The idyllic enchantment of the Seychelles has long been an attraction for newlyweds and couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Touch down on Mahé, the main island which serves as a base for all your romantic adventures across the turquoise waters and pearly sands. Here you’ll encounter a myriad of Seychelles wildlife, some of which are extremely rare and endemic to this group of islands.
Reptiles
Take a trip with your partner to Cousin Island to see the hawksbill turtles laying their eggs (one of the only spectacular scenes like this that is visible during the day). Of course, you cannot leave the islands without seeing the Aldabra giant tortoise which is found on other Indian Ocean Islands but is originally a part of Seychelles wildlife. Head to La Digue to combine this sighting with some of the world’s best beaches!
Birds
Seychelles wildlife is filled with an assortment of the largest seabird colonies consisting of species such as frigatebirds and other colourful and exotic tropical varieties like the red fody above. Since this cluster of islands was uninhabited by humans for so long, these ecosystems have had the opportunity to flourish through the millennia, hosting rare creatures found nowhere else. You’ll be intrigued by the rarest of all, the Seychelles paradise flycatcher which is also critically endangered.
Fish & Crustaceans
Venture out to Silhouette Island where there is a constellation of soft and hard corals that provide resources to over 1000 species of fish. While lying out on the beach, enjoying a romantic post-snorkelling picnic, keep an eye out for another peculiar creature – the coconut crab. This colourful crustacean can grow up to one meter in length but is skittish around humans, so don’t fret if a giant crab doesn’t sound as charming to you.
Mammals
The largest mammals on the Seychelles islands are interestingly all marine life! A very rare sighting is the dugong, which is endemic to these waters. Take a ride on a traditional dhow or sail across the Indian Ocean waves on a sunset cruise, spotting orca, humpback whales, Bryde’s whale and a wealth of dolphin species. These striking marine animals like to break through to the surface and can also be seen on a scuba-diving expedition with your loved one.
Flora
Be captivated by the endangered coco de mer plantations on Praslin island’s Vallée de Mai; the only place in the world where this species grows. Another impressive but critically endangered tree to marvel at is the jellyfish tree which is so named because the fruit on the tree resembles a type of jellyfish!
Book your awe-inspiring honeymoon or romantic getaway with Rhino Africa’s travel experts today to see the whimsical wildlife of the Seychelles in all its vibrancy. Read our blog on six reasons to visit the Seychelles to gain some more insight into everything you can do in this glorious destination.