Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Tortoise Sactuary

    Tortoise Sactuary is a protected area in Seychelles.

    Best timeApril to May and October to November for diving and birdwatching. Year-round destination.
    Species
    5
    Big Five
    0/5
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Tortoise Sactuary Map

    Park location

    Recent sightings at Tortoise Sactuary

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    5 species recorded in Tortoise Sactuary3 threatened

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    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Tortoise Sactuary

    When planning your Seychelles safari, we find the dry season from April to October offers the most predictable weather, with calm seas ideal for exploring Aldabra Atoll and its incredible marine...

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm temperatures with occasional heavy showers, often clearing quickly. Humidity is high.

    This is a good month for birding, especially for resident species. Sea turtles may be nesting on quieter beaches.

    We love the dramatic skies and lush landscapes this time of year, perfect for exploring Vallée de Mai without the crowds.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Anse Source d'Argent

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with warm, humid conditions and intermittent rain. The sea can be a bit rough.

    Birdlife remains active. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds on the smaller islands.

    We recommend visiting the less developed islands for a more secluded experience, enjoying the vibrant greenery after the rains.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Aride Island Nature Reserve

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid.

    Marine life is abundant, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving as the waters start to calm.

    We find March offers a fantastic balance of good weather and low visitor numbers, ideal for exploring Aldabra's marine wonders.

    Aldabra Atoll
    La Digue Island

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather transitions to the dry season with less rain and lower humidity. Winds are generally light.

    This is prime time for whale shark sightings, particularly around the outer islands. Giant tortoises are active.

    We absolutely recommend April for Aldabra, as the calmer seas make exploring the lagoon and its incredible wildlife so much easier.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Praslin Island

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Calm seas and minimal rainfall characterize this month. It's warm and sunny with pleasant breezes.

    Whale shark season continues, and the underwater visibility is superb for diving and snorkeling. Birding is excellent.

    We love May for its perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world; the clarity is simply breathtaking.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds pick up, bringing drier air and cooler temperatures. It's generally sunny and pleasant.

    This is a great month for observing giant tortoises on Praslin and Curieuse. The seas remain calm for marine activities.

    We find June offers a refreshing change with the trade winds, making hikes through the nature reserves particularly enjoyable.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Curieuse Island National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds are strongest, making the sea choppier on the eastern sides of islands. Inland areas are dry and sunny.

    Giant tortoises are very active and visible. Seabird colonies are thriving on islands like Aride.

    We recommend July for its reliably dry weather and the chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, though book well in advance.

    Praslin Island
    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with strong trade winds and dry conditions. The eastern coasts can be rough, while western coasts are calmer.

    This is peak season for giant tortoise sightings. The marine parks are still excellent for snorkeling and diving.

    We love the energetic feel of August, with the winds providing a cooling effect, perfect for exploring the islands' diverse ecosystems.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The trade winds begin to ease, and the weather remains dry and sunny. Humidity starts to increase slightly.

    The end of whale shark season, but marine life is still abundant. Birding is good as resident species are active.

    We find September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds than July/August but still excellent dry weather for exploring.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The weather transitions back towards the rainy season, with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers. Winds are light.

    This is a fantastic month for birdwatching, with many species in breeding plumage. Sea turtles may start nesting.

    We recommend October for its excellent birding opportunities and the chance to see turtles beginning their nesting cycles.

    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    Praslin Island

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm, humid conditions with frequent, often short, rain showers. The sea is generally calm.

    The islands are at their greenest. It's a good time for spotting nesting seabirds and observing the rich flora.

    We love the lushness of the Seychelles in November; the rain brings everything to life, and the visitor numbers are low.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    December

    high

    Short Rains

    Warm and humid with a high chance of rain, though showers are often brief. The sea is typically calm.

    This is a good month for spotting nesting sea turtles on secluded beaches. The lush vegetation supports abundant birdlife.

    We recommend December for those seeking vibrant, tropical scenery and the chance to witness nesting turtles, but be prepared for rain.

    Anse Source d'Argent
    Curieuse Island National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm temperatures with occasional heavy showers, often clearing quickly. Humidity is high.

    This is a good month for birding, especially for resident species. Sea turtles may be nesting on quieter beaches.

    We love the dramatic skies and lush landscapes this time of year, perfect for exploring Vallée de Mai without the crowds.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Anse Source d'Argent

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with warm, humid conditions and intermittent rain. The sea can be a bit rough.

    Birdlife remains active. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds on the smaller islands.

