Plizio Visual Lab

Coconut Plantation D'Arros

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

D'Arros Island is part of the Amirantes group and has a long history as a coconut plantation, dating back to the 19th century. During the peak of the plantation era, large quantities of copra were produced here annually for export, which permanently shaped the landscape through the systematic planting of coconut palms. Today, the island is privately owned and has transformed into a significant center for nature conservation, supported by the Save Our Seas Foundation. The island's ecosystem includes dense palm groves as well as valuable coral reefs in the adjacent St. Joseph Atoll. The waters around D'Arros are globally renowned for their populations of manta rays and various shark species living in a protected environment. Despite its private status, extensive programs to restore native vegetation have been initiated to provide new habitats for endemic bird species. The plantation's former infrastructure, including the kilns used for drying copra, is still partially present, testifying to the island's economic past. D'Arros currently serves as a model for the synergy between private land ownership and state-of-the-art scientific marine conservation.

Location: Seychelles
Top sights: St. Joseph Atoll · D'Arros Island

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	28	29	28	27	26	26	26	27	27	27
Rain mm	206	110	118	105	97	57	47	32	57	111	122	146

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The D'Arros Coconut Plantation on the namesake atoll of the Seychelles was once a commercial copra production site and is now part of a conservation area. It demonstrates the economic use of the islands before the shift towards tourism and sustainable development.

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Visiting

The atoll is part of a private nature reserve and is not open to the public except under special research or education programs. From boats, the plantation can be seen from a distance, as the rows of palms are still clearly recognizable.

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Where to view it

The best publicly accessible viewpoint is on the water: from a tour boat you can see the rows of palms along the coast. A flyover in a small plane or helicopter also has a spectacular view of the geometric plantations.

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Local products

On the markets of the Seychelles, coconuts and derived products are ubiquitous, from fresh coconut milk to copra. The plantation itself no longer produces commercially, but local cuisine and markets use coconuts from other growing areas on the islands.

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Active season

Coconuts are harvested year-round in the Seychelles, with a slight peak during the drier months from May to September. However, the plantation is no longer actively managed, so there is no harvest season in the traditional sense.

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Nearby

D'Arros Atoll is located near the islands of Desroches and Poivre, both offering beautiful beaches and diving opportunities. A visit to the region can be combined with a boat trip to the snorkeling spots of the Amirante Archipelago.