How Do You Get to Cousine Island? A Step‑by‑Step Travel Guide
1.
Start your journey with a flight to Mahé
Cousine Island is a tiny granite outcrop in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Unlike many resorts that can be reached by taxi or ferry, getting here involves stepping off the beaten path, and that is part of its appeal. The first stage of the trip is flying into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the island of Mahé. This airport lies about 10 km south of Victoria and handles all international arrivals.
Direct flights and flight times
Most visitors from the UK and Europe reach the Seychelles in roughly 9–14 hours. Direct flights take around 9–10 hours; itineraries with layovers usually last 12 hours or more.
Europe
British Airways operates direct flights from London; Aeroflot flies from Moscow; Air France from Paris; Condor and Discover Airlines from Frankfurt; and Edelweiss Air from Zurich.
A direct flight from Frankfurt takes about 10 hours 25 minutes, while a direct flight from Istanbul operated by Turkish Airlines takes around 8 hours 10 minutes.
Middle East & Asia
Airlines such as Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Emirates (via Dubai), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Qatar Airways (via Doha) offer connections. These carriers make the Seychelles easily accessible from Asia and North America via their hubs.
Africa
Air Seychelles operates direct services to Johannesburg. The flight from Mahé to Johannesburg takes 5 hours 30 minutes.
Smart Layovers
If you can’t fly direct, consider structuring your journey around an interesting stopover.
Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi provide smooth connections and world‑class lounges. From these airports, the onward flight to the Seychelles is roughly 5 hours.
Spending a day or two exploring Dubai’s futuristic architecture or Doha’s museums can break up the long haul and turn a layover into part of your vacation. Other options include Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Nairobi, allowing you to experience a different culture en route.
Whatever route you choose, Cousine’s reservations team can help identify flight times that minimise travel fatigue and synchronise seamlessly with your island transfer.
2.
Landing at Seychelles International Airport
On arrival in Mahé, you’ll notice the airport’s small size and relaxed atmosphere. All international flights clear immigration here.
If you have time to spare between flights, you can book access to the Payanke CIP Lounge. The lounge opened in 2018 and offers an open bar, individually portioned dishes, and a kids’ area; it operates from 06:00 to 22:00 . This is a comfortable option if you are waiting for a domestic flight or helicopter.
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) also serves as the domestic terminal. Air Seychelles runs short flights to Praslin and other islands. These 20‑minute flights are a scenic alternative for those prone to seasickness on ferries, offering aerial views of smaller islands and the Sainte Anne Marine Park.
3.
Choosing your transfer to Cousine Island
Once you have reached Mahé, it’s time for the most exciting part of your journey: transferring to Cousine Island. The resort restricts access to protect its fragile ecology, so all transfers are arranged privately. There are several options.
Helicopter transfer – the ultimate arrival
The quickest and most exclusive way to reach Cousine is by helicopter. The island uses EC 120 (four‑seater) Eurocopters, and the flight takes about 17 minutes from Mahé and only 5 minutes from Praslin. Helicopter transfers are operated by partners like Zil Air and must be booked in advance. They have a combined weight limit of 325 kg for passengers and luggage, so discuss baggage with the reservations team.
Aside from being efficient, the flight is a spectacular experience. Hovering above the archipelago gives you a bird’s‑eye view of granite peaks, coral reefs and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. You may even spot dolphins or a whale shark from the air. Because the helicopter lands directly on Cousine’s helipad, you arrive feeling as if you’re stepping onto your own private island.
Catamaran or yacht – a relaxed sea voyage
If you prefer to approach by sea, Cousine arranges catamaran or yacht transfers. The ride from Praslin takes 20–25 minutes, while sailing directly from Mahé takes about 1½ hours.
This option suits guests who want to savour the journey and perhaps enjoy a drink as they glide over crystal‑clear waters.
Air & sea combination
Some travellers combine air and sea travel. You can take a 20‑minute domestic flight from Mahé to Praslin and then board a catamaran for a 20–25‑minute ride to Cousine. Cousine provides a complimentary return catamaran transfer from Praslin Airport, and your own flights with Air Seychelles can be arranged to suit your itinerary.
Why choose the helicopter?
The helicopter isn’t just the fastest transfer; it embodies the exclusivity of Cousine Island. With only four villas and a presidential residence, the island hosts a maximum of 12 guests at a time. Flying in gives you a taste of this seclusion before you’ve even landed. The aerial perspective also emphasises the island’s commitment to conservation – you’ll see untouched forests and white‑sand beaches ringed by reefs.
4.
Arriving on Cousine Island
Upon landing on Cousine, you will be greeted by the island’s team, who handle every piece of luggage and escort you to your villa. They’ll have already taken care of immigration formalities and transfer logistics, so there’s no need to queue or wait.
The journey from Mahé to Cousine might only last minutes, but it signals the start of something rare: complete privacy and immersion in nature. The island is intentionally limited to a handful of guests, ensuring that the beaches and trails feel like your own.
5.
Making the journey part of the experience
Reaching Cousine Island is not just a means to an end; it’s part of the adventure. Whether you fly direct from Europe, build in a cultural layover in Dubai or Doha, or arrive in style by helicopter, each stage of the trip enhances the sense of anticipation. Direct flights allow you to sleep through the night and wake up ready to explore. Layovers let you savour another destination and break up a long journey. Domestic flights give you an aerial preview of the islands. And the helicopter transfer crowns the experience with unparalleled vistas and exclusivity.
Cousine’s reservations team can coordinate every step, from recommending the best flight routes and arranging layover accommodation to booking your helicopter or yacht. By entrusting the logistics to them, you free yourself to enjoy the journey – and the breathtaking destination waiting at its end.
Disclaimer
The travel information provided above reflects schedules and services available at the time of writing. Airline routes, flight times, transfer options and baggage allowances can change without prior notice. Cousine Island and the author of this article are not responsible for any inaccuracies caused by such changes. Guests should always confirm current flight routes, transfer times, helicopter weight limits and other logistics with their travel advisor or directly with Cousine Island before booking
