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Dreizung CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Cousin Island

Island

A protected islet off Praslin, Cousin Island is a nature reserve with seabird colonies and nesting turtles; tourists visit for guided birdwatching, coral-reef snorkeling, and conservation-focused day trips.

Cousin Island VictoriaPraslinLa DigueCousin Island
In this guide

Cousin Island essentials

Website: natureseychelles.org
Admission: Day-visit fees and conservation contributions apply; book through the reserve operator (Nature Seychelles) - contact for current rates
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About Cousin Island

Cousin Island is a small granitic island in the Seychelles designated as a Special Reserve and important wildlife sanctuary, renowned for seabird colonies and endemic species.

Conservation-focused guided walks and short trails allow visitors to see dense seabird colonies and populations of land birds, with interpretive information provided by the reserve staff. The island’s successful breeding programs for the Seychelles warbler and other endemics make it a key site for conservation tourism and research.

The island was set aside as a protected reserve in the late 20th century and has been managed for conservation since, with active programs to restore native vegetation and recover threatened bird populations. Long-term monitoring and species reintroductions are central to its management.

Situated off the northwestern side of Praslin in the inner Seychelles archipelago, the island lies within the Indian Ocean and is accessed by boat from Praslin under permit from reserve managers.

  • Reserve status: The island is a long-established nature reserve of roughly 27 hectares, managed for seabirds and endemic species with restricted, guided visits only.
  • Wildlife highlights: Key species include the Seychelles warbler and Aldabra giant tortoises as part of active conservation and restoration programs on the island.

What to See#

  • Research station: A small research station and visitor facilities support conservation work and guided tours; the reserve operates strict visitor controls and permits to limit disturbance.
  • Trails and bird colonies: Shoreline and interior trails provide short guided walks through native coastal woodland and scrub where endemic birds and reptile species are concentrated.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cousin Island

Visit in the dry season (April-October) for the most reliable sea conditions and active seabird colonies.

Dry season - best for seabirds
Apr-Oct · 24-30°C
Calmer seas and predictable weather make boat transfers easier and birdwatching productive.
Wet season
Nov-Mar · 25-31°C
Warmer with short, heavy rains; some tours reduced because of rough seas.

Weather & Climate near Cousin Island

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2372 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° 375 mm partly cloudy 82% 3.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
February Good 26° - 31° 33° 275 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Good 26° - 32° 34° 190 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.3 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.0h
April Good 26° - 32° 35° 200 mm some cloud 77% 3.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 11.9h
May Good 26° - 31° 35° 176 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
June Very Good 26° - 30° 32° 105 mm partly cloudy 82% 6.9 m/s 2.0 very high 11.7h
July Very Good 25° - 29° 27° 88 mm partly cloudy 83% 6.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
August Very Good 25° - 29° 27° 134 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
September Very Good 25° - 29° 31° 145 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 25° - 30° 31° 190 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.9 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
November Very Good 25° - 31° 32° 208 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
December Good 25° - 31° 33° 286 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cousin Island

Cousin Island is reached by boat from Praslin (the nearest inhabited island). Boats are run by licensed operators - many visitors book through their Praslin hotels or through Nature Seychelles. Transfer time is roughly 15-20 minutes in calm seas.

Tips for Visiting Cousin Island

  • Visits are strictly limited; book well in advance through Nature Seychelles or local tour operators on Praslin.
  • Boat transfers from Praslin take roughly 15-20 minutes; plan to arrive mid-morning when seabirds are most active.
  • Respect the reserve rules: no litter, no taking of flora or fauna, and stay on designated paths to protect nesting birds and giant tortoise habitats.