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Aride Island Nature Reserve, a pristine haven in the Seychelles, is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean. This unspoiled island, spanning just 68 hectares, is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including some of the world’s rarest bird species. Managed by the Island Conservation Society, it remains untouched by urban development, allowing nature to flourish in its purest form. With its vegetation, thriving coral reefs, and a rich variety of wildlife, Aride Island Nature Reserve, Seychelles, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts.
Quick Details
Opening Date: 1973
Location: Seychelles, Indian Ocean, QMP8+P8V, Aride, Seychelles
Timings: Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 3 PM; Visits can be pre-booked on Saturdays and Sundays; Often closed for a visit during South East Trade winds: May – September
Entry Fee: Adults: SCR 650 / ₹4,000; Children of 4 -13 years of age: SCR 300 / ₹1,800; Children under 4 years of age: Free in all currencies
Cultural Significance: Conservation site for indigenous species
Activities: Nature walks, snorkeling, photography, birdwatching
Location
Photo: Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons
Aride Island Nature Reserve is located in the northernmost part of the Seychelles archipelago, about 10 kilometers north of Praslin Island. It is a remote sanctuary, accessible only by boat, and remains uninhabited except for conservation staff. The island features dramatic cliffs, dense tropical vegetation, and stunning white sand beaches. Due to its isolated location, Aride Island Nature Reserve provides an untouched environment for both terrestrial and marine species, making it a prime location for eco-tourism and scientific research.
How To Reach
Photo: Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons
Getting to Aride Island is conveniently accessible via guided tours arranged from nearby islands.
By Air: Fly to Seychelles International Airport / Mahé and take a domestic flight to Praslin.
By Road: Drive or take a taxi to Cote d’Or or Anse Lazio beach on Praslin.
By Boat: Guided boat tours operate from Praslin and other nearby islands.
Things To Do At Aride Island Nature Reserve
Discover the unspoiled beauty of Aride Island Nature Reserve, where breathtaking landscapes and these diverse activities await.
1. Guided Nature Walks
Photo: Dankarl / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Aride Island Nature Reserve is a haven for nature lovers. Known as the “Seabird Fortress of the Indian Ocean” it hosts over a million seabirds and diverse flora, including the endemic Wright’s Gardenia. Visitors can enjoy guided two-hour nature walks starting from the residence of the former owner, exploring vegetation. Managed by the Island Conservation Society since 2004, the island is a protected reserve, ensuring a pristine ecosystem.
2. Birdwatching
Photo: Remi Jouan / Wikimedia Commons
Aride Island Nature Reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers. This pristine island is home to over one million seabirds, with more breeding species than any other location in Seychelles. Key species include frigatebirds, white-tailed tropicbirds, lesser noddies, and the extremely rare Seychelles warbler. The best time for bird watching is between November and February, when migratory birds are abundant.
3. Explore Coral Reefs
Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Seychelles archipelago is a wonderland beneath the waves, drawing snorkelers and divers with its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. You don’t need prior experience to snorkel in Seychelles. For the adventurous, scuba diving offers glimpses of coral reef sharks, stingrays, porcupine fish, moray eels, and sea turtles. Divers can explore wrecks that teem with marine life. Anse Lazio Beach on Praslin Island has over 300 coral species.
4. Visit Turtle Nesting Beaches
Photo: Coalición Pro CEN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Aride Island Nature Reserve in Seychelles offers a unique opportunity to witness turtle nesting. Green and Hawksbill turtles nest on the island’s beaches, especially from October to February. Seeing these creatures lay eggs or hatchlings journey to the sea is an unforgettable experience. To minimize disturbance, it’s important to follow guidelines, such as avoiding lights and flash photography, remaining still and low, and maintaining a distance of 10 meters.
5. Learn About Conservation Efforts
Photo: Colin J Taylor / Wikimedia Commons
Aride Island Nature Reserve’s conservation has been managed by the Island Conservation Society / ICS since 2003. Their work includes monitoring seabirds, endemic land birds, turtles, and restoring natural vegetation and marine ecosystems. Volunteers support these efforts through data collection and habitat maintenance. These regulations prohibit disturbing wildlife, introducing species, and polluting the area. Ecotourism initiatives promote sustainable practices, with visitors contributing to conservation by following guidelines that minimize human impact.
Places To Visit Near Aride Island Nature Reserve
Enhance your Aride Island Nature Reserve adventure by exploring these nearby islands and attractions.
