Outer Islands: Atolls, Turtles and Seabirds

The Outer Islands are a coral island world, with islands rising only a few metres above sea level. The region is divided into five groups: the Amirantes Group, the Southern Coral Group, the Alphonse Group, the Farquhar Group and the Aldabra Group. The name therefore refers to several island groups rather than a single destination. When planning your trip, it is helpful to first consider the specific group and then the individual island destination.

Aldabra: Atoll, Habitats and Protection

The Aldabra Atoll is an outstanding example of an elevated coral atoll and is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. Its marine habitats include coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove mudflats, which have been only minimally affected by humans. These features give the atoll a diverse natural profile.

Aldabra consists of four main islands and has a land area of around 155 square kilometres. Its geographical remoteness, rugged terrain and lack of fresh water have prevented large human settlements. Within the wider Seychelles destination, Aldabra is the largest island; the atoll measures 35 by 15 kilometres. The protected area covers a total of 2,559 square kilometres, including the lagoon and the land and marine reserves. The figures refer to different scales: the atoll’s land area on the one hand, and the entire protected area on the other.

In 1982, Aldabra was inscribed as a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site. The atoll is protected by national laws and managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF). Tourism on Aldabra is limited and carefully controlled. Prior approval from the SIF is required to visit. Access is restricted to certain areas, and visitors must be accompanied by a Foundation staff member at all times. Check the current requirements directly with the SIF before travelling.

Farquhar and the Seasonal Seabird Colony

Farquhar offers a different natural focus within the Outer Islands. The uninhabited Farquhar islands and surrounding waters form an Important Bird Area. Goëlettes Island in Farquhar Atoll is seasonally home to a colony of around 200,000 to 400,000 pairs of sooty terns. While Aldabra is defined by its atoll and marine habitats as well as its giant tortoises, Farquhar’s seasonal seabird colony takes centre stage.

Nature Themes to Help Choose a Location

When looking for a holiday rental in the Outer Islands, the specific island group is a useful starting point. Aldabra and Farquhar offer different natural features to compare when choosing a destination: the atoll formation, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove mudflats and giant tortoises on Aldabra, or the seasonal sooty tern colony on Farquhar.

Explore Subregions

The destinations directly under this region include Desroches and Aldabra. Open the individual pages to explore the Outer Islands in more detail.

Discover more destinations: Baie Sainte Anne, Anse Etoile, English River, Beau Vallon, Anse Boileau, Takamaka.

Back to the main travel overview: Seychelles.