About Bird Island Lodge
Bird Island Lodge is the only place to stay on Bird Island, the northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago.
This low-rise coralline paradise, about 60 miles from Mahé, has striking sandy beaches bordered by beautifully turquoise seas, but these are not the primary reasons to stay here. Instead, wildlife viewing is its trump card. Here the birdlife is phenomenal; it's unlike almost any other wildlife spectacle that we know.
Bird Island is a fascinating place: the proximity to birds so totally unperturbed by human presence is utterly magic. Gazing at fairy tern's feeding their chicks on the tiniest of branches, sitting next to ground-nesting white-tailed tropic birds and gazing at (quite literally) a huge field of roosting Sooty Terns are all amazing wildlife experiences. This is the reason to come to the island.
Bird Island Lodge itself is laid-back and unpretentious. It is not a place for pampering, luxuries or super service; rather it is a place to marvel at the avian spectacle from a comfortable but simple setting.
Our view
Bird Island is a fascinating place: the proximity to birds so totally unperturbed by human presence is utterly magic. Gazing at fairy tern's feeding their chicks on the tiniest of branches, sitting next to ground-nesting white-tailed tropic birds and gazing at (quite literally) a huge field of roosting Sooty Terns are all amazing wildlife experiences. This is the reason to come to the island.
Bird Island Lodge itself is laid-back and unpretentious. It is not a place for pampering, luxuries or super service; rather it is a place to marvel at the avian spectacle from a comfortable but simple setting.
Seychelles expert
Accommodation
24 chalets
Children
Best for 8+
Open
21 December to 30 November
Activities
Birdwatching
Kayaking
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Traveller reviews of Bird Island Lodge
11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryBird Island Lodge: Our full report
Bird Island Lodge is the only place to stay on Bird Island, the northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago.
This low-rise coralline paradise, about 60 miles from Mahé, has striking sandy beaches bordered by beautifully turquoise seas, but these are not the primary reasons to stay here. Instead, wildlife viewing is its trump card. Here the birdlife is phenomenal; it's unlike almost any other wildlife spectacle that we know.
Bird Island Lodge itself has 24 simple chalets in a neat row either side of the central lounge and dining area. All are set back 40m from the sea for tidal safety and are surrounded by coconut palms, casuarinas and frangipanis, all filled with chattering Noddies (pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper!). Inside the pale apricot walls, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, with high pitched ceilings and wide louver windows to allow the cooling breeze through the room. There is an over-bed fan, but no air-conditioning here. The speckled tiled floors are offset with an integrated lounge area (which can be converted into two children's beds) and a four-poster double bed, complete with mosquito net.
Simple fitted furniture, plain bedding and few homely amenities are representative of the low-key nature of Bird Island Lodge; you will need to ask reception for beach towels if sunbathing is on your agenda. There are separate rooms at the back of the chalet for the bathroom and large solar-heated shower, which uses the slightly brackish water from the island's borehole, as well as a well-used washing line at the back of each building for drying swimwear. The front is more picturesque with a wide, shady veranda - a good spot for afternoon siestas or gently bird-watching, though they are overlooked, so real privacy is somewhat limited.
At the centre of Bird Island Lodge, a few minutes' walk from the airstrip, are the lounge, bar, restaurant and reception. When we last visited, this lodge was not a particularly social one; these communal areas appear little used outside meal times and are perhaps lacking in decorative curiosities, books and homely comforts, which does lend them a slightly sterile air during the rest of the day. That said, they are perfectly nice and the open sides make for a cool retreat, whilst the fire-red Fodys provide colour and entertainment as they await left-over crumbs from guests.
Bird Island's basic gift shop beside reception selling branded t-shirts and a few essentials like suncream and batteries (plus earplugs for the birds €5!), as well as a small library at the back of the store with a selection of German and English books. The lodge's small bar is open all day with a basic stock of spirits and the usual array of fizzy drinks and seasonal fruit juice, though it's worth noting that snacks are not available outside meal times. All meals are eaten in the adjoining dining rooms, and guests are allocated an individual table on arrival which corresponds to their room number. Cuisine at the Island Lodge is rudimentary but fresh and locally-flavoured.
Without question, the main activities on Bird Island are bird-watching and beachcombing. Nature Tours are usually offered when you arrive at Bird Island Lodge and are a great introduction to the island's flora and fauna: meet Esmeralda, the island's oldest giant tortoise, become acquainted with the birdlife and nesting spots and understand a little more about the history of the place to ensure a much more enlightened stay. Whilst for those after a change from feathered friends and keen to hit the sparkling sea, single and double sea kayaks are available (with lifejackets), snorkelling equipment can be arranged and books and games can be loaned during reception opening hours (9am-6pm). There is no diving available from Bird Island.
Activities
Birdwatching
Kayaking
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Bird Island Lodge and the managers themselves have a young pre-school son, so are quite familiar with their requirements.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no dedicated children's activities or kids clubs here, but children of all ages are welcome in all areas of the lodge and informal babysitting arrangements can be made with the chambermaids. (Paying the ladies directly – but note that such child-minders are not trained.)
