
The Seychelles islands contain an extensive variety of wildlife, especially birds, tropical fish and tortoises. Whales, dolphins and porpoise can be seen between the islands, snorkelers and divers can see over 150 species of tropical reef fish in many spots, including the four national marine parks.
The islands of the Seychelles once supported at least three distinct species of giant tortoise and two of these are currently being re-established in the wild on Silhouette Island. The giant tortoises from Aldabra now populate the main islands as well as the smaller islets. You can discover them in:
The Seychelles are a true paradise for all bird lovers and home to many rare species. On La Digue there still exist about 30 pairs of the rare Paradise Fly Catcher, on Praslin the unique Black Parrots, and the Magpie Robin on Frégate. Bird Island plays host to over a million Sooty Terns, who come to nest each year.
The shallow inshore reefs of the Inner Islands feature different types of Butterfly fish and Angel fish, Soldier fish, Squirrel fish and Sweepers. They also support fan corals and colourful tree coral formations while more remote sites shelter the larger fish species, such as the Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Grouper, Reef Sharks and Ribbon-tailed Stingrays. Most spectacular are the plankton-eating Whale Sharks found all year around the Inner Islands, with peak sightings in August, and October through January.