Petite-Terre is Mayotte's satellite island — only 11 km², but with remarkable landscape density. East of Grande-Terre, separated by a 2 km sea arm crossed in 15 minutes by ferry, it shelters the international airport, the former French administrative capital (Dzaoudzi), the volcanic crater of Lac Dziani and the paradise beach of Moya. It is the entry and exit point of every trip to Mayotte — and a site that deserves, in its own right, 2 to 3 days of exploration.
Geologically, Petite-Terre is composed of two former volcanic cones connected by a sand strip. The most recent volcanic activity — formation of Lac Dziani 7,000 years ago — makes Petite-Terre the youngest part of the Mahoran archipelago.
Historically, Petite-Terre was the centre of French colonial power. Dzaoudzi was the capital of Mayotte from 1841 to 1977 (transfer of the prefecture to Mamoudzou in Grande-Terre, for reasons of demographic growth). The Dzaoudzi Rock, 60-metre volcanic promontory connected to Petite-Terre by a causeway, hosted the first French administrative and military installations.
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- Dzaoudzi Rock — The former capital, colonial vestiges and panoramic sunset view.
- Lac Dziani — Emerald-green volcanic crater, 4 km panoramic trail, one of the most singular landscapes.
- Grande-Terre and Mamoudzou — Mayotte's main island, 15 min by ferry from Dzaoudzi.
- The Lagoon of Mayotte — 1,500 km² of lagoon, humpback whales, sea turtles.