Discover Nature & Wildlife in the Seychelles

When thinking about a Seychelles vacation, most people might be imagining themselves catching some sun and frolicking on the beach with their loved one. This romantic destination, located northeast of Madagascar, also offers the chance to do some island hopping, where you can experience the uniqueness of each island. As if that isn't enough for a wonderful beach escape, the Seychelles is rich in wildlife and nature. It features amazing underwater life with tortoises, turtles, and whale sharks, as well as an abundance of birds, flora, and fauna - making it an absolute hidden gem for things to do, see, and experience.

With over 250 different species of birds identified in the Seychelles, including 12 indigenous species, bird enthusiasts can imagine the endless hours one can spend bird gazing. The most notable island is Aride Island, located just north of Praslin Island. It is a special nature reserve managed by the Island Conservation Society of the Seychelles. Bird Island, just 100km north of Mahe, and the northernmost island of the Seychelles archipelago, is named in honour of the sooty tern that nest on the private island. Another stop is Cousin Island, home to the Seychelles warble and the Seychelles magpie-robin. Now a nature preserve, it is home to seven species of seabirds with a population of more than 300,000 birds. Needless to say, a Seychelles vacation truly is a bird lover's paradise! Since the 1960s, residents of the Seychelles have become more involved in preserving the natural glories of the islands. Despite the indigenous tortoise population diminishing over the years, they are still the most notable land animal in the Seychelles. Living well over a century, giant tortoises can weigh upwards of 500lbs and are extremely good swimmers, making this landscape a perfect habitat for them to thrive. If it’s the hawksbill sea turtles you are interested in seeing, being one of the most important species in the Seychelles, Cousin Island is the place you’ll find these endangered sea turtles, which have the largest nesting population in the Indian Ocean.

Seychelles is home to more than 1000 species of fish, making the underwater world absolutely spectacular. With fantastic diving along the coral reefs you will have the opportunity to see a fascinating array of fish - from parrotfish to pufferfish. The diversity underwater is outstanding. It also includes moray eels and whale sharks. Snorkeling and diving on your Seychelles vacation promise endless underwater exploration among some of the world’s most dazzling coral reefs and sea life. With over 2000 species of plant life found in the Seychelles, there are 80 that are unique to the islands. These include screw pines, several varieties of jellyfish tree, and palm trees, with the most famous being the coco de mer - also known as the double coconut. This native palm of the Seychelles’ fruit can take upwards of 10 years to ripen. The Seychelles are also home to many different orchids, including the rare and fragrant vanilla orchid.

With so much wildlife and nature to be explored, a Seychelles vacation is the perfect destination for those looking to experience Mother Nature up close on their sunny beach escape.

By Mike Bertoia