    We recommend visiting the less developed islands for a more secluded experience, enjoying the vibrant greenery after the rains.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Aride Island Nature Reserve

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid.

    Marine life is abundant, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving as the waters start to calm.

    We find March offers a fantastic balance of good weather and low visitor numbers, ideal for exploring Aldabra's marine wonders.

    Aldabra Atoll
    La Digue Island

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather transitions to the dry season with less rain and lower humidity. Winds are generally light.

    This is prime time for whale shark sightings, particularly around the outer islands. Giant tortoises are active.

    We absolutely recommend April for Aldabra, as the calmer seas make exploring the lagoon and its incredible wildlife so much easier.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Praslin Island

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Calm seas and minimal rainfall characterize this month. It's warm and sunny with pleasant breezes.

    Whale shark season continues, and the underwater visibility is superb for diving and snorkeling. Birding is excellent.

    We love May for its perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world; the clarity is simply breathtaking.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds pick up, bringing drier air and cooler temperatures. It's generally sunny and pleasant.

    This is a great month for observing giant tortoises on Praslin and Curieuse. The seas remain calm for marine activities.

    We find June offers a refreshing change with the trade winds, making hikes through the nature reserves particularly enjoyable.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Curieuse Island National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds are strongest, making the sea choppier on the eastern sides of islands. Inland areas are dry and sunny.

    Giant tortoises are very active and visible. Seabird colonies are thriving on islands like Aride.

    We recommend July for its reliably dry weather and the chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, though book well in advance.

    Praslin Island
    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with strong trade winds and dry conditions. The eastern coasts can be rough, while western coasts are calmer.

    This is peak season for giant tortoise sightings. The marine parks are still excellent for snorkeling and diving.

    We love the energetic feel of August, with the winds providing a cooling effect, perfect for exploring the islands' diverse ecosystems.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The trade winds begin to ease, and the weather remains dry and sunny. Humidity starts to increase slightly.

    The end of whale shark season, but marine life is still abundant. Birding is good as resident species are active.

    We find September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds than July/August but still excellent dry weather for exploring.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The weather transitions back towards the rainy season, with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers. Winds are light.

    This is a fantastic month for birdwatching, with many species in breeding plumage. Sea turtles may start nesting.

    We recommend October for its excellent birding opportunities and the chance to see turtles beginning their nesting cycles.

    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    Praslin Island

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm, humid conditions with frequent, often short, rain showers. The sea is generally calm.

    The islands are at their greenest. It's a good time for spotting nesting seabirds and observing the rich flora.

    We love the lushness of the Seychelles in November; the rain brings everything to life, and the visitor numbers are low.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    December

    high

    Short Rains

    Warm and humid with a high chance of rain, though showers are often brief. The sea is typically calm.

    This is a good month for spotting nesting sea turtles on secluded beaches. The lush vegetation supports abundant birdlife.

    We recommend December for those seeking vibrant, tropical scenery and the chance to witness nesting turtles, but be prepared for rain.

    Anse Source d'Argent
    Curieuse Island National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm temperatures with occasional heavy showers, often clearing quickly. Humidity is high.

    This is a good month for birding, especially for resident species. Sea turtles may be nesting on quieter beaches.

    We love the dramatic skies and lush landscapes this time of year, perfect for exploring Vallée de Mai without the crowds.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Anse Source d'Argent

    February

    low

    Short Rains

    Similar to January, with warm, humid conditions and intermittent rain. The sea can be a bit rough.

    Birdlife remains active. Keep an eye out for nesting seabirds on the smaller islands.

    We recommend visiting the less developed islands for a more secluded experience, enjoying the vibrant greenery after the rains.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Aride Island Nature Reserve

    March

    low

    Short Rains

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though showers are still possible. It remains warm and humid.

    Marine life is abundant, with excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving as the waters start to calm.

    We find March offers a fantastic balance of good weather and low visitor numbers, ideal for exploring Aldabra's marine wonders.

    Aldabra Atoll
    La Digue Island

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather transitions to the dry season with less rain and lower humidity. Winds are generally light.

    This is prime time for whale shark sightings, particularly around the outer islands. Giant tortoises are active.

    We absolutely recommend April for Aldabra, as the calmer seas make exploring the lagoon and its incredible wildlife so much easier.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Praslin Island

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Calm seas and minimal rainfall characterize this month. It's warm and sunny with pleasant breezes.

    Whale shark season continues, and the underwater visibility is superb for diving and snorkeling. Birding is excellent.

