Cousin Island

Seychelles

Wade through pristine waters to encounter giant tortoises and exotic seabirds on this protected nature reserve island.

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 nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site offering exceptional wildlife viewing, including giant Aldabra tortoises and endemic bird species in the Indian Ocean.

Cruises that visit Cousin Island

cruises to Cousin Island

Build Your Day in Cousin 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 4:00 PM

Usually about 8 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Cafe des Arts We had the curry octopus and the local prawns and everything was delicious. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closes soon · 10 PM

Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles Preserve for palm trees & wildlife National park · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon

Del Place Restaurant Reservations required·Outdoor seating·Private dining room Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon

Kafe Kreol - Cafe & Restaurant Great pizza, pasta, local fish dishes and curry. Creole restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closes soon · 10 PM

Chez Jules Restaurant The homemade fish burgers were delicious and so were the fresh juices! Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon

Coco Rouge We ate here 4 nights out of 6. Red snapper and job fish were divine. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Mon

Zilwa Reggae Bar - Cafeteria & Takeaway Best food on Praslin Island 😋and large potions. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon

La Goulue Cafe Creole Restaurant The service was efficient, and the food was tasty and reasonably priced. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon

Les Rochers Restaurant Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Dogs allowed Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon

Cote D'Or Beach Great relaxing white sand beach ideal for swimming and enjoying Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Breeze Garden Best pizza on the island, also really well cooked quality fish. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM

Mabuya Restaurant The grilled fish fillet was Uber delicious and excellent value for money. Restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon

Giant Tortoise Farm Animals · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Honesty Bar A Must-Visit Beach Bar with Great Prices and an Amazing Atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon

Anse St. Jose A nice stop in the Seychelles, with giant tortoises roaming free. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Tortoise Sanctuary Picnics·Barbecue grill Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Curieuse Island Excursions Wonderful trip to Curieuse Island first, with the giant turtles, and BBQ. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon

Curieuse Small island with giant tortoises Island · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Petit Cabanes ... meal with an atmosphere of stopping by a friends for dinner. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM

Petite Anse Lazio In the afternoon there is a high tide, so the sandy part gets even smaller. Public beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open 24 hours

The Nest Restaurant Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 10:30 PM

Soley Kouse Cash-only·Reservations required·Outdoor seating Grill · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Mon

Kokoloko Beach Bar The cutest little bar on Anse Lazio beach with great service and cocktails Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Mon

Virgin Coconut Oil Factory Super, great man, special products at right prices Cosmetics store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon

Beach House Friendly service, beautiful setting, and consistently great food. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM

Chill Grill Great food, nice vibe, friendly staff! Bar & grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon

Le Studio Cafe Gallery Really good atmosphere, friendly owner and great food. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM

Snorkeling St.Pierre Great snorkelling, many colourful species of fish. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Sagittarius Taxi Boat Excursions Tour operator · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon

Sea View Grill and Bar Tasty and relax ;) Perfect fish salad and grilled tuna. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon

Cousin Small island & wildlife reserve Island · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Coco de Mer Restaurant & Bar 110 euro for tuna, fish, beer and water Restaurant · ★ 3.6 · 0k

Curieuse Marine National Park Barbecue grill National park · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon

DIVA Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 10:30 PM

Bois Flotté Boutique & Souvenir They have beautiful clothes, with great quality and lovely designs. Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon

Cousin Island Special Reserve of Nature Seychelles The island is a wonderful place for birds and many other species. National park · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:45 AM Mon

Local Art N Crafts Souvenir Shop Great hand made local products in very reasonable prices. Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Mon

Losean Restaurant Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM

Lazio Beach Bar Great and friendly service, perfect cocktails with an authentic island vibe. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Mon

Cousin Island Nature preserve · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Cousine Island Upscale island resort with scuba diving Resort hotel · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Leo’s Bar Best bar in town. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM

Boutique des Arts, Praslin Seychelles Amazing shop with beautiful things - thank you to Josianne! Boutique · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Mon

Grand Coco Souvenir Shop A very large selection of coco de mer nuts Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Mon

Cosmina's Beach Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours

JPD Sunset Bar A little gem that is definitely worth trying! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Cousin Island

About Cousin Island

Cousin Island stands as one of Africa's most enchanting cruise destinations, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into pristine island life and remarkable natural wonders. This small yet extraordinary island has earned its reputation as a premier port of call for discerning travelers seeking authentic experiences in the Indian Ocean. With 25 upcoming cruises calling at this destination, primarily through Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS, you'll find excellent opportunities to explore this corner of paradise aboard thoughtfully curated itineraries.

As a port of call rather than a homeport, Cousin Island serves as a gateway to exploring the broader Seychelles archipelago. Most cruises visiting here feature seven-night itineraries that weave together the region's most captivating islands, including nearby Mahé, Praslin Island, La Digue, and the lesser-known gems of Curieuse and Aride Islands. This positioning allows you to experience multiple destinations while enjoying the comfort of your ship, making it an ideal choice for those wanting variety without constant packing and unpacking.

Visitors can expect to encounter world-class natural attractions and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Cousin Island itself is a protected nature reserve teeming with endemic bird species and pristine beaches, while the surrounding islands offer everything from water sports to cultural exploration. The peak season runs from December through March, when favorable weather conditions and calm seas create ideal conditions for island hopping and water-based adventures throughout this magical region.

Pristine Seabird Sanctuary Experience

Cousin Island is a protected nature reserve home to thousands of seabirds, including the rare Seychelles magpie-robin and sooty terns. Guided walks through this UNESCO World Heritage site offer unparalleled birdwatching opportunities and stunning views of untouched tropical ecosystems. This intimate encounter with Seychelles' unique wildlife is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature enthusiasts.

Snorkel Vibrant Coral Reefs

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Cousin Island reveal spectacular coral gardens and tropical fish species in their natural habitat. Snorkeling directly from the island provides intimate access to pristine marine biodiversity without lengthy boat transfers. The shallow reefs near shore make this an accessible yet extraordinary underwater adventure for all skill levels.

Authentic Creole Island Culture

Experience genuine Seychellois hospitality and traditions on this intimate island setting. Local guides share fascinating stories about island life, traditional fishing practices, and the unique Creole heritage that defines Seychelles. This authentic cultural immersion offers meaningful connections with island residents and deep insights into local customs.

Pristine Beach Relaxation

Cousin Island's secluded white-sand beaches offer peaceful respite with powdery sand and turquoise waters. Unlike crowded tourist beaches, this protected island provides an exclusive, tranquil escape where you can swim, sunbathe, and absorb the serene tropical atmosphere. The unspoiled natural beauty creates the perfect backdrop for memorable moments.

Local Artisan Crafts & Souvenirs

Browse handcrafted souvenirs created by local artisans, including traditional woven goods, coconut-shell jewelry, and Creole artwork. Supporting these craftspeople directly helps preserve island traditions and provides authentic mementos of your Seychelles experience. Each piece tells a story of the island's cultural heritage and artistic traditions.