Bird Island - Seychelles - the home of "birds innumerable"

Famous for its variety of bird-life and the absence of modern trappings, this island is perfect for bird watching, swimming, snorkelling... or for just forgetting that you come from a culture suffering from information overload.

Bird Island is the most northerly island of the Seychelles Archipelago, situated 111 kilometres from Mahé, and can be reached in about 40 minutes by helicopter. The east and south sides of this 170 acre coral islet are surrounded by a protective reef.

Except for the guests of Bird Island Lodge and its friendly Seychellois staff, there are no other human inhabitants on the island. The central facilities include a reception, lounge, bar and restaurant, which serves fresh local cuisine. The 24 minimalistic yet comfortable furnished chalets are built on the grounds of a former coconut plantation.

In 1776 a passing ship reported, that the island was "covered with birds innumerable". When Mr. Savy and his partners bought the island in 1967 the number of birds had been dramatically reduced. Following their successful conservation project the Sooty Tern colony has increased from 18.000 birds in 1967 to 750.000 birds today. Nowadays, Bird Island has once again become home of "birds innumerable".

At least 20 species of birds can be seen throughout the year, a number of which nest on the island:

Seabirds: Fairy Tern, Common and Lesser Noddy and Frigate Bird
Shorebirds: Turnstone, Grey Plover and Whimbrel
Landbirds: Seychelles Turtle Dove, Barred Ground Dove and Madagascar Fody

The conservation project also includes the two endangered species of sea turtles that nest on the beach - the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle. The turtle season runs from June to July, when the female turtles return to breed on the beach where they were born. After 55 to 70 days the baby turtles hatch and head shortly after dark towards the brightest point of the horizon.

Tortoises are not indigenous to Bird Island. It became a haven for several giant land tortoises originating mainly from Mahé and Praslin, when their owners decided to set them free. Today there are 18 giant land tortoises on the island. The star resident is "Esmeralda" - possibly the largest, heaviest and oldest tortoise in the world. Esmeralda (who is actually a "he"!) is approximately 200 years and weights 320 kilos - dimensions which has earned him a place in The Guinness Book of Records.

The best months to watch the birdlife for interesting migrants are October, November, April and May. The spectacle of the Sooty Tern colony, when 1.5 million pairs are nesting, can be seen between June and September; whilst ideal snorkelling conditions are between October and April, when the sea is mostly calm and clear.

Further information:

Bird Island's homepage can be viewed at www.birdislandseychelles.com and contains plenty of information on its untouched flora and fauna.

Bird Island Beach is one of the most impressive and unique beaches in the Seychelles. The island is completely surrounded by an approximately 5km beach coastline.

Image libraries:

Aerial and beach images (21 photos)

Island and resort facilities (20 photos)

Flight Description: From Mahé International Airport it is only an approximately 40 minute flight over Mamelles Island, past Cousine, Cousin, Praslin and Aride Island. On a clear day, nearly all the Inner Islands are visible during the course of the journey. To make a reservation for this flight, please contact either Bird Island Lodge directly, or use our secure booking form. For other destinations just click on a relevant flight connection below.

Tarrifs for entire helicopter (irrespective of number of passengers)

From	To	Price (EUR)
Bird	Cousine	1438.00
	Denis	1597.00
	Félicité	1604.00
	Frégate	1781.00
	La Digue	1603.00
	Mahé	1585.00
	North	1568.00
	Praslin	1445.00
	Silhouette	1634.00

Please note that all published prices exclude a 7% Goods and Services Tax, which will be added to all confirmed bookings.

Private Charter
When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Let us arrange for you:

A scenic transfer
A special luncheon on a private island
A weekend away
A scenic flight with a beach picnic
A day trip
Simply tell us your requirements and we will do the rest
You may organise a one way trip, a same day return or a return at a later date

For a quote on your precise requirements, please go to our booking form and let us know what you would like to do.