Silhouette is the third-largest granitic island in the Seychelles, a steep, densely forested nature reserve about twenty kilometres north-west of Mahe. It is one of the most biodiverse spots in the country, ringed by a marine national park, with a single resort and a tiny local community. You reach it by a short boat transfer from Bel Ombre on Mahe. It suits travellers who want rainforest, rare wildlife and quiet over nightlife.
Look out to sea from the north-west coast of Mahe at sunset and the jagged outline on the horizon is Silhouette. It is the third-largest of the granite islands, yet it feels like another world, almost roadless, cloaked in rainforest and protected as a nature reserve. For travellers who care more about wild nature than resorts and bars, it is one of the most special places in the country.
Where it is and getting there
Silhouette lies about twenty kilometres north-west of Mahe. There is no airport and no ferry terminal in the usual sense. Guests of the island reach it by a boat transfer from Bel Ombre on the north-west coast of Mahe, a crossing of roughly forty-five minutes to an hour depending on the sea. Day access is limited, so most people who set foot on it are staying overnight.
A mountain rising from the sea
The island is dominated by Mont Dauban, rising to over seven hundred metres, with peaks often wrapped in cloud. The steep slopes are covered in some of the least disturbed forest in the Seychelles, which is exactly why scientists and conservationists treasure it. Walking trails climb from the coast into this forest, and the interior feels genuinely remote.
The wildlife
Silhouette is a stronghold for rare species. It shelters the critically endangered Seychelles sheath-tailed bat and the strange jellyfish tree, one of the rarest plants on earth, along with geckos, terrapins and a rich birdlife. Aldabra giant tortoises are kept and bred on the island as part of its conservation work. The surrounding waters are a marine national park, so the snorkelling and diving over granite and coral are protected and healthy.
Where to stay
There is one large resort on the island, a Hilton property at Labriz on the more sheltered coast, plus a small amount of other lodging tied to the community and conservation station. This is not an island of many guesthouses. Rates and availability for the resort are best checked directly, as it is a single high-end operation rather than a town with choice.
What to do
The pleasures here are simple and natural. Walk the forest trails, snorkel or dive the marine park, swim off quiet beaches, and watch for the wildlife that makes the island famous. In the evening there is little to do but eat well and listen to the forest, which is the point. Bring good shoes for the trails and insect cover for the interior.
Who it suits and how to plan
Silhouette is for honeymooners and nature lovers who want seclusion and rainforest rather than a lively scene. If you would rather have a choice of beaches, restaurants and easy transport, base yourself on Mahe and treat Silhouette as the view on the horizon, or compare it with the more accessible islands first. For broader stays across the country, browse our directory of verified places, and use the ferry network to move between the main islands.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Silhouette Island?
By boat transfer from Bel Ombre on the north-west coast of Mahe, a crossing of roughly forty-five minutes to an hour. There is no public ferry terminal or airport, and access is mostly limited to people staying on the island.
What is Silhouette Island known for?
It is one of the most biodiverse places in the Seychelles, a steep, forested nature reserve with rare species like the sheath-tailed bat and the jellyfish tree, ringed by a protected marine national park.
Is there a resort on Silhouette Island?
Yes, there is one large resort at Labriz on the sheltered coast, plus limited other lodging. It is a single high-end operation rather than a town with many guesthouses, so check rates and availability directly.
Is Silhouette Island worth visiting?
For travellers who want rainforest, rare wildlife, quiet beaches and protected snorkelling over nightlife and choice, yes. If you want variety of beaches, restaurants and easy transport, Mahe makes a better base.
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