Free Silhouette Island Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Silhouette Island
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Silhouette Island in Seychelles combines protected mountain forests, quiet beaches, reef activities and plantation history in a secluded island setting.

Silhouette Island rises from the Indian Ocean about 20 kilometres north-west of Mahé, yet its densely forested mountains and small settlement give it a markedly remote character. The third-largest granitic island in the Seychelles, it is dominated by steep slopes, granite ridges and valleys that descend towards beaches, coves and reefs. Mount Dauban, at roughly 740 metres, is the highest point, and much of the island remains covered by native vegetation rather than roads or buildings.
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Most visitors arrive by boat at La Passe, the island’s principal settlement and the base for the main resort. There is no town in the conventional sense: the developed area is compact, while the interior is largely protected landscape. Paths lead through forest towards viewpoints, old plantation sites and coastal bays, with conditions varying according to rainfall and trail maintenance. Anse Mondon is one of the best-known walking destinations, while the western coast around Grande Barbe is more secluded and less readily reached.
Silhouette’s significance lies partly in its conservation value. Silhouette National Park protects most of the island, including forests that support endemic Seychelles plants and animals. The island is associated with the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, one of the world’s rarest mammals, although sightings are not guaranteed and visitors should not disturb roosts or enter restricted areas. Giant tortoises, fruit bats, land birds and marine life are more readily encountered, particularly when exploring quietly with a local guide.
The island also preserves traces of a plantation past. Coconut, cinnamon and other crops were cultivated here, and the Dauban family estate shaped Silhouette’s nineteenth- and early twentieth-century economy. Remnants of plantation buildings and paths provide historical context alongside the natural scenery. The old cemetery and former leper settlement near Grande Barbe reflect other chapters in the island’s social history, though access to remote areas may depend on weather, permissions and local conditions.
Silhouette suits visitors seeking a low-key island stay rather than a busy resort circuit. Days centre on swimming, snorkelling, guided walks, diving, kayaking and time in the forest or on quiet beaches. Dining and evening entertainment are concentrated around the resort, and shopping is limited. Its appeal comes from the contrast between a comfortable coastal base and an interior where granite mountains, humid forest and the sound of surf remain the dominant features.

When is the best time to visit Silhouette Island?

Best: June–August · 29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30320
February30240
March30210
April30200
May29140
June (best)29120
July (best)29110
August (best)29110
September29120
October29170
November29240
December30290

Getting to and around Silhouette Island

How to get there

Silhouette has no public airport or road connection to Mahé. Most visitors travel by resort-operated boat from Mahé, with the crossing taking roughly 40 to 60 minutes in favourable conditions, or use a helicopter transfer when available and weather permits. The exact arrangements, meeting point and luggage limits should be confirmed with the accommodation provider before arrival. Silhouette is not a practical destination for an improvised day trip without checking access and landing arrangements.

Transportation

There is no conventional public transport network on Silhouette. The developed area around La Passe can be explored on foot, while resort transfers and guided walks provide access to selected beaches, trails and activities. A car is neither available nor useful to visitors. Paths may be uneven, steep, muddy or overgrown after heavy rain, and some remote routes require local knowledge or permission. Boat excursions are dependent on sea conditions rather than a fixed mainland-style timetable.

Best attractions in Silhouette Island

Silhouette’s attractions are concentrated in its protected natural environment rather than in a long list of built visitor facilities. Forest walks lead through granite valleys and coastal vegetation, with Anse Mondon among the best-known destinations for guided hiking. The slopes around Mount Dauban offer a demanding inland setting, while beaches near La Passe provide easier opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling when sea conditions are favourable. Boat trips and diving excursions explore reefs and offshore waters around the island. Visitors interested in history can look for plantation remains and learn about the former settlement at Grande Barbe, including its cemetery and leper-station heritage. Giant tortoises, fruit bats and endemic birds add a wildlife dimension, though sightings are never guaranteed. The island’s greatest attraction is the combination of accessible resort facilities and a largely protected interior, where rainforests, ridges and quiet coves remain more important than entertainment infrastructure.

