Moyenne
The Unique Natural Paradise in the Indian Ocean
Moyenne Island is a unique natural paradise in the Indian Ocean. Spanning just under 10 hectares with a two-kilometer coastline, this granite island is tiny, yet it boasts one of the most fascinating histories in the Seychelles. Located only about 4.5 kilometers off the northeast coast of Mahé in the heart of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, it is perfect for exploring on a day trip.
While many neighboring islands remained uninhabited or host exclusive luxury resorts, Moyenne is inextricably linked to the life's work of a single man: the British journalist Brendon Grimshaw. He purchased the then completely overgrown and abandoned island in 1962 for nearly 8,000 pounds.
Together with his Seychellois partner René Antoine Lafortune, Grimshaw dedicated over four decades to reforestation. They planted more than 16,000 trees, including mahogany, mango, papaya, and endemic palms. This resulted in a dense tropical forest that today serves as a sanctuary for countless birds and protected animal species.
Getting to Moyenne Island
The boat trip from the main island of Mahé (starting from the capital Victoria or Eden Island Marina) takes only about 15 to 20 minutes. Most vacationers visit Moyenne as part of a guided day tour through the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, which also includes snorkeling stops on the itinerary.
The Smallest National Park in the World
In 2008, Grimshaw crowned his decades-long work: Moyenne was officially declared the smallest national park in the world. Grimshaw turned down multi-million-dollar offers from hotel investors in order to preserve the island permanently for the public. When he passed away in 2012, he found his final resting place right next to his father and two unknown graves on Moyenne.
In addition to its dense flora, Moyenne is best known for its free-roaming inhabitants: over 100 Aldabra giant tortoises move completely undisturbed across the island. Grimshaw introduced the once-endangered animals here. Today, visitors encounter these gentle giants along the shaded forest paths. Males can weigh up to 250 kg, whereas females reach only about 150 kg.
Originally from the Aldabra Atoll, these animals developed a fascinating survival strategy: because essential freshwater often collects in only paper-thin layers on the rugged coral ground after rainfalls, the tortoises can absorb the water directly through their nostrils. This allows them to reach even the shallowest puddles in narrow rock crevices. They are particularly fond of bananas or other fruit brought along by visitors.
Activities and Sights on Moyenne
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Island Loop Trail
There are neither cars nor paved roads on Moyenne. A network of natural footpaths stretching around 4.8 kilometers leads completely around the island in about 60 minutes.
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"Clamshell Rock" Viewpoint
At the highest point of Moyenne lies Clamshell Rock, a fascinating granite formation hollowed out by nature that resembles a giant open clam. From this sheltered rock ledge, you enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the neighboring islands of the national park.
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Historical Sites & Brendon Grimshaw Museum
The trail passes old settler ruins, the mystical cemetery with its forest chapel, and Grimshaw's former home, which today serves as a small museum. Here, visitors can learn more about the history of the island and the legend of an undiscovered pirate treasure.
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Snorkeling & Dream Beaches
The small, sheltered sandy coves of Moyenne offer powdery soft sand and crystal-clear, calm waters. Since the island is situated in the middle of a marine reserve, snorkelers can expect an intact underwater world with colorful reef fish and corals right off the coast. For refreshments, the small island restaurant "Jolly Roger" serves local Creole dishes.
