Travel Guide Seychelles: North Island

The private island of North Island in the Seychelles is a dreamlike island jewel that combines peace and relaxation with unparalleled natural beauty. North Island lies in the heart of the Seychelles archipelago – white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a mountainous, wooded hinterland characterise the landscape. And also the tropical mangrove forests and impressive granite formations amaze travellers.

During your time as a species conservation volunteer you will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the island up close, actively contribute to its protection and encounter fascinating, partly endemic species in their natural habitat.

Profile

Name
North Island (also Île du Nord)

Location
approx. 32 km north-west of the main island Mahé, in the middle of the Indian Ocean

Size
approx. 2 km²

Animals
Sea turtles (green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle), tortoises (Aldabra giant turtle), other reptile and amphibian species, various seabirds, countless fish species

Best travel time
May to October

Highlights
The Seychelles and North Island are a real nature paradise – highlights are island hikes, diving and snorkeling trips and the fantastic beaches

Visiting North Island

Location, geography and climate

North Island is only 2 km² in size and is about 30 km away from Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles. It is the ninth largest island of the Inner Seychelles. Administratively it belongs to the district La Digue and Inner Islands and is thus administered from the island La Digue.

Geologically, North Island differs from the other islands of the Inner Seychelles. While the granite of Mahé or Praslin is about 650 million years old, North Island consists of about 63 million years old syenite of volcanic origin.

The Seychelles, and with it North Island, lie within the tropical climate zone. Average annual temperatures range between 24°C and 34°C. In general, a distinction can be made between a hot, sultry season between November/December and April and a drier, cooler season between May and October/November. Between November and April the sea is usually very calm due to weaker winds, whereas the months of May to October bring winds of 19-37 kilometres per hour and high waves.

Flora and fauna

North Island, as well as the entire Seychelles archipelago, is an incredible natural paradise and home to a fascinating variety of species. The coast is characterised by white sandy beaches and unique granite formations, the interior of the island by lush green vegetation.

From the mid-19th century until the 1970s, large-scale coconut cultivation severely damaged nature and displaced native species. For North Island and other islands in the 1990s, the ultimate goal was to restore the original island ecosystem. With the help of the "Noah's Ark" concept, native species of turtles and birds have been and are being reintroduced to the island, invasive plant species removed and replaced by newly planted native vegetation. The island is now home to extensive stocks of original Takamaka trees (Calophyllum inophyllum), cape trees and Seychelles palms.

The rich fauna includes various sea and tortoise species, numerous endemic bird species as well as various crabs, frogs, lizards and other reptile and amphibian species. The waters of the archipelago are home to extensive fish stocks.

Highlights

North Island is an incomparable natural paradise. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy dreamlike landscapes and views on the hiking trails, which also lead up to the three hills of the island. The white sandy beaches of North Island invite you to relax and enjoy incredible sunsets. Last but not least you will find a paradise for bathing, snorkelling and diving and you can marvel at the colourful underwater world. Not for nothing is North Island considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the world.