St. François Atoll, Coral atoll in Outer Islands, Seychelles.
St. François Atoll is a coral atoll formation in Seychelles' Outer Islands consisting of multiple small islands surrounded by coral reefs. The islands extend across several kilometers in the Indian Ocean, with varying sizes and natural vegetation patterns across each landmass.
Portuguese navigators marked this atoll as San Francisco on their 1562 navigation charts, establishing its current name. This early documentation made it a notable reference point for ships traveling through the Indian Ocean region.
Marine researchers monitor the black-naped terns and crab plovers that inhabit the islands during their seasonal migrations across the Indian Ocean.
The only way to reach this atoll is by boat from neighboring Alphonse Island, as no permanent structures or facilities exist there. Visitors should expect a remote location with minimal infrastructure and natural conditions that change with weather and tides.
The atoll is home to Bijoutier Island, one of the smallest named islands in the region with a name rooted in French language. The designation reflects the islands' connection to early maritime trade and European exploration of these waters.
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