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Aldabra Atoll is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural places. Remote, vast and largely untouched by human activity, it represents one of the last remaining examples of a near-pristine coral atoll ecosystem. Located more than 1,000 kilometres southwest of Mahé, Aldabra’s isolation has allowed natural ecological processes to continue with minimal disturbance for thousands of years.

Often described as a living laboratory, Aldabra offers invaluable insight into evolution, climate resilience and the functioning of natural ecosystems. Its exceptional ecological integrity, combined with its global scientific importance, led to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

The Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) is entrusted with the stewardship of Aldabra, ensuring that this remarkable atoll remains protected, well-managed and scientifically understood for the benefit of Seychelles and the world.

World Heritage

Aldabra Atoll was inscribed as a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 in recognition of its outstanding universal value. The site meets several UNESCO natural criteria, reflecting its exceptional biodiversity, geological features and ecological processes.

CRITERION VII: Superlative Natural Phenomena or Beauty

This means the site is exceptionally beautiful or visually striking.

For Aldabra Atoll:

The vast turquoise lagoon, dramatic limestone islands, extensive reef flats and abundant wildlife create one of the most striking and untouched natural landscapes in the world.

CRITERION VIII: Earth’s Geological and Evolutionary History

The site shows unique geology or illustrates key stages in evolution.

For Aldabra Atoll:

It is one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls and provides clear evidence of coral reef formation, sea-level change and geological processes over millions of years.

CRITERION IX: Ongoing Biological and Ecological Processes

The site demonstrates natural ecological functions still happening today.

For Aldabra Atoll:

Ecological interactions such as grazing by giant tortoises, natural population regulation, nutrient cycling and predator–prey relationships continue with minimal human disturbance.

CRITERION X: Biodiversity and Threatened Species

The site contains exceptional biodiversity and hosts rare or endangered species.

For Aldabra Atoll:

It is the global stronghold of the Aldabra giant tortoise and supports important populations of seabirds, marine megafauna, endemic plants and reptiles found nowhere else.

A “criterion” is one of the official UNESCO standards used to evaluate World Heritage Sites. Natural sites like Aldabra must meet at least one natural criterion (vii to x) to qualify for inscription. Aldabra meets four, which demonstrates its exceptional ecological, evolutionary and biodiversity value.

Access and Visiting Aldabra

Aldabra is one of the most strictly protected natural sites in the world. Due to its ecological sensitivity and remote location, access is highly regulated.

Key Access Information

• Visitors require prior authorisation
• Only approved vessels may land
• Visitor numbers are limited
• Strict biosecurity procedures apply
• All activities must follow conservation guidelines

These measures ensure that Aldabra remains one of the planet’s most intact natural ecosystems.

Fees payable

All visitors are required to pay daily impact fees for visiting Aldabra. The current impact fee is USD 250/day per passenger and crew. The tourism operator will usually arrange for this fee to be paid as part of the package costs but you are advised to check this. For professional photographers and journalists, an additional one-off photography/filming fee will be applied for still photography and video photography, kindly reach out to us for more information on fees.

People who would like to visit need to contact one of the operators who include Aldabra on their itinerary. Some of these operators are:

The operators will arrange your transport to Aldabra either by plane to Assumption or directly on a vessel.

 

WHY ALDABRA MATTERS?

Aldabra Atoll represents a rare opportunity to understand nature as it once functioned across much of the planet. It is a benchmark for conservation success, a refuge for biodiversity and a symbol of Seychelles’ commitment to protecting natural heritage.

Through careful stewardship, science-based management and international cooperation, SIF ensures that Aldabra continues to thrive as a global conservation treasure.

Getting There

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BY PLANE

Aldabra is accessible from the main Seychelles Island of Mahé by charter flight to Assumption Island, roughly a 45 km boat ride from Aldabra, and then chartering a boat for transfer to Aldabra (see details below).  SIF cannot provide boat connections between Assumption and Aldabra.  Flights to Assumption are not scheduled flights and details on chartering a flight must be obtained directly from the Islands Development Company (IDC) who manage Assumption Island and are the sole operator for this route.

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BY BOAT

Visitors can charter a boat from Mahé to Aldabra or arrive on their own vessel. The journey from Mahé usually takes several days. Full details on the commercial vessels that are sailing to Aldabra can be obtained from the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).  Due to the current activities of pirates operating off the East African coast, the Seychelles Ministry of Internal Affairs and Coast Guard have placed strict restrictions on the movements of commercial hire craft operating in the outer islands, so you or your hire company will have to seek permission to provide the required service which includes a security detail. It is recommended that you also seek updated travel advice on the piracy situation from your country’s embassy or High Commission before planning any boat-based travel in Seychelles waters. SIF is not in a position to advise on the piracy situation..

