Seychelles is the only mid-ocean group of granitic islands in the world. They broke off from India and Madagascar 75 million years ago and have been isolated ever since, which means they shelter species you cannot see anywhere else on earth. The Seychellois know this and have protected it well.
The flagship species
Aldabra giant tortoise
The second-largest tortoise species in the world (after the Galapagos cousins). Originally from Aldabra Atoll, several hundred kilometres south-west. Now reintroduced across the inner islands. The easiest place to walk among them is Curieuse Island, where 250+ live free. Some live to 150+ years. The biggest weigh over 250kg.
The coco de mer
A palm that grows only on Praslin and one neighbouring islet. Its seed is the largest in the plant kingdom, can weigh 25kg, and takes seven years to ripen. The shape is famously suggestive. Pre-colonial Asian and Arab traders found the seeds washed up on shore and assumed they came from underwater forests. The source island remained a secret until 1768. See them at Vallée de Mai (UNESCO-listed) and Fond Ferdinand on the other side of Praslin.
Seychelles black parrot
The national bird. Endemic, just a few hundred individuals, all on Praslin. Listen for the high, plaintive call in Vallée de Mai. Easier heard than seen.
Seychelles warbler
The species that nearly disappeared. By 1968 only 26 birds remained on Cousin Island. Aggressive conservation brought it back from extinction; today thousands live across Cousin, Aride, Denis, and other recovery islands. One of the world’s most successful single-species saves.
Sea turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles nest on quiet beaches October through February. Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Cocos on La Digue, Cousin and Curieuse, Cosmoledo and Aldabra. Sometimes you can see hawksbills nesting at dawn or dusk on the more remote beaches. Conservation rangers monitor.
Whale sharks
August through November is peak season. Large filter-feeders that come to feed on plankton blooms off Mahé’s west coast and around the outer islands. Snorkelling alongside is the standard tour. Be patient, be respectful, no touching.
Dolphins, whales, manta rays
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are seen year-round, often near Praslin’s north coast and around Silhouette. Sperm whales and pilot whales pass through during the trade-wind seasons. Manta rays favour the outer islands and the Amirantes.
The reserves to visit
| Reserve | What you’ll see | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Vallée de Mai | Coco de mer, black parrot | Central Praslin, drive 10 min |
| Curieuse Island | Tortoises, mangroves, snorkel | Boat from Anse Volbert (~15 min) |
| Cousin Island | Seychelles warbler, lesser noddies | Boat from Praslin (~20 min) |
| Aride Island | Million-bird colony, tropic-birds | Boat from Praslin (~1 hr) |
| Morne Seychellois NP | Endemic plants, mountain birds | Trails from Sans Souci road, Mahé |
| Aldabra Atoll | The largest raised coral atoll on earth | Specialist cruises only |
Frequently asked questions
Where do I have the best chance of seeing a giant tortoise?
Curieuse Island. The breeding programme has put around 250 free-roaming tortoises on a single small island. They’re accustomed to people.
When is whale-shark season?
August through November. Tours leave from Mahé and the Amirantes. The Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles runs respectful, regulated trips.
Is it safe to swim with sea turtles?
Yes if you keep a respectful distance. No touching, no chasing, no flash photography. Turtle encounters are common while snorkelling on most quiet beaches.
Can I see the coco de mer outside Vallée de Mai?
Yes. Fond Ferdinand on Praslin is the other coco de mer forest. Larger and less visited. Curieuse also has some, but Praslin is the strongholds.