Astove, Seychelles

Astove Island is an atoll that is part of the Aldabra Group of the Seychelles. It is a raised coral island enclosed by a shallow lagoon. Astove is Portuguese for As Doze Ilhas which means 'The Twelve Islands.' It was founded in 1878 however there were no residents on the island. In 1901, five workers were left on Astove and for almost a decade small farms of pumpkins, watermelons, maize, and tobacco were cultivated. Bat droppings or 'guano' were discovered and extracted. After this discovery was made in 1960, more than 72,000 tons of guano were extracted preserving at least 5,000 tons.

The island is usually visited by scientists, fishermen, and diving enthusiasts but visitors are more than welcome to explore the lagoon, snorkel the coral reefs, and hike through the trails of the coconut palms that unveils an amazing view of paradise.