St Peter Island – You Have To Know

Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique, St. Peter Island is an unspoiled and untouched tropical island paradise. It’s an idyllic location for a relaxing holiday, and it’s also the home of one of the most exclusive resorts in the world – The St. Peter Island Resort. Founded by four friends in 1999,

The Resort has since expanded to include a casino, a luxury spa, five restaurants and seven bars. With stunning views of the island’s crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, The Resort is a perfect place to kick back and relax.

St Peter Island History

The island of St. Peter dates back to the early 1800s and was originally named Ilha de Santa Teresa by the Portuguese. In 1820, during a naval battle between two European powers, Spain’s San Telmo sank the British warship HMS Shannon near St. Peter Island with all hands on board including 233 crewmen from Cork in Ireland – a disaster which led to widespread public sympathy in Britain for Irish Catholics who were being persecuted at the time.

The next year, a British shipwreck is thought to have taken place on St. Peter Island and 9 crewmen are believed to have landed safely after escaping from their sinking ship with the help of locals who helped them find safe haven in their caves. In 1823, a British ship discovered St. Peter and named it after the island’s patron saint – Saint Petre of Angoulême (where another disastrous naval battle took place in 1627).

Climate

The weather is tropical, with a warm and humid climate throughout the year. The average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius and the annual rainfall ranges from around 350 to 400 millimeters. What to See

The island is divided in two – the privately owned resort and a vast wildlife sanctuary that covers 75,000 acres of land. For those who want to get closer to nature but don’t have time or energy for a hike, you’ll find no less than 18 pristine beaches on the west side of St. Peter Island with untouched coral reefs stretching thousands of feet from shore into clear blue water. Another highlight are numerous rustic beauty spots and several plantation plantations which attract plenty of tropical birds.

Culture

The locals are predominantly Catholic and their traditional folkloric dances, music and crafts can be seen in both the resort area as well as on the outskirts of the wildlife sanctuary. Some observation points also offer great views of St. Peter Island’s plentiful coral reefs – perfect for a snorkeling or diving excursion. Excursions

The best way to explore St. Peter Island is on a kayak or sailboat, allowing you with splendid views of the island and its wildlife sanctuary in an open sea environment. Reefs are home to over 100 species of fish and coral can be found in all shades from bright red to deep blue hues.

Politics

St. Peter Island is part of the Comoros and is administered by a governor appointed by the president of the Republic of Djibouti.

Population: 1,500 Climate, Population and Economy

The inhabitants of St. Peter Island come from all backgrounds including different nationalities like the Comoran people; French citizens as well as other European families who want to avoid high tax rates in France or Germany.

In addition there are many foreign workers brought here by various companies for coastal construction projects (6000), hotels catering mostly grouped around the airport building complex (~ 1/2) and coffee plantations that employ a few hundred local people.

Economic activity on the island includes hotel operation, small-scale fisheries and tourism. The main economic activities are logging of hard woods used for furniture manufacturing as well as fishing with some financial support from the World Bank (1 million CFA francs or ~ 13000 euro per year).

There is minimal industry including a micro bank which provides subsistence loans to local people living in rural areas who cannot afford larger banks’ commercial rates.

Government services

The Comorian government provides primary health care, education and utilities such as water and electricity. There are French and Djiboutian officials on the island to provide these services. There is a pharmaceutical dispensing station on the island that sells medicines.

However, in times of crisis, people do resort to local medication for minor illnesses as medications are available through sources outside the island infrastructure (If you get sick it’s generally easier to go to Djibouti or Mborantia and buy your medicine rather than bring them with you).

Military

The military garrison has been reduced from 350 personnel during our visit several years ago to 150 in January 2010.

The Comorian military has so far not seriously threatened French control over the island but they have been at times highly visible on the beaches and in villages around Koumbia beach (just north of Port-koumbi). Security is provided by the military forces and Mohammed Dario, a local technician at Voisin who has worked for both France-koumbia and Kenya-Kiwaya (pages 5 – 6).

Tourism

There is a small hotel in the capital. In addition, there are beach resorts on Grande Anse and at Lamanjari.

The currency is the CFA franc (although some restaurants will accept Euros). ATMs exist throughout the island but are not always reliable. There is no postal service so bring adequate supplies of cash if travelling off the island. Borders

Satellite images  suggested that there are three border crossings altogether: Port-koumbi / Pakistan, Indoukara/Kenya and Obiéma. Of these perhaps the most significant is Obiéma which lies at the southern tip of Grande Anse in a position where it would be useful for bringing supplies to Africa from India or other destinations along this route but does not permit on-land access into Sub Sah arā. The border operates entirely at the security level and patrols are not in evidence but this situation may change.

Conclusion

St. Peter Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the entrance to Palm Island Harbour, in the Territory of Bermuda. The island is privately owned by the Gibbons family, who are the descendants of the last private owner, James Gibbons. The Gibbons family began developing the island in the early 1990s as a private nature reserve and research station.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired St. Peter Island in 1999 and restored it to its original natural condition as a haven for native plant and bird populations, as well as a scientific research station.

FAQ

1.What Is The Climate Like On St. Peter Island?

Ans: The weather is subtropical, with a mean temperature of 21-26 degrees Celsius and an annual average precipitation of 292 mm.

2.Is There Wildlife On St. Peter Island?

Ans: Yes, there are many different types of wildlife living on the island including lizards, iguanas, monkeys and elephants!

3.What Kind Of Transportation Is Available To Get To St . Peter Island?

Ans: Public bus has access to the island, but only goes a few times per week. Most people travel by sea or private yacht. -Is there any kind of currency on St. Peter Island?

No, it is privately owned and all goods are paid for in US dollars based on valuations set years ago.

4.Is There Any Alcohol On St. Peter Island?

Ans: Whiskey & beer is allowed as long-term residency permits, but other alcoholic foods are not allowed along with water guns, fireworks and weapons (Fencing swords/arrows/knives).

5.Can Children Come To Work At The Research Station?

Ans: Children older than 9 years of age can visit St. Peter Island once they have completed a background check by the United States Department of Agriculture.