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North Island
North Island
North Island

The beaches are classic powder-white sand, often lined by palm trees …

… and always virtually deserted.

It has a growing population of the rare Seychelles giant tortoise.

North Island

North Island

The most exclusive island in the Seychelles – it's very difficult to fault, and reassuringly expensive.

Within the inner island group of the Seychelles, 27km from the main island of Mahé, there is a lovely, isolated island of about two square kilometres: North Island. Its landscape is composed of four luminous white beaches and mountains rising up to a height of 200 metres. Amidst the lush, tropical vegetation between three granite outcrops you can find a very luxurious retreat of 11 private villas, which is likewise simply called North Island. This island is a truly exclusive destination for beach holidays, honeymoons and family holidays.

North Island

Our top beach holidays in Seychelles

Here are 5 great Seychelles holidays to inspire you.


Itinerary image

Boxfish Island Holiday

8 days • 2 locations
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.

US$2,850 - US$3,560 per person

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Squirrelfish island holiday

6 days • 2 locations
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.

US$2,770 - US$3,120 per person

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Damselfish island holiday

5 days • 1 locations
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.

US$4,540 - US$5,710 per person

Itinerary image

Triggerfish island holiday

4 days • 1 locations
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.

US$3,440 - US$7,240 per person

Itinerary image

Hawkfish Island holiday

4 days • 1 locations
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.

US$14,150 - US$21,300 per person

Where to stay in North Island

There are 11 villas on North Island, all booked on an ‘exclusive-use’ basis. The lodge receives a constant flow of accolades and awards – and its standards really do match the hype and the stunning surroundings.


North Island

North Island

North Island Seychelles is the ultimate private island lodge; it offers some of the highest standards in the world, in an amazing natural environment – but does also have a high price tag to match its standards.


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When to go to North Island

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit North 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

North Island: In detail

North Island


Geography of North Island

North Island is a granitic island stretching for about 2km from north to south and about 1km from east to west at its widest extension. It has four powdery white sand beaches: East Beach, which extends off the piazza and in front of the retreat’s private villas, West Beach or Grande Anse where you can find the trendy Sunset Bar, the idyllic Honeymoon Cove and the secluded Dive Beach, which is sometimes also called Petit Anse.

From the beaches and azure waters of the Indian Ocean three rock outcrops rise to heights between 110m and 180m above the sea level. The granite rocks are mainly exposed in the north of the island. Moving south, you will find them more and more covered with takamaka trees and coconut palms, leading into a lush tropical vegetation embedded between those rocks. At the heart of the island, there is a small marshland area.

Fauna and flora of North Island

North Island is lush and tropical and, as the result of much restoration work, today hosts mainly flora and fauna which is endemic to the Seychelles.

Being a former fruit and spice plantation, North Island hasn’t always looked like this. After the collapse of the coconut industry it was abandoned in the 1970s. As a consequence, many intrusive, unwanted plant and animal species like casuarina and coconut trees, pigs, cows, rats, cats, Indian mynah birds, barn owls and lantana, an especially invasive weed, remained behind. These were responsible for displacing native plant species, decimated the native bird life and dried up the small marsh at the heart of the island.

Restoration and Conservation on North Island
However, the last decade has witnessed one of the most ambitious rehabilitation, conservation and tourism development projects in the Indian Ocean, which has put North Island firmly on the track of restoration. Eco-sensitivity, painstaking research and cooperation with government bodies have formed part of the efforts to ensure environmental protection and biodiversity.

One remarkable project is the “Noah’s Ark" concept. It has led to the gradually ongoing reintroduction of tortoises and certain bird species to North Island along with indigenous trees such as premna, canthium, various ficus species, scavola and the legendary coco-de-mer palm. In 2007, the endangered Seychelles white-eye was reintroduced and is flourishing. In the future we hope to see the return of three more indigenous bird species, which are all on the Endangered List, to regenerate on North Island: black parrot, Seychelles warbler and, most importantly, the Seychelles magpie robin – one of the world’s rarest birds.

In contrast to that, alien species are being gradually eradicated. Strict control measures are to ensure that no invasive fauna or flora - particularly rodents - is reintroduced to North Island, as this would endanger indigenous species. North Island is especially proud of having achieved a “rat free" status in September 2005, which they are striving to maintain. It is the largest tropical island in the world free of the tree-dwelling black rat (rattus rattus).

These processes continue daily under the hands-on direction of a resident ecologist, who is a fountain of knowledge for interested guests on North Island.

North Island is very aware of its ecological responsibility and here has therefore introduced measures to keep its retreat’s impact on the environment to a minimum. These include ecological research and co-operation with government conservation bodies, recycling, a sensible use of water and energy and the installation of an environmentally friendly sewerage plant. Apart from that the lodge’s architecture of limited development and limited noise contributes to its eco-friendliness. When we last visited we felt that the team of the lodge is truly committed to protecting the natural environment and biodiversity as well as historical sites on North Island.

Activities on North Island

For those who can drag themselves away from their gorgeous villas, there is a variety of activities to enjoy on North Island. You can discover the island under guidance from one of the staff or on your own; by foot, mountain bike, or your private island buggy.

Most activities on North Island take place in or around the water. For example, you can go on guided scuba dives around North Island and the neighbouring Silhouette Island, which are part of the world’s longest coral reef system. The dive school masters and fishermen on North Island have a lot of experience and can educate both uninitiated and seasoned guests about scuba dive practices and the underwater world.

Other sportive activities include (guided) kayaking, mountain biking for adults and children, surfing (surf boards and body boards provided), climbing the island’s granite outcrops or walking along its beaches as well as exercising in the gym.

For those wishing to enjoy more relaxed activities there are private sunset cruises around the island on offer. Chartered boat trips to other islands like Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands, including the spectacular bird sanctuaries Aride, Cousin and Cousine, can be arranged on request. Island hopping by helicopter is possible, too.

Or consider some fishing, which would usually make for a relaxed half-day activity trawling for yellowfin tuna, dorado, bonito, trevally, red snapper and others.

In terms of education, talks and presentations in the library give adults and children alike the chance to learn about ecological topics and the Seychelles and North Island in particular. Depending on the time of the year, lucky guests might have the chance to watch hawksbill or green turtles laying or hatching their eggs on the beaches of North Island. Researchers tag the turtles so that their breeding activities can be monitored.

Map of North Island

Choices for where to stay in North Island


Reference map

Our top lodge on North Island


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North Island

North Island

North Island Seychelles is the ultimate private island lodge; it offers some of the highest standards in the world, in an amazing natural environment – but does also have a high price tag to match its standards.


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