Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island is a small granite island in the Seychelles, reached by boat from Mahé. Visitors come for the national park trails, the offshore reefs and a quieter pace than the main island.
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Silhouette Island is a granite island in the Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It lies northwest of Mahé, the largest island in the group and home to the capital, Victoria, and you reach it by boat. Much of the island is national park, so its forest and walking trails are the main draw.
Snorkeling and diving off the reefs are the other reason people go. Accommodation is limited, so the island suits travelers who want a few quiet days away from the crowds on Mahé. The drier months from May to October are the usual choice for walking and time on the water. Plan the boat times first, then build the rest of the stay around them. Two or three nights gives room for one hike and a day on the reef.
Silhouette Island in five
- Book the boat to Silhouette before you flySilhouette is reached by boat from Mahé, so build your flight and departure day around the sailing times. Check the operator's current schedule before you book.Getting around
- Carry rupees for small purchasesSmall purchases are easier in Seychellois rupees (SCR). Ask your accommodation which cards it accepts before you arrive.Money and costs
- Check the park rules before you hikeMuch of Silhouette is protected national park land. Ask your accommodation about trail, wildlife and litter rules before you set off on foot.
- Check your entry paperwork before you flyVisa-free entry covers many passports, but some travelers need advance paperwork. Confirm what your passport needs on the official government site.Visas and entry
- Download maps and tickets before you leave MahéSave your boat ticket, booking and offline maps before you leave Mahé.Phones and eSIM
Need to know
- Currency
- Seychellois rupee (SCR)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check if yours needs advance paperwork
- Emergency
- 999 for police and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; a service charge may be added at some hotels
- Time
- UTC+4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryHot, humid
- FebruaryWet season
- MarchHumid, showery
- AprilTransition
- MayDrier, breezy
- JuneTrade winds
- JulyCool, breezy
- AugustDry season
- SeptemberCalm, dry
- OctoberDry, breezy
- NovemberRain returns
- DecemberFestive, humid
Right now in Silhouette Island
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 11 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 60%
Silhouette Island
04:58 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°27°60%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 60%.
- Wed28°26°87%Wednesday: Rain. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Thu28°26°70%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 70%.
- Fri28°27°43%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Sat29°28°9%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Sun28°26°47%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 47%.
Updated 02:02 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 14.53 SCR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- MahéAbout 1 hour by fast boatVictoria's market, the Botanical Gardens and the capital's harbor.Read the guide
- PraslinBoat schedule varies; check the operatorVallée de Mai, a UNESCO forest home to the coco de mer palm.Read the guide
- La DigueBoat schedule varies; check the operatorAnse Source d'Argent beach and cycling on the island's lanes.Read the guide
Before you go to Silhouette Island
Rules for Silhouette Island, checked
- Seychelles limits plants, fruit and animal products at the border. Declare anything you carry and check the customs list before you fly.
- Silhouette is a protected national park, so check the park rules on trails, wildlife and litter before you go.
- Single-use plastic bags are restricted in Seychelles, so bring a reusable bag for shopping.
Plan around Silhouette Island
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in one overview
Read the guideGetting to and aroundBoats from Mahé and what to book ahead
Read the guideRupees and cardsPaying in SCR and where cash is needed
Read the guideEntry paperworkWhat to check before your flight, by passport
Read the guideWhere to stayStays on a small island and how to book them
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData and offline maps for patchy island signal
Read the guideSilhouette Island FAQ
How do you get to Silhouette Island?
By boat from Mahé. Check current sailing times with the operator before you book your flight home.
Is Silhouette Island worth visiting?
Yes, if you want quiet beaches and walks in protected forest. It is a poor choice if you want a busy town to walk around in.
How many days do you need on Silhouette Island?
Two nights covers the beaches and a good walk. Add a night if you also want to see Mahé or Praslin.
Where should I stay on Silhouette Island?
Book a stay that includes the boat transfer, and confirm the arrival time with the operator.
Can I visit Silhouette Island as a day trip from Mahé?
It is possible by boat, but a day trip leaves little time on the island. Stay overnight if you want to walk the trails.
Do I need a permit to visit Silhouette Island?
Check with the Seychelles National Parks Authority before you travel, since rules for visitors can change. Your boat operator or accommodation can confirm what applies now.