In addition to Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the Seychelles also has specialised resorts on the smaller islands of Fregate, Denis, Bird, Desroches, Silhouette, North or Cousine. These are small-scale and exclusive resorts that lead you to believe that you have the entire island to yourself. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful place to go on honeymoon!
After a twenty-minute helicopter ride to Fregate Island, you will soon realise: this paradise on earth is something that most people can only dream of. Surrounded by its own coral reef, Fregate Island is one of the most isolated granitic islands in the Seychelles. The beaches contrast perfectly with the high granite walls and offer the ultimate in privacy. There are also countless footpaths on Fregate Island and an abundance of fauna and flora. The Seychelles Magpie Robin was rescued from the brink of extinction on this island. This bird is now being reintroduced on other islands. Since part of Fregate Island is used for cultivating vegetables, herbs and fruit, the island is largely self-sufficient. The other part is being replanted with endemic flora to return it to its original state - a unique project with unique results.
Denis Island is on the northern border of the inner islands, roughly a half-hour flight from Mahé. The coral island is encircled by a wide coral reef, making it a paradise for snorkellers. The protected underwater world around the island is also famed for being one of the best diving locations in the Seychelles. The opportunities for deep-sea fishing are also incredible; many a record has been broken here for the biggest tuna and marlin catches. The old lighthouse on Denis is still in use. If you make the effort to climb all the way to the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view.
Many visitors become so enchanted by Bird Island that they return time and time again. The private nature reserve of Bird Island is a coral island, located 100 km north of the main island of Mahé. It's only a half-hour's flight, yet still relatively remote. Bird Island has much more to offer than stunning beaches - there is also a lot of focus here on ecotourism and the preservation of nature. In the breeding season, between April and October, part of Bird Island is occupied by a giant colony of terns, and during these months you'll see more birds in one place than you ever imagined possible. In addition, two different species of turtle, including Hawksbill sea turtles, come here every year to lay their eggs. Guests are encouraged to contribute to the preservation of these turtles. On the other side of the island, there is a long stretch of milky white beach where it's safe to swim and snorkel. You can also go fishing on the sea.
Desroches Island is the largest of the Amirantes Islands and located some 250 kilometres south-west of Mahé. There is plenty to do here. Desroches has no less than 14 kilometres of dazzling white beaches, where you can safely swim or snorkel in the shallow waters of the lagoon. Covered in coconut trees, this flat island lends itself well to walks and bicycle rides, as does the village, which is home to 50 inhabitants who all work at the coconut plantation. The island also has a small church and a graveyard. Fishers can cast their lines from boats bobbing on the waves and divers of all levels of experience can choose from no less than fourteen unspoilt diving locations around the island. More advanced divers might like to try out the 'Canyon', which is a mysterious underwater maze of endless caves and pillars - a truly unforgettable experience.
Silhouette Island is 20 kilometres north-west of Mahé and only accessible by helicopter. The waters around Silhouette are regarded as a marine reserve and because the island is fairly mountainous and steep, most of the nature has been left untouched. There are no roads, for example, only forest paths that lead you through the virgin shrubs and plants to the palm-fringed beaches. The only settlement on the island, La Passe, is inhabited by roughly 130 people. They share the island with two types of giant turtle, for which a breeding programme has been set up. The most important attraction on Silhouette unsurprisingly is the enormous diversity of endemic flora and fauna. Ecologists even view the island as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean. It plays an important role in the preservation of endangered species.
Just to the north of Sihouette lies North Island, an unmissable destination for those who have seen The Thunderbirds film. The beautiful beaches are divided on both sides by jagged rock formations. Until the Seychelles were declared independent in 1976, the island was owned by the Beaufond family, who over the course of 130 years grew fruit and spices, and produced guano, fish oil and copra. At the end of the 1970s, the island fell into disuse; however, now it is gradually being returned to its original state.
Cousine Island, six kilometres west of Praslin, is one of the Seychelles' smaller granitic islands. Here you can bathe in absolute seclusion from the world, which is also owing to the fact that day visitors are not permitted. Five of the Seychelles' endemic bird species can be found on Cousine. The owner of the island has made it his mission in life to restore Cousine Island to its original state, and we're of the opinion that he has been very successful. Only endemic plant varieties grow here, and these form a nature reserve for the sea turtles that come here to breed between November and March.
