Bird Island, Seychelles Travel Guide

Bird Island in Seychelles: A tranquil haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, offering pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and eco-friendly accommodations.

Bird Island is a serene paradise located in the Seychelles, a perfect spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. This idyllic island is home to thousands of birds, including the famous sooty terns. You can enjoy walking along the pristine white beaches while observing the diverse birdlife that populates the island. Aside from bird watching, Bird Island offers a range of activities such as snorkeling, where you can explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island's commitment to conservation is evident in its eco-friendly accommodation options, allowing guests to experience nature without compromising its beauty. The island also boasts a rich history and culture, with friendly locals eager to share their knowledge and stories. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore underwater wonders, or learn about the island's unique ecosystem, Bird Island is a must-visit destination in Seychelles.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bird Island.

Visit between May and October to witness the nesting season of the sooty terns.
Bring binoculars for bird watching to get a closer view of the diverse bird species.
Pack eco-friendly sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem while snorkeling.
Book your accommodation in advance as there are limited eco-friendly lodges on the island.
Don't forget to try the local Seychellois cuisine offered at the island's eateries.

Explore Bird Island: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Bird Island

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Morne Blanc Trail

Experience the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife of the Morne Blanc Trail, a premier hiking destination in Seychelles.

4.8

Grand Anse Beach

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Grand Anse Beach, a tropical paradise in the Seychelles with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

4.5

Panorama Trois Frères

Discover the stunning views and tranquility at Panorama Trois Frères, a hidden observation deck in Bel Air, Seychelles, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

4.9

Mission Lodge Cemetery

Discover the rich heritage of Seychelles at Mission Lodge Cemetery, a serene site reflecting the island's profound cultural history.

4.3

Best landmarks in Bird Island

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Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles

Experience the ultimate luxury at Constance Ephelia, where pristine beaches meet lush tropical landscapes in the heart of Mahé, Seychelles.

4.7

Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market

Experience the vibrant culture of Seychelles at Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, where fresh produce meets unique handicrafts in the heart of Victoria.

4.1

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino

Experience unparalleled luxury and adventure at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, a tropical paradise in Seychelles offering stunning views and exciting nightlife.

4.1

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa

Discover the ultimate luxury escape at Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, where stunning beaches, exquisite dining, and unparalleled service await.

4.4

Best restaurants in Bird Island

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Del Place Restaurant

Discover Del Place Restaurant: Where Exquisite Cuisine Meets Breathtaking Waterfront Views in Seychelles.

4.5

The Boat House Restaurant

Experience culinary excellence at The Boat House Restaurant in Beau Vallon, Seychelles - where stunning views meet delicious flavors.

4.3

La Plage restaurant

Experience exquisite dining at La Plage restaurant on Beau Vallon Beach – where local flavors meet breathtaking ocean views.

3.8

Surfers Beach Restaurant

Experience fresh seafood and tropical cocktails at Surfers Beach Restaurant in Takamaka - where every meal comes with stunning ocean views.

4.2

Best bars in Bird Island

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Beach Shak Seychelles

Experience the vibrant flavors of Seychelles at Beach Shak, where fresh grilled delights meet tropical cocktail bliss in a stunning beachfront setting.

4.4

Gecko Bar

Discover the vibrant spirit of Seychelles at Gecko Bar, where delicious food and refreshing drinks meet stunning beach views.

4.0

The Boardwalk Bar & Grill

Experience the vibrant ambiance and culinary delights at The Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Eden Island, a true gem for food and nightlife enthusiasts.

4.3

Ocean Deck Bar

Discover Ocean Deck Bar in Beau Vallon, where stunning ocean views meet delicious cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

4.0

Best nightclubs in Bird Island

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The Boardwalk Bar & Grill

Discover the lively nightlife and diverse culinary delights at The Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Eden Island, your perfect getaway destination.

4.3

Kabana

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Kabana, a premier bar in N.Y.S. Village known for its lively atmosphere and delicious drinks.

4.5

Barrel Night Club

Discover the lively atmosphere of Barrel Night Club in Victoria, where great music, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nights await.

4.1

Bourgeois Bar & Lounge at Eden Bleu Hotel

Experience the perfect blend of elegance and relaxation at Bourgeois Bar & Lounge on Eden Island, the ideal spot for cocktails and breathtaking views.

4.1

Best shops in Bird Island

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STC Hypermarket

Discover the best of Seychelles at STC Hypermarket, offering a diverse selection of local and international products in Victoria.

4.0

Koral Souvenir Boutique

Explore Koral Souvenir Boutique in Beau Vallon for unique handcrafted treasures and local art that capture the spirit of Seychelles.

4.5

GOPI Supermarket

Discover a culinary delight at GOPI Supermarket in Victoria, offering a wide range of groceries, beverages, and Indian food products to satisfy your cravings.

4.8

Veni Shopping Centre

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Veni Shopping Centre in Victoria, where local charm meets international retail.

4.3

Explore Bird Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Bird Island, mapped for you.

