Set apart from other cruise ports by its pristine, protected setting in the Seychelles, Port Aride Island offers an intimate gateway to a living museum of biodiversity where guests touch the heart of the Indian Ocean. Signature experiences include guided sunrise hikes through Aride Island Nature Reserve with resident ecologists, private champagne beach picnics on secluded coves, and reef-safe snorkeling among sapphire-blue lagoons and kaleidoscopic coral gardens that surround the archipelago. The destination also serves as a launchpad to Praslin and La Digue, with exclusive shore excursions to the Valley of Giants, Curieuse Island tortoise sanctuary, and secret coves reachable only by private tender. The fleet features light, low-impact expedition vessels with shallow drafts to minimize shore impact, hybrid propulsion, and on-board environmental stewardship programs; many ships offer glass-bottom decks, underwater observatories, and eco-suites designed to immerse guests in the archipelago's oceanic life. Onboard services blend luxury with education: expert naturalists, locally inspired dining that spotlights Seychellois herbs and fish, spa rituals using island botanicals, intimate storytelling around bonfires on the beach, and flexible shore excursions curated by island guides. Together, Port Aride Island promises a sustainable, unforgettable encounter with Seychelles' pristine seas, welcoming travelers who seek extraordinary itineraries, pristine habitats, and a truly immersive maritime experience.
Currency
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Language
Seychellois Creole, English, French
Time Zone
SCT (UTC+4)
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Mar
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
$4,080–$5,140 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
A pristine, uninhabited nature reserve offering exceptional wildlife viewing and snorkeling opportunities in the heart of the Seychelles archipelago.
Cruises that visit Aride Island
Build Your Day in Aride Island
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 12:00 PM
Usually about 4 hours ashore
Getting around:
Anse Source d'Argent
The water is very clear in the morning and you can swim with fishes.
Cafe des Arts
Absolutely the best dinner and service we had in Seychelles!
Closes soon · 10 PM
Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway
Everything is fresh, quickly prepared and perfect for a casual meal.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles
Preserve for palm trees & wildlife
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Fond Ferdinand
Palm forest with coast & valley views
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Natural Bar Grill & Drinks
Fresh, local, grilled fish prawns, meat and more.
Closes soon · 10 PM
Chez Jules Restaurant
The homemade fish burgers were delicious and so were the fresh juices!
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Zilwa Reggae Bar - Cafeteria & Takeaway
Great tasty local food for 7-10eur pp. Friendly atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Giant Tortoise Farm
Honesty Bar
Reasonably priced drinks and great views!
Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Tortoise Sanctuary
Picnics·Barbecue grill
Curieuse Island Excursions
We had today an amazing trip to Curieuse Island incl the BBQ and snorkeling.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Surfari Seychelles
We saw many fish, turtles and even a small reef shark.
The Nest Restaurant
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails
Closes soon · 10:30 PM
Kokoloko Beach Bar
The food was delicious, and the cocktails were spot on;
Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Soley Kouse
Great atmosphere, nice fresh fish grilled Creole style
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Thu
Beach House
Friendly service, beautiful setting, and consistently great food.
Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Chill Grill
Outdoor seating
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Snorkeling St.Pierre
Great snorkelling, many colourful species of fish.
Sagittarius Taxi Boat Excursions
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Takamaka Beach Bar
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Food at bar
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Beach Bar
Drinks are great very laid back atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 1 PM Thu
DIVA
Outdoor seating
Closes soon · 10:30 PM
Cousin Island Special Reserve of Nature Seychelles
The island is a wonderful place for birds and many other species.
Closed · Opens 9:45 AM Thu
Le Chevalier Bay Coconut Bar
Perfect location great service delicious food + drinks!!
Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Lazio Beach Bar
Great and friendly service, perfect cocktails with an authentic island vibe.
Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Aride
Nature reserve island known for seabirds
Aride Island Nature Reserve
Great island to visit for people interested in conservation ♥️
Open 24 hours
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Aride Island
Cruise Lines at Aride Island
- Emerald Cruises (59 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (9 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Aride Island
Cruises Visiting Aride Island
Ship Schedule at Aride Island
Aride Island Location
Other Cruise Ports in Seychelles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aride Island?
Aride Island is a protected nature reserve in Seychelles, noted for seabird colonies and biodiversity.
How can visitors access Aride Island?
Access is via guided tours from Seychelles, with limited daily quotas to protect wildlife.
What wildlife can you expect on Aride Island?
Seabirds, lizards, endemic plants, and marine life in surrounding waters.
When is the best time to visit Aride Island?
The dry season (April–October) offers better wildlife viewing and calmer seas.