Main image

Remi Jouan CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Aride Island

Island

Aride Island, north of Praslin in Seychelles, operates as a nature reserve with notable seabird colonies, walking trails and strict visitor limits; ecotourists arrive for birdwatching and reef snorkeling.

Aride Island VictoriaPraslinLa DigueAride Island
In this guide

Aride Island essentials

Country: Seychelles
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Rupee (₨)
Language: English

Aride Island at a Glance

About Aride Island

Aride Island is a protected nature reserve in the Seychelles, noted for its seabird colonies and endemic plant and reptile species. It is managed for conservation and scientific purposes.

The island is known for large breeding populations of seabirds, including noddies and terns, and for dense native vegetation in places. Visitor facilities are limited and trips are typically organized as guided conservation visits rather than open tourism.

Aride has been managed as a conservation area for several decades to protect its bird colonies and native species. Conservation measures have included invasive species control and habitat restoration.

Aride sits off the northern waters of Praslin in the inner Seychelles archipelago and is reached by boat from larger islands in the group.

  • Wildlife importance: An internationally recognised seabird breeding site with significant colonies of terns, noddies and shearwaters, and important endemic flora and fauna.
  • Visitor access: Access is controlled for conservation reasons; visits are usually limited to guided tours by arrangement.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Aride Island

Visit in the dry season for better seabird nesting observations and reliable boat access.

Dry Season
May-Oct · 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Best for wildlife viewing and calmer seas in the Seychelles.

Weather & Climate near Aride Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2345 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyOctoberJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 26° - 31° 33° 372 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
February Good 26° - 31° 33° 273 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Good 26° - 32° 34° 189 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.3 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Good 26° - 32° 34° 192 mm some cloud 77% 3.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 11.9h
May Good 26° - 31° 34° 165 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
June Very Good 26° - 30° 32° 102 mm partly cloudy 82% 6.9 m/s 2.0 very high 11.7h
July Very Good 25° - 29° 27° 87 mm partly cloudy 83% 6.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
August Very Good 25° - 29° 27° 135 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
September Very Good 25° - 29° 30° 146 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 25° - 30° 31° 190 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
November Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 209 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
December Good 25° - 31° 33° 285 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Aride Island

Access to Aride is by authorized boat trips from Praslin; as a protected nature reserve, visitor numbers are limited and must be booked through official conservation operators.

Tips for Visiting Aride Island

  • Aride is a strict nature reserve - access is controlled to protect bird colonies; check Seychelles conservation regulations before planning a visit.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens for seabird watching; some species nest in dense, fragile habitats.