal is especially worthwhile in the late afternoon. In clear weather you can see Mahé on the horizon. On the way you will meet giant tortoises, and at dusk fruit bats take to the air. Otherwise the forest paths are short and easy to walk. You can recognise the Seychelles magpie-robin by its black and white plumage and long tail, and it often comes very close. More walks on other islands are listed under Walking.

There is only one resort on Frégate. According to the details of the reopening, it has 14 villas with private pools and three larger estates, including the Owner's Estate on its own peninsula. According to reports, prices start at around 11,550 euros per night (as of November 2026). Current prices and availability can only be given by the resort itself. You will find offers for this and other islands under Accommodation on Frégate, and general advice under Booking a hotel.

Meals are usually included in the stay. A large share of the ingredients is said to come from the island's own cultivation and local fishing. There are no restaurants for outside visitors. For suitable places to eat, see Restaurants on Frégate and Restaurant recommendations for Mahé.

On practical matters: the resort arranges everything you need on the island. Do your currency exchange, shopping and errands beforehand on Mahé, see Money and banks. Bring enough of any personal medication. The hospitals and clinics are on Mahé, and you will find emergency numbers under Hospital, clinics and emergency numbers.

A day trip to Frégate is not possible. Either you book the resort and stay several nights, or you skip the island. If you mainly want to see tortoises and rare birds, there are alternatives open to visitors: Cousin and Aride are nature reserves, and Curieuse also has free-roaming giant tortoises. For an overview of the islands, see Islands of the Seychelles. If you would like to compare several private islands, you will find more examples at North Island and Denis.