Our next scheduled stop in the mostly uninhabited coraline Outer Islands was also remote – we needed some additional time at sea before reaching the Alphonse Group:
from the internet
Bijoutier Isand is a pristine paradise, with bright green vegetation, white coral beaches, encircled by colorful reefs and multi-blue-hued waters. St. Francois is the only island I have researched that has a warning description about the dangers of the surf surrounding the island. Long and narrow, it is surrounded by a fearsome reef and there are many sunken shipwrecks so it is not a lille spot for snorkelers/divers. Both Bijoutier and St Francois Islands are considered wildlife sanctuaries for giant tortoises, coconut crabs and many seabirds.
A beautiful, but dangerous fish appeared before me, and I took a quick shot before moving away:
This is a lionfish.
- They possess venomous, needle-sharp fins used for defense,
- . While not fatal to most healthy humans, they can cause severe pain, swelling and other side effects
- Lionfish are skilled predators that use their large, fan-like fins to corner prey before swallowing it whole.
- The lionfish found in the Seychelles are native, however is considered a nuisance, posing risks to local reef fish populations.
- They a reach up to 18 inches in length and have tentacles above their eyes.
Reaching a sandy clearing I found other sea dwellers who were more interested in burying themselves in the sand than me – I was able to get a few shots of rays:
Enough adrenaline – time for some serenity – the dry landing onto Bijoutier island brought us straight into another paradise:
Grey Heron
Deep cleansing breath.
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