Birdwatching at Cousin or Aride Island Nature Reserves
Birdwatching trips to Cousin or Aride Island offer world-class opportunities to see Seychelles' endemic and breeding seabird colonies in protected, predator-free habitats. Both reserves are internationally important for conservation and are managed to protect nesting seabirds and forest-dependent endemics. Visits are guided, focused on minimal disturbance, and combine seabird colony viewing with forest walks to encounter rare land birds.
Location
Cousin Island Special Reserve or Aride Island Nature Reserve (access from Praslin), Praslin (nearest island / departure point), Seychelles
Duration
Typical duration: 3–6 hours (half-day) for a single reserve visit; combined trips or private charters can be full-day 7–9 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, with the best bird activity in the early morning. Peak breeding and seabird-nesting activity is often most notable from April to November, but many species can be seen throughout the year.
Pricing
Approximate pricing:
- Shared half-day (group) trip: USD 60–100 per person (includes return boat transfer from Praslin, island landing/entry fee, and guided walk).
- Full-day or private charter: USD 150–400+ depending on boat size and inclusions.
- Reserve/entry fees: typically USD 10–40 per person (varies by reserve and operator). Prices and availability are seasonal and subject to change; book in advance and confirm whether park fees are included.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Endemic land birds: Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), Seychelles magpie-robin (Copsychus sechellarum), Seychelles fody (Foudia sechellarum)
Seabirds & tropicbirds: large colonies of wedge-tailed shearwaters, noddies and terns, and frequent sightings of red-tailed or white-tailed tropicbirds
Aride highlights: one of the largest seabird colonies in the western Indian Ocean and excellent guided viewing platforms
Cousin highlights: established predator-free reserve, managed reintroductions and close-up views of endemic forest species
Other wildlife: giant land tortoises, rare reptiles, and rich marine life visible from shore or on the boat approach
Itinerary
Morning pickup or meet at the Praslin jetty / chosen departure point.
Early starts are recommended — bird activity and cooler conditions make mornings best.
Boat transfer to the chosen reserve (Cousin or Aride).
Transfers typically take 15–45 minutes depending on departure point and sea conditions. Wear a lifejacket for open-boat crossings.
Guided nature walk and birdwatching circuit on the reserve.
Guides focus on locating endemic land birds, seabird colonies, and explaining conservation efforts. Walks are on maintained trails but can include short uneven sections.
Return boat transfer to Praslin and drop-off.
Some operators include a short snorkel or beach stop if doing a full-day or charter trip.
Safety Requirements
Be comfortable with short open-boat transfers; seas can be choppy — motion-sickness medication recommended if prone to seasickness.
Wear sturdy, closed or closed-toe walking shoes for uneven reserve trails; reef shoes if landing on rocky shores.
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and sufficient drinking water — island shade is limited in some areas.
Follow guide instructions and stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing nesting birds and fragile habitats.
Children may be restricted on some reserves or require close supervision — check age restrictions with the operator.
Tips
Bring good binoculars, a field guide or app for Seychelles birds, and a camera with a zoom lens if you want close-up photos.
Dress in light, neutral-coloured clothing to reduce disturbance to wildlife; avoid bright colours and strong fragrances.
Carry reusable water and avoid single-use plastics — reserves emphasize strict conservation practices.
Book guided visits in advance as access to Cousin and Aride is limited and numbers are controlled to protect nesting birds.
Respect all reserve rules: no feeding, no collecting, and keep noise to a minimum. Guides will advise on the best viewing distances.
Check sea and weather conditions the day before departure; operators may cancel or reschedule in poor conditions for safety and wildlife protection.
If you want to focus on particular species (e.g., Seychelles warbler or magpie-robin), tell your guide in advance so they can tailor the walk.
