Information for Photographers

Some of the most spectacular wildlife in Seychelles can be seen and photographed on Aride, including species difficult or indeed impossible to find elsewhere in Seychelles or the world. Endemic plants include the Wright’s Gardenia and a species of the pepper family (Peponium), while the Roseate Terns and Red-tailed Tropicbird can be found nowhere else in the granitic Seychelles. Of the one and a quarter million nesting seabirds to be found, there are Sooty Terns, Bridled Terns, Fairy Terns, Brown Noddies and Lesser Noddies and White-tailed Tropicbirds, whilst thousands of Greater and Lesser Frigatebirds use the island as a roosting site. These provide unrivalled photographic opportunities and with the help of our knowledgeable guides you are likely to encounter the vast majority of these species at very close quarters.

Landbirds such as the Seychelles Magpie-Robin, the Seychelles Warbler, the Seychelles Sunbird, the Seychelles Fody and the Madagascar Fody, Moorhen and Madagascar Turtle Dove are easy to find, while the Seychelles Blue Pigeon again requires some expert local knowledge. In addition to the impressive abundance of wildlife, Aride’s unspoilt landscape in itself can provide photographers with some superb images.

When to come: The southeast monsoon (approximately May to September) is when hundreds of thousands of Sooty Terns, Lesser Noddies and Brown Noddies, and smaller numbers of the rare Roseate Terns are nesting. While the season can provide some spectacular photography, it is also when rough seas can make landing on the island difficult and on occasion the sheer number of nests forces closure of some of the paths (particularly from June to September). The northwest monsoon (approximately October to April) is a far calmer period and access to the whole of the island can be virtually guaranteed. Though in fewer numbers, and with the exception of Sooty and Roseate Terns, most of the species named above can still be easily photographed.

Fees:

• Still photography €100 per photographer per day
• Filming €400 per film crew per day
• Accommodation €50 per night per person

The availability of accommodation on the island is variable and is determined by the need to house conservation biologists or visiting scientists. Should you be interested in staying on Aride your request should be made directly to the island Wardens at least one month in advance.

All fees include an experienced member of the island staff to guide you as well as your entrance. For your own safety all personnel must be accompanied at all times whilst on the island.

Please remember that the proceeds from all visitors to the island go directly to maintaining this globally unique nature reserve, and that a single photograph can sell for hundreds of dollars. We ask that you please be honest and declare your intentions on arrival.