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North Island

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Island
—°1
North Island (Seychelles)

Weather…

North Island is a private granite island in the Seychelles, located about 32 kilometers north of Mahé. Covering 2.01 square kilometers, it is famous for its ambitious ecological restoration project known as 'Noah's Ark.' The program aims to return the island to its pristine state by removing invasive species and reintroducing threatened Seychellois flora and fauna, such as the Seychelles blue pigeon and giant tortoises. Geographically, the island is dominated by three prominent granite peaks: Grand Palissaye, Congoment, and Bernica. Historically, North Island was visited as early as 1609 by Alexander Sharpey's expedition. Today, the island blends exclusive luxury tourism with strict environmental stewardship, with revenues directly funding the ecosystem's maintenance. The island serves as a leading global model for how degraded ecosystems can be rehabilitated through dedicated management.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292827262627272727
Rain mm2151031031089670525193107123174

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
North Island is a private luxury island in the Seychelles, typically accessible only by helicopter from the main island of Mahé. The flight takes about 15 minutes and is coordinated by the resort.
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Best season
The island is an attractive destination year-round. However, the transition months of April, May, October, and November often offer the calmest sea conditions and clearest visibility for diving.
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Terrain & paths
The island features pristine sandy beaches, forested granite peaks, and restored nature trails. The terrain is largely flat near the beaches but rises to gently rolling hills in the interior.
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What to bring
Light tropical leisure wear, swimwear, and high SPF sun protection are handy. The resort generally provides all necessary equipment for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island's nature.
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Parking
Since private cars are neither permitted nor present on the island, parking is non-existent. Transportation is primarily done on foot, by bicycles, or using the resort's electric golf carts.
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Safety
The island is a very safe and exclusive environment. Guests should always respect conservationists' guidelines regarding wildlife and be mindful of seasonal ocean currents when swimming.
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Time needed
Due to its exclusive nature, guests typically spend several days to a full week on the island to thoroughly experience the ecological restoration project and the natural surroundings at leisure.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.39500, 55.24500

Facts

  • The total land area of the island is 2.01 square kilometers.
  • First documented European visit occurred in the year 1609.
  • The 'Noah's Ark' project was launched in the late 1990s.
  • Consists of three granite peaks, the highest being Grand Palissaye.
  • Successful reintroduction of the rare Seychelles white-eye bird.
  • Located approximately 32 kilometers north of the main island, Mahé.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mont Pot-à-EauMont Pot-à-Eau5 km · WExplore →
Fond AzoreFond Azore6 km · WExplore →
Grand BarbeGrand Barbe8 km · SWExplore →
Baie TernayBaie Ternay22 km · NWExplore →
Mont JasminMont Jasmin23 km · NWExplore →
Île aux Vaches Marines HabitatÎle aux Vaches Marines Habitat24 km · NWExplore →
Mont BernardiaMont Bernardia24 km · NWExplore →
Vista Do MarVista Do Mar24 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town North Island (1)

North Island, Seychelles📍 landmark

North Island is a granite island in the Seychelles, featuring tropical rainforest and sandy beaches.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How exclusive is North Island?
Extremely exclusive, one of the most expensive resorts globally.
Can one just visit the island?
No, only accessible to resort guests.
How to get there?
By helicopter from Mahé.
What does the island offer ecologically?
It is a showcase project for ecological restoration.
Is it suitable for honeymooners?
Yes, absolutely, the resort specializes in it.
North Island: where is it located?
North Island is located in Seychelles.
North Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
North Island: why is it worth visiting?
North Island is a private granite island in the Seychelles, located about 32 kilometers north of Mahé.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Denis Island Lighthouse — North Island (Seychelles)
Denis Island Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse dating back to 1910, serving as a guide for ships at the northern edge of the Seychelles Bank.

More places

Silhouette Island — North Island (Seychelles)
Silhouette Island
The third largest island in the Seychelles, almost entirely protected as a national park and known for its mountainous, jungle-like lands…
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest — North Island (Seychelles)
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest
Extensive forests on Silhouette Island where wild cinnamon grows, a relic from the era of cinnamon production.
Grand Barbe — North Island (Seychelles)
Grand Barbe
A remote plateau on Silhouette Island, hiding a ghost town, mangroves, and a pristine beach.
Île aux Vaches Marines Habitat — North Island (Seychelles)
Île aux Vaches Marines Habitat
An important bird and marine habitat west of Mahé, named after the dugongs (sea cows) that used to frequent these waters.
Mamelles Island Seabird Colony — North Island (Seychelles)
Mamelles Island Seabird Colony
An isolated granitic island hosting one of the most significant sooty tern breeding colonies in the Inner Seychelles.
Beacon Island (Île Sèche) — North Island (Seychelles)
Beacon Island (Île Sèche)
A small, rocky island east of Mahé that serves as an important nesting and resting site for various seabird species.
Bird Island — North Island (Seychelles)
Bird Island
A low-lying coral island that hosts millions of sooty terns during the breeding season.
Cousin Island — North Island (Seychelles)
Cousin Island
An important nature reserve and a sanctuary for endangered bird species and nesting sea turtles.