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Best landmarks in Silhouette Island

Mount Dauban is Silhouette’s defining natural landmark, rising to roughly 740 metres above a forested island whose steep granite relief is visible from the sea. The peaks and ridges give the island a stronger mountainous profile than many visitors expect from a beach destination. Around La Passe, the coastal setting, granite outcrops and old plantation structures convey the scale of the former estate landscape. Grande Barbe is significant for its historical remains, particularly the cemetery associated with the former leper settlement, and should be approached with quiet respect. The island’s beaches, including Anse Lascars and the more secluded western coastal areas, are landmarks of landscape rather than monumental architecture, framed by forest, reef and granite. Historic paths and surviving estate features help connect these natural places with Silhouette’s plantation past, while the protected forest remains the island’s most important overall marker of identity.

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Best restaurants in Silhouette Island

Dining on Silhouette is centred on the main resort rather than independent restaurants spread across a town. Meals commonly draw on the wider Seychellois repertoire, including Creole preparations of fish and seafood, rice, curries, tropical fruit and vegetables, alongside international dishes for visitors. Fresh fish, coconut, lime, chilli and aromatic spices are recurring influences, although menus and availability vary with supply and season. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are generally organised through resort restaurants or arranged dining services, so guests on special diets should communicate requirements before arrival. There are few opportunities for spontaneous restaurant-hopping, and visitors should not expect a market-town food scene. A quiet meal overlooking the coast or a casual lunch after a walk is more characteristic of Silhouette than a choice of late-night establishments. The island’s food experience is therefore tied to its secluded setting and to the practical limits of island provisioning.

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Best bars in Silhouette Island

Silhouette does not have a separate nightclub district or a substantial late-night entertainment scene. Evening life is concentrated around the resort, where visitors may find a bar, lounge, occasional live music or organised dining and cultural activities, depending on the season and current programme. The atmosphere is generally suited to conversation, cocktails, sunset drinks and quiet evenings rather than clubbing. Guests may also encounter Seychellois Creole flavours in drinks and menus, but offerings can change with supplies and resort arrangements. Because there are no clusters of independent bars to fall back on, it is sensible to check evening dining and transport details with the accommodation provider. The island’s darkness, forest sounds and sea views are part of its night-time character; visitors should avoid wandering into unlit trails or protected areas after dark.

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Best nightclubs in Silhouette Island

Silhouette does not have a separate nightclub district or a substantial late-night entertainment scene. Evening life is concentrated around the resort, where visitors may find a bar, lounge, occasional live music or organised dining and cultural activities, depending on the season and current programme. The atmosphere is generally suited to conversation, cocktails, sunset drinks and quiet evenings rather than clubbing. Guests may also encounter Seychellois Creole flavours in drinks and menus, but offerings can change with supplies and resort arrangements. Because there are no clusters of independent bars to fall back on, it is sensible to check evening dining and transport details with the accommodation provider. The island’s darkness, forest sounds and sea views are part of its night-time character; visitors should avoid wandering into unlit trails or protected areas after dark.

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Best shops in Silhouette Island

Shopping on Silhouette is limited and focused around the resort rather than a conventional high street. Visitors may find a small boutique offering resort essentials, postcards, clothing, locally themed gifts and selected crafts, but the range is modest and prices reflect the island’s remote supply chain. There are no large shopping centres, established market quarters or extensive independent retail streets. Practical items such as reef-safe sun protection, insect repellent and suitable walking equipment are better purchased on Mahé before travelling. For regional gifts, visitors can look for Seychelles-made crafts, artwork, spices, coconut-based products or locally produced food items when available, while checking that natural materials have been sourced and sold legally. Shopping is not a principal reason to visit Silhouette; the island is better suited to buying a small memento and spending time in its landscape.

