La Digue Island
La Digue Island is situated east of Praslin and west of the Felicite Island. With a total population of about 2,000, it is the fourth largest inhabited island in the country. Its name was derived from the ship of Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, a French explorer who visited the country in 1768.
The island’s main industry is tourism, and this is specifically favored by beach lovers from all over the world. Its most famous beach is the Anse Source d’Argent.
On the island’s interior, you will find the Veuve Nature Reserve, which provides home to the Black Paradise Flycatcher. It is a rare bird, with only 100 of its kind existing these days.
The island is relatively small, so there is really no urgent need for a four-wheeled transport. Tourists here typically hire bicycles to explore the land.
You will find many companies where bikes can be hired. But if you want to try a more relaxing venture while touring the island, you can also opt to ride an ox cart.
There are some hotels and travel companies that provide buses or taxis to accommodate the requests of guests and help them feel more at ease while on vacation in this paradise.
St. Pierre Island
St. Pierre Island is included in the Farquhar Group on the Outer Islands of Seychelles. This is a raised reef island, with a gently sloping seabed in the southeastern part and a steep drop off in the northwest. This is uninhabited, so the island does not have any sources of freshwater.
Despite this, the tiny islet is very picturesque, which is why it has already appeared in many promotional campaigns, posters, and various media photos. The island is frequented by snorkelers, yachtsmen, and swimmers and is a nice venue to watch the sunset.
Cerf Island
On the north coast of Mahe in Seychelles lays another paradise known as Cerf Island. You can get here by boat from Mahe within 15 minutes. The water on its white beaches sparkle like diamonds, and the surrounding is lush and beautiful.
The island, which is surrounded by a coral reef, is situated in the Saint Anne Marine National Park. This is the sole island in the marine park that is inhabited by a small population—about 100.
The waters are spectacular and the marine life truly exceptional. There are abundant marine species such as crab, octopus, starfish, and sea urchin.
The main island is a favorite for snorkeling and diving. There are actually a lot of diving centers here, and devices for snorkeling can be rented at the Cerf Island Resort.
The island is home to some famous people, including William Travis, a writer and treasure hunter; Phil Southwell, a yacht designer; and Wilbur Smith, a renowned South African novelist.
There are no roads or any local infrastructures in the island, but there are two hotels, a beach bar, and two restaurants. Necessities, such as electricity, water, and telephone services, will be provided from the mainland.
Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island is the third largest island in the country, with an area of 20 square kilometers. Its total population is around 135, and most of the people work in the island.
The main settlement here is La Passe, where a hotel is available for booking.
There are five peaks on this mountainous island, namely, Mont Dauban, Mont-Pot-a-Eau, Gratte Fesse, Mont Corgat, and Mont Cocos Marrons. All these go beyond 500 meters in elevation.
The island can be found at the Marine National Park, where many endangered animal and plant species thrive. The island also has a huge area of primeval forest and is dedicated to the protection of all the species that can be found here.
The island’s conservation, meanwhile, is being managed by the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles.
There are no streets in the island, so hikers will enjoy touring the place, which only has two paths connecting the northern and southern parts. Many visitors in the island also enjoy snorkeling and diving.
Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple
There is only one Hindu temple in Seychelles—Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple. Apparently, this is also the first of its kind in the land. On special occasions, prayers are performed here for different deities.
In 1993, the inner courtyard of the temple started hosting the Taippoosam Kavadi Festival. This is now being held in the outer courtyard due to the popularity that the festivities have gained.
This popularity also paved the way for the government’s declaration of the festival as a Hindu holiday in 1998.
Bird Island
Formerly called Ile aux Vaches, Bird Island has been privately owned since 1967. This is part of the measures to conserve and protect the marine and birdlife in the area.
Part of the conservation process was to get rid of rabbits and feral rats to protect the nesting sites of sea turtles and all the birds that thrive in the land. Every May, millions of birds flock to the island to nest.
Bird Island is an ideal nook for people who love nature and simple living. The place can be enjoyed by the whole family and people who are fond of bird watching. The best months for bird watching are October, November, April, and May.
Visitors can take the nature boat tours to get up close with sea wonders such as manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales. This is also where Esmeralda, the giant tortoise that is more than 200 years old, can be seen.
Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island is near the north coast of Praslin and measures 1.78 square miles. It is designated as a marine national park, which serves as a breeding ground for giant tortoises.
On its south shore, you will find the ruins of a leprosarium. This serves as a reminder of what the island was in the years 1833 to 1965.
An educational center and museum, which was the house of a former physician, Anse St. Joseph, is also located in the island.
Curieuse Island has beaches with white sand, and most the area is being shaded by takamaka and casuarina trees.
Aldabra Group of Islands
In the outer islands of the country, you will find the Aldabra Group of Islands. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the world’s largest raised coral atoll. There are four main islands here, which are being managed by the Seychelles Island Foundation.
This place is home to over 100,000 giant tortoises. Aside from these, there are other interesting species that can be found here, including migratory birds, frigate birds, white-throated rail, turtles, and giant crabs.
However, you have to seek written permission from the management if you want to see the migratory birds, giant tortoises, and giant Aldabra Atoll. Although there are plans to build small chalets and lodges for visitors, the management is still keen on keeping its strict environmental guidelines to make sure that all the island’s natural resources remain preserved and protected.
Trips to the islands can be booked in the months of November, December, March, April, and May. But you can still go there any other month by taking the longer route through a cruise offered by a tour company.
Vallee de Mai
Located in Praslin, Vallee de Mai is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place was once perceived as the original site of the Garden of Eden.
Vallee de Mai was declared as a nature reserve in 1966. It has a palm forest where Coco de Mer and five more endemic palms are being preserved.
Coco de Mer, on its own, draws tourists’ attention because it has the largest seeds among all plants in the world. The leaves of Coco de Mer grow up to 6 meters wide and 14 meters long.
Aside from the endemic palms, the park also has an abundant wildlife. It gives shelter and protection to mammals, snails, crustaceans, different reptiles, and birds that include the rare Seychelles Black Parrot.
Coco Island
Coco Island, which is also called Ile Cocos, is situated 7 kilometers north of La Digue. This was declared as a marine park in 1996.
The island has a natural aquatic world that is more than picture perfect, which is why its photos have been used many times on the cover of Seychelles brochures.
There is no accommodation that is offered in the place. Despite this, the island is highly visited, especially by diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
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