Key Species & Habitats

Aldabra Atoll supports one of the most intact assemblages of island species in the world. Its isolation and minimal human disturbance have allowed wildlife populations to evolve and function naturally over thousands of years.

Aldabra Banded Snail

Coral
Reefs

Mangrove
Wetlands

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Green
Turtle

Dugong

Frigatebirds

Tropicbirds

Coconut
Crab

Red-footed
Booby

Blacktip Reef
Shark

Aldabra
Rail

Aldabra
Drongo

History

Aldabra’s remoteness helped shield it from development, but its global importance was formally recognised in the late 20th century. Following its UNESCO inscription in 1982, long-term conservation management was established, and SIF assumed stewardship responsibility to ensure its protection.

Since then, Aldabra has become one of the most intensively studied coral atolls in the world, while remaining one of the least disturbed.

0916

Discovery of the atoll by Arab Traders

1509

Aldabra, name as ‘Alhadra’, is shown on Portuguese map of Madagascar

1742

Earliest recorded visit to Aldabra by French Captain Lazard Picault

1814

Aldabra became part of the Bristish colony of Mauritius

1878

Earliest recorded scientific study conducted, a hydro-graphic survey at the atoll

1888

First lease of Aldabra for commercial exploitation, first settlement built at Ile Magnan near the West Channel

1903

Aldabra included as part of Seychelles, was separated from Mauritius

1945

Leasing for commercial exploits temporarily stopped

1953

Visit of the famous French Captain and Marine Biologist Jacques-Yves Cousteau

1955

Recommencement of lease for commercial exploitation

1965

British India Ocean territory (BIOT) created, including Aldabra

1967

Plans for having a military staging post on Aldabra were abandoned

1971

Royal Society purcahsed lease of Aldabra and open newly constructed Research Station

1976

Aldabra returned from BIOT to Seychelles

1979

Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) by presidential decree established to manage Aldabra

1980

Royal Society handed over the Research Station to SIF

1981

Aldabra declared a Special Reserve under Seychelles National Parks and Nature Conservancy Act

1982

Aldabra inscribed as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site

1998

Aldabra declared an Important Bird Area (BirdLife International)

1999

18 Flightless Aldabra rails reintroduced to Picard (from Malabar)

2007

Aldabra banded snail declared extinct

2010

Aldabra became a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)

2011

Paper published on nesting green turtles at Aldabra documenting a 500%-800% increase over last 40 years

2012

Introduced feral goats finally eradicated from Aldabra after 25 year initiative

2012

Aldabra research station goes solar with the installation of a PV/diesel hybrid energy system

2013

Introduced red-whiskered bulbul eradicated from Aldabra

2013

Survey showed Aldabra rail population on Picard to have exceeded the predicated carrying only 12 years after their reintroduction (estimated 2765individuals)

2013

Aldabra’s frigatebird population shown to have increased by approx, 10% since 2000

2013

Aldabra marine monitoring programme launched and first season monitoring completed

2014

Aldabra banded snail rediscovered on the island of Malabar

2014

Red-Whiskered bulbul eradicated from Assumption

2014

Aldabra became an IOSEA marine Turtle Site

2015

Hybridisation confirmed between endemic Aldabra fodies and introduced Madagascar fodies

2015

Aldabra fody genetically confirmed as a distinct species Foudie Aldabrana

Threats and Challenge

The Vallée de Mai faces several conservation challenges. SIF implements long-term management strategies to address these threats.

Invasive alien species

Several invasive alien species have been introduced to Aldabra since it was first visited by humans. These species either prey on or compete with native species, with untold effects on the biodiversity of Aldabra. Examples include feral goats (eradicated in 2012), black rats, feral cats, Madagascar fodies (eradicated in 2017) and several invasive plants. SIF is taking measures to research, remove or control these species and has a biosecurity plan in place to prevent further introductions.See EU project page for further info.

Climate change

Rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns and increasing sea temperature all have serious implications for the health of the Aldabra marine and terrestrial environments. As a low-lying atoll, sea level rise will considerably alter the shape of the atoll and reduce the terrestrial area available for its endemic species. Sea level rise and warming are also likely to have severe impacts on Aldabra’s marine ecosystem, in particular the coral reef. A long-term decline in rainfall is already evident and the resulting longer dry periods are likely to affect a number of plant species and the species that depend on them for food or shelter.

