[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
\nSome 250 km south of the granite islands of Mah\u00e9 and Praslin, the Seychelles Outer Islands emerge from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, lying along a 40 km wide and 170 km long underwater ridge. Among them is the Amirante archipelago, a group of coral islands with gentle contours and a wild beauty, bedecked with palm trees, coconut trees and filaos, immaculate beaches and a colourful seabed. The Amirante islands, the other face of the Seychelles<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||27px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
See R\u00e9mire and return<\/strong><\/h3>\n
As the colourful shores of Mah\u00e9 recede, the trade winds take you towards the Amirante islands<\/strong>. There, all eyes focus on the island of R\u00e9mire<\/strong>, a 0.27 km2<\/sup> dot of land, barely rising 3 m above the sea. It is the northernmost inhabited island of the Amirante archipelago, long the dreamy, secluded retreat of Seychelles\u2019 president France-Albert Ren\u00e9. R\u00e9mire now unveils its secrets to anyone who takes the time and effort to explore it. There\u2019s no place like this magnificent coral island in <\/strong>Seychelles<\/strong><\/a> for a stopover; take an exotic stroll or hike under the palm trees, where lesser noddis, fairy terns and wedge-tailed shearwaters dance over the head of green turtles going for a swim. Where luxuriant vegetation meets a stunning seabed.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/iStock-498508925-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dArchipel des Amirantes aux Seychelles\u201d title_text=\u201damirantes-seychelles\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-20px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||27px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
Diving from the African Banks<\/strong><\/h3>\n
30 km north of R\u00e9mire, the African Banks<\/strong>, two uninhabited islets<\/strong>, the North and South islets, rise from the ocean, eroded by the wind and battered by the tides. These two rocky outcrops arising from the granite bedrock create a kind of open lagoon with abundant wildlife. The African Banks are renowned for their outstandingly beautiful seabed<\/strong> and waters filled with fish, just a few metres from the shore. A true paradise for divers<\/strong><\/a> as the shallow waters let them observe this precious and fascinating marine life <\/strong>with ease. The seabed on the west coast does not exceed a depth of 20 m but don\u2019t miss the 300 m drop off to the east of the North islet, which is exposed to downward currents: a special spot for an exceptional dive!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/iStock-183288806-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dArchipel des Amirantes aux Seychelles\u201d title_text=\u201damirantes-seychelles\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|0px||52px||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d min_height=\u201d210px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d28px||29px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
Admire the underwater treasures of Poivre atoll<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Another wonder of the Amirante islands is the tiny Poivre atoll<\/strong>, made up of three coral islands: Poivre Island<\/strong>, Florentine Island<\/strong> and South Island<\/strong>, separated from each other by a lagoon. Population: ten people! The atoll owes its name to a certain Pierre Poivre<\/strong>, an intendant of Mauritius who, in the late 18th<\/sup> century, contributed to the introduction of spices to Seychelles<\/strong> from the Middle East. But it is in its shallow, crystalline waters that its most precious treasures are to be found: green sea turtles<\/strong> as well as immense shoals of fish. They include the iconic bonefish<\/strong>, permits<\/strong> and other golden kingfish<\/strong>. Divers rate Poivre atoll as one of the most extraordinary sites in the world.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/iStock-963172928-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dArchipel des Amirantes aux Seychelles\u201d title_text=\u201damirantes-seychelles\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|0px||201px||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||22px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d13px||18px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||-33px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
And a little more besides:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d min_height=\u201d210px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||29px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
Relax on the beaches of the Bijoutier lagoon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Some 50 nautical miles separate the Amirante islands from the Alphonse archipelago<\/strong>, which is made up of two coral atolls: Alphonse atoll<\/strong> and Saint-Fran\u00e7ois atoll<\/strong>. The remaining traces of now disappeared volcanoes, these little corners of paradise surrounded by fragile coral barriers are considered to be the most intact and pristine group of islands in the Seychelles Outer Islands<\/strong>. Two atolls and a desert island so small it\u2019s hardly even there. And yet Bijoutier island<\/strong>, a ring of white sand crowned with coconut trees, is a real gem<\/strong>. Half a hectare of untouched nature bordered by a lagoon where herons, frigates, turtles and giant crabs live side by side. These treasures are protected by the Alphonse Group Conservation Centre, which has been responsible for the preservation of its ecosystems and natural vegetation since 2007.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/iStock-1153620014-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dArchipel des Amirantes aux Seychelles\u201d title_text=\u201damirantes-seychelles\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|0px||151px||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d min_height=\u201d210px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d28px||29px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
Meet the giant tortoises of Aldabra<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you drift a little further south-west, you will eventually reach the Aldabra group<\/strong> and its eponymous atoll, \u201clost\u201d some 1,150 km from the Seychelles Inner Islands<\/a>. This vast coral reef surrounded by a huge lagoon counts four large, uninhabited and wild islands \u2013 Grande Terre<\/strong>, Malabar<\/strong>, Picard<\/strong> and Polymnie<\/strong> \u2013 as well as a few smaller islets. Make it happen! There you are, at the centre of the world\u2019s largest raised coral atoll. On the island, a handful of researchers carry out work on behalf of the Seychelles Islands Foundation, the body responsible for managing the Aldabra atoll.<\/a>. This fantastic but delicate nature reserve, fringed by mangroves and beaches is home to the Seychelles\u2019 largest population of giant tortoises, also known as elephantine tortoises,<\/strong> the largest species of tortoises on the planet \u2013 even bigger than Gal\u00e1pagos tortoises! This is why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n