Lamu

National GeographicSep 28, 2026

Love the Maldives and Seychelles? Try These 6 Alternative Indian Ocean Islands

The Indian Ocean’s headline destinations have earned their reputations, but they’re only part of the story. Venture beyond the familiar and you’ll find remote archipelagos, remarkable wildlife and ...

16 things in this story

Lamu Old TownNeighborhoodContinuously inhabited for over 700 years, East Africa's former trading center.
Shela BeachSightA seven-mile-long beach accessible by boat.
Subira HouseGuest houseOffers Arabic calligraphy, woodcarving, and Swahili poetry activities.
Elsewhere
Lance’s RightSightMentawai Islands, IndonesiaA legendary reef break for surfing.
Mwali Unesco Biosphere ReserveSightComorosHumpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and turtles thrive here.
Piton des NeigesTrailRéunion, FranceA challenging 9.5-mile round-trip climb.
Ferme Auberge AnnibalRestaurantRéunion, FranceOffers farm-to-table dining with vanilla-infused duck.
AgattiSightLakshadweep, IndiaIt is 459 km (285 mi) west of the city of Kochi.
KavarattiSightLakshadweep, IndiaThe census town of Kavaratti, which is the major settlement in the atoll, serves as the capital of Lakshadweep.
KadmatSightLakshadweep, IndiaMeasuring 9.3 kilometres (5.8 mi) in length, the island has a lagoon with a width of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) covering…
State ExpressPlaceLakshadweep, IndiaSpecialist operator for exploring Lakshadweep.
Bangaram Island ResortHotelLakshadweep, IndiaOffers spacious sea-facing suites.
KisawaHotelBazaruto Archipelago, MozambiqueA 740-acre retreat with thatched-roof bungalows.
andBeyond Benguerra Island LodgeHotelBazaruto Archipelago, MozambiqueOffers beachside accommodation and dhow sailing.
Cirque de SalazieSightRéunion, France
Chez MaillotRestaurantCilaos, France

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Love the Maldives and Seychelles? Try These 6 Alternative Indian Ocean Islands

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