Moyenne Island
Moyenne Island
4.5
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Jim R
Las Vegas, NV239 contributions
Feb 2020
I hate to give an average review here BUT with all the other islands and beauty in the Seychelles, I would try and visit other islands before this. Maybe I was skewed because we had a larger group but it just seemed to lack the depth of amenities and activities that the other islands like La Digue and Praslin had. I realize it is totally different but if you only have 10 days or so to explore, I would focus on other islands.
All said, it does have an interesting history of ownership and it is now run by a foundation from the last owner which will preserve it's history and heritage.
All said, it does have an interesting history of ownership and it is now run by a foundation from the last owner which will preserve it's history and heritage.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maja S
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We went on a full day trip to Moyenne National Park and Sainte Anne Marine National Park and it was one of the best excursions we did in the Seychelles. We had a very good girl as a guide, and we got to learn about the island's exciting history and about the flora and fauna. Seeing the giant tortoises roaming free was amazing, and getting to feed and pet them. It was fun to see everything from tiny baby turtles to 103 year old turtles. There were fascinating rock formations that we took nice pictures at. Incredibly beautiful with the beaches all around! Don't miss visiting Moyenne, and take a guided tour!
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadim Hasbani
Dubai, United Arab Emirates302 contributions
Mar 2023
Nice one hour trail to walk around the island. nice views, some tiny amazing cove beaches, giant turtles, a nice cafe with fresh juices available. get plenty of water to drink with you. consider spending a few hrs by the paradise beaches they have. nice explanation also about trees and plants around the island.
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JerseyBenp
Jersey, UK280 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
What a place for tortoise lovers!
Literally a small island that takes 40 minutes to walk around with tortoises everywhere roaming free
The red waking trial is quite up and down but worth it!
There’s a bar and toilets at start of island and you can also see a tortoise nursery with all the baby’s too
Literally a small island that takes 40 minutes to walk around with tortoises everywhere roaming free
The red waking trial is quite up and down but worth it!
There’s a bar and toilets at start of island and you can also see a tortoise nursery with all the baby’s too
Written May 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
138500423
Pune, India1,986 contributions
Dec 2015 • Solo
Moyenne Island...
This review is for a solo traveler.
One enjoyful day on / in Indian ocean & islands.
A must thing while on Mahe island. I repeat you should undertake this tour to enjoy the marine world.
I contacted below mentioned 3 sources for one day Glass Bottom Boat Tour to Moyenne Island. NB: Half day Glass Bottom Boat tour are also available.
1. Teddys Glass Bottom Boat (It was full for the day I planned – Cost Euro 110)
2. Laguntravel (This was the one thru which I finalized my tour – Cost Euro 125 negotiated at Euro 110, the clerk Mr. Daniel was very prompt in email communication)
3. Marine Charter Association (I was alone so they didn’t allow me to book thru them. They said I should do reservation online & if there is a place then they will contact me. Minimum two passenger they need)
Itinerary: Visit to Sainte Anne Marine park. Departure 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Excursion is viewing of the marine park,fish feeding,snorkling,visit of Moyenne Island and afterwards to Cerf Island for lunch.
The boat is for 8 persons maximum, price 80 Euro per person with lunch, you have to pay for the drinks if you had any on the Island.
NB:
1. There are more sources for the glass bottom boat tour.
2. Almost all the Glass Bottom Boat tour starts from Marine Charter Association in Victoria & ends at same place.
3. You should choose the source which provides submarine tour on the above itinerary. It is better than glass bottom boat.
4. You should ensure whether in your ticket the 200 SCR ticket price of visit to Moyenne island is included or not. With teddys bottom the price is included. With lagun travel price is not included. Marine Charter Association I am unaware.
a) Submarine tour means a full glass boat in which 10 to 20 passengers can be accommodated & it is taken 2 meters deep in the ocean to see the amazing awesome marine world.
b) Glass bottom boat means a glass is fixed at the bottom floor of the boat & passenger sitting in the boat can see thru the glass the marine world.
It is advisable to wear your swimming costumes while leaving your hotel for this tour. You can wear casual short & casual T-shirt on swimming costumes for you to enjoy swimming & snorkeling.
I was picked up the travel agent at 9 am from my hotel & dropped at Marine Charter Association where he introduced me to another coordinator. Small restaurant, open shaded waiting lounge & toilet is there at Marine Charter Association.
