Plizio Visual Lab

Booby Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Booby Island is a prominent granitic island located between Praslin and Aride, named after the boobies that nest there. The island's barren, rocky landscape provides convenient conditions for seabirds that breed in the crevices and on the ledges of the granite cliffs. In addition to the namesake boobies, frigatebirds and various species of terns are also found here. The island is designated as a nature reserve and is generally off-limits to tourists to avoid disturbing the breeding colonies. The surrounding waters are known for their strong currents and host a rich marine flora and fauna. The island's geological formation is typical of the inner Seychelles and bears witness to the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana about 75 million years ago. Historically, the island was hardly utilized, which has contributed to its ecological state remaining largely pristine. Scientific monitoring is periodically conducted to track the health of its bird populations.

Location: Seychelles
Top sights: Anse Badamier · Grand Anse
Nearby: Amitié (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	28	29	28	27	26	26	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	207	109	106	115	94	80	55	62	108	117	124	164

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for birdwatching on Booby Island is during the dry season from May to September. Many seabirds nest on the cliffs during this period, and visibility is at its best.

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Best time of day

Early mornings are well-suited for watching birds leave their nests. Late afternoon they return, offering spectacular flight displays.

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Etiquette

Keep distance from nests and nesting birds to avoid stress. Do not enter restricted areas and leave no litter on the island.

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What to bring

Binoculars with good magnification are essential for observing birds from a distance. Sturdy shoes are needed for the rocky terrain, and a hat protects from the sun.

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Getting there

Booby Island is only accessible by boat, typically via organized trips from Praslin. Landing can be challenging, so waterproof bags are recommended.

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What to expect

Bird colonies can be fickle, so be patient and scan the cliffs carefully. Rare species are occasionally seen, but the main draw are the brown boobies and frigatebirds.