Good to know about Long Island
The former prison island of Long Island lies in the middle of the Ste Anne Marine National Park, close to Round and Moyenne. This small, palm-covered island rises 90 m above sea level and is known for its powder-soft beaches and turquoise sea.
A settlement was established on the island as early as 1825. Later it served as the Seychelles' youth prison. The detention centre was relocated, and Long Island has been uninhabited ever since. There are no authorities and no facilities for visitors.
The Shangri-La project
The luxurious Shangri-La Resort and Spa was to be built on Long Island, with 55 villas, each with its own swimming pool. A special attraction was planned: the first cable car in the Seychelles, more precisely a funicular, to carry guests from the main hotel up to the wedding chapel and the spa, both of which sit on a rise.
Construction began in 2005. The opening was first given as 2009, later as the end of 2011. A report from 2015 describes work standing still for years, with unfinished buildings on the abandoned island. We have not been able to confirm that the hotel has opened since. So do not plan on Long Island as a holiday base. You can find hotels nearby via hotel booking.
Getting there and visiting
By boat from Mahé
The Marine National Park lies about 5 km off Mahé and can only be reached by water. The crossing from Victoria takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the boat. There is no public ferry to Long Island. The usual options are full-day or half-day excursions with snorkelling stops, see boat tours, or a privately chartered boat. Often the boat anchors off the island and you wade ashore through shallow water. Whether a landing is possible depends on the operator and the conditions, so ask beforehand.
Entry and opening hours
| Item | Details (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Marine National Park entry | SCR 200 for non-residents aged 12 and over |
| Opening hours | daily 9 am to 5 pm |
| Distance from Victoria | about 5 km, roughly 10 to 20 minutes by boat |
| Additionally possible | separate landing fee on Moyenne, often included in tour prices |
Swimming and snorkelling
The water around Long Island is shallow and usually calm. The Marine National Park has some of the largest seagrass meadows among the granitic islands, where green turtles often graze. With a little luck you may also see hawksbill turtles or dolphins. Keep your distance from the animals, and do not touch or feed them.
Conditions depend on the season. The east coast of Mahé is windier during the south-east trade wind (roughly May to September), and the water can then be murkier and rougher. It is generally calmer in the transitional months around April and May, and October and November. More on the pages Climate and weather and Best time to visit. The best-known snorkelling spots in the park are in the channel between Sainte Anne and Moyenne, with more under Diving and snorkelling.
Practical tips and day trip
Long Island is only suitable as a day trip, usually combined with a tour around the park. There are no shops, restaurants, toilets or drinking water on the island. Take water, food, sun protection and water shoes with you, and bring your rubbish back. You only need cash for the tour and the fees, see Money and banks. Medical help is only available on Mahé, see Hospital, clinics and emergency numbers.
As far as we know, the unfinished hotel buildings are a former building site and not a visitor area. Do not enter them, as there is a risk of collapse and injury.
What is nearby
The same park includes Sainte Anne, Cerf, Moyenne with its free-roaming giant tortoises, Round Island with a hotel and restricted access, and the small bird island of Ile Cachée. You can eat and drink on Cerf, and find more addresses on the page Restaurant recommendations. All the islands at a glance: Islands of the Seychelles.