At 10 am our boat journey started. There were two Seychellian young boys & a girl on our boat as our boat pilot & tour operators. We were only four members as a passenger on the boat with a capacity for 10 passengers.
After one hour of journey the boat took us to the fish feeding & snorkeling spot. Bread was provided to us & we had to feed the bread in tiny pieces to the beautiful colorful fishes plenty in numbers in the ocean.
Snorkeling kit that includes live jacket & breathing mask were provided after feeding to enjoy snorkeling.
30 to 45 minutes were provided for snorkeling to see colorful fishes, amazing coral & marine world.
Then we were taken to the shore of private Island. We were told to stroll for half an hour on the island. It rained at that time moreover there was no way to go around island as it was blocked or prohibited. Then we were taken to the Moyenne island our ultimate destination where you will find plenty of tourists & boats as well as Seychellian already there or coming in boats after your arrival.
After getting down from the boat, climbed up few steps & was at shade from where tickets to visit Moyenne Island were provided. Giant tortoises, few eatables & drinks were available at the ticket counter shade. It took 30 minutes to go 360 degree around the Moyenne island.
Then till the lunch time 1.30 pm, we were at leisure to swim, rest, walk thru water & go to the central portion of land which is covered by water from all sides & free to do photography as well as video recording of beautiful views.
Lunch of fish & chicken barbeque, boiled corns, salads, banana, bread were the items served to us. After lunch again we were at our leisure till 3 pm.
At 3 pm our return boat journey started. At 4 pm we ended our journey at Marine Charter Association. My travel agent was there at Marine Charter Association to drop me at my hotel.
You will cherish this one day island tour. See the attached photos & videos of the Moyenne Island with this review.
This review is for a solo traveler.
One enjoyful day on / in Indian ocean & islands.
A must thing while on Mahe island. I repeat you should undertake this tour to enjoy the marine world.
I contacted below mentioned 3 sources for one day Glass Bottom Boat Tour to Moyenne Island. NB: Half day Glass Bottom Boat tour are also available.
1. Teddys Glass Bottom Boat (It was full for the day I planned – Cost Euro 110)
2. Laguntravel (This was the one thru which I finalized my tour – Cost Euro 125 negotiated at Euro 110, the clerk Mr. Daniel was very prompt in email communication)
3. Marine Charter Association (I was alone so they didn’t allow me to book thru them. They said I should do reservation online & if there is a place then they will contact me. Minimum two passenger they need)
Itinerary: Visit to Sainte Anne Marine park. Departure 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Excursion is viewing of the marine park,fish feeding,snorkling,visit of Moyenne Island and afterwards to Cerf Island for lunch.
The boat is for 8 persons maximum, price 80 Euro per person with lunch, you have to pay for the drinks if you had any on the Island.
NB:
1. There are more sources for the glass bottom boat tour.
2. Almost all the Glass Bottom Boat tour starts from Marine Charter Association in Victoria & ends at same place.
3. You should choose the source which provides submarine tour on the above itinerary. It is better than glass bottom boat.
4. You should ensure whether in your ticket the 200 SCR ticket price of visit to Moyenne island is included or not. With teddys bottom the price is included. With lagun travel price is not included. Marine Charter Association I am unaware.
a) Submarine tour means a full glass boat in which 10 to 20 passengers can be accommodated & it is taken 2 meters deep in the ocean to see the amazing awesome marine world.
b) Glass bottom boat means a glass is fixed at the bottom floor of the boat & passenger sitting in the boat can see thru the glass the marine world.
It is advisable to wear your swimming costumes while leaving your hotel for this tour. You can wear casual short & casual T-shirt on swimming costumes for you to enjoy swimming & snorkeling.
I was picked up the travel agent at 9 am from my hotel & dropped at Marine Charter Association where he introduced me to another coordinator. Small restaurant, open shaded waiting lounge & toilet is there at Marine Charter Association.
At 10 am our boat journey started. There were two Seychellian young boys & a girl on our boat as our boat pilot & tour operators. We were only four members as a passenger on the boat with a capacity for 10 passengers.
After one hour of journey the boat took us to the fish feeding & snorkeling spot. Bread was provided to us & we had to feed the bread in tiny pieces to the beautiful colorful fishes plenty in numbers in the ocean.
Snorkeling kit that includes live jacket & breathing mask were provided after feeding to enjoy snorkeling.
30 to 45 minutes were provided for snorkeling to see colorful fishes, amazing coral & marine world.
