4 safari lodges
    Praslin and Neighbouring Islands, Seychelles
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Aride Special Reserve

    A pristine island sanctuary considered one of the most important seabird breeding grounds in the Indian Ocean, hosting over 1.25 million seabirds of 10 species. It's also home to endemic land birds like the Seychelles magpie robin and a significant population of giant tortoises, offering an unparalleled birdwatching experience.

    Best timeApril to May and October to November for diving and birdwatching. Year-round destination.
    Species
    15
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    4
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Aride Special Reserve Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    Recent sightings at Aride Special Reserve

    Sign in to report

    15 species recorded in Aride Special Reserve5 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Aride Special Reserve

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Aride Special Reserve

    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

    Aride is a true gem, a sanctuary where nature reigns supreme and the air hums with the calls of thousands of seabirds. We find it an unparalleled experience for birdwatchers and anyone seeking an untouched slice of the Seychelles, offering a profound connection to the wild. It feels like stepping into a living documentary, a testament to successful conservation efforts.

    Gate Times

    Access to Aride Special Reserve is strictly controlled to protect its fragile ecosystem. Visitors typically arrive by boat on pre-booked excursions, usually departing from Praslin or Curieuse. We recommend booking well in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to preserve the island's pristine nature. There are no fixed 'gate times' as such, but day trips usually run from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, allowing ample time for guided walks. Always confirm your boat transfer and island visit times directly with your tour operator.

    Tipping

    Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory on Aride. For your local guide who leads the island walk and shares their extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna, we suggest around 10-15 USD per person for an excellent experience. If your boat crew from the transfer vessel provided exceptional service, a small gratuity of 5-10 USD per person is also a kind gesture. Always tip discreetly and in local currency or USD.

    Dress Code

    Given the tropical climate and the nature of the visit, we recommend light, breathable clothing. Think quick-drying fabrics and light colours to blend in with nature and avoid attracting insects. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip are essential for navigating the island's paths. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are non-negotiable for sun protection, as shade can be limited during walks.

    Photography

    Aride is a photographer's paradise, especially for birdlife. We encourage you to bring a good telephoto lens to capture the incredible seabird colonies without disturbing them. Flash photography is generally discouraged, particularly near nesting birds. Drones are strictly prohibited to protect the wildlife and maintain the reserve's tranquility. Always follow your guide's instructions and respect the designated paths to avoid stressing the animals or damaging the habitat.

    Etiquette

    Aride is a sensitive ecosystem, and respectful behaviour is paramount. We ask that you stay on marked trails at all times and never approach or disturb the wildlife, especially nesting birds. Keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid startling animals and to allow fellow visitors to enjoy the natural sounds. Littering is absolutely forbidden-pack out everything you pack in. Smoking is also not permitted anywhere on the island.

    What to Bring

    Binoculars (essential for birdwatching)
    Camera with a telephoto lens
    High-factor reef-safe sunscreen
    Wide-brimmed hat
    Sunglasses
    Insect repellent
    Reusable water bottle (water is often provided or available for purchase)
    Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals
    Light, quick-drying clothing
    Small backpack for essentials
    Light rain jacket (seasonal)
    Snacks (if not provided by your tour)

    Temperature

    26.56°C

    80°F · Range: 25.51–27.48°C

    Rainfall

    324.4 mm

    Heavy rains · 22.8 rainy days

    Humidity

    79.3%

    Sunshine

    9.3 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    6.45 m/s

    23.2 km/h

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

    Aride Special Reserve Reviews