Aldabra on a grand scale
Aldabra is the largest island in the Seychelles. The atoll measures 35 by 15 kilometres; its land area covers around 155 square kilometres. The protected area is considerably larger, covering 2,559 square kilometres in total, and includes the lagoon as well as land and marine protected areas. Aldabra was inscribed as a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site in 1982.
When considering these figures, it is worth keeping the different areas in mind: around 155 square kilometres refers to land, while the larger figure describes the protected area, including its lagoon and marine areas. Thus, the size of the atoll and the extent of the protected area are two distinct geographical measurements on Aldabra.
Praslin: World Heritage and biodiversity
On Praslin, Vallée de Mai covers 19.5 hectares and is one of the smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. It is also the only place in the Seychelles where all six species occur together. Its area and the exceptional occurrence of species give the site two distinct aspects: a comparatively small World Heritage area and a community of species unique within the Seychelles.
Another way to explore nature is at Praslin National Park. It is home to endemic, native and indigenous plants, as well as various insects and other animals. These include the Black Parrot, which is found only on Praslin and the surrounding islets. The park has several short paths; Glacis Noire is the only official trail. Biodiversity and trails are two different starting points for exploring the national park.
Curieuse: Mangroves and island history
A mangrove swamp borders Baie Laraie on Curieuse. A boardwalk built on stilts runs through the swamp and provides access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide. The link between path and habitat is therefore direct: the boardwalk runs through the swamp and leads to the mangroves.
Curieuse also has a historical side: the island was used for almost a hundred years as a quarantine site for people with leprosy. The landscape and history can be considered as distinct aspects of the island—the mangrove swamp is separate from the historical context, and neither explains nor replaces the other.
Ste. Anne Marine Park and Moyenne
Ste. Anne Marine Park comprises six islands. On Moyenne Island, within the park, there are remains of early settlers’ houses, pirates’ graves and a small thatched chapel. These three traces are distinct: house remains, graves and a chapel each offer a different, tangible connection to the island’s history.
Access details also vary by destination: the Seychelles’ marine parks can be reached by boat; Port-Launay can also be reached on foot. When planning your explorations, you can distinguish between these two explicitly stated ways of getting there.
La Digue: Veuve Special Reserve
Veuve Special Reserve on La Digue covers 21 hectares and forms part of a 200-hectare plateau on the western side of the island. The figures refer to two different areas: the reserve and the larger plateau of which it is a part.
Staff at the reserve answer questions and help visitors find the birds. An exhibition provides general information about flycatchers and the environment of the Seychelles. Alongside the landscape, guidance and information about birds and the environment are therefore among the reserve’s described features.
Trails and encounters
The Anse Major Trail in Morne Seychellois National Park begins in Danzil Bel-Ombre and ends at Anse Major Beach. Its named start and end points define the trail’s route. At the National Botanical Garden, visitors can feed giant tortoises—another specific way to engage with the wildlife of the Seychelles.
Discover more destinations: Anse aux Pins, Anse Royale, Grand Anse Mahe, Grand Anse Praslin, Bel Ombre, Takamaka, Baie Lazare, Cascade, Port Glaud, Les Mamelles, Baie Sainte Anne, Glacis, La Digue And Inner Islands, Anse Boileau, Au Cap, Beau Vallon, Anse Etoile, English River, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Outer Islands, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Roche CaĂŻman, Saint Louis, Bird.
