Aldabra atoll

[daletournier]

Has anyone anchored in this Atoll. Part of the Seychelles but much closer to the Comores.

We are thinking of heading there in two 2-3 mths time if we can get permission.

Chart suggests no problem but interested in any first hand knowledge.

Aldabra Atoll + Islands | So Seychelles

[JohnT]

I had a friend who arranged a trip there this past December. He had corresponded with the authorities for a few months and had done the required application for a permit, which he was told was no problem.

However, after arriving in Mahé and seeing the authorities he was informed that the permit had been withheld as he had not made provision for armed guards aboard his 53' cat, which he informed the authorities he had no need for. They refused his permit. They claim Aldabra is in a piracy area and all vessels proceeding there need to hire armed guards - no guards, no permit! This, to me, sounds like a scam for "jobs for friends" as there has been no piracy in the area for years.

Hope you are successful in your application as it is a fantastic island. The only problem I had around 12 years ago when I stopped there in my way to Dar was being eaten alive by mosquitoes! I had no permit then.

[daletournier]

Hi John, thanks for your reply. Interesting, I'll make some enquiries this week.

[GTom]

Originally Posted by JohnT

as there has been no piracy in the area for years.

True, not recently but around 2010.

What about islands more to the East, Farquhar, Alphonse, etc?