Then we were taken to the shore of private Island. We were told to stroll for half an hour on the island. It rained at that time moreover there was no way to go around island as it was blocked or prohibited. Then we were taken to the Moyenne island our ultimate destination where you will find plenty of tourists & boats as well as Seychellian already there or coming in boats after your arrival.
After getting down from the boat, climbed up few steps & was at shade from where tickets to visit Moyenne Island were provided. Giant tortoises, few eatables & drinks were available at the ticket counter shade. It took 30 minutes to go 360 degree around the Moyenne island.
Then till the lunch time 1.30 pm, we were at leisure to swim, rest, walk thru water & go to the central portion of land which is covered by water from all sides & free to do photography as well as video recording of beautiful views.
Lunch of fish & chicken barbeque, boiled corns, salads, banana, bread were the items served to us. After lunch again we were at our leisure till 3 pm.
At 3 pm our return boat journey started. At 4 pm we ended our journey at Marine Charter Association. My travel agent was there at Marine Charter Association to drop me at my hotel.
You will cherish this one day island tour. See the attached photos & videos of the Moyenne Island with this review.
Written December 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miki
Bucharest, Romania10,497 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Brendon Grimshaw is one of the greatest men this world had. He created the smallest National Park in The World which covers only 22 acres (9 ha). He bought the island in 1962 for £ 8,000 when bushes were covering the island completely. Brendon and his friend Rene Lafortune built the main path in 2 years and planted around 16,000 trees (mahogany, casuarina, frangipani, bamboo). He introduced The Giant Aldabra Tortoises on the island and due to him there are now more than 100 tortoises roaming freely on the island. The island has small beach coves and a length of almost 5 kms of paths. There are several viewpoints on the island and it can be visited between 10 am and 4 pm or it can be part of Reef Safari Tour trip organized by Masons. If you don't come here on an organized tour you need to pay €10 landing fee pp. There is a small beach where most of the visitors spend their time after visiting the island and very close to it you will find a small sandy bank (Maldivian style) which can be reached by going through the water. I was very dissapointed to see that those managing now the island don't clean the sandy bank from seaweed. On the island you can find also the graves of 2 unknown people presumed to be pirates and the graves of Brendon and his father. Moyenne is also offering great snorkeling with corals in a very good shape for Seychelles standards with lots of fish: parrots, bat fish, sergeant majors, groupers, butterflies, emperor angelfish, reef sharks and eagle rays. The island worths 34 mil $ so it definitely worths a visit :)
Written July 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TarynAL
Dubai, United Arab Emirates35 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Arrived at 10 when this small and yes beautiful island is open for business, we decided not to go further than the entrance. The welcoming from the true locals, the dogs and massive tortoise was filled us with enthusiasm. However those that we can only assume are the people assigned to take care of this island would be a disappointment to all those that have loved, owned and treasured this island for many years. I'm guessing your 10 euros goes little further than these men's back pockets. We left immediately after we were told that it was not our concern by the man wearing a warden T-shirt when we witnessed and commented on the giant tortoise being kicked as it walked across the beach. As disappointing as it is this precious place either needs another caring passionate Brendon's Grimshaw or be sold so it can be cared for and preserved by people than can afford to do so which will be a shame for the locals which will no longer have the privilege of enjoying it.
Written November 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob S
London, UK37 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
I now remember the story of Brendan Grimshaw being shown on TV a few years ago and read about him in a newspaper article, but in planning to go to the Seychelles had forgotten about the story.
It was therefore a surprise and jog to the memory to find his Robinson Crusoe hideaway Moyenne Island, was situated just a short boat hop from our chosen holiday destination, on neighbouring Sainte Anne Island. Our hotel provide free boat shuttles across the few hundred metres of sea to Moyenne, for guests, but the Island's owners make a charge of €10 per person on arrival.
Be prepared. You have to jump in the water when getting in or out of the boat and good footwear is a must as there is plenty of walking involved. Flip Flops are not sufficient.
Also take plenty of water, as apart from a small and dingy cafe bar arrangement there is nothing there. When we went, it was very hot and very humid and wouldn't have survived without the water. Take plenty of mosquito repellent too.
The story is amazing, but the Island is looking a bit run down now.
The signs that have been put out to highlight some features are getting weatherworn and rusty.
The main pathway around the island, turns into rough track for a third of its length. Along that section the path is quite steep and involves clambering over mangled tree roots through wet mud and negotiating slippery rocks and bolders. It would be very easy to slip and fall and the less able bodied or elderly would not be able to climb up or down without great difficulty.