    We love May for its perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world; the clarity is simply breathtaking.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds pick up, bringing drier air and cooler temperatures. It's generally sunny and pleasant.

    This is a great month for observing giant tortoises on Praslin and Curieuse. The seas remain calm for marine activities.

    We find June offers a refreshing change with the trade winds, making hikes through the nature reserves particularly enjoyable.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    Curieuse Island National Park

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    The southeast trade winds are strongest, making the sea choppier on the eastern sides of islands. Inland areas are dry and sunny.

    Giant tortoises are very active and visible. Seabird colonies are thriving on islands like Aride.

    We recommend July for its reliably dry weather and the chance to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, though book well in advance.

    Praslin Island
    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Similar to July, with strong trade winds and dry conditions. The eastern coasts can be rough, while western coasts are calmer.

    This is peak season for giant tortoise sightings. The marine parks are still excellent for snorkeling and diving.

    We love the energetic feel of August, with the winds providing a cooling effect, perfect for exploring the islands' diverse ecosystems.

    Curieuse Island National Park
    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The trade winds begin to ease, and the weather remains dry and sunny. Humidity starts to increase slightly.

    The end of whale shark season, but marine life is still abundant. Birding is good as resident species are active.

    We find September offers a sweet spot with fewer crowds than July/August but still excellent dry weather for exploring.

    Aldabra Atoll
    Sainte Anne Marine National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The weather transitions back towards the rainy season, with increasing humidity and a higher chance of showers. Winds are light.

    This is a fantastic month for birdwatching, with many species in breeding plumage. Sea turtles may start nesting.

    We recommend October for its excellent birding opportunities and the chance to see turtles beginning their nesting cycles.

    Aride Island Nature Reserve
    Praslin Island

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm, humid conditions with frequent, often short, rain showers. The sea is generally calm.

    The islands are at their greenest. It's a good time for spotting nesting seabirds and observing the rich flora.

    We love the lushness of the Seychelles in November; the rain brings everything to life, and the visitor numbers are low.

    Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
    La Digue Island

    December

    high

    Short Rains

    Warm and humid with a high chance of rain, though showers are often brief. The sea is typically calm.

    This is a good month for spotting nesting sea turtles on secluded beaches. The lush vegetation supports abundant birdlife.

    We recommend December for those seeking vibrant, tropical scenery and the chance to witness nesting turtles, but be prepared for rain.

    Anse Source d'Argent
    Curieuse Island National Park
    Planning & reference

    We love the sheer scale of the giant tortoises here; it's a humbling experience to stand beside these ancient creatures. The air is thick with the scent of lush vegetation, and the gentle rustling of shells on the ground is a uniquely soothing soundtrack. It’s a quiet, contemplative visit that offers a profound connection to nature.

    Gate Times

    The sanctuary is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. No advance booking is typically required for individuals, but group visits may benefit from prior notification. Check local signage for any unexpected closures.

    Tipping

    Tipping is not a customary practice at the tortoise sanctuary itself, as it is more of a conservation and educational site than a typical safari lodge. However, if you engage a private guide for a tour of Praslin Island that includes the sanctuary, a tip of 10-15% of the tour cost for exceptional service is appreciated.

    Dress Code

    Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for the Seychelles climate. We recommend neutral, earthy tones like khaki, beige, or olive green to blend in with the environment and avoid startling the tortoises. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. A hat and sunglasses are a must for sun protection.

    Photography

    Photography is permitted, but please be respectful and avoid using flash, as it can disturb the tortoises. Maintain a safe distance when taking pictures. Drones are generally not allowed within the sanctuary grounds to protect the wildlife and ensure a peaceful experience for visitors. Focus on capturing the textures of their shells and their slow, deliberate movements.

    Etiquette

    Approach the tortoises slowly and quietly. Never touch or feed the tortoises; they are wild animals and their diet is carefully managed. Stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing their habitat. Keep noise levels to a minimum to allow everyone to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and observe the tortoises undisturbed.

    What to Bring

    Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
    Insect repellent
    Reusable water bottle
    Comfortable walking shoes
    Hat with a brim
    Sunglasses
    Lightweight camera
    Binoculars (optional, for observing distant birds)
    Small backpack
    Hand sanitizer
    Light rain jacket (just in case)

    Temperature

    27.18°C

    81°F · Range: 26.12–28.03°C

    Rainfall

    288.8 mm

    Heavy rains · 20.8 rainy days

    Humidity

    78.9%

    Sunshine

    9.7 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    6.48 m/s

    23.3 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Tortoise Sactuary Reviews