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Silhouette Island essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Seychellois rupee, abbreviated SCR, as throughout Seychelles. Resort charges and larger tourism services commonly accept major cards, but visitors should confirm which payment methods are available before travelling because facilities are limited on the island. Cash in Seychellois rupees can be useful for small purchases or contingencies, although there are no ordinary banks or cash machines on Silhouette. Keep payment cards and cash secure and retain a reserve for transfer changes.
Safety
Silhouette is generally quiet, but its natural environment requires care. Swim and snorkel only where conditions are suitable, follow resort or guide advice, and be cautious around reefs, rocks, currents and sudden weather changes. Forest trails can become slippery, and heat, humidity and dehydration are practical concerns. Avoid walking alone on unfamiliar remote routes, carry water, use sun protection and follow conservation rules. Standard precautions for valuables still apply, particularly during beach and boat activities.
Emergency Situations
The Seychelles emergency number is 999 for police, fire and ambulance services; mobile users may also find 112 available, although connection and response arrangements can vary. On Silhouette, serious medical or maritime emergencies may require coordination with resort staff, boat operators and services based on Mahé. Ask the accommodation provider about its emergency procedure on arrival, especially if undertaking diving, long walks or activities far from La Passe. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is sensible.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow marked routes, local instructions and marine-safety guidance, and dress respectfully when visiting heritage or community areas. Do keep beaches and forest free of litter and never remove coral, shells, plants or historical objects. Do keep a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid using bright lights around nocturnal animals. Do not feed tortoises or birds, enter restricted conservation areas or assume that every beach is safe for swimming. Tipping and service practices generally follow national Seychelles tourism norms rather than a separate Silhouette custom.
Local Tips
Allow time for both the coastal and mountain environments rather than treating the island as only a beach retreat. Early walks are usually more comfortable in the tropical heat, while trails can be wetter after rain. Ask locally about current access to Anse Mondon, Grande Barbe and other remote areas, as conditions and permissions can change. Pack lightly but include reef-safe sun protection, a refillable bottle and a small dry bag for boat transfers. Longer stays make weather-related flexibility easier.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonzour[bɔ̃zʊʁ]
GoodbyeOrevwar[ɔʁɛvwaʁ]
YesWi[wi]
NoNon[nɔ̃]
Please/You're welcomeSilvouplé[silvuple]
Thank youMersi[mɛʁsi]
Excuse me/SorryEskize[ɛskiːze]
How are you?Koman ou y?[kɔmɑ̃ u i]
Fine. And you?Bien. E ou?[bjɛ̃ e u]
Do you speak English?Es ou koz Anglé?[ɛs u koʊz aŋɡle]
I don't understandMwen pa konpran[mwe pa kɔ̃pʁɑ̃]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ti a kontan vwar meni, silvouplé[mwe ti a kɔ̃tɑ̃ vwar mɛni silvuple]
I don't eat meatMwen pa manz vyann[mwe pa mɑ̃z vjɑ̃]
Cheers!Sante![sɑ̃te]
I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ti a kontan pey, silvouplé[mwe ti a kɔ̃tɑ̃ pe silvuple]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Sove![sove]
Go away!Alé![ale]
Call the Police!Apel polis![apɛl pɔlis]
Call a doctor!Apel en dokte![apɛl ɛ̃ dɔktɛ]
I'm lostMwen perdi[mwe pɛʁdi]
I'm illMwen malad[mwe malad]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mwen ti a kontan achte...[mwe ti a kɔ̃tɑ̃ aʃte]
I'm just lookingMwen zis pe gade[mwe zis pɛ ɡad]
How much is it?Konbyen sa kosté?[kɔ̃bje sa kɔste]
That's too expensiveSa tro chè[sa tʁo ʃɛ]
Can you lower the price?Es ou ka redwi pri?[ɛs u ka ʁɛdwi pʁi]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ki ler i ete?[ki lɛʁ i ete]
It's one o'clockI en ler[i ɛ̃ lɛʁ]
Half past (10)Demi aprez (10)[dəmi apʁɛ (10)]
MorningMatin[matɛ̃]
AfternoonApre midi[apʁe midi]
EveningSwar[swaʁ]
YesterdayYer[jeʁ]
TodayOzordi[ozɔʁdi]
TomorrowDemain[dəmɛ̃]
1En[ɛ̃]
2De[de]
3Trwa[tʁwa]
4Katre[ka.tʁe]
5Senk[sɛ̃k]
6Siz[siz]
7Set[sɛt]
8Huit[ɥit]
9Nef[nɛf]
10Dix[dis]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Koté en...?[kote ɛ̃]
What's the address?Ki l'adresse?[ki ladʁɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Es ou ka montré mwen (lo kat)?[ɛs u ka mɔ̃tʁe mwe lo kat]
When's the next (bus)?Kan i annan (buss) swivan?[kɑ̃ i anɑ̃ (bys) sɥivɑ̃]
A ticket (to ....)En tiké (pou....)[ɛ̃ tiˈke pu]

