The island of Mahe is the largest island in the archipelago of Seychelles. The island of Silhouette comes at the third spot if the area of each island in Seychelles is measured. The island of Silhouette is located at the north-west area of Mahe. The whole area of Silhouette Island is at least three thousand hectares. But although Silhouette is such a big island, there are only less than two hundred inhabitants living here. This is because the ports in Silhouette are filled with so many coral reefs, making vessels and other water vehicles difficult to dock. But because many are attracted to the beauty of this island, there are now jetties specially made for the ports of Silhouette Island. Moreover, there are also helicopter services that would take you to Silhouette coming from the island where the Seychelles International Airport is located – the Mahe Island.

If most islands in the archipelago of Seychelles are named after the famous saints, kings, or discoverers, the island of Silhouette was named from a French dignitary in the 18th century. There are also stories that Hodoul, a famous privateer, lived in the island of Silhouette for a long time. And before he left Silhouette, he left treasures at the island. Until now, no treasures have been found yet.

From the island of Mahe, Silhouette Island's outline can be viewed especially if you are situated at the beach of Beau Vallon. The most photographic scenery is best seen during the sunset at the Mount Dauban. The island of Silhouette is also the most recommended place for all those trekking fanatics, nature lovers, and hiking fans. There are no cemented roads or streets in Silhouette, only dirt paths which is very enjoyable since you will be seeing so many plants and other creatures roaming freely around the island.

Water activities are also available here in Silhouette. However, there are not many water-sports activities involving motor vessels in this island such as jet skiing, sailing, and more. But tourists can enjoy snorkeling and diving activities that would let them explore the corals of the island. There is no need to bring your own gear since the diving schools will provide the necessary equipments for this kind of activity. Underwater photography is also one of the most enjoyed activities by professional photographers. Photographers from all over the world visit Silhouette just to have a post-card like picture that they can submit to different travel companies and other publications that would show Earth’s natural beauty.

Because of the simplicity in this magnificent tourist destination, the life in the island of Silhouette can be compared to the lifestyle that the locals of long ago have lived. There is not much difference. Only hotels and other accommodations have changed the façade of the island. For accommodations in the Silhouette Island go to Seychelles Hotels guide. The inhabitants are still growing cinnamon, coconut, tobacco, and avocados to earn something for a living. If there are excursionists and tourists visiting their island, it is rare that these locals are seen roaming all over the island.

From Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé the outline of Silhouette can be seen as the sun falls behind Mount Dauban. Despite being the third-largest island of the granite Seychelles by size, Silhouette has a population of just 130. Although close to Mahé, until recently it had few visitors as coral reefs made it difficult to land. Today, a proper jetty has been built and most visitors arrive by helicopter. Helicopter or boat transfers can be organised for the clients of Silhouette Island Lodge, the only hotel on the island.

Unlike its neighbours, the island is of volcanic origin and is named after an 18th Century French dignitary. The famous privateer, Hodoul, once lived on Silhouette and it is generally believed that he buried treasure here.

There are no roads, so it is a place for walkers. For serious walkers, there are two paths through equatorial forests linking La Passe and Grande Barbe, and La Passe to Anse Mondon. It takes between half-a-day and a day to hike there and back. The island is very mountainous; Dauban is 780 metres high, much of it covered with albizia trees, but higher up there are many plants unique to Seychelles. There are many traditional Creole houses and an old plantation house, one of the finest in Seychelles. The Dauban family tomb is in the grand classical manner, looking at odds with its surroundings.

There were mysterious graves at Anse Lascare that were later destroyed by the sea. Once believed to be evidence that these islands were already known to Arab traders, these graves have now been dated from the arrival of the first Europeans and their slaves. Day trips can be organised with private boats chartered from Beau Vallon (Mahé) or through Helicopter Seychelles.