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Silhouette Island

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Island
—°8
Silhouette Island (Seychelles)

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Silhouette Island is the third largest granite island in the Seychelles, situated about 20 kilometers northwest of Mahé. Covering an area of 20.1 square kilometers, it is characterized by its mountainous topography, with Mount Dauban reaching a peak of 740 meters. Approximately 93 percent of the island's area is protected as a National Park, making it one of the most critical biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean. Historically, the island was owned by the Dauban family during the 19th century, and their mausoleum remains a significant cultural landmark today. Silhouette is home to rare species such as the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat and is almost entirely surrounded by a protective coral reef. Due to the limited scale of development, the island has maintained its pristine state with dense tropical rainforests and untouched coastal areas.

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
Visitors typically reach this striking destination via a boat transfer departing from the main island of Mahé, which usually takes around forty-five minutes. Helicopters are sometimes an alternative option.
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Best season
The relatively dry season, running roughly from May to October, generally provides the best weather conditions for exploring the steep jungle trails and enjoying the pristine coastal beaches.
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Terrain & paths
The interior features steep, rugged mountain slopes that are densely covered in lush tropical jungle vegetation. The coastal sections offer beautiful sandy beaches interspersed with large rocky outcrops.
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What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots are absolutely essential for safely exploring the mountainous interior, along with a strong insect repellent and plenty of drinking water for the high humidity.
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Parking
There are virtually no public motorized vehicles on the island, so parking is typically arranged at the departure ferry terminal on Mahé before embarking on your boat journey.
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Safety
Beware of very slippery trails and dense vegetation when hiking through the national park. It is highly advisable to hire an experienced local guide if you intend to tackle the challenging interior routes.
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Time needed
While a day trip is possible to see the coastal highlights, many visitors choose to spend two to three days to fully experience the rich biodiversity of this highly protected island landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.48200, 55.23400

Facts

  • Third largest island in the Seychelles with a total area of 20.1 km².
  • Mount Dauban is the island's highest peak, reaching 740 meters.
  • Approximately 93 percent of the island has been a national park since 2010.
  • Home to the critically endangered Seychelles sheath-tailed bat.
  • Contains a historic 19th-century mausoleum belonging to the Dauban family.
  • The island has no paved roads and almost no motorized vehicle traffic.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mont DaubanMont Dauban<1 km · WExplore →
Grand BarbeGrand Barbe3 km · SExplore →
North IslandNorth Island6 km · EExplore →
Baie TernayBaie Ternay19 km · NWExplore →
Île aux Vaches Marines HabitatÎle aux Vaches Marines Habitat21 km · NWExplore →
Mont BernardiaMont Bernardia21 km · NWExplore →
Bel OmbreBel Ombre21 km · NWExplore →
Port GlaudPort Glaud23 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 Silhouette Island (8)

jardin marron

A garden on Silhouette Island with native plants.

Tortoise sanctuary

A sanctuary for giant tortoises on Silhouette Island.

Anse La Passe

A beach on Silhouette Island with fine sand.

Anse Cipailles

A beach on Silhouette Island, surrounded by granite boulders.

Belle Vue

A viewpoint on Silhouette Island overlooking the bay.

Anse Mondon

A beach on Silhouette Island.

Pointe Varreur

A headland on Silhouette Island.

Pointe Ramasse Tout

A headland on Silhouette Island.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Silhouette Island?
By ferry or helicopter from Mahé.
Are there accommodations there?
Yes, there is a very luxurious resort on the island.
Can one hike there?
Yes, there are great hiking trails through the jungle.
Do you need a guide for hikes?
It is recommended as the trails can be demanding.
Is the island big?
It is the third-largest island in the Seychelles.
Silhouette Island: where is it located?
Silhouette Island is located in Seychelles.
Silhouette Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include jardin marron, Tortoise sanctuary, Anse La Passe.
Silhouette Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Silhouette Island: why is it worth visiting?
Silhouette Island is the third largest granite island in the Seychelles, situated about 20 kilometers northwest of Mahé.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Denis Island Lighthouse — Silhouette 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 Cinnamon Forest — Silhouette Island (Seychelles)
Silhouette Cinnamon Forest
Extensive forests on Silhouette Island where wild cinnamon grows, a relic from the era of cinnamon production.
Grand Barbe — Silhouette Island (Seychelles)
Grand Barbe
A remote plateau on Silhouette Island, hiding a ghost town, mangroves, and a pristine beach.
North Island — Silhouette Island (Seychelles)
North Island
A private island known for its ambitious ecological restoration project called 'Noah's Ark'.
Île aux Vaches Marines Habitat — Silhouette 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.
Beacon Island (Île Sèche) — Silhouette 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.
Mamelles Island Seabird Colony — Silhouette Island (Seychelles)
Mamelles Island Seabird Colony
An isolated granitic island hosting one of the most significant sooty tern breeding colonies in the Inner Seychelles.
Bird Island — Silhouette Island (Seychelles)
Bird Island
A low-lying coral island that hosts millions of sooty terns during the breeding season.
Cousin Island — Silhouette Island (Seychelles)
Cousin Island
An important nature reserve and a sanctuary for endangered bird species and nesting sea turtles.