Overview
Round Island, the former leper colony, is much smaller than its neighbour Moyenne in the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, with an area of just two hectares. The granite island measures roughly 100 by 200 metres and rises 26 metres out of the sea. Until 1942 it served as a quarantine station for female leprosy patients, and later probably also as a prison. It is suitable for swimming and diving.
Today the island is home to the boutique JA Enchanted Island Resort, which you will still find under its earlier name, Enchanted Island Resort, in many brochures. Each villa has direct access to the sea. Before the hotel was built, the island was carefully replanted, so dense tropical vegetation once again covers the hills.
Figures for the number of accommodation units vary depending on the source. Ten villas with private pools are mentioned, plus a few rooms and a villa on the hill. Ask the resort for the current situation before you book.
Getting there and getting around
By boat from Mahé
Round Island lies about 4.5 to 5 kilometres off the east coast of Mahé. No public boats call at the island. Resort guests are first driven from Mahé airport to the jetty, then cross in the resort's own speedboat. The transfer is a fixed part of your booking, and you choose the departure times when you book.
Important for your planning in 2026: because of renovation work at the usual departure point on Eden Island, all arrivals and departures from 12.06.2026 to 31.12.2026 go via the L'Escale Resort Marina & Spa in Roche Caiman, according to the resort's notice. Please confirm the meeting point in writing again before you travel.
| Route | Duration, approximately |
|---|---|
| Mahé Airport to jetty (car) | 10 minutes |
| Jetty to Round Island (speedboat) | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Round Island to Moyenne | 350 metres |
On the island
There are no cars. Guests report bicycles and small electric vehicles for getting between the villas. On foot you can reach anywhere quickly anyway, as the walk around the island takes only 15 to 20 minutes. You can find more on buses and transfers on Mahé under Taking the Bus in the Seychelles and Flughafentransfer.
Beaches, snorkelling and surroundings
The island has small coves of pale sand between the granite rocks. According to guest reports there are two separate beaches, and the northern one is especially popular for snorkelling. The beaches are not public, so you swim among resort guests rather than day trippers. The underwater world in the marine park is rich in fish. According to the resort, snorkelling gear and kayaks are free for guests to use. For currents and calmer months, the usual rules for the east coast of Mahé apply. You can read more under Climate & Weather and best time to travel.
Diving and snorkelling in the park are also possible from other places, see Diving & Snorkelling and Tauchspots.
Neighbouring islands in the marine park
Five islands lie in the heart of the park: Sainte Anne, Cerf, Long Island, Moyenne and Round Island. From Round Island, Moyenne is a short kayak trip away. There a waymarked trail leads past old graves and houses, and giant tortoises roam freely on the island. You will find details and the entrance fee on the Moyenne page. Glass-bottom boats also operate in the park, and you can book excursions via Bootstouren.
Hiking
On Round Island itself there is only the short walk around the island. If you want more exercise, spend a morning on Mahé. Guests recommend the Copolia Trail, with views of the marine park and, in the distance, Praslin and La Digue. You will find more routes under Hiking.
Accommodation and food
The only accommodation is the JA Enchanted Island Resort. You can find current offers for the island under Accommodation on Round Island, and general advice under Booking a Hotel. Meals are taken in the resort's restaurants and bars. A selection on Mahé and the neighbouring islands is shown at Restaurants, and there are more tips on the Restaurant-Empfehlung page. The resort has its own wedding packages, see Getting Married & Weddings and Romantikurlaub.
Practical tips: day trip or overnight stay?
Round Island is a place to stay overnight, not for a spur-of-the-moment day trip. If you only want to spend a day in the park, you are better off going to Moyenne, Cerf or Sainte Anne. Whether the resort welcomes day guests, for lunch for example, you will have to ask them directly.
You cannot shop on the island as you can on Mahé. Get cash, medicines and sun protection beforehand in the capital, see Geld & Banken. For medical emergencies, the clinics and emergency numbers on Mahé are responsible, and you will find them under Krankenhaus, Kliniken & Notrufe. The island is only a short boat ride away.
