Overview
What you should know about L’Islette: it is a small island off the coast of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles.
More precisely, it lies in Port Glaud Bay on the west coast, opposite Port Glaud beach and the Port Launay Marine National Park. The island is made of granite, only about 300 metres long and 120 metres wide, and reaches roughly 10 metres at its highest point. It is covered in dense growth of trees, shrubs and coconut palms, with a few small pale beaches and a reef all around. To the south-west lies Île Thérèse, and a little further away Conception.
If you are looking for an island with a hotel, restaurants and walking trails, this is not the place. L’Islette is privately owned and has no public facilities. A restaurant that once operated there is, as far as we know, closed. For visitors it is above all a landmark that you see from the beach, and one that invites a stroll through the shallows.
Access and ownership
On foot at low tide
From Port Launay beach (southern end), the ebb tide at times uncovers a sandy path towards L’Islette, and you can wade through the shallow water to the vicinity of the island. Sources give different distances from the coast, between about 100 and 500 metres; Wikipedia says 250 metres. So expect a short walk, but not an entirely trivial one.
Check the tide table beforehand and allow plenty of time for the return. At high tide the beach almost completely disappears, and the water on the way back deepens quickly. Wear reef shoes, as the bottom is rocky in places and sea urchins are possible.
By kayak or boat
At high tide you can paddle a kayak into the bay and into the mangrove and brackish zone behind the beach. Excursion boats around Port Glaud and the west coast call at L’Islette, Thérèse and Conception. What you are allowed to do at each stop is something the operator will clarify; for an overview and providers, see Boat tours.
Swimming and snorkelling in the bay
The island lies within the area of the Port Launay Marine National Park. The park is said to be the only marine national park on Mahé that can be reached from both land and sea. It includes several beaches and coral reefs. At Port Launay beach there are two reef areas, one on the left and one on the right of the bay, which are used for snorkelling. It is best to enter from the gently shelving sandy beach and to swim out to the reef only where the water gets deeper. Over the shallow sand and the rocks at the edge, it is easy to scrape your feet at low tide.
The west coast generally lies in the lee of the south-east trade wind, so the water here is often calmer than on the east coast. For exact times and seaweed periods, see Best time to travel. General information on equipment and spots can be found under Diving and snorkelling. More beaches in the region are shown on the page Dream beaches.
Getting to Port Glaud
The starting point is Port Launay beach on the west coast. The drive from Victoria takes about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. You can also reach the area by public bus, though changing in Victoria is often necessary. Timetables and stops are explained on the page Taking the bus in the Seychelles. If you want more flexibility, you will find tips under Car hire. Compared with many other beaches on the island, Port Launay has relatively generous parking space.
The beach borders the grounds of the Constance Ephelia Resort. According to visitor reports, access to the beach is free, but the sun loungers belong to the hotel. If in doubt, ask briefly before you settle down.
Practical tips and where to stay
On L’Islette itself you can neither stay overnight nor eat or shop. The map below shows accommodation in the area, and you will find a selection under Hotel booking. For meals, your best bet is Port Glaud, Anse Boileau or the larger hotels along the coast; recommendations are under Restaurant recommendations. Cash and cash machines are available in Victoria, with more under Money and banks. Hospitals, clinics and emergency numbers are collected under Hospital, clinics and emergency numbers.
L’Islette works well as a half-day outing from the west coast: Port Launay beach, snorkelling on the reef and, if the ebb tide suits, a look at the island. You can combine this with a boat trip to Île Thérèse or Conception. Please take your rubbish with you and observe the rules of the marine park. Background information is under Nature and conservation.
