Aride Island is the northernmost granitic island of the Seychelles, covering an area of roughly 68 ha - 1.6km long and 0.6km wide. It is known as the island of seabirds in the Indian Ocean nad the island where more breeding of seabird speiceis than any other island in the Seychelles. If you want to know what Mahe (the main island of Seychelles) was like 250 years back, then Aride is certainly one of the great example.

Over one million seabirds breed on Aride - 18 are native birds, 5 of which are endemic to the Seychelles (Seychelles Warbler, Magpie Robin, Seychelles Fody, Seychelles Blue Pigeon and Seychelles Sunbird) and the world's largest colonies of Lesser Noddy and Tropical Shearwater, the world's only colony of Sooty Terns and the western Indian Ocean's largest colony of Roseate Tern (race arideensis, named after the island). Aride is the only place in Seychelles where so many of these birds can be closely encountered at "eye-level".

The island has one of the highest densities of lizards in the world including 3 species of skink, 3 species of gecko and a species of harmless snake. 

In addition, they have two species of endangered marine turtles, the Green and Hawksbill turtle, regularly seen nesting on the beaches of Aride.

Aride reserve boundary extends to 200 metres offshore, protecting a beautiful coral reef and its associated marine life. Over 400 species of fish - the whale shark to flying fish!

It is said that Aride now, and Aride from the 18s is very different. Seychelles after discovery and settlement decided to start trading coconuts to the other parts of the world. Thus the native trees had to be cut down in other to plant coconut trees to cultivate coconuts - and this is exactly what happened to Aride - they cut down the native trees to plant coconut trees for plantation and at that time, the work of people (15-20) was to collect coconuts and transport to the main island for the exportation to take place..

The island is managed as a nature reserve by the Island Conservation Society (ICS) of Seychelles and is owned by Island Conservation Society UK, a UK Registered Charity - the only inhabitants are the reserves staff including the Island manager, rangers and conservation officers.

Plus, Aride electricity is fully generated from Solar Panels (see pictures). 

Would you like to visit Aride too?