Bird Island - Seychelles holiday island sailing yacht charter guide dive diving tailor made travel hotels accommodation

Area Size: 0.70 Km²
Population: 37
Island Highlights: Sooty Terns, Noddies, Fairy Tern, Esmeralda, Hawksbill Turtles, Madagascar Fody

Introduction

Bird is the northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago, just 60 miles north of Mahé. Geologically, the island is located on the continental shelf where the Indian Ocean floor drops some 2000 metres. The Island was originally known as Ile aux Vaches, which derived from the dugongs (sea cows) that once thrived there.

Arrival to the island is generally by way of either of either a small twin prop plane or a skippered sailing trip. Alternatively, some may choose to visit the island via a bareboat charter.

Bird promotes itself as a relaxing, yet informal island retreat. It is the ideal island to simply wonder around and soak up the atmosphere.

As its name suggests, the island is renowned for its spectacular array of birdlife. As such, back in 1776, it was reported by a passing ship that the island was "covered with birds innumerable". However, when Bird was taken over by its current owners in 1967, it was evident that the bird populations had dramatically dropped, with the majority confined solely to the northernmost part of the island. Since then, conservation efforts have been at the forefront of life on Bird, ventures of which have been implemented successfully in concordance with the island's tourism industry. For keen bird watcher, the best times to visit Bird Island are in October and November and during April and May.

Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell, Carina Hall, Doug Howes & STB

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