Most islands outside the inner islands group are coralline and spread towards the south and south west. See the general map of Seychelles.

They fall in five distinct groups: the Amirantes group, the Southern Coral group, the Alphonse group, the Farquhar group and the Aldabra group. 

 

 Alphonse, situated at 450 km south-west of Mahé, is a typical coralline island. Unspoiled and protected by a coral reef, it boasts one of the most attractive turquoise lagoons.

Alphonse is also one of the two outer islands offering accommodation: a small resort of 25  Bungalows and 6 Villas opened for visitors for the first time in December 1999. Flight time from Mahé is 45 minutes

 Alphonse island is the small green triangle on the top right of the picture. The sand flats around the lagoon are usually covered with water.
   

The giant land tortoise of Aldabra (geochelone Dipsochelys gigantea) has specific features not found in giant tortoises living in other parts of the world.

Aldabra, the world largest coral atoll, is well-known for its unique and untouched environment. It is the home of 100000 giant tortoises,  of the last remaining flightless bird of the Indian Ocean and of other unique landbirds. Turtles and vast colonies of seabirds come to Aldabra to breed. Among 273 species of plants, 19 are endemic and 22 are found only in the Aldabra group.

It became in 1982 the world first UNESCO heritage site.

Special permission is required for anyone wishing to visit this remote island in order to ensure the protection of its fragile eco-system.

 An adult male lesser frigatebird on Aldabra inflating its throat for a spectacular courtship display.