THE
ISLANDS
Seychelles’ 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The
tall granite, Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow
Seychelles’ plateau, 4° south of the equator and roughly
1800 km. distant from the east coast of Africa while the low-lying
coralline cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly
beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator.
These Outer
Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group lying
230km distant from Mahé, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse
Group, Farquhar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km
from Mahé.
There are 43
Inner Islands in all -- 41 granitic and 2 coralline and a total
of 72 coralline Outer Islands.
THE
INNER ISLANDS
The Inner Islands which are mostly granitic, cluster mainly around
the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, forming
the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the centre
of its tourism industry.
Together
they are home to the majority of Seychelles’ accommodation
facilities as well almost the entire population of the archipelago.
There are 43 Inner islands in total – 41 granitic and 2 coralline.
THE
OUTER ISLANDS
The Outer Islands are those situated beyond the Seychelles plateau.
They comprise 72 low-lying sand cays and atolls lying anywhere between
230km and 1150km from Mahé. Less visited than their granitic
cousins due to their relative remoteness, these pristine miniature
worlds, some little more than sand spits or lonely rocky outcrops,
offer untouched habitats for many species of wildlife.
Only
two islands among the Outer Island groups, namely Alphonse and Desroches,
currently offer accommodation facilities. They boast luxuriously
appointed lodges as well as unparalleled opportunities for sailing,
fishing and diving in places where few have gone before.
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