St. Joseph Atoll

St. Joseph Atoll is a coral ring consisting of 13 islands surrounding a large central lagoon with shallow waters and sandy bottoms. The islands form part of the Amirantes Group in Seychelles.

European sailors first came to the atoll in 1770 and it remained under private ownership for more than two centuries. In 2012 the islands changed hands and entered a new phase as a protected marine area.

The atoll supported a community of contract workers who managed coconut plantations and developed fishing activities throughout the early 1900s.

The atoll is remote and accessible only by boat, requiring advance planning to reach from inhabited areas. Visitors should expect challenging sea conditions and limited landing facilities on the islands.

The lagoon is home to giant blue mud crabs that migrate from deep waters to the shallows during high tide. Stingrays and sea turtles also inhabit these same waters, creating a diverse marine community.

Part of: Seychelles

GPS coordinates: -5.41667,53.33333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05