Seychelles Birding and Beaches
Discover the remote heart of the Indian Ocean. With 12 endemic bird species and the world’s largest populations of breeding seabirds, breathtaking beaches, and abundant marine life, Seychelles is a nature lover’s paradise.
Overview:
The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean 800 nautical miles off Africa’s Swahili Coast. The islands were uninhabited until their discovery in the 16th Century by European explorers. The Seychelles is an important migration stop over for Eurasian bird species and boasts 12 endemics as well as the world’s largest populations of breeding seabirds and giant tortoises. With major strides towards conservation and climate change mitigation, the Seychelles has protected nearly 50% of its land and 30% of the marine territory—equating to a marine area twice the size of Great Britain. While many see Seychelles as a romantic luxury beach holiday, it is also a down-to-earth, nature-lover’s paradise with a variety of ways to explore.
This suggested itinerary combines important islands for bird life with room to explore and blend activities. It is easy to extend or adjust to combine with other destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean and is designed for independent travelers to optimize for location, seasonality, and local naturalist expertise.
Itinerary Summary:
Days 1 – 3 – Mahe Island
Days 4 – 6 – Praslin Island (with day trips to Aride and Cousin)
Days 7 – 8 – La Digue
The Essentials:
Seasonality: Best in October-mid December when visits to bird island colonies offer the opportunity to see all the breeding species other than roseate tern and the arrival of the Eurasian migrant
From $5,500 per person (based on two travelers
Includes accommodation and four and five-star beachfront resorts, breakfast, guided tours with local birding specialists, and transfers
Explore 5 important bird islands of the Seychelles
Iconic granitic beaches, hiking trails, and heaps of activities from the resort to mix in with nature
Itinerary:
Mahe Island – 3 Nights
Arrival from your international destination to Mahe Island, which houses more of the endemic bird species than any other island. More than 20% of the island is comprised of Morne Seychellois National Park, a diverse ecosystem of mangrove, lush jungle, and tall mountains. It is a hiker’s and a birder’s paradise. With a private guide, you’ll spend two days exploring nature trails with stunning 270-degree views of neighboring islands from the peak and hopeful sightings of the elusive scops owl and Seychelles white eyes. From your beachfront resort near the national park, you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy Beau Vallon Beach, which offers the unique advantage of swimming all year-round and watersports from the resort including snorkeling and kayaking.
Praslin Island – 3 Nights
Praslin is home to Seychelles’ UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, home of the famous coco de mer palm trees that house the Seychelles black parrot and Seychelles swiftlet. It is also the perfect station for day trips to nearby uninhabited islands with the world’s largest breeding seabird colonies, tortoises, and other interesting wildlife. Enjoy guided tours of Vallée de Mai and swim in the crystal-clear waters framed by wave-carved granite from Anse Lazio, one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles.
With no human settlements other than research stations on Aride, a day trip to this nature reserve hosts more seabirds of more species than the other 40 granitic islands combined, making it one of the most important seabird colonies in the Indian Ocean. Take a second trip to Aride or a day trip to Cousin, owned by Bird Life International with nearly guaranteed sightings of Seychelles magpie robin, Seychelles warbler, and Seychelles today. From your five-star beachfront resort, enjoy complimentary snorkeling, biking, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. You can also explore the nearby turtle sanctuary and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
La Digue – 2 Nights
On the island of La Digue, bicycle remains the dominant form of transportation, and exploring at a relaxed pace is encouraged. Until recently, it was the only breeding site for the Seychelles Paradise flycatcher. It also houses an important population of yellow bitterns and Seychelles swiftlets. Other endemics include Seychelles blue pigeon, bulbul, and sunbird. From your beachfront four-star resort, enjoy harmony in nature with a variety of activities from watersports to spa treatments.
Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email us at the link below to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences.
