Seychelles: Nature, Marine Parks and Island History

On Curieuse, a boardwalk built on stilts runs through the swamp, providing access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide. This example illustrates the Seychelles’ diverse natural and cultural themes: landscapes, wildlife and plant life, and places with visible traces of history. When looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Island Nature on Praslin and La Digue

On Praslin, the Vallée de Mai covers 19.5 hectares and is one of the world’s smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also the only place in the Seychelles where all six species occur together. The area figure describes the site’s size; the presence of all six species together is a separate distinguishing feature.

The Praslin National Park also offers a variety of nature-related attractions. It is home to endemic, indigenous and native plants, as well as a range of insects and other animals. These include the Black Parrot, which occurs only on Praslin and the surrounding islets. There are several short paths in the park; Glacis Noire is the only official trail. This distinction is useful when considering the paths and the trail’s status.

On La Digue, the Veuve Special Reserve is located on the island’s west side. The reserve covers 21 hectares and is part of a 200-hectare plateau. The two area figures therefore refer to different-sized areas. Staff answer questions and help visitors find the birds. An exhibition provides general information about the flycatchers and the environment of the Seychelles.

Mangroves and Historical Traces

Curieuse combines a striking landscape with a chapter of history. At Baie Laraie, a mangrove swamp borders the bay. A boardwalk built on stilts runs through the swamp and provides access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide. For almost a hundred years, Curieuse was used as a quarantine site for people with leprosy. The landscape and history give the island two distinct points of interest.

The Ste. Anne Marine Park comprises six islands. On Moyenne Island, within the park, are the remains of early settlers’ houses, pirates’ graves and a small thatched chapel. Traces of past use are tangible features of the island, ranging from building remains to graves and a small place of worship.

Aldabra is the largest island in the Seychelles and was inscribed as a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site in 1982. The atoll measures 35 by 15 kilometres. Its land area is around 155 square kilometres; the protected area covers 2,559 square kilometres in total and includes the lagoon as well as protected land and sea areas. The land area and the protected area refer to different sizes: the latter includes the lagoon and marine areas as well as land.

Trails and Visitor Activities

The Anse Major Trail in Morne Seychellois National Park starts in Danzil Bel-Ombre and ends at Anse Major Beach. The start and finish identify the trail’s two endpoints. The Seychelles’ marine parks can be reached by boat. Port-Launay can also be reached on foot.

At the National Botanical Garden, visitors can feed giant tortoises. This offers a different nature experience from birdwatching at the Veuve Special Reserve or walking the trails in Praslin National Park: here, the focus is on a specific activity with giant tortoises. Together, these destinations show the variety of nature experiences in the Seychelles, from habitats and protected areas to hands-on visitor activities.

Discover more destinations:

Grand Anse Praslin, Bel Ombre, Takamaka, Baie Lazare, Cascade, Port Glaud, Les Mamelles, Baie Sainte Anne, Glacis, La Digue And Inner Islands, Anse Boileau, Au Cap, Beau Vallon, Anse Etoile, English River, Anse aux Pins, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Outer Islands, Anse Royale, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Roche Caïman, Saint Louis, Bird, Grand Anse Mahe

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