Aride Island Special Reserve day trip

What it is

Aride is the most northerly of the granitic islands, 9 to 10 km north of Praslin. The Island Conservation Society (ICS) gives its area as 71 hectares; the reserve's own site says about 68. It rises to 134 metres at Gros La Tête. The only settlement is a small conservation station on the south coast, and the only residents are reserve staff and volunteers.

A short history

ICS says Aride served as a leper colony from 1818 to 1829. Later its seabirds and eggs were harvested and much of the forest was cleared for coconuts. In 1973 Christopher Cadbury paid for the island to be bought for conservation. ICS took over management in 2003.

What you see

ICS counts around half a million seabirds of up to 10 species. Aride holds the world's largest populations of tropical shearwater and lesser noddy, and the largest roseate tern colony in Seychelles. Thousands of non-breeding frigatebirds roost on the island and soar above its cliffs. Five endemic land birds live here, including the world's largest population of Seychelles warbler. Wright's gardenia grows naturally only on Aride. About 30 hawksbill turtles and a few green turtles nest on the beach, and up to 200 Seychelles fruit bats roost on the island. Bottlenose dolphins are seen offshore regularly.

How a visit works

Only the reserve's own boats may land, so you transfer from your excursion boat at sea. ICS asks visitors never to land on their own, even by swimming ashore, to keep invasive species out. SeyVillas puts the crossing from Praslin at about 30 minutes. Visits follow a guided walk: SeyVillas describes a 2 km loop of about two hours that climbs to the Gros La Tête viewpoint. An older Tourism Board description says walking without a guide is not allowed and nothing may be taken from the island.

When it is open

The reserve's website says Aride normally opens to visitors Monday to Friday, with weekend visits only by arrangement with the Island Manager. It often closes during the south-east trade winds, mainly May to September, and can close at short notice when surf makes landing unsafe. ICS gives the visiting season as October to May. On 16 September 2026 the reserve's website said the island was closed until the end of the south-east monsoon.

Getting there

Most people go with a Praslin boat operator. Surfari Seychelles, whose contact page gives Anse Boudin on Praslin as its address, runs a morning trip that leaves at 8.45am and returns around 1.30pm, with a guided walk of about two and a half hours included. The reserve also lists private yachts and other private boat operators. It asks operators to confirm with the Island Manager at least a day ahead.

Tips

Keep a back-up date, as landings are weather-dependent. Surfari suggests comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a towel and a litre of water each, and advises against dark clothes because they attract mosquitoes. Pack cameras in waterproof bags for the landing.