Bird Island is the most northerly of the Seychelles Archipelago and completely surrounded by sparkling white beaches offering safe swimming and snorkeling. It is a coral island comprising of 70 hectacres of tropical vegetation that offers a natural habitat for many bird species – hence the name!
Daily 30 minute flights connect the island with Mahé and guests are accommodated at the lodge. Bird Island Seychelles offers a magical holiday experience. Lapped by spectacular turquoise waters are endless stretches of white sandy beaches offering a true "castaway" feeling. The island's interior can be explored on foot as there are several marked trails that lead to secluded spots.
A reputation for good cuisine and a convivial atmosphere complement great opportunities for snorkeling, deep sea fishing, and nature watching par excellence. This coral island supports a variety of plants including hundreds of coconut palms that once covered the whole island. Marked trails lead across the island to secluded beaches and to the farm from where a good deal of the fresh food comes to the dinner table.
From May to October, the island is home to millions of Sooty Terns that nest at the northern end of the island. Bird Island in Seychelles is also home to a year round population of other birds (at least 20 species) making it an ornithological haven. You will also be in for a treat, becausethe World's Heaviest Land Tortoise, Esmeralda, has made Bird Island his home. Handsome Esmerelda weighs in at a modest 304 kg – very hefty indeed!
Nature walks are organised for guests who will be introduced to the wonders of this Seychelles island. Guests are encouraged to participate in Bird Island's successful programme of protecting sea-turtle nests. Bird Island remains an important sanctuary for several species of fauna.
There is no need for keys on Bird Island, so you can leave your room open, day and night, knowing that you are completely safe. The only visitor may be a Fairy or Noddy Tern. Hawksbill turtles have also chosen Bird as their breeding home from November to February. The peak season is December, when they are commonly seen during the day coming up the beach to lay their eggs. The best time to see the turtle hatchlings tends to be from mid January through until April/May with the peak in February/March.
This private island offers peace and tranquility to a maximum of 50 guests. Here the emphasis is on relaxation – the whole island is yours to explore comfortably on foot- there is no need to hire a car or bicycle. Bird Island Lodge offers very comfortable and spacious accommodation in 24 individual bungalows. Each has its own patio overlooking the gardens with the sea only a few steps away. The restaurant offers full breakfasts, Creole lunches and European style dinners.
Bird Island has announced that some 7000 Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings were released between November 2010 and April 2011 under the provision and supervision of the Conservation Manager. The Hawksbill breeding season ended in March 2011 with a total of 287 recorded nests with the next breeding starting from September. Green Turtles lay eggs throughout the year.
One of the other conservation success stories of recent years is the White Tropic bird. Six breeding pairs active in 1996. Now, around 80 pairs have been recorded.
Inter-island flight from Mahé – approx. 30 minutes.