Grand Barbe

Grand Barbe is a remote area located on the western coast of Silhouette Island, the third largest in the Seychelles. It is renowned for hosting one of the archipelago's largest wetlands, featuring a significant ecosystem of mangroves and freshwater marshes. Historically, Grand Barbe was a thriving settlement with over 50 residents who sustained themselves through copra production and fishing. Today, the village is almost entirely abandoned, with only a few ruins remaining as a testament to its past. The region is framed by the island’s highest peaks, such as Mont Dauban, and is accessible only via a strenuous multi-hour hike through dense rainforest or by boat during calm sea conditions. The pristine sandy beach at Grand Barbe serves as a critical nesting site for sea turtles. The area is part of the Silhouette Marine National Park and provides a sanctuary for numerous rare species, including the Seychelles giant tortoise, which has been successfully reintroduced here.

History & landmarks

Denis Island Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse dating back to 1910, serving as a guide for ships at the northern edge of the Seychelles Bank.

More places

Silhouette Cinnamon Forest

Extensive forests on Silhouette Island where wild cinnamon grows, a relic from the era of cinnamon production.

Silhouette Island

The third largest island in the Seychelles, almost entirely protected as a national park and known for its mountainous, jungle-like lands…

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North Island

A private island known for its ambitious ecological restoration project called 'Noah's Ark'.

Île aux Vaches Marines Habitat

An important bird and marine habitat west of Mahé, named after the dugongs (sea cows) that used to frequent these waters.

Mamelles Island Seabird Colony

An isolated granitic island hosting one of the most significant sooty tern breeding colonies in the Inner Seychelles.

Beacon Island (Île Sèche)

A small, rocky island east of Mahé that serves as an important nesting and resting site for various seabird species.

Cousin Island

An important nature reserve and a sanctuary for endangered bird species and nesting sea turtles.

Aride Island

The northernmost of the granitic islands and home to one of the most important seabird colonies in the Indian Ocean.