Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SEYCHELLES' NATIONAL PARKS
BEST TIME
TO VISIT
PARK
FEATURES
ACTIVITIES
Nov, Dec &
mid-
Mar-mid-
May
Aldabra Marine
Reserve
raised coral atoll, tidal lagoon, birdlife, marine
turtles, giant tortoises
diving, snorkelling,
scientific study
Aride Island Marine
Nature Reserve
granite island, coral reef, sea birds, fish life,
marine turtles
birdwatching,
snorkelling
Sep-May
Cousin Island Special
Reserve
granite island, natural vegetation, hawksbill
turtles, sea birds, lizards
birdwatching
year-round
granite island, coral reefs, coco de mer palms,
giant tortoises, mangrove swamps, marine
turtles, fish life
Curieuse Marine
National Park
diving, snorkelling,
walking
year-round
Morne Seychellois
National Park
hiking, botany,
birdwatching
forested peaks, mangroves, glacis habitats
May-Sep
Port Launay Marine
National Park & Baie
Ternay
mangrove swamps, fish life, coral reefs
diving, snorkelling year-round
Praslin National Park
(Vallée de Mai)
native forest, coco de mer palms, other endem-
ic palms, black parrots
botany, birdwatch-
ing, walking
year-round
glass-bottomed
boat trips, snor-
kelling, diving
Ste Anne Marine
National Park
marine ecosystems, marine turtles
year-round
Environmental Issues
Overall the Seychelles has a pretty good record for protecting its natural environment. As
early as 1968, Birdlife International set the ball rolling when it bought Cousin Island and
began studying some of the country's critically endangered species. This was followed in
the 1970s with legislation to establish national parks and marine reserves.
Not that the government's record is entirely unblemished. In 1998 it authorised a vast
land-reclamation project on Mahé's northeast coast to provide much-needed space for
housing. More recently, the construction of Eden Island, an artificial island with luxury
properties off Mahé's east coast, has also raised concerns. Both projects have caused
