Silhouette Island has no cruise dock, so you’ll need to hop on a tender boat for a 15-20 minute ride to reach shore. Grab a tender ticket ahead of time, unless you’ve booked an excursion or have priority status (lucky you!).
For other Seychelles Cruise destinations check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Seychelles page.
This island is a nature lover’s paradise—93% is protected parkland. You can trek up Mount Dauban on scenic hiking trails or dive into the crystal waters to swim alongside colorful fish and marine creatures.
Pack smart: lightweight clothes that dry quickly, serious sunscreen (SPF 50+ is a must), and decent shoes that can handle uneven terrain.
Trust me, you’ll want to explore every inch of this tropical gem! Check out the guide below for all the nitty-gritty details to make the most of your day ashore.
Map of Silhouette Island Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Shore: Tender Operations & Port Details
Getting to Shore: Tender Operations & Port Details
Here’s the deal with Silhouette Island – your ship won’t dock right at the island. Instead, you’ll anchor offshore and hop on small tender boats that shuttle everyone to this gorgeous Seychelles spot. The boat ride takes about 15-20 minutes, and trust me, it’s worth it just for the views – you’ll see why they named it Silhouette when you spot those dramatic mountain peaks rising from the bright turquoise water.
If you’ve booked a shore excursion, have a suite, or you’re part of the loyalty program, you’ll get to board first (nice perk, right?). Everyone else needs to grab tender tickets from the main desk onboard – don’t forget your cruise card and photo ID! The tender pier on the island isn’t anything fancy, but it gets the job done and puts you just steps away from those pristine beaches and hiking trails waiting to be explored.
Exploring Silhouette Island’s Natural Wonders
Stepping off the tender boat, Silhouette Island opens up as a real gem for anyone who loves nature. You’ll discover an untouched ecosystem with Mount Dauban and five volcanic peaks towering above, and a whopping 93% of the island is protected national parkland.
Hit the trails with other visitors and check out:
- Rare Seychelles sheath-tailed bats and those cool pitcher plants you won’t find anywhere else
- The Mont Pot Ă Eau Trail, which rewards your climb with incredible views from 621m up
- Aldabra giant tortoises hanging out in their breeding sanctuary
- Weird and wonderful phonolitic lava formations that only exist here and in Mauritius
With its unbroken primary forest, the island is basically a living, breathing showcase of biodiversity.
Beach Excursions & Marine Activities
Beach Excursions & Marine Activities
Silhouette Island is packed with amazing marine excursions showing off its stunning coastal beauty. You can discover colorful coral formations at Anse Mondon Bay if you’re up for a pretty 2-hour hike from La Passe.
Looking to snorkel? The PADI-certified centers run courses at over 20 spots, some going as deep as 30 meters. Keep your eyes peeled for hawksbill turtles and eagle rays gliding by! Take a 4-hour Island Tour to see it all, or kick back with some bubbly on a sunset cruise.
If you’re into learning while exploring, hook up with the marine biologists who lead reef walks and tech-tracked snorkel adventures. Staying at the resort? Grab the free kayaks and paddleboards available at the main beaches and hit the water!
See what’s on offer from the Desroches Island for a different Seychelles Cruise destination.
Wildlife Encounters & Conservation Areas
Silhouette Island is a true paradise for nature lovers, with a whopping 93% of it protected as a national park. This biodiversity wonderland shelters some of the planet’s most extraordinary creatures throughout its diverse conservation zones.
Your island adventure will bring you face-to-face with:
- Massive Aldabra giant tortoises that tip the scales at 250kg and can live for a century and a half
- The tiny Seychelles palm frog (seriously, it’s minuscule) – one of the smallest vertebrates you’ll ever see
- Green turtles dragging themselves onto protected beaches to nest between May and September
- Offshore marine sanctuaries where gentle giants like whale sharks and graceful manta rays glide through the blue
Planning Your Visit: Weather, Packing & Practical Tips
Beyond the incredible wildlife, you’ll need to plan smart for your Silhouette Island cruise stop. Weather-wise, expect it to be hot and sticky – temperatures hover around 29°C (85°F) with plenty of humidity. Random rain showers pop up regularly, especially from October through April.
What to throw in your bag? Think light, breezy clothes that dry quickly, something waterproof for those sudden downpours, and serious sun protection (go for SPF 50+ – the tropical sun doesn’t mess around). Bring shoes that can handle slippery surfaces, bug spray with DEET (the mosquitoes mean business), and don’t forget a good water bottle to stay hydrated in that heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi or Cell Service Available on Silhouette Island?
Don’t worry about going off-grid! You’ll get cell service across most of Silhouette Island, though Wi-Fi is a no-go. Grab a SIM card at the airport when you land or just use your international roaming to keep in touch with the outside world.
Can I Book a Private Cabin on the Small Expedition Vessels?
Absolutely – you can get your own private cabin with ensuite bathroom on both the Silhouette Dream Premium and any Silhouette Cruises ships. They’ve got regular double cabins (private bathroom and AC included) or you can upgrade to their superior cabins if you want some extra comfort and fancy touches.
Are There Medical Facilities Aboard the Ships or on Silhouette?
Worried about that ankle you twisted while hiking? No stress – Celebrity Silhouette has got you covered with plenty of medical facilities on Deck 2, open from 8AM to 8PM daily. If you’re on Silhouette Island itself, you can get basic medical care at the Hilton Labriz Resort’s medical center if anything comes up.
What Currency Is Accepted for Purchases on the Island?
For spending on Silhouette Island, you’ll need to use Seychelles Rupees (SCR) at most places. The fancy hotels might take your dollars or euros, but the local shops and vendors usually stick to the local currency. It’s smart to have some cash on you, along with your cards – makes things easier and helps you blend in with the locals.
Can Special Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated During Cruises?
Absolutely! Cruise lines are pretty good at handling special diets. Whether you’ve got allergies, religious restrictions, medical needs or you’re vegetarian, they’ve got you covered – just let them know ahead of time, usually about 45-90 days before sailing. Once you’re on the ship, they’ll pair you up with chefs who’ll help plan your meals each day to make sure you’re getting what you need.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Farquhar Atoll Cruise Ship Port.