The outdoor chapel and graveyard was a surprise though. it was very moving to think that Brendan's body was lying right there, where he wanted to be.
Despite walking around the whole island and spending over 2 hours there, we can only have seen about 20-25 Tortoises. They are magnificent animals though.
There are some beautiful vantage spots, looking out to sea and the other islands, plus a couple of isolated tiny sandy beaches. Real castaway stuff.
However at the main settlement, everything is run down and decaying. There was a pile of stinking rubbish and empty plastic bottles. tipped over the side of the hill down into the undergrowth, just like a rubbish dump. Down below, just off the landing beach, a couple of lads were selling bar-b q food cooked on a portable set-up and served to guests sitting on some tatty, old and dirty plastic garden furniture. That area was covered in plastic bags and discarded packaging material and was a really scruffy and dirty looking arrangement.
The overall impression was that it was a shame that Brendan's home, as rustic and basic as it was, is being allowed to become a bit of a squalid and neglected place.
The few staff seemed only interested in taking your entrance fee and very little effort seems to have been made to keep the place tidy and presentable. I don't expect Disney'esque landscaping and presentation, but unless they get a grip, the weather and neglect will win out quite soon. Also, my wife wondered if many of the Tortoises are now being secretly sold off as there were not many to be seen?
Despite the trust status and arrangements Brendan made for handing the Island over to the Seychelles government, I can't help but be a bit cynical and I'd easily make a bet that a luxury hotel will be built there in a few years time. You just feel that the run-down situation is possibly being allowed to happen and it's a great shame if that really is the case.
It was therefore a surprise and jog to the memory to find his Robinson Crusoe hideaway Moyenne Island, was situated just a short boat hop from our chosen holiday destination, on neighbouring Sainte Anne Island. Our hotel provide free boat shuttles across the few hundred metres of sea to Moyenne, for guests, but the Island's owners make a charge of €10 per person on arrival.
Be prepared. You have to jump in the water when getting in or out of the boat and good footwear is a must as there is plenty of walking involved. Flip Flops are not sufficient.
Also take plenty of water, as apart from a small and dingy cafe bar arrangement there is nothing there. When we went, it was very hot and very humid and wouldn't have survived without the water. Take plenty of mosquito repellent too.
The story is amazing, but the Island is looking a bit run down now.
The signs that have been put out to highlight some features are getting weatherworn and rusty.
The main pathway around the island, turns into rough track for a third of its length. Along that section the path is quite steep and involves clambering over mangled tree roots through wet mud and negotiating slippery rocks and bolders. It would be very easy to slip and fall and the less able bodied or elderly would not be able to climb up or down without great difficulty.
The outdoor chapel and graveyard was a surprise though. it was very moving to think that Brendan's body was lying right there, where he wanted to be.
Despite walking around the whole island and spending over 2 hours there, we can only have seen about 20-25 Tortoises. They are magnificent animals though.
There are some beautiful vantage spots, looking out to sea and the other islands, plus a couple of isolated tiny sandy beaches. Real castaway stuff.
However at the main settlement, everything is run down and decaying. There was a pile of stinking rubbish and empty plastic bottles. tipped over the side of the hill down into the undergrowth, just like a rubbish dump. Down below, just off the landing beach, a couple of lads were selling bar-b q food cooked on a portable set-up and served to guests sitting on some tatty, old and dirty plastic garden furniture. That area was covered in plastic bags and discarded packaging material and was a really scruffy and dirty looking arrangement.
The overall impression was that it was a shame that Brendan's home, as rustic and basic as it was, is being allowed to become a bit of a squalid and neglected place.
The few staff seemed only interested in taking your entrance fee and very little effort seems to have been made to keep the place tidy and presentable. I don't expect Disney'esque landscaping and presentation, but unless they get a grip, the weather and neglect will win out quite soon. Also, my wife wondered if many of the Tortoises are now being secretly sold off as there were not many to be seen?
Despite the trust status and arrangements Brendan made for handing the Island over to the Seychelles government, I can't help but be a bit cynical and I'd easily make a bet that a luxury hotel will be built there in a few years time. You just feel that the run-down situation is possibly being allowed to happen and it's a great shame if that really is the case.
