Did you know?

The history of Desroches Island is an interesting one.

When relaxing in paradise it's interesting to know some historical facts of this magical island…

Desroches Island is a coral island:

Surrounded by idyllic white sandy beaches and a protective reef that teems with extraordinary marine life, Desroches Island boasts some of the best diving sites and game fishing within the Indian Ocean

 Desroches forms part of a cluster of 28 islands:

These islands are collectively called the The Amirantes group. They were named in honour of Portuguese Admiral, Vasco da Gama during an expedition anchor at a nearby Island in 1501. Desroches is situated 230km south of Mahé. 

Desroches island is the largest outer island of the Amirantes Group:

It is 6.2 km in length and covers a land area of 3.24 square kilometers.

'Desroches' wasn't always the Island's name:

Originally, it was named Wood Island by the British because of its dense tree vegetation.  In its early days the island was renamed by Commander Chevalier de Roslan of the ship L’heure du Berger, after Chevalier des Roches, the Governor of Mauritius and Réunion (1767–1772). It was explored by Chevalier de la Billiorére in 1771. It is also known as Ile Desroches.

On June 23, 1976, Desroches Island attained independence:

Along with the remaining Amirante Islands, Desroches Island has been a part of the Seychelles since it became a separate colony in 1909. On November 8, 1965, the United Kingdom split Desroches Island from the Seychelles to become part of the newly created British Indian Ocean Territory together with Farquhar, Aldabra and the Chagos Archipelago, later returning the Amirantes to the Seychelles.

FUN FACT:

Desroches Island used to be an important producer of Copra, a coconut by product. Now it's your private paradise destination...