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Bird Island
Bird Island
Bird Island
Bird Island
Bird Island
Bird Island
Bird Island

Bird Island is home to a variety of tropical birds.

It’s a phenomenal place for wildlife viewing...

...and even close encounters are possible.

Watch out for giant tortoises which are frequently sighted as well.

You may also enjoy a relaxing walk along the white beaches...

... discover Bird Island’s amazing marine life below...

...and above the water.

Bird Island

Bird Island

Just 60 miles from Mahé Island, its striking sandy beaches and surrounding turquoise seas are idyllic, yet these is not the primary reason to stay here.

Instead, wildlife viewing is its trump card. The northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago, Bird Island is a 170 acre coralline paradise.

Originally called 'Ile aux Vaches' after the once numerous dugongs (sea cows) that lived nearby, it was renamed in the mid-1960s for its phenomenal birdlife. Because it's towards the northern edge of the continental shelf, the waters around here are particularly rich in fish. This, in turn, attracts the incredible numbers of seabirds which make Bird Island an ornithologist's delight. The lack of fear that they display towards humans makes close observation thrilling for even casual observers.

The skies over parts of the island are filled with circling fishing parties, the trees littered with nests and precariously placed chicks, and the ground is home to nesting birds and their young. Bird Island provides a spectacle unlike almost any other wildlife spectacle that we know.

Bird Island

Bird Island: in detail

Our top beach holidays in Seychelles

Here are 5 great Seychelles holidays to inspire you.


Map

Boxfish Island Holiday

8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.

Visiting Mahe Island, Praslin Island

US$2,560 - US$3,380 per person

Read more about the Boxfish Island Holiday

Map

Squirrelfish island holiday

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Combine laid-back La Digue and a hidden corner of Mahé Island, staying in two very luxurious hotels with the option to simply do nothing or explore these stunning islands.

Visiting La Digue Island, Mahe Island

US$2,490 - US$2,920 per person

Read more about the Squirrelfish island holiday

Map

Damselfish island holiday

5 days • 1 location • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Laid-back luxury on the private Denis Island. Surrounded by protected waters with commendable focus on sustainability, this is perfect spot to disconnect from the world after a safari.

Visiting Denis Island

US$4,040 - US$5,320 per person

Read more about the Damselfish island holiday

Map

Triggerfish island holiday

4 days • 1 location • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Desroches is beautifully rugged and remote island atoll with stunning villas, slick Four Seasons service and exciting array of adventures above and below the waves.

Visiting Desroches Island

US$3,380 - US$6,700 per person

Read more about the Triggerfish island holiday

Map

Hawkfish Island holiday

4 days • 1 location • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Frégate is an idyllic private island skirted by white sand and coral reefs that’s home to just 17 villas and incredible wildlife. The perfect mix of romance, indulgence, adventure and conservation.

Visiting Fregate Island

US$12,910 - US$20,390 per person

Read more about the Hawkfish Island holiday

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Map of Bird Island

Choices for where to stay in Bird Island


Reference map

Most recent reviews of our beach holidays to Bird Island

Click below to browse all 11 reviews from Bird Island. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


98%
11 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
10
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Birdman from Chesham

Arrived 12 Oct 2019, 19 nights

"October 2019 in The Seychelles"

"We enjoyed our trip immensely …" Read Birdman’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

D & P from Lavenham

Arrived 24 Oct 2018, 16 nights

"My Oct 2018 trip"

"Overall we had a great time... All the connections worked well... …" Read D & P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SA from Norfolk

Arrived 6 Oct 2018, 15 nights

"Seychelles again in 2018"

"More than pleased that we returned to the Seychelles …" Read Mr & Mrs SA’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The D Family from Herts

Arrived 24 Sep 2016, 11 nights

"My Sep 2016 trip"

"Overall a lovely trip. Certainly Bird Island was a highlight. …" Read The D Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr M from Farnham

Arrived 30 Jan 2016, 17 nights

"Overall"

"Great trip and lifetime memories... …" Read Mr M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr K from Sandy

Arrived 9 Oct 2015, 15 nights

"Seychelles trip October 2015"

"I thoroughly enjoyed my trip.... Everything ran smoothly and my holiday was gre …" Read Mr K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs C from Devon

Arrived 4 Mar 2014, 12 nights

"Seychelles, March 2014"

"Brilliant. Everything we wanted it to be... …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Bird Island reviews

When to go to Bird Island

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Bird Island in Seychelles


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seychelles in January

January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
  • Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
  • Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
  • Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Seychelles in February

Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, February does have highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • Warm weather all year round.
  • One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
  • Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Seychelles in March

The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.

The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island.

It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.

  • Warm weather all year round.
  • Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
  • Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
  • The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
  • Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Seychelles in April

April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.

In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.

  • One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
  • Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
  • Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
  • Good time of year for birding.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

Seychelles in May

May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.

Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Warm, dry weather.
  • Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Seychelles in June

June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.

  • Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
  • Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Seychelles in July

July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.

  • Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Seychelles in August

Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Seychelles in September

September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
  • A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

Seychelles in October

October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.

During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.

For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.

  • Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
  • A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
  • Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
  • Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
  • A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Seychelles in November

By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.

The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.

Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

  • Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
  • A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
  • Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
  • Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
  • Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Seychelles in December

December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.

The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.

Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.

  • December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
  • Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
  • Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
  • Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
  • Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Seychelles fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Bird Island.


BIRD ISLAND LODGE in BIRD ISLAND

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