Bird Island

Bird Island sits on the northern edge of the Seychelles Bank, north of Mahé. It is a flat coral island with one eco-lodge, so a visit means staying there rather than a day trip. The island's own site says its sooty tern colony has grown from about 15,000 to around 700,000 pairs; the birds arrive from March to May, laying starts in June and the last chicks fledge by the end of October.

Access is by the island's flights from Mahé on Mondays and Fridays (check-in at the Domestic Terminal), with a 15 kg checked-bag limit; the island also mentions a boat crossing of three to five hours. It suits birdwatchers and anyone who wants a quiet coral island after the granite inner islands.