Seychelles Outer Islands
Aldabra
Aldabra Atoll, situated 1,150km southwest of Mahé, is the largest raised coral atoll in the world, comprising more than a dozen islands bordering a lagoon so vast the whole of Mahé could fit inside its perimeter.
Aldabra’s exceptional and pristine condition has earned it the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of two such sites in Seychelles.
The atoll’s islands nurture a vast array of both unique flora and fauna as well as the world’s largest population of 150,000 giant tortoises, and its lagoon boasts the most vibrant marine life of the entire archipelago.
First given its name by Arab seafarers, the atoll’s harsh, sun-baked environment and the fast-flowing waters of its lagoon typically kept all but the most intrepid explorers at bay. But there has been a tiny permanent settlement on the island since 1874, made up chiefly of contract labourers from Mahé engaged at different times in fishing, mining guano and producing coprah for sale on the mainland.
The Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) now supervises the island and strict regulations governing the island’s accessibility are in force to protect its fragile ecosystem. Special permission is required for anyone wishing to visit this remote island. A small research station affords accredited scientists the opportunity to study the atoll’s biodiversity, but there is no hotel accommodation on the island. Yacht charters are available, however.
Desroches
Of all the islands in the Amirantes Group, Desroches is the closest to Mahé (230km southwest) and the only island in the group offering accommodation. This coral island measures 5km long and 1.5km wide, boasting 14km of immaculate beaches that fringe a lush grove of coconut palms interspersed by casuarina trees. It is surrounded by 14 kilometres of breathtaking beaches
Desroches was named after a former French governor of Mauritius, and like many of Seychelles’ islands, was once a prosperous coconut plantation.
The island and its exclusive Desroches Island Resort are serviced by air from Mahé in a flight-time of approximately 50 minutes, and offers spectacular opportunities for deep sea fishing, fly-fishing and diving.
The resort boasts 20 junior suites arranged in a manner that reflects an authentic Creole architectural style.
Alphonse
Alphonse, the principal island of the Alphonse Group, is a small triangular island barely 1.2km wide, sheltered by a spectacular coral reef.
Located 400 km southwest of Mahé, Alphonse was initially developed around the coconut industry and was also mined for guano (decomposed bird droppings). The island remains an important nesting ground for turtles and colonies of sea birds.
Alphonse is one of the few among Seychelles’ outer islands to offer accommodation in 25 luxury bungalows and 5 sumptuous executive suites, each affording a splendid view of the ocean. The island provides excellent opportunities for fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing, and diving in virgin waters. Alphonse is serviced by air from the main island of Mahé in a flight time of one hour.
Farqufar
The Farquhar Atoll lies a little over 700km from Mahé and is made up of the atolls of Farquhar and Providence together with the island of St Pierre. Beautiful lagoons within the atolls offer secure anchorages from the sometimes-stormy seas that surround them. There is no accommodation on the islands of the Farquhar Group.
Farquhar, Seychelles’ most southerly outpost, has an airstrip and is serviced by aircraft from Mahé on a charter basis.
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