Aride Island Nature Reserve in Seychelles: Everything You Need to Know
Aride Island, a granitic island 10 kilometers from Praslin Island, is a jewel in the crown of the Seychelles. The island has more varieties of seabirds than just about every other island in Seychelles, and it is home to some of the most beautiful seabird species in the Indian Ocean. In 2004, the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles was given control of the island, which was renamed Aride Island Nature Reserve under Seychelles legislation.
Visit the reserve to see the region’s nature in all of its untouched glory if you’re interested in the history of Seychelles about 250 years ago before humans inhabited it. Rangers, conservation officials, and two volunteers are among the few persons who stay on the island. Get the most out of your island vacation when you book a tour of Aride Island from Praslin or another nature reserve beach hotel in Seychelles!
Aride Island Facts
Aride Island: How to Get There
Over the last several years, Aride Island Nature Reserve in Seychelles has grown in popularity, and many people are curious about how to get to the best seabird island in the western Indian Ocean. Guests from the best all-inclusive resorts in Seychelles must disembark and board small boats to approach the island, which may be a wet and rough journey because only official reserve vessels are permitted to land on the island.
Aride Island Nature Reserve in the Seychelles is most enjoyable between November and February, as this is when most migrating species of birds can be spotted at their most plentiful. Regardless of the day or month you visit, arrive by 10:00 a.m. and try to remain silent when returning to the boat because this is when the birds begin to perch to rest.
Aride Island’s Attractions
There hasn’t been enough spoken about Aride Island’s flora and fauna, and we believe that no words could ever portray the island’s spectacular glory! You’ll observe luxuriant vegetation covering every inch of the island, including coconut and palm trees to guava and orange plants, as you gaze everywhere.
The lovely-smelling Wright’s gardenia, a unique plant species that reaches 6 meters in height and is covered with red and white calyx, is one of the most prominent sightings here. Locals name this plant “bwa sitron” because of its dainty-looking fruits, which are little and lemon-shaped.
Visitors from around the world gather on the tour of Aride Island to experience Seychelles and its natural beauty. Approximately two kilometers are covered on the tour, and the point of departure is the former home of Christopher Cadbury, the famous British chocolate maker.
This tour takes about two hours to complete and is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. A beautiful banana farm on the left and numerous tropical birds roosting behind rocks on the right will greet you as you begin your tour. You’ll notice some interesting trees along the way, the fruits of which are utilized to support the island’s residents. When you are done with this tour, it will be perfect to unwind and relax in Story Seychelles Spa and Leisure in Mahe.
A freshwater pool full of fish is another interesting feature, whose origins still remain a mystery. Aside from the aforementioned, you can expect to see a lot of lizards too. The sounds of cardinal birds chirping can be heard at the intersection if you’re lucky. Other species found here include mudskippers, which live alongside crabs and survive by taking oxygen from the air and water.
Also Read, The Seychelles’ Best Beaches here.
Why Should You Visit Aride Island?
You will be welcomed with a wonderful view of everything after walking uphill for over 135 meters: the ocean, the north, and the surrounding islands of Mahe, Praslin, Cousine, La Digue, Marianne, and others. This could be the highlight of your trip to Seychelles, with a variety of Aride Island birds circling the mountain peaks! It’s also a beautiful location for couples spending their anniversary or honeymoon!
You may appreciate the actual splendor of Aride’s numerous living creatures when walking around the nicely put-out circular trail. You can spot the pretty katakoi fish swimming in the peaceful, still waters if you walk to the left of the road. Even though these fish appear to be delicate and little, their strong mouths break coral skeletons apart and their jaws ground them further.
The Seychelles beaches are known for their magnificent and smooth white beaches and for the fact that they are often visited by turtles for breeding, so there is no reason why you should miss them as well. Up north, you will find trees like Mapou, Takamaka, and Lafourche which are believed to be the first living organisms to thrive on the island.
Where To Stay
Check out Story Seychelles Offers and book your accommodation at the Best Beach Resort in Mahe Seychelles, before visiting Aride Island. Located near Beau Vallon Beach, one of Mahè’s most elegant neighborhoods, only 10 minutes from Victoria (the capital), 5 minutes from Morne Seychelles National Park, and 20 minutes from Seychelles International Airport.
Beau Vallon Beach is the only year-round swimmable beach in Mahe, with 3 kilometers of white sand and blue water. This Boutique Resort boasts a beautiful reef that can be reached by swimming 50 meters from the beach, making it one of the best honeymoon resorts in the Seychelles.
Check out our site for more recommendations and Seychelles’ all-inclusive honeymoon packages in this island paradise.
Astonished? We’re sure you are! Having learned all there is to know about Aride Island Nature Reserve, all that remains is for you to schedule your vacation to the Seychelles and begin your perfect holiday! Don’t forget to tell us about it in the comments box below, after you’ve returned from your amazing adventure.
You can also check out our blog about The Top 10 Things to Do in Seychelles: A Comprehensive Guide.
