Plizio Visual Lab

Serpent Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

Serpent Island, also known as Île aux Serpents, is a prominent, cone-shaped volcanic outcrop located roughly 22 kilometers north of mainland Mauritius. Despite its misleading name, the island is entirely free of snakes; the name likely originated from a confusion with nearby Round Island, which is home to endemic boa species. Composed of dark basaltic rock, the island features sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the Indian Ocean, making it nearly inaccessible to humans. This isolation has allowed it to become a vital sanctuary for seabirds. It hosts some of the largest breeding colonies in the Indian Ocean, particularly of sooty terns, common noddies, and masked boobies. The extensive guano deposits on the cliffs are a distinctive feature, often appearing as white patches against the dark stone from a distance. As part of the national nature reserves, Serpent Island is strictly protected, ensuring that its unique ecological balance and significant bird populations remain undisturbed by human interference.

Location: Mauritius
Nearby: Grand Gaube (18 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	27	27	26	24	23	23	23	24	25	26
Rain mm	133	123	131	73	43	29	24	21	24	31	28	46

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The breeding season for seabirds on Serpent Island is mainly between November and April. The best time for a boat visit is the dry season from May to October when seas are calmer.

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Best time of day

Early morning is convenient for watching birds foraging at sea. Late afternoon also gives good light, but avoid midday when birds are less active.

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Etiquette

Landing on the island is not allowed as it is an important breeding ground. Stay on the boat and do not approach too closely to avoid disturbing the birds.

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What to bring

Binoculars are essential for identifying seabirds from a distance. Bring a camera with zoom and weather-proof clothing as it can be windy at sea.

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Getting there

Serpent Island is accessed by boat from Mauritius' north coast, often as part of bird-watching tours. The journey can take several hours depending on weather conditions.

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What to expect

Birds may not always be seen in large numbers, especially outside breeding season. Be patient and scan the rocky cliffs carefully for nesting sites.

Geography

Coordinates

-19.81530, 57.79500

Facts

No snakes present on the island
Breeding site for seabirds
Located north of Round Island
Volcanic rock formation
Difficult to access coastline
Part of a nature reserve

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Round Island2 km · SWExplore →

St. Geran Wreck Site15 km · SWExplore →

Flat Island16 km · SExplore →

Paul and Virginie Monument16 km · SWExplore →

Grand Gaube18 km · SWExplore →

Ile d'Ambre18 km · SWExplore →

Poste Lafayette19 km · WExplore →

Poudre d'Or19 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Serpent Island open to the public?

No, the island is a strictly protected nature reserve.

Why is it called Serpent Island?

Historically there were many snakes; today it is an important nesting site for birds.

Can you see the island from the boat?

Yes, during boat trips you can admire the island from a safe distance.

Are there any tourist facilities there?

No, there is no infrastructure whatsoever on the island.

Is the island inhabited?

No, it is completely uninhabited and serves solely for conservation.

Serpent Island: where is it located?

Serpent Island is located in Mauritius.

Serpent Island: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Serpent Island: why is it worth visiting?

Serpent Island, also known as Île aux Serpents, is a prominent, cone-shaped volcanic outcrop located roughly 22 kilometers north of mainland Mauritius.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →