Plan a CruiseSilhouette Cruise Port Guide
As your cruise ship approaches Silhouette, one of the Seychelles' largest granite islands by size, you will be tendered ashore as there are no docking facilities. Despite its size, Silhouette has a tiny population of only 130 inhabitants, offering a truly untouched natural experience. This island is distinct from its neighbors due to its volcanic origin and is named after an 18th-century French dignitary. It's even rumored that the famous privateer Hodoul buried treasure here.
Silhouette is a haven for nature lovers, completely devoid of modern progress, roads, or paths, accessible only by boat or helicopter. The island is dominated by Mount Dauban (740m), surrounded by a largely unexplored rainforest teeming with unique botanical species like the rare pitcher-plant, various orchids, rare hardwoods, and the incense tree, found exclusively on Silhouette. The island is encircled by a vast coral reef, providing crystal-clear waters perfect for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. This is a destination for those who wish to explore on foot and immerse themselves in pristine nature.
Getting Around from the Port
Silhouette island has no roads or paths, making walking the sole mode of transportation once you are tendered ashore. All exploration, whether to the rainforest or along the coast, will be done on foot.
Attractions and Activities
Given Silhouette's undeveloped nature, excursions focus entirely on its natural beauty and are primarily self-guided walks or water activities:
- Rainforest Hiking: Embark on a hike into the largely unexplored rainforest surrounding Mount Dauban (740m). Keep an eye out for unique flora such as the rare pitcher-plant, various orchids, and the incense tree, which is found only on Silhouette.
- Snorkeling & Diving: The island is completely surrounded by a vast coral reef, offering crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving directly from the shore. Explore the vibrant marine life and pristine underwater landscapes.
- Swimming & Fishing: Enjoy the calm, clear waters for swimming or engage in some local fishing.
- Coastal Walks: Stroll along the untouched beaches and discover secluded coves, embracing the tranquility of this isolated island.
Dining & Shopping
Due to Silhouette's extremely limited population and undeveloped status (no roads or paths), there are virtually no independent dining or shopping options available directly from the tender landing. Visitors should plan to dine and shop back on the cruise ship. General shopping hours in the Seychelles are typically Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, and Saturday from 08:00 to 12:00, with some shops closing for lunch between 12:00 and 13:00 on weekdays, but these do not apply to Silhouette itself.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Seychelles rupee (SCR). While ATMs typically offer the best conversion rates, they are not available on Silhouette. Airports and banks on larger islands also facilitate currency exchange. As a reference, 1 Euro is approximately 8 rupees. Credit card acceptance is likely very limited, if available at all, given the island's undeveloped nature. The official languages spoken are Creole, English, and French.