Overview: an island with a past
Moyenne is an islet of just under 10 hectares, surrounded by legends of pirates and buried treasure. The British newspaperman Brendon Grimshaw bought the overgrown island in 1962 and spent decades turning it into an enchanting tropical garden. He lived there with a few giant tortoises like a Robinson Crusoe, but he also liked to welcome visitors who came to swim and snorkel, or to stroll around the little island among orange and mango trees and banana plants. He died in 2012. Today the island is a national park in its own right, looked after by the Moyenne Island Foundation together with the state park authorities.
Moyenne is one of the six islands of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, about 4.5 kilometres off the north-east coast of Mahé. The park also includes Cerf, Round Island and Long Island. There is no accommodation on Moyenne itself. What remains is a forest that Grimshaw and his helper built up from around 16,000 planted trees, along with paths, small beaches and the tortoises. You can find out more about the wildlife of the island group under Flora and Fauna, and about the thinking behind its protection under Nature and Conservation.
Getting there and admission
By excursion boat from Mahé
The standard way is a day trip in the Marine Park. The boats, usually glass-bottom boats or catamarans, leave from Victoria or from Eden Island Marina. The crossing takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes, depending on where you set off from. The usual programme is a snorkelling stop, a visit ashore on Moyenne and lunch. The whole excursion lasts about 5 to 7 hours. On Moyenne itself you spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on the operator. Ask how long you will have ashore before you book, as this differs considerably between small boats and large catamarans. You will find an overview on our page about boat trips. Group excursions with lunch are currently offered from around 140 to 160 US dollars per person (as of November 2026).
In peak season in July and August and over Christmas, you should book a few days in advance.
By private boat or charter
Chartering a boat just for Moyenne is possible, but much more expensive than a group excursion. There is no regular water taxi service to Moyenne. Park and landing fees also apply if you arrive under your own steam. When anchoring, please use the designated spots so the reef is not damaged.
Fees and opening times
| Item | Information (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Marine Park, opening hours | Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Marine Park, admission | Rs 200 for non-residents aged 12 and over, younger children free |
| Moyenne, landing fee | Charged separately, usually included in tour prices. Please ask the operator for the amount, as figures online vary widely. |
| Payment on site | Debit or credit card only, no cash |
| Tickets in advance | Available online through the Parks Authority |
On the island
Circular trail and tortoises
Moyenne is only about 400 metres long and 300 metres wide and can only be explored on foot. The circular trail leads through the forest and along the coast. Allow 40 minutes to an hour, longer if you linger with the tortoises and at the viewpoints. Some sections rise and fall noticeably, so sturdy shoes are a good idea here too. From the hills you can see the neighbouring islands of the Marine Park and Mahé.
The Aldabra giant tortoises move freely around the island. At the start of the trail there is also a rearing station for the young animals. Sources give different numbers for the tortoises: at present there is talk of around 50 adults, and in the past of more than 100. Give the animals space and do not crowd them.
Beaches, swimming and snorkelling
You can swim from the island's small beaches and snorkel in the shallow water just off them. Bear in mind that currents and visibility vary with the tides and the weather. You have to wade ashore through the water when you land, so wear suitable clothing and footwear. If beach quality is your main concern, you will find nicer options elsewhere, so have a look at the dream beaches. The page on Diving and Snorkelling has tips for snorkelling.
Food and drink
At the start of the island there is a beach bar with a restaurant, toilets and a small museum on the island's history. The bar keeps its own opening hours. Many excursions stop here for a Creole buffet lunch. If you come independently, ask beforehand whether the restaurant is open.
Accommodation and practical tips
You cannot stay overnight on Moyenne itself. You will find accommodation nearby on Mahé, in the overview under Accommodation near Moyenne. For somewhere to eat, see Restaurants near Moyenne. The neighbouring island of Cerf has inhabited areas with restaurants, while Round Island is occupied by a hotel and access is restricted.
There are no public offices and no shops for everyday needs on the islands of the Marine Park. So take with you what you need: sun protection, a hat, drinking water, swimming things and a card for the fees. Doctors and clinics are only found on Mahé, see Hospitals, Clinics and Emergency Numbers. For paying, Money and Banks has the details.
A day trip or more?
Moyenne works well as a half-day or full-day excursion, which you can easily combine with snorkelling, a visit to Cerf or a trip to the neighbouring islands. If you prefer a quieter outing, choose a small boat with more time ashore, because larger groups also arrive around lunchtime. The best time to travel describes when conditions are best in the waters around Mahé. You will find more destinations in the list of all islands.
