Wildlife· Aldabra· Seychelles

Aldabra Giant Tortoises (Picard)

9° 23.9′ S · 46° 12.3′ E

About 100,000 Aldabra giant tortoises, the largest population on earth, graze the 'tortoise turf' of the atoll. Picard is the only island where visitors may land.

Seychelles Inner Islands

Practical

Guided walks on Picard follow rough limestone trails to a small viewpoint, past the remains of the 1890s settlement and a tortoise-bone crushing mill. Do not touch, ride or feed tortoises; only two habituated tortoises at the research station may be stroked. Before landing wear freshly laundered trousers and socks, dip your shoes in biocide and check bags for seeds; no fresh fruit or vegetables ashore. At most 120 guests ashore at a time, 15-20 per guide. Coordinate is La Gigi settlement (research station) from OpenStreetMap.

Best for

Walking among wild giant tortoises

Nearby