Silhouette Island | Seychelles

Silhouette Island is the third-largest granitic island in the Seychelles, located 20 km northwest of Mahé. It is a strictly protected living laboratory of biodiversity, with 93% of its landmass designated as a National Park. Unlike the other main islands, it has no roads and a permanent population of fewer than 200 people.

Historical Timeline

1609: Sighted by the crew of the Ascension during the first recorded landing in the Seychelles.

1767: Formally claimed by France and named after Étienne de Silhouette, the French Minister of Finance.

19th Century: Owned by the Dauban family, who established extensive cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut plantations.

1983: Purchased by the Seychelles government to ensure the preservation of its unique mountainous ecosystem.

2010: The Silhouette Marine National Park was established to protect the surrounding coral reefs.

Geography & Key Features

The island is approximately 20 $km^2$ and is characterized by its steep, dramatic topography.

Mont Dauban: The island's highest peak at 740m, frequently shrouded in mist, creating a rare tropical cloud forest.

La Passe: The only significant settlement, located on the northeast coast. It houses the hotel staff, island rangers, and a small local community.

Anse Mondon: A secluded cove on the north coast accessible only by boat or a strenuous hike through the rainforest.

Grand Barbe: A former plantation village on the west coast, now largely abandoned and reclaimed by nature, accessible via a 4-hour trans-island trek.

Top Landmarks & Attractions

Dauban Mausoleum: An architectural anomaly in the jungle, built in the style of the Église de la Madeleine in Paris, serving as the final resting place for the Dauban family.

Hilton Labriz Resort: The only commercial establishment on the island, integrated into the natural landscape near La Passe.

Giant Tortoise Sanctuary: A conservation center focused on the protection and breeding of the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Plateau L'Amiral: A high-altitude plateau offering a glimpse into the island's unique endemic flora.

Transportation & Access

Sea: Accessible via a private ferry operated by the Hilton Labriz from Bel Ombre on Mahé (approx. 45 minutes).

Air: Helicopter transfers are available from Seychelles International Airport.

On-Island: There are no cars. Movement is restricted to walking, hiking, or small electric buggies within the resort area.

Safety & Health

Hiking Hazards: Trails are steep, often slippery, and can be difficult to navigate without a guide. Sturdy footwear and high water intake are mandatory.

Isolation: There is a small medical clinic on the island for emergencies, but serious cases require a boat or helicopter evacuation to Mahé.

Sea Conditions: The island lacks a protective barrier reef in many areas, meaning the swell can be powerful and dangerous for swimming outside designated zones.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

4G coverage is available at La Passe and the resort area but disappears entirely in the island's interior and western coast. There are no ATMs on the island. Transactions are handled via the resort or in cash (SCR/EUR) at the small local shop.

Ecology & Biodiversity

Silhouette is a global biodiversity hotspot:

Fauna: The primary refuge for the Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat, one of the rarest mammals in the world. It is also home to the Seychelles Kestrel and rare endemic snails.

Flora: Boasts the highest density of endemic plants in the archipelago, including several species of carnivorous pitcher plants found only on the higher slopes of Mont Dauban.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: ~SCR 70 ($5.20)

1 Guided Hike to Grand Barbe: ~SCR 1,500 ($115.00)

1 Night at Hilton Labriz: ~SCR 8,000 – 15,000 ($600 – $1,150)

Facts & Legends

A verified geographical fact is that Silhouette is the only island in the Seychelles composed of syenite (a type of volcanic rock) rather than the standard Pre-Cambrian granite found on Mahé or Praslin. Local legend insists that the pirate Jean-François Hodoul buried his treasure in the caves of Anse Mondon, though centuries of searching by the Dauban family and modern treasure hunters have yielded nothing.