Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve is a coco de mer reserve near Anse Marie-Louise on Praslin, managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation, with guided walks through the palm valley and a climb to a viewpoint over the inner islands. SCR 270 online or SCR 300 at the gate (Tourism Board listing, updated 7 September 2026).
What it is
Fond Ferdinand is a coco de mer reserve in the south-east of Praslin, near Anse Marie-Louise, managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) alongside the Vallée de Mai. In January 2025 SIF announced a celebration on 1 February 2025 of 130 years of coco de mer protection at the site. The Seychelles Tourism Board listing describes it as a sanctuary for the coco de mer. SeyVillas, which says the reserve opened to visitors in 2013, puts its area at 122 hectares, more than six times the Vallée de Mai, with roughly as many coco de mer palms.
How a visit works
SeyVillas reports that a personal guide comes with the entrance ticket and advises arriving in the morning. Besides the winding path through the valley, a longer climb of two to three hours leads to a viewpoint. From there you look towards Curieuse, the Sisters, Coco, Round Island, Félicité and La Digue on one side and Frégate, Mahé and Silhouette on the other; on clear days SeyVillas says Denis Island is visible.
Getting there
The ticket office stands on the road between Grand Anse and Baie Sainte Anne. SeyVillas says a small red and white sign in the car park at Anse Marie-Louise marks the start, and that the site is reachable by bus or hire car along a wide road with steep bends.
Cost and hours
The Tourism Board listing, updated by SIF on 7 September 2026, gives SCR 270 for tickets bought online and SCR 300 in person, and opening hours of 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Weekend hours are not shown, so check before planning a Saturday or Sunday visit. SIF's online system, checked 16 September 2026, also sells a combination ticket for Fond Ferdinand and the Vallée de Mai at SCR 600, valid for one entry to each site within 10 days, and admits children under 12 free. The listing shows payment in cash (rupees, euros, sterling or US dollars) or by Visa or Mastercard.
Tips
Carry identification: SIF's online ticket terms require it on entry. Smoking is not permitted.
Visiting
- Opening hours
- Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm according to the Seychelles Tourism Board listing updated by SIF on 7 September 2026; weekend hours not listed.
- Fees
- SCR 270 online, SCR 300 in person (Seychelles Tourism Board listing, updated 7 September 2026). Combination ticket with Vallée de Mai SCR 600 online; children under 12 free (SIF online ticket system, checked 16 September 2026).
Where it is
Thing to do
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve is a coco de mer reserve near Anse Marie-Louise on Praslin, managed by the Seychelles Islands Foundation, with guided walks through the palm valley and a climb to a viewpoint over the inner islands.
The 4 places on this map
- Baie Ste Anne Maison des Vacanze Place to stay
- Bonnen Kare Guest House Place to stay
- Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve Thing to do
- La Petite Maison Place to stay
Places to stay nearest Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Baie Ste Anne Maison des Vacanze
Self-catering in Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin
One- and two-bedroom self-catering houses in a tropical garden at Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin, near the ferry jetty. Shops and supermarkets are within walking distance, and SeyVillas recommends a hire car for the beaches.
- Families
- Self-catering
La Petite Maison
Villa in Anse Consolation, Praslin
La Petite Maison is a one-bedroom self-catering villa with a small private pool on the coast at Anse Consolation, in south-east Praslin. SeyVillas suggests hiring a car here.
- Beachfront
- Couples
- Self-catering
- Pool
Check availability on Booking.comAffiliate link
Bonnen Kare Guest House
Villa in Anse Consolation, Praslin
A four-bedroom self-catering house directly on Anse Consolation beach, Praslin, with a large terrace over the Indian Ocean and granite rocks, and a hostess who can cook local dishes.
- Beachfront
- Families
- Self-catering
Check availability on Booking.comAffiliate link
Questions
- Do I need a guide at Fond Ferdinand?
- SeyVillas reports that a personal guide is included with the ticket, so visits are guided. It advises arriving in the morning.
- Is Fond Ferdinand open at weekends?
- The Tourism Board listing updated by SIF in September 2026 shows Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and gives no weekend hours. Check with SIF before a weekend visit.
- Can I combine it with the Vallée de Mai?
- Yes. SIF's online ticket system sells a combination ticket for both sites at SCR 600 (checked 16 September 2026), valid for one entry to each within 10 days of the chosen date.
Sources
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, home pageOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Seychelles Islands Foundation: Fond Ferdinand 130th anniversaryOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Seychelles Islands Foundation: Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand ticket purchasing systemOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Wanderer Tours SeychellesOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Seychelles Tourism Board official listing data: Fond Ferdinand (updated 7 September 2026)Tourism board, checked 16 September 2026
- SeyVillas: Fond Ferdinand Nature ReserveEditorial, checked 16 September 2026
- OpenStreetMap Nominatim: Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve ticket office (node 4414970495)Other, checked 16 September 2026
Details last verified 16 September 2026.