Nature
NaturePlatte Island is alive with diverse wildlife and marine life including endangered marine and bird species, Hawksbill and Green Turtles, and a family of Giant Aldabra Tortoises. Gain a deeper understanding of this natural haven at our Discovery Centre, explore our 3.5 km shoreline or join one of our expert led experiences such as a sunrise wildlife walk and Giant Aldabra Tortoise feeding.
Discovery Center
Explore the island’s unique ecosystems, diverse wildlife, marine species, and rich flora and fauna. Here you can also find out about our active initiatives to protect and maintain the environment including Sea Turtle protection & monitoring, eco-friendly infrastructure, solar farm, desalination & water conservation, mosquito control programme, waste management systems and partnerships with local conservation authorities.
Ecosystems
Once a coconut plantation, the island is now thriving with tropical vegetation and surrounded by waters that contain roughly 9% of the total seagrass habitat in the Seychelles. Covering approximately 11,274 hectares (113 km²), this area absorbs around 1.3 million tonnes of carbon each year. Commonly referred to as ‘Turtle Grass,’ seagrass is an essential marine ecosystem, teeming with sea life and vital for maintaining high air quality.
Wildlife
WildlifePlatte Island is a haven of biodiversity, home to nesting sea turtles, vibrant marine life including juvenile rays and sharks, rare birds and even humpback whales and dolphins in season.
Sea Turtles
Sea Turtles
Platte Island is home to significant populations of Hawksbill and Green turtles. These turtles use the island’s beaches for nesting, while its surrounding waters provide an essential habitat for juvenile turtles to grow and thrive.
Marine Life
Marine Life
Platte Island’s surrounding waters are rich in marine life, serving as a nursery for juvenile species like rays, blacktip and lemon sharks, and a variety of fish. Humpback whales and dolphins may also be spotted in the surrounding waters. Whales being most likely in July and November.
Avian Life
Avian Life
The island’s unique ecosystem attracts both resident and migratory bird species, such as white terns, red-tailed tropicbirds, brown and lesser noddies, and frigatebirds.
Giant Aldabra Tortoises
Giant Aldabra Tortoises
Platte Island is home to five Giant Aldabra tortoises, a species unique to the Seychelles. Known for their impressive size and long lifespan, their presence highlights the island’s importance in preserving this iconic species.
Nature Activities
Sunrise Wildlife Walk
An early morning exploration and opportunity to experience the island’s vibrant wildlife at dawn.
Island Wildlife Hop
A guided island tour and opportunity to gain valuable environmental insights as well as witness marine life and visit the tortoise habitat.
Discovery Centre Tour
Deepen your understanding of the island’s unique ecosystems and conservation efforts with a private tour of our Discovery Centre and expert led presentation.
Tortoise Feeding
Encounter the island’s oldest residents—five majestic Giant Aldabra Tortoises—and witness a feeding session in their natural habitat.