Outer Islands: Atolls, Marine Habitats and Birdlife

The Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes Group, the Southern Coral Group, the Alphonse Group, the Farquhar Group and the Aldabra Group. This regional classification provides an initial framework for planning your trip and looking for a hotel. The natural features of Aldabra and Farquhar can be described in concrete terms: Aldabra Atoll, with its coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove mudflats, and Farquhar, with an Important Bird Area and a seasonal colony of sooty terns. This takes you from a regional overview to the characteristics of specific islands and atolls.

Aldabra: Atoll and Marine Habitats

Aldabra Atoll is an outstanding example of an uplifted coral atoll and is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. It consists of four main islands and has a land area of around 155 square kilometres. The number of islands describes the atoll’s configuration, while the area figure indicates the extent of its land. Its marine habitats include coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove mudflats; they have been only slightly affected by humans. The atoll is protected by national laws and managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. Its geographic remoteness, rugged terrain and lack of fresh water have prevented large human settlements. Its geological formation, island configuration and marine habitats thus stand alongside one another as distinct elements of its natural profile.

Planning a Visit to Aldabra

Tourism on Aldabra is limited and carefully controlled. Prior approval from the Seychelles Islands Foundation is required to visit the atoll. Access is restricted to certain areas; visitors must be accompanied by a Foundation staff member at all times. Check the current requirements with the SIF before your trip. Take these rules into account early if you plan to visit Aldabra.

Farquhar: Islands and Seasonal Bird Colony

At Farquhar, the uninhabited islands and surrounding waters form an Important Bird Area. On Goëlettes Island in Farquhar Atoll, there is a seasonal colony of around 200,000 to 400,000 pairs of sooty terns. The estimate is given in pairs and refers to a seasonal colony, indicating both the scale and the seasonal nature of this natural feature. By contrast, the information on Aldabra describes coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove mudflats, as well as giant tortoises. The features described are therefore clearly distinct: Farquhar, with its Important Bird Area and seasonal bird colony, and Aldabra, with its atoll and marine habitats.

The Outer Islands on a Regional Scale

The Outer Islands are coral islands that rise only a few metres above sea level. This description applies to the region; Aldabra’s approximately 155 square kilometres of land and four main islands, by contrast, relate to the individual atoll. Together with the division into five groups, these details offer different levels of orientation: the structure of the region, its low-lying landscape and Aldabra’s specific measurements. If you are looking for a hotel in the Outer Islands, it may be helpful to first identify your specific destination. You should then take Aldabra’s special visitor requirements into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Desroches, Aldabra, Anse Royale, Pointe La Rue, La Digue And Inner Islands, Anse Etoile, Grand Anse Mahe, Mont Fleuri.

Return to the main travel overview: Seychelles.