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available, though it's best to request these at the time of booking.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes – Bird Island Lodge is recommended for adventurous children.
At the time of our visit in August 2008, there were several families staying at the lodge, all of whom were visibly enjoying their stay. The lack of predatory animals, proximity of giant tortoises and relaxed birdlife, and space to run around, proving to be both enjoyable for energetic, curious children and relaxing parents. The whole atmosphere at Bird Island is very laid-back and informal, so it tends to suit families very well; no one here bats an eyelid if children race off to feed the tortoises in the middle of lunch. - Notes
- Whilst there are some truly idyllic stretches of sandy beach around Bird Island, parents must take particular care of their children in the sea. The current in some areas around the island, even immediately next to the shore, is extremely strong, and the waves are powerful. There are no lifeguards here, so exercise plenty of caution and never let children paddle or swim unattended.
It is also important to remember, especially if travelling with very small children, that emergency healthcare (beyond basic first aid) is only available on the main island of Mahé, which is only accessible by day.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
- Food quality
- All meals at Bird Island Lodge are served in the open-sided dining room of the main lodge building, overlooking the lawn towards the sea.
Breakfast comprises a mix of optional hot and cold dishes, which are plated and served at your table. Fruit plates are simple, comprising perhaps a banana and segment of papaya, and are followed by cornflakes, hot porridge and/or eggs cooked to order. Toast, like many Seychellois establishments, is sadly only available in processed white slices. The food is accompanied by fresh juice, often a blended cocktail of seasonal fruits, tea or coffee.
Lunch is a small self-service buffet, starting at 1pm, and during our stay consistently featured a slightly uninspiring salad selection and three hot dishes, such as turmeric chicken, fish daube and fish chutney with rice and lentils. Dessert featured papaya strips in caramel or banana custard.
A three course meal, with a plated starter and dessert, and a buffet main course is standard for dinner here. Starters are usually a soup, warm cucumber and heated rolls on our visit, followed by a fish and meat buffet. Local-style Creole chicken curry or whole baked snapper accompanied by rice and a cooked vegetable dish would be typical, with simple salad dishes also available to accompany the meal - plates of tomatoes or shredded Chinese cabbage featured during our stay. A choice of two desserts is usually available, say lemon ice cream or Crepe Suzette, and tea (lemongrass or English breakfast) or coffee is provided to round off the meal.
Whilst the meals on our last visit, especially breakfast, proved a veritable honey-pot for the colourful Madagascar Fodys, the food was less impressive. The menu and quality of the dishes were adequate, and seasonal produce was used, but it did feel a little repetitive an uninspired. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All drinks are charged extra - except for teas and coffees with meals.
Getting there
- Location
- Bird Island, Seychelles
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend a stay of 2-3 nights on Bird Island.
- Directions
- It is easily accessed on a 30-minute flight from Mahé to Bird Island, aboard a scheduled, daily Air Seychelles plane. Note that luggage limits for this flight are 15kg per person; excess can be left on Mahe Island.
The air strip on Bird Island is a well maintained, grass 'bush' strip, complete with regulation fire engine and extinguishers for safety, and the flights are usually in brightly coloured, 20-seat Twin Otter planes. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Special interests
- Family safaris
- Bird Island Lodge makes for simple, relaxed family beach holidays in the Seychelles. For energetic children, ideally 8+, the island is a great 'natural playground' – quite safe and home to giant tortoises and a rich birdlife. Note that there are strong currents here!
- See ideas for Family safaris in Seychelles
- Birdwatching safaris
- Bird Island is a real highlight of birdwatching in the Seychelles. Vast numbers of birds nest on the island… including over a million ground-nesting sooty terns. Noddys and other species are around all the time – prepare to be amazed by their fearless nature!
- See ideas for Birdwatching safaris in Seychelles
Communications
- Communications
- There is no mobile phone reception on Bird Island, but a VHF telephone is available in reception for guest use in an emergency. Guests are also welcome to use the office email in case of need, but the VHF connection makes this incredibly slow, so it's best for short text messages only. The reception and office areas close in the evenings, so any communication access must be done during opening hours.
- TV & radio
- There are deliberately no TVs or radios in the rooms or common areas – Bird Island is a place to escape and enjoy the surroundings.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The management team, Jo and Nick, are all basic first-aid trained and there is a first aid kit on site for minor injuries and illnesses. A plane transfer from Bird Island to the main hospital in Victoria on Mahé Island would be necessary for any emergencies. It is worth remembering that these flights can only take place during daylight hours.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Bird Island's remote location and lack of predators means that there are no security patrols or night guards. Jo and Nick can be contacted at their house in the event of any concern at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside every room and in the common areas. There is also a fully-equipped fire engine stationed at the air strip, which is manned for every flight arrival and departure, and is regularly serviced by government inspectors.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
- Accepted payment on location
- Bird Island will accept payment for extras in US Dollars, Euros and Pounds Sterling as well as VISA, Mastercard, AMEX and Diners Club.
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Bird Island Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Bird Island Lodge.
When to go to Bird Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Bird Island Lodge in Bird Island
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
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