History of Silhouette Island

Early Island Settlement and the Granitic Seychelles

Silhouette was part of the largely uninhabited granitic island world encountered by European navigators in the western Indian Ocean. Unlike some Indian Ocean islands, the Seychelles had no indigenous permanent population before European colonisation, although sailors and traders may have visited its waters earlier. Its steep terrain, dense forest and lack of sheltered lowland made Silhouette less suitable for early settlement than Mahé. The island’s natural geography nevertheless shaped its later history by limiting development and preserving extensive forest.

French Colonial Settlement in the Eighteenth Century

France formally established control over the Seychelles in the eighteenth century, introducing plantation agriculture and a colonial society based on imported labour, including enslaved people from East Africa and Madagascar. Silhouette was incorporated into this developing island economy, although its rugged landscape prevented it from becoming as intensively settled as parts of Mahé. Coconut and other tropical crops were cultivated in coastal clearings, while the surrounding forest remained a substantial presence.

Plantation Agriculture and the Dauban Family

During the nineteenth century, Silhouette became closely associated with the Dauban family, who developed plantation interests and owned much of the island for several generations. Coconut, cinnamon, patchouli and other products were grown or processed, linking Silhouette to the wider export economy of the Seychelles. Plantation buildings, paths and cemeteries are reminders of a society shaped by estate ownership and the labour of formerly enslaved people and their descendants after the abolition of slavery in the British Seychelles in 1835.

The Leper Settlement at Grande Barbe

Silhouette’s relative isolation made it suitable for the establishment of a leper settlement at Grande Barbe during the colonial period. The settlement reflected nineteenth-century public-health practices, which commonly separated people with leprosy from larger communities. Its remains and cemetery form a sober part of the island’s heritage, illustrating both the disease-control policies and the social exclusion experienced by patients. The area is remote, and visitors should approach it respectfully rather than treating it as a curiosity.

The End of the Plantation Era

As plantation agriculture declined across the Seychelles during the twentieth century, Silhouette became less economically active and its resident population diminished. The island’s difficult terrain, limited infrastructure and distance from Mahé reduced the scope for large-scale modern development. Estate buildings and working landscapes gradually gave way to secondary forest and conservation priorities. This transition helped preserve the island’s ecological character, even as many earlier agricultural clearings and facilities fell into disuse.

National Park Protection and Conservation

Modern Silhouette is defined increasingly by conservation. Silhouette National Park protects most of the island, safeguarding endemic flora, forest habitats and steep watersheds that are unusual in the western Indian Ocean. Conservation work also focuses on threatened species, including the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, and on managing the effects of introduced plants and animals. Tourism operates within this protected setting, creating a continuing balance between accommodation, visitor access, community needs and the preservation of the island’s natural heritage.

Silhouette Island in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Silhouette Island

Discover Silhouette Island with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more for an amazing travel experience!

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Plan your visit to Silhouette Island with Evendo, the comprehensive and free travel guide app. Discover attractions, landmarks, tours, and local tips to make the most of your trip.

  • History and travel essentials of Silhouette Island
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature to find nearby places
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Silhouette Island, Seychelles, a paradise waiting to be explored. With Evendo, your journey begins with a seamless travel planning experience. Imagine discovering the best of Silhouette Island through an app that offers detailed information on attractions like the breathtaking Silhouette National Park, the serene Anse Mondon Beach, and the historical Dauban Mausoleum.

Looking for a place to dine? Evendo has you covered with recommendations for top restaurants like La Belle Tortue and Grann Kaz, ensuring you savor the finest local cuisine. Want to dive deep into the island’s culture? Explore curated tours and experiences that provide insights into the island’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Evendo’s intuitive design makes navigation a breeze. Use the 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, and hotels. Each location is accompanied by rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan your itinerary. Whether you want to book a hotel, reserve a table, or purchase tickets for local attractions, Evendo allows you to do it all in one place.

Traveling with Evendo means you’ll never miss out on hidden gems. The app’s curated local tips ensure you experience Silhouette Island like a local, uncovering secret spots and unique activities. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and make your Silhouette Island adventure unforgettable!

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