Experience the Seychelles
Eve Island
Between cranes, quays and warehouses, a side of the Seychelles is revealed that is rarely in focus.
Auf einen Blick
Inselgruppe: Inner Islands
Inseltyp: Sub-island
Fläche: 0,29 km²
Entfernung zu Mahé: 45 km
Anreise: boat
Bewohnt: ja
Geologie: granite
Besonderheiten: Granite mountains, short hiking trails, bays with rocks
📍 Eve Island in Google Maps öffnen ↗
The artificial island and engine room of Praslin
When we think of the Seychelles, we immediately picture powdery white beaches, ancient granite boulders, and pristine jungle. But how does the logistics and daily life actually work in such a remote paradise? The fascinating answer lies just off the coast of Praslin, in the bay of Baie Sainte Anne: Eve Island!
Eve Island is neither a natural wonder nor a luxurious hideaway. It's an artificial island that serves a crucial purpose. Anyone wanting a glimpse into the real, modern life of the Seychellois will find a fascinating piece of infrastructure here.
From ocean to economic center: A piece of uncharted territory
The inner Seychelles islands are mountainous and space is extremely scarce. To avoid destroying the valuable natural environment on Praslin, the government opted for an ambitious project: land reclamation.
A space for everyday life: Eve Island was literally created from the sea. Today, the island serves as the economic center of Praslin. Here you won't find luxury resorts, but rather warehouses, timber operations, small industrial plants, and administrative buildings.
Protection for the jungle: The concept is ingenious. By relocating industry and commerce to this artificial island, the fragile ecosystem on the main island is protected. Without Eve Island, much more pristine forest on Praslin (such as the Vallée de Mai) would have had to be cleared for development.
The gateway to Praslin and hub for goods
Even though Eve Island is not on the classic sightseeing route, most tourists get very close to it.
The port of Baie Sainte Anne: The island is located directly next to Praslin's main ferry port. If you arrive by Cat Cocos from Mahé or take the ferry to La Digue, you'll have a direct view of the activity around Eve Island.
The islands' lifeline: Eve Island is the hub for almost everything needed on Praslin and La Digue. From building materials for new guesthouses to food for the supermarkets, nearly every supply delivery stops here.
Why Eve Island is an exciting contrast
It's obviously not worth planning a beach day here, as there simply isn't a real beach. Nevertheless, Eve Island is important for the overall picture.
The true island life: If you rent a car on Praslin, you'll inevitably drive past the connecting bridges to Eve Island. It briefly pulls you out of the romantic holiday bubble and impressively demonstrates the effort required to maintain modern life in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
The bottom line: Eve Island is the unsung hero of Praslin. It doesn't offer postcard-perfect views, but it's the functioning "engine room" that ensures your dream vacation on the surrounding islands runs so smoothly, while preserving the natural environment. A fascinating piece of modern island history!