Ile Observation Island is a small island located in the lagoon of Mahé, a French Overseas Territory. It’s an important nesting ground for seabirds and offers visitors a great opportunity to get up close with these fascinating animals.
Ile Observation Island is also an excellent location for eco-tourism as it features a variety of indigenous flora and fauna that is found nowhere else on the island.
History
Ile Observation Island first came to prominence in the 18th century when it served as a lookout point for ships travelling through the surrounding reefs. In 1763, Louis Antoine de Bougainville named the island after King Louis XV of France, who had commissioned Captain D’Estaing to explore the eastern coast of Madagascar.
Today, Ile Observation Island is an important nesting ground for seabirds and offers visitors a great opportunity to get up close with these fascinating animals. It’s also an excellent location for eco-tourism as it features a variety of indigenous flora and fauna found nowhere else on the island.
As a nesting ground for birds, Ile Observation Island is also an excellent location for eco-tourism as it features a variety of indigenous plants and animals that are found absolutely nowhere else in Mahé’s lagoons. The island itself was formed by volcanic activity so has many different qualities including rock formations, caves and tunnels which can be reached only after climbing through exfoliating layers of limestone or basaltic lava rocks at their base.
Other rare indigenous species include “Alseuoscapa eph ippiada” a species of milkweed and “Dinoxa ephippiata”, an endemic moth that is so rare it has yet to be scientifically identified.
The island also features a cave system, which can only be reached after climbing through exfoliating layers of limestone or basaltic lava rocks at the island’s base. Other rare indigenous species include “Alseuoscapa ephippiada” – a plant that produces nectar unfit for consumption by humans, but suitable for hummingbirds; “Dinoxa ephippiata”; found nowhere else in the island, a species of moth that is 100% endemic to Madagascar; “Chrysolina ephippiata” which was previously thought extinct until 1955, when it was rediscovered in Ile Observation Island Park; and woodlizards.
Climate
The island has a subtropical climate with two seasons, the dry season from November to March and the wet season from April to October. It is not uncommon for the island to be completely engulfed in clouds, which create a gloomy atmosphere.January can override this and after two days of high humidity, it undergoes drastic changes from a sunny day to thick, humid night.
Although residents here are mostly Malagasy, French and English also live on Ile Observation Island whereas at any given time one will find 60-70 local inhabitants made up of both children and adults that attend daily classes on island life or take excursions with their partners who come often seeking a haven away from incessant city life but who spend just enough time they like here.
The island’s north-western end, around the lagoon and through a long, steep tunnel to its south coast is partially accessible only by foot or moto. However, days would be spent following this same path from both sunrise “Decouvrir Ile Observation sous le Feu!
” (Discovering Ile Observation under Cloud!) guided tours in French commencing at 9am and walks with fellow Malagasy friends on Saturday mornings followed by Sunday afternoon excursions held each week that embark either at 10:30AM for tourists who participate in the island’s public, jeu de boules tournaments organized by Société Jeux du Vahanga that takes place on a regular basis and at 10:30 PM for Malagasies to enjoy sights of their island.
Residents can reach or purchase any items they need in Kaysarine in Port-Maison only with difficulty as lack of time here often eases my volunteering responsibilities away from busy days right after lunch to face long nights till 7 am.
Culture
The island has a small population of locals who attend classes on island life, take excursions with their partners, or just spend time they like here. They are outnumbered by tourists and expatriates who often come for the public jeu de boules tournaments, which take place on a regular basis.
The culture is one of relaxation mixed with occasional celebrations that occur regularly but without much pomp and circumstance as residents live simply in order to enjoy all that the island has to offer including its stunning views and lush gardens. Like Ile Sainte-Marie and other islands, the island’s relative isolation does not prevent Malagasy from regularly visiting their families via boat on weekends, staying in situ for a night to visit relatives or catch up with friends.
These visits can be arranged as locals seek reasons are necessary ones that often happen only sporadically and when there is interest from children or parents alike while tourists usually take these trips because they want to “try something new.”
Politics
Politics is not a major concern for the island’s residents as they often spend their time engaged in everyday activities, tending to gardens and participating in public jeu de boules tournaments organized by Société Jeux du Vahanga that takes place on a regular basis.
When politics does come up, it usually revolves around local issues or disagreements between locals, who are largely supportive of president Ravalomanana’s efforts to bring about change which has seen some business opportunities arise due to increased tourism.
As elsewhere in Madagascar, there is little dissent among Malagasy citizens over these changes , however, there are some political protests held every few years and these have only become somewhat more frequent under Ravalomanana who has been accused of not doing enough to improve the island’s infrastructure, which could potentially lead it down a path towards over development.
Government services
There is a small, local government that handles day-to-day needs including providing security and maintaining public order on the island. There are no hospitals or medical facilities on the island, however, locals can access health care in Toamasina by boat or through one of the few aid organizations that regularly visit.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Ile Observation Island is the place for you! Located in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, this cozy island offers peace and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. With its stunning views, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to Ile Observation Island every year. So if you’re looking for a place to disconnect from the world, Ile Observation Island is worth your time!
FAQs
1 . What Are The Main Attractions On Ile Observation Island?
The main attractions on Ile Observation island include the seabirds that inhabit the island, as well as the diverse flora and fauna that can be seen here. It’s also a great location for eco-tourism, featuring various indigenous species of plants and animals that you won’t find anywhere else in Saint Lawrence Territory.
- How Long Does It Take To Reach Ile Observation Island From Mahé?
It takes about 45 minutes by boat to get to Ile observation island from Mahé.
3 . What Is The Climate Like On Ile Observation Island?
The island has a warm, tropical climate.
- Is There A Beach On Ile Observation Island?
There isn’t a beach on the island, but visitors can enjoy freshwater swimming in the lagoon.
- What Is The Currency On Ile Observation Island?
The island uses Canadian dollars as its main currency.
Leave a Reply