Silhouette Island was named after French explorer Étienne de Silhouette, who served as the French Controller-General of Finances during the reign of King Louis XV.
Silhouette was the first island of the group to be seen when the islands were discovered in 1609 but were not settled until the early 19th century, is the third largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and is also rated as one of the most physically attractive island in the granites group.
Five Kilometres long and wide, Silhouette which is about one-hour boat ride from Mahe, boasts the 780-meter-high Mount Dauban and its surrounding thick virgin forests, which is a haven for ecologists and environmentalists. Blessed by this luxuriant evergreen vegetation, the island is surrounded by a rich marine life kingdom whose reefs contain a multitude of all types of fish and shells, whilst green turtles breed on some of its unspoiled beaches.
Silhouette Island
Silhouette is also known to have been the home to one of the most notorious pirates, Jean Francois Hodoul and the legend has it that his fortune still lies buried there.
Did you know?
Silhouette Island is home to two National Monuments, the Plantation house, and the Dauban Mausoleum. The plantation house reflects artistic and architectural movements originating from the Creole and European cultures. It was built around 1861 as the family home for Mr. Henry Dauban, owner of the island at that time.
You can visit the house where the family lived during their time on the island. The house was renovated and converted into a museum where you can still visit the family's belongings.
On the first floor, you will find the Grann Kaz restaurant, where you will be able to taste the local gastronomy.