1. Curieuse Island
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Curieuse Island, a former leper colony turned national park, is known for its red earth and green foliage. Named “Ile Rouge” for its reddish laterite soil, it was later renamed Curieuse in 1768. It’s home to diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, with about 500 residing on the island. Visitors can explore mangrove forests, relax on secluded beaches like Anse Laraie, and snorkel in the surrounding marine park. Comprehensive efforts have helped restore the island’s ecological balance after fires in the 1970s.
Location: Near Praslin Island, Seychelles
2. Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Photo: Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons
Sainte Anne Marine National Park, established in 1973, is the oldest marine reserve in the Seychelles. This protected area is famous for its dazzling turquoise waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a prime destination for snorkeling and diving. The park comprises six islands: Sainte Anne, Ile Moyenne, Ile Ronde, Ile Longue, Ile Cachee, and Ile aux Cerfs. Easily accessible from Mahé via tour operators and boat charters, the park offers daily excursions, including glass-bottom boat tours, providing spectacular views of the marine environment.
Location: 5 km from Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Anse Volbert
Photo: Radosław Botev / Wikimedia Commons
Anse Volbert, also known as Côte d’Or, is the most popular and longest beach on Praslin Island in Seychelles, boasting a 2.5 km stretch of white sand and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families. It is a prime location for various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, and sailing. The beach is near numerous accommodations, restaurants, and shops, ensuring convenience for visitors.
Location: Northeast coast of Praslin Island, Seychelles
4. Beau Vallon
Photo: Welcomematt22 / Wikimedia Commons
Beau Vallon is a popular and well-frequented beach known for its sweeping bay of white sand and clear waters. It is about 3 km from Victoria, the capital. Beau Vallon is considered by some to be the best and most famous beach on Mahé, attracting both locals and tourists. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to the coral reefs. Beau Vallon also provides various activities, including scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing.
Location: Northwest coast of Mahé, Seychelles
5. La Digue
Photo: Tobi 87 / Wikimedia Commons
La Digue Island, part of the Seychelles archipelago, is known for its calm environment and stunning beaches, including Anse Source d’Argent. Measuring around ten square kilometers, it lies 52 kilometers from Mahé and 7 km from Praslin. The island emphasizes a relaxed pace of life, with bicycles and oxcarts as primary modes of transport. La Digue is ideal for relaxation, featuring white-sand beaches and clear waters.
Location: Seychelles, Indian Ocean
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Aride Island Nature Reserve does not have accommodations, but nearby islands offer excellent options. Praslin Island offers a variety of accommodations such as Acajou Beach Resort is a 4-star hotel right on the white sands of Cote d’Or, featuring ocean-view rooms, a swimming pool, and fine dining. Constance Lemuria, a luxury 5-star resort tucked between three beaches, offers a spa, a golf course, and access to Anse Georgette. Alternatively, Treasure Island Retreat offers seafront apartments on Anse Kerlan.
Where To Eat
Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
While Aride Island Nature Reserve itself doesn’t have restaurants, visitors can savor fresh seafood and local cuisine on nearby islands. On Praslin, Café des Arts offers fresh seafood in a beautiful beachfront setting. Le Repaire, located on La Digue, serves Creole and Italian dishes with stunning ocean views. Also on Praslin, Bonbon Plume in Anse Lazio is known for its grilled fish and coconut curries.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Jmhullot / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Aride Island Nature Reserve in Seychelles is between November and February to spot a maximum number of migratory birds. The island is open to tourists during the Northwest Monsoon season, from October to May. However, Aride Island remains closed to visitors from June to September due to the southeast trade winds. During the nesting season, from October to February, you might see green and hawksbill turtles laying eggs or hatchlings venturing to the sea.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Precondo / Pixabay / Image For Representation
- Guided tours are mandatory to preserve the ecosystem.
- Limited visitor capacity ensures minimal disturbance to wildlife.
- Carry essentials like sunscreen, water, and binoculars.
- Wear sturdy shoes for hiking trails.
- Avoid touching wildlife to maintain ecological balance.
Aride Island Nature Reserve is a remarkable destination where nature thrives in its purest form. From its dense forests to its coral-rich waters, the island offers an unparalleled experience for wildlife lovers. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a snorkeling enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates nature, this untouched paradise has something for everyone. Book your adventure today with TripXL and explore the wonders of Aride Island Nature Reserve!
Cover Photo: Remi Jouan / Wikimedia Commons