Bird Island Essentials

Bird Island is located approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles. To get there, you will need to take a small aircraft from Mahé. Flights are operated by private airlines and usually take around 30 minutes. It is advisable to book your flight in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Bird Island is relatively small and does not have a public transportation system. The primary mode of transportation is walking. Bicycles are available for rent, which is a popular way to explore the island. There are also guided tours available that provide transportation to various points of interest.
The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Bird Island operates on a cash-only basis, so it is crucial to bring enough cash for your entire stay. There are no ATMs on the island, and credit cards are generally not accepted. You can exchange currency at the airport or in Victoria, the capital city of Mahé.
Bird Island is exceptionally safe, with very low crime rates. However, standard travel precautions should still be taken. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings. There are no specific areas or neighborhoods with high crime rates targeting tourists.
In case of an emergency, contact the island's management immediately. There is a medical facility on the island equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses. For more severe medical emergencies, evacuation to Mahé will be arranged. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for tropical climates. Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen. Religion: Bird Island does not have specific religious customs, but general respect for local customs is appreciated. Public Transport: There is no public transport on Bird Island. Walking and cycling are the primary means of getting around. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'bonjour.' Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood, which is a highlight of the island's cuisine. Don't litter; keep the island clean and respect its pristine environment.
To experience Bird Island like a local, take part in the daily nature walks guided by the island's naturalists. Engage with the staff, who are very knowledgeable about the island's ecology and history. Visit during the turtle nesting season to witness this incredible natural event. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters around the island to see the vibrant marine life.

When is the best time to visit Bird Island?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Bird Island

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Bird Island. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonzur
  [Bohn-zur]
- GoodbyeOrevwar
  [Oh-rev-wahr]
- YesWi
  [Wee]
- NoNon
  [Nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [Seel voo pleh]
- Thank youMersi
  [Mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryEskize
  [Es-kee-zay]
- How are you?Kouman ou y?
  [Koo-mahn oo ee?]
- Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?
  [Bee-ehn. Eh oo?]
- Do you speak English?Es ou kapav koz Anglè?
  [Ez oo kah-pahv kohz Ahng-lay?]
- I don't understandMwen pa konpran
  [Mwen pah kohn-prahn]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ti a kontan vwar meni, sil vous plaît
  [Mwen tee ah kohn-tahn vwar meh-nee, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatMwen pa manze vyann
  [Mwen pah mahn-zay vyahn]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ti a kontan peye, sil vous plaît
  [Mwen tee ah kohn-tahn pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Sove!
  [Soh-vay!]
- Go away!Ale deor!
  [Ah-lay day-or!]
- Call the Police!Apele polis!
  [Ah-peh-lay poh-lees!]
- Call a doctor!Apele en doktè!
  [Ah-peh-lay ahn doh-kteh!]
- I'm lostMwen perdi
  [Mwen pair-dee]
- I'm illMwen malad
  [Mwen mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Mwen ti a kontan achte...
  [Mwen tee ah kohn-tahn ahshtay...]
- I'm just lookingMwen zis pe vwar
  [Mwen zees pay vwar]
- How much is it?Kombien li koute?
  [Kohm-byen lee koo-tay?]
- That's too expensiveSa tro chers
  [Sah tro shair]
- Can you lower the price?Es ou kapav rabais pri?
  [Ez oo kah-pahv rah-bay pree?]
- What time is it?Ki letan li?
  [Kee leh-tan lee?]
- It's one o'clockLi enn ler
  [Lee enn lehr]
- Half past (10)Medi (10)
  [Meh-dee (10)]
- MorningBondie
  [Bohn-dee]
- AfternoonApres-midi
  [Ah-preh-mee-dee]
- EveningSwa
  [Swa]
- YesterdayYer
  [Yair]
- TodayAjourd'hui
  [Ah-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [Deh-main]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Kot i ete en...?
  [Kot ee eh-teh ahn...?]
- What's the address?Ki adres?
  [Kee ah-dress?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Es ou kapav montre mwan (lo kat)?
  [Ez oo kah-pahv mohn-tray mwahn (loh kaht)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Kan i arive (loti)?
  [Kahn ee ah-ree-vay (loh-tee)?]
- A ticket (to ....)En tiké (pou ....)
  [Ahn tee-kay (poo ....)]

History of Bird Island

Bird Island, originally known as Île aux Vaches due to the presence of dugongs (sea cows) in the surrounding waters, was first charted by European explorers in the 18th century. The island remained largely uninhabited and untouched for many years, serving as a refuge for seabirds and marine life.
During the colonial era, Bird Island was part of the broader Seychelles archipelago under French and later British control. In the late 19th century, the island was used for coconut plantations, with workers brought in to harvest coconuts for copra production. This period marked the beginning of human settlement on the island, albeit on a small scale.
In the mid-20th century, Bird Island underwent a significant transformation when it was purchased by Guy Savy. Recognizing the ecological importance of the island, Savy initiated efforts to conserve its unique avian population. By the 1960s, Bird Island had become recognized as a sanctuary for seabirds, particularly the sooty terns that nest there in large numbers.
In 1973, Bird Island Lodge was established, offering eco-friendly accommodations to visitors. This marked the beginning of the island's role as a pioneer in eco-tourism in the Seychelles. The lodge provided a way for tourists to experience the island's natural beauty while supporting conservation efforts.
Bird Island has been the focus of numerous conservation projects and scientific research studies. Efforts have been made to protect the nesting habitats of seabirds and to monitor the health of marine ecosystems. The island is also home to the world’s oldest known living giant tortoise, Esmeralda, who has become an iconic symbol of Bird Island.
Bird Island holds cultural significance for the Seychellois people as a symbol of natural beauty and biodiversity. It has also been featured in various cultural and artistic works, highlighting its importance in the national heritage of Seychelles. The island continues to attract nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and researchers from around the world.