Silhouette IslandAbout Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island is a mountainous granitic island in the Inner Islands of the Seychelles, known for steep forested slopes and a largely undeveloped interior. It is the third-largest granitic island in the archipelago and retains large areas of native forest and endemic species.
The island’s main attraction is its rugged interior and biodiversity, with hiking routes that rise to the central ridge and summit of Mont Dauban at about 740 metres. Coastal beaches and a small number of accommodation options serve visitors arriving by boat from Mahé.
Historically the island supported small plantations and limited settlement; in recent decades conservation measures and private reserve management have reduced development and emphasised nature protection. Parts of the island are managed for conservation and scientific study while a small tourism sector operates from the coast.
Silhouette sits approximately northwest of Mahé in the Inner Islands group and is reached by boat transfers from the capital, Victoria, on Mahé.
- Size and access: The island is the third-largest granitic island of the Seychelles archipelago at roughly 20 square kilometres, and access is by boat or limited scheduled transfers from Mahé.
What to See#
- Mont Dauban: A 740-metre peak forming the island’s central ridge and main hiking destination, offering steep trails through native forest and panoramic views from the summit.
- Silhouette protected area: A marine and terrestrial nature reserve covering much of the island’s interior and adjacent reef, protecting endemic plants and restricted wildlife habitats.
Best Time to Visit Silhouette Island
Best visited during the dry season (May-October) for hiking and calmer seas; book lodgings ahead as capacity is limited.
Weather & Climate near Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2323 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 356 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 25° | 269 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 189 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 153 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 26° | 141 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Very Good | 22° - 27° | 25° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 7.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| July | Very Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 6.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 155 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Very Good | 22° - 27° | 24° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 27° | 25° | 187 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 227 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 300 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
How to Get to Silhouette Island
Ferries and speedboats run from Mahé to Silhouette (boats depart from Victoria or nearby resorts; the crossing is about 30-45 minutes by speedboat). Some resorts operate private transfers; check schedules and reserve ahead.
Tips for Visiting Silhouette Island
- Book accommodation well in advance - Silhouette has limited high-end resorts and a small number of guesthouses.
- Visit the mangrove flats and take the four-hour Morne Seychellois-Mont Dauban ridge walk for rare endemic flora and great views.
- Support conservation: Silhouette Island is a protected area with active programs for endangered species like the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat and black parrot - ask resorts about how they contribute.