Silhouette Island travel guide
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Silhouette Island

A mountainous, roadless island that is almost entirely a national park

Photo by Fabio Achilli (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
LanguageSeychellois Creole
CurrencySCR
Best Time to VisitApr – May, Oct – Nov

Silhouette is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, about 20km northwest of Mahé. Its granite peaks rise to 740m at Mont Dauban, and about 93% of its land has been protected as a national park since 2010.

There are no roads or cars. A single resort and the small settlement of La Passe sit on the east coast, and footpaths lead through forest to remote bays.

Top Sights in Silhouette Island

A beach on Silhouette Island

Beaches

Granite boulders frame quiet beaches along the east coast. The island is surrounded by clear water for swimming and snorkelling.

Photo: Fabio Achilli, CC BY 2.0

Silhouette seen from Mahé

Hiking trails

Old footpaths lead from La Passe to Anse Mondon (about two hours) and across the island to Grand Barbe (about four hours). Mont Dauban can be climbed with a guide.

Start early, carry water, and use a guide for longer hikes.

Photo: Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0

The school house at La Passe

La Passe

The small settlement where boats land has the island’s school and a handful of houses. Nearby is the Dauban family mausoleum, from the old plantation days.

Photo: Cybersister27, CC BY-SA 4.0

Eating & Drinking

Meals are mainly taken at the resort, which has several restaurants serving Creole and international food.

Try Creole fish curries, grilled fish and fresh tropical fruit.

Getting There & Around

Boats from Mahé take around 40 minutes, and helicopter transfers take about 15 minutes. Transfers are usually arranged through the resort or a tour operator.

Day trips from Mahé are offered by some boat operators.

Best Time to Visit Silhouette Island

Jan
27°C
Northwest monsoon, humid
Feb
28°C
Humid
Mar
28°C
Hot, calmer
Apr
29°C
Calm, clear
May
28°C
Calm, clear
Jun
27°C
Southeast trades, windy
Jul
26°C
Windy
Aug
26°C
Windy
Sep
27°C
Windy
Oct
27°C
Calm
Nov
28°C
Calm
Dec
27°C
Rainy

What Does Silhouette Island Cost?

The Seychelles uses the Seychelles rupee (SCR); prices for tourist services are often quoted in euros. Staying on Silhouette means staying at its resort.

Budget
US$200–300 / day
Approach
Day trip from Mahé
US$150–250
Food
Lunch included or extra
varies
Accommodation
Guesthouse on Mahé
US$100+

There is no budget accommodation on the island.

Mid-range
US$400–600 / day
Accommodation
Resort room
US$350+
Food
Resort dining
US$80+
Transport
Boat transfer
extra

Splurge
US$800+ / day
Accommodation
Pool villa
US$700+
Food
Fine dining
US$120+
Transport
Helicopter transfer
extra

Prices are approximate; check with the resort.

3 Days on Silhouette

Forest and sea.

Day 1
Arrival

Boat over from Mahé and relax on the beach.

Day 2
Hike

Walk to Anse Mondon, or take a guided hike across to Grand Barbe.

Day 3
Sea

Snorkel, kayak or dive around the island.

Travel Tips

Hiking

Wear proper shoes; trails are steep and can be slippery.

Sea

Boat transfers may be rough when the trade winds blow.

Nature

The island is a refuge for rare species; stay on trails.

Sun

Use reef-safe sunscreen.

Common Questions about Silhouette Island

Quick answers for planning time in Silhouette Island.

How do I get to Silhouette Island?

By boat from Mahé in about 40 minutes, or by helicopter.

Are there cars on Silhouette?

No, there are no roads; the island is explored on foot or by boat.

How high is Mont Dauban?

740m, the island’s highest point.

How much of the island is protected?

About 93% of its land is a national park.

When is the best time to visit Silhouette?

April to May and October to November, between the trade-wind seasons.

Useful Apps

Useful apps for the Seychelles.

Google Maps

Offline maps help where signal is weak.

Free

Google Translate

Camera mode translates menus and signs.

Free

WhatsApp

Boat operators, guesthouses and guides often take bookings by message.

Free

GetYourGuide

Bookable tours and day trips.

Free

More in Seychelles

Planning a wider trip? Our Seychelles travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.

✓Content last reviewed: October 2026 by the traveling-to.com editorial team.
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