Cerf Island is four kilometres from the main island of Mahé, and is only 1.27 square kilometres in size. It houses a small population of local residents and is situated in the Ste Anne Marine National Park, making this an excellent choice for snorkelling & swimming.
Also within the Marine National Park can be found Long Island, which until recently was the main Prison of Seychelles. Rising out of the sea to a height of 90 metres, this former prison will soon become the Shangri-La Resort and Spa offering 55 luxurious villas. Rumor has it that a cable car system will ferry visitors to and from the island’s hilltop location.
Another neighboring island is Moyenne, which offers tourists day trips and lunch excursions, and visitors the opportunity to ramble round the island and look out for the giant tortoises. Last but not least is Saint Anne Island, which welcomed some of the first French settlers before they moved to Mahé Island. The Beachcombers and Saint Anne Island Resorts can be found here and offer 87 luxurious villas, five restaurants, a swimming pool overlooking Mahé Island and a Clarins Spa.
Cerf takes its name from an old French navy frigate that claimed possession in 1756. Once a thriving Coconut industry existed here which is still evident today with its lush coconut groves. Also found on Cerf Island are the famous giant tortoises and unusual flying foxes better know as fruit bats, so called as they mainly feed on fruit.
Cerf Island Resort Seychelles offers luxurious private villa accommodation in a natural and elegant boutique style hotel. Cerf Resort also offers two restaurants, two infinity pools, dining by the sea and a spa.
L'Habitation Cerf Island is another hotel choice. Small and secluded, is has just 14 rooms for guests. Designed as a plantation house and situated on the quieter side of Cerf Island, L’Habitation offers a swimming pool overlooking Mahé Island and a restaurant and bar.