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith Lee S
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
I arrived at Victoria in the Seychelles via a Costa cruise (don’t cruise with this ghastly line!!) a day earlier than originally scheduled due to a tropical cyclone bearing down on Mauritius. Walking along the marina, I was lucky enough to come across a guy called Michel from island hopper charters who offered a full day excursion, including snorkelling and bbq lunch, in a glass bottom boat to St Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island for Euros75. What an amazing day I had! Everything was great, especially the stop at Moyenne Island, where you could stroll around this small island, bumping into ambling giant turtles, exploring ruins and had spectacular views all over. The bbq lunch included delicious fish and chicken and different vegetables and salad plus soft drinks and water. I had an amazingly wonderful day and cannot speak highly enough of this value for money full day excursion. A far cry from the miserable Costa cruise snorkeling excursion the following day (unable to cancel!) which cost Euros100 for only 4 hours and no lunch! Don’t miss the chance for this unique wonderful experience! You definitely won’t regret it!
Written March 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave_Sp66
London, UK69 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
An absolute must visit and of course thanks to Brendon for ensuring it remains a treasure in the Seychelles....
A fantastic tour seeing the tortoises, birds, reading the history of the island, beaches etc. - such a shame not to have Brendon's charm and humour as he shows you around the island with his wonderful stories. But the wonderful work that he leaves behind is a real tropical paradise and as you explore you can only begin to imagine what an experience it must have been to live on and develop the island into what it is today.....
A fantastic tour seeing the tortoises, birds, reading the history of the island, beaches etc. - such a shame not to have Brendon's charm and humour as he shows you around the island with his wonderful stories. But the wonderful work that he leaves behind is a real tropical paradise and as you explore you can only begin to imagine what an experience it must have been to live on and develop the island into what it is today.....
Written January 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I want to visit Moyenne, do not need a guide. How do we get from Victoria/ Eden Island to Moyenne?
Written May 27, 2022
רוצה להגיע לאי מחר עם רשימת אטרקציות מוכנה אפשר? אנחנו בנות 50 בערך. תודה
Written October 14, 2019
Hi, I am planning to visit Moyenne and Eden Island in August 2019. Which island is better than the other? And mostly importantly, how to reach the above mentioned Islands? Any leads a (mail address or phone numbers) will be great help. Look forward to an active support. Thanks in advance!
Written June 25, 2019
Eden is a man made island, full of luxury houses apt’s and shops, restaurants. On the other hand Moyenne was the home for many years of a man from Sheffield who bought the island and transplanted native species of plants, trees and wildlife, especially the giantTortoises, it’s a very special place, with a restaurant and Brendan’s house, church and it’s were he and his father is buried. Great beaches but you can only spend the day there as there is no accommodation,not to be missed! We got a local to take us over whilst we stayed on Cerf island, can’t remember the cost but not expensive.
Written August 17, 2019
Hi. Could you advice any tour company which organise private (2 people) trips to Moyenne?
Written June 19, 2019
We went via JA Enchanted Island resort. They organised.
Written July 5, 2019
Hi, Who does one organise a trip to Moyenne through? Cost? Is the restaurant always open?
Thank you
Tessa
Written March 3, 2019
Hi Tessa,
I didn't go with a tour, but I'm sure you can search for "Tours to Moyenne" and find many options. It's worth going!!!
Written March 17, 2019
Hi, how to get to Moyenne Island? Is it possible only with boat excursion? Or there are any only transfer boats?
Written January 21, 2019
We went on an excursion which was good value. It’s a short distance so I am sure there are other options. Enjoy, it’s a lovely place.
Written January 22, 2019
Evelyne G
Saint-Paul-les-Dax, France
Comment reserver la traversee aller et retour avec du temps pour faire le tour de l,ile.. je ne trouve pas d informations sur passages.
Merci de vitre aide ainsi que solution pour repas simple sur l ile.
Cordialement
Evelyne
Written January 7, 2019
Evelyne G
Saint-Paul-les-Dax, France
Comment reserver la traversee aller et retour avec du temps pour faire le tour de l,ile.. je ne trouve pas d informations sur passages.
Merci de vitre aide ainsi que solution pour repas simple sur l ile.
Cordialement
Evelyne
Written January 7, 2019
Hi please can you be so kind to tell me with whom you booked the tour there?
Thanks so much in advance
Written September 2, 2018
We booked with the tour guide at our hotel, Avani
Written September 3, 2018
Hi there!
Did you book to go to Ste Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island in advance or just arrive at Victoria Dock and find a tour?
Also, how much did you pay for the tour and did this include lunch?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Written January 24, 2018
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