Aldabra lagoon and mangroves

Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles

Explored aboard private tenders, revealing marine life including sharks and manta rays.

Places in Aldabra lagoon and mangroves

Onboard lounge dining Casual dining aboard the expedition ship between zodiac excursions into the lagoon.
Zodiac excursion return bar A deck bar welcoming guests back after lagoon and mangrove zodiac excursions.

Best time to visit: April to November, the drier, cooler months with calmer seas ideal for zodiac landings and lagoon exploration.
Getting around: Access is exclusively via permitted expedition cruise ships departing from Mahé or other Seychelles Outer Islands ports; once at Aldabra, private tenders and zodiacs are the only way to explore the atoll's lagoon, mangrove forests, and four islands under expert guide supervision.
Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Language: Seychellois Creole, English and French (all official).
Timezone: SCT (UTC+4)
Current trends: Aldabra Atoll continues to be one of the most tightly regulated ultra-exotic destinations in the world, with mandatory Seychelles Islands Foundation permits and a small number of expedition cruise operators like the 92-passenger Island Sky controlling access to protect its population of more than 100,000 giant tortoises; expert-led zodiac excursions into the atoll's lagoon and mangrove forests remain the defining way to experience its UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem.

Aldabra's four main islands — The coral atoll's four islands, home to more than 100,000 giant tortoises.
Aldabra coastal walking trails — Expert-led walks along the coast revealing unique flora and rare bird species like the red-footed booby.