Moyenne Island is one of those rare travel experiences that feels like stepping into a miniature world made large by story: small in size, enormous in personality. Tucked inside the Ste Anne Marine Park a short boat ride from Mahé, this inner island’s charm was forged by a single man’s devotion. In 1962 Brendon Grimshaw purchased Moyenne and began a decades-long campaign to nurture its nature and preserve its quiet character — a legacy that endures today.
Why go
Moyenne is not about glossy resorts or curated luxury. It’s about intimacy: intimate walks beneath tamarind and takamaka trees, intimate encounters with slow-moving, prehistoric-looking inhabitants, and an intimate sense of stepping back in time. The island is best known for its population of giant tortoises, creatures that move with such deliberation they encourage you to slow down and notice small details — sun-dappled leaf litter, the rustle of seabirds, the flash of a distant reef fish.
What you’ll experience
- Giant tortoises: The island’s tortoise residents are the undeniable stars. They roam freely across the island’s trails and grassy clearings; observing them is a gentle, meditative experience rather than a checklist to rush through. Keep a respectful distance and follow park guidance.
- Provenance and personality: Moyenne’s story — the decades of care and small-scale stewardship by Brendon Grimshaw — is part of its appeal. That history gives the landscape a lived-in, idiosyncratic quality not found on sterile, commercialized islands.
- Trails and coastline: Narrow paths thread the island’s interior and coastal edges, offering short but richly textured walks. Seaside viewpoints reveal turquoise channels and the sparkling mosaic of the Ste Anne Marine Park’s protected waters.
- Rumored treasure: Local lore speaks of pirate treasure and buried secrets — part Seychelles mythology, part romantic speculation. The rumor adds an evocative note to island evenings but remains just that: a storyteller’s intrigue rather than a proven fact.
Practicalities
- Getting there: Moyenne is reached by short boat transfers from Mahé or from tour operators based in the Ste Anne Marine Park. Trips are typically day excursions combined with time for snorkeling, picnicking and a guided walk on Moyenne.
- Facilities and accessibility: Expect modest, eco-focused facilities rather than luxury amenities. Moyenne is best visited as a calm day trip; plan accordingly with water, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes.
- Respect the environment: Moyenne’s value lies in its biodiversity and the sustained effort to preserve it. Follow park rules, avoid feeding wildlife, and carry out all litter.
Tips for a memorable visit
- Go early: Morning visits bring cooler temperatures and softer light for photography, and you’ll often enjoy quieter trails before more boats arrive.
- Combine with snorkeling: The waters of Ste Anne Marine Park are protected and ideal for brief snorkeling stops; combining a shoreline walk with a reef swim creates a full-day, varied