Lack of financing

The financial costs of operating a research station on an atoll as remote and difficult to access as Aldabra are enormous.The management twinning arrangement with the Vallée de Mai has enabled the entrance fees from this site to support Aldabra, but this mechanism depends on continued tourism to the Vallée de Mai. The lack of long-term financial security remains a threat to the protection and management of Aldabra and SIF is continually looking for solutions to this problem.

Piracy

The extent of the piracy activities in the Western Indian Ocean dramatically reduced ocean tourism in the outer islands of Seychelles for several years. Up to 2010, Aldabra hosted several cruise ships and dive vessel trips a year which provided much-needed financial support for running the research station. Following this, the worsening piracy situation put an end to nearly all these tourism visits to Aldabra for five years, highlighting the vulnerability of tourism-dependent income. Fortunately, tourism to Aldabra is gradually on the rise again as the immediate piracy threats have lessened with better vessel security and enforcement in the region, but this episode is a harsh illustration of the fragility of tourism as a source of support.

Oil spill

Aldabra is situated close to one of the busiest shipping routes in the Indian Ocean. The International Maritime Organisation has listed the atoll as an area to be avoided by all ships since it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties. There is still a real possibility that if an oil tanker sustained any damage in this area, the subsequent oil spill could have devastating consequences for Aldabra’s wildlife. The recent enlargement of Aldabra’s marine protected area should reduce the chances of such an accident happening in the vicinity of the atoll.

FAQs

1. Can I visit Aldabra Atoll?

Yes, but access is strictly regulated due to Aldabra’s ecological sensitivity and remoteness. Visits typically require advance planning and formal authorisation.

2. Do I need permission to visit Aldabra?

Yes. Visitors must obtain prior approval and meet strict conditions to minimise environmental impact. In most cases, only approved vessels and itineraries are allowed.

3. Why is Aldabra so restricted?

Because Aldabra is one of the most intact natural ecosystems in the world. Limiting access helps protect wildlife, prevent habitat damage, and reduce the risk of invasive species being introduced.

4. How do I apply to visit Aldabra?

Applications are normally handled through an approved operator or vessel planning process. For formal guidance, visitors should contact SIF directly using the website contact page.

5. What is the best time of year to visit?

Aldabra can be visited seasonally depending on sea conditions and conservation requirements. The best period varies by weather patterns and approved itineraries, so planning should be done well in advance.

6. How do visitors get to Aldabra?

Aldabra is more than 1,000 km from Mahé and is typically reached by expedition vessel. There are no commercial day trips and no standard public transport routes.

7. Are there hotels or tourist facilities on Aldabra?

No. There are no hotels or public tourism facilities. Aldabra is a protected site with limited infrastructure focused on conservation and research operations.

8. What should I bring if I am approved to visit?

Bring appropriate clothing for hot, humid conditions, sturdy footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, personal medication, and protective dry bags for equipment. Specific requirements may be provided as part of the approval process.

9. What wildlife can I expect to see?

Aldabra is famous for the Aldabra giant tortoise and also supports seabird colonies, marine turtles, reef fish, sharks and rays, mangroves, and many endemic species.

10. Can I touch or feed the tortoises?

No. Wildlife must not be handled or fed. Visitors must observe animals respectfully and follow all site rules to prevent stress, injury, or behavioural change.

11. Can I use a drone on Aldabra?

In most cases, no. Drone use is typically restricted or prohibited due to disturbance risks to wildlife and the need to protect sensitive habitats. Any filming or drone activity would require explicit permission.

12. Can I fish at Aldabra?

Fishing rules are strict and depend on the site’s conservation zoning and the type of permit held. Visitors should assume fishing is restricted unless explicitly approved.

13. What are the biggest threats to Aldabra?

Key risks include climate change impacts (sea-level rise, coral bleaching), the introduction of invasive species, and accidental environmental damage from human activity.

14. Why does the Vallée de Mai ticket help fund Aldabra?

Aldabra is extremely costly to manage due to its distance and logistics. Conservation work relies heavily on sustainable funding, and revenues from Vallée de Mai help support Aldabra’s protection and research operations.

15. How can I support Aldabra conservation if I cannot visit?

You can support SIF through donations, partnerships, conservation funding initiatives, or by sharing verified information and promoting responsible conservation awareness.