Denis Island - a Family Diving Adventure in the Seychelles
Emily C, Eleanor, Rachel and Jacqui are here to help give you the inside track.
Get lost in nature on this 12-day family adventure on the private Denis Island in the Seychelles, where pure, untouched natural beauty awaits above and below the waters. Walk through lush jungles where bird song is your soundtrack and dive with schools of pelagics while you explore vibrant corals and spot macro critters. Nourish yourself with food grown on the island before being pampered in an open-air spa that specialises in using only natural ingredients. If you're looking for nature, peace and beauty for your family holiday, Denis Island is the location for you.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Explore the protected, pristine waters that surround this islet with an expert guide.
- Walk with centurion tortoises as your family learns about the conservation efforts of Denis Island.
- Explore a secluded private island with the knowledge that your children are well taken care of so that parents can relax.
- Be nourished by food all locally grown and prepared.
- Cycle through lush jungles.
- Kayak, Paddle board and snorkel among the 375 acres of coral.
- Dive at any (or all) of the eight nearby dive sites.
Why Book with Original Diving?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1 International Flight
Your adventure begins today with an overnight flight to Doha. Speed through security with fast-track check-in and head to the lounge before you slip on your eye mask or settle in with a good movie during your eight-hour flight. Top tip for travelling with children: make sure that you have one of our family travel packs to hand and that the iPad is fully charged.
Day 2 Doha to Mahé
After touching down in Doha, you'll hop onto a four-hour flight to Mahé. Catch a few more winks or gaze out of the window and allow the pre-holiday excitement to kick in. On arrival, you'll be greeted and whisked away to your hotel for the night which is just under ten minutes away by car. Shake off the cabin with a laze beside the marina while the sun warms you or stroll around Eden Island. You're only here for one night so enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and take a dip in the pool.
Day 3 Hello Denis Island
You'll be transferred back to the airport for your 30-minute flight to Denis Island. Be sure to turn your family's gaze out of the window as you watch the lush island appear in the azure waters. If your youngsters weren't giddy with excitement before, you can expect it now. As you touch down, you'll be greeted and driven to a private cottage tucked in the lush jungle on this private island. Once you've settled in, stroll down to one of the secluded sun-bleached beaches for a splash in the sea, then make your way to the main building that houses the bar and restaurants and get set to enjoy paradise for the next eight days.
Days 4-6 Below the surface
Over the next two days, you'll have plenty of time to explore above and below the waves, with options to dive, snorkel, kayak and paddle board. With over 375 acres of coral on this islet and all manner of sea life - including sea turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays, as well as whale sharks and Manta rays between September and November - you'll never get bored.
Ready to go diving? head to the onsite PADI centre to explore one of the eight surrounding dive sites. All the sites here are coral in nature with impressive drops off that welcome glimpses of pelagic, so except groupers the size of a small mini, corals in all the colours of the rainbow and gin clear waters to explore with your loved ones. Accompanied by an expert dive instructor, glide with sharks, rays, dolphins and many more species.
And if some of the family isn't yet certified? Fear not. They can opt for an open-water course or - for the youngsters - the PADI Bubble Makers.
Day 7 For the landlubbers
Wake up the family for a sunrise stroll to the beach, discovering tracks left by nesting sea turtles. Join one of the daily nature tours and perhaps take a (slow) stroll with one of the resident century-old tortoises. If your youngsters want to spread their wings a little, let them explore independently, safe in the knowledge that they're completely safe on this well-staffed, private island. Perhaps they'll want to join a bird-watching walk or join in with some of the conservation efforts.
Day 8 Time for some R&R
After a few days of exploration, send the children on a leisurely bike ride around the island while the spa is brought to you. Indulge in a pampering session using locally-sourced ingredients and a selection of traditional treatments, ranging from facials to massages and detoxifying body wraps. And if you want even more nature, then consider booking an outdoor treatment beneath the casuarina trees. Here, the only distraction is the gentle lapping of waves and occasional chirping of fairy terns.
Denis Island is a haven where the art of doing nothing takes on a new dimension. Lounge on one of the world's most secluded beaches, with lush jungle enveloping you, and dedicate some time to your holiday read. Heaven.
Days 9-11 Cherry pick your favourite activities
When you've explored the land and sea, cherry pick your favourite activities for your final few days or consider some extra activities. For the fishing enthusiasts among you, charter a boat for some catch-and-release sport fishing at 'The Drop Off'. If your catch is within the conservation requirements, you could enjoy it for dinner.
We also recommend heading for a stroll around the hotel's farm. Denis Island prides itself on its locally-grown cuisine and the meals taste better knowing that the ingredients were nurtured, grown and harvested within a few hundred meters of your dining spot - a true example of 'farm fresh'.
Day 12 Homebound
It's time to say a tear-streaked goodbye to this secluded paradise as you prepare for your homeward journey. Share stories as you're transferred back to the airport to begin your journey home. Remember to snap those final shots of your family on the spellbinding beaches so that you can make family and friends suitably jealous when you get back at home.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£4,911pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£4,270pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£6,139pp
Emily C, Eleanor, Rachel and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.