Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra Atoll includes Assomption and the atolls of Cosmoledo, Astov and Aldabra. The atoll is 1,150 kilometers southwest of Mahe and only 420 kilometers northwest of Madagascar. Surprisingly, Aldabra has nothing in common with the idyllic white-sand beaches of the Seychelles. People come here to enjoy the majesty of nature and marvel at its fragility.
Video: Aldabra Atoll
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Aldabra is the world’s largest coral atoll. It consists of four main islands that surround a lagoon the size of Mahe.
In 1982, Aldabra was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The atoll is so far from major trade routes that almost no people have ever landed on its shores. In 1964, there were proposals to turn Aldabra into an American military base, but thanks to protests from the international environmental community, these plans did not materialize. Currently, a research station operates here. Scientists observe rare animals and plants on the islands, which have almost no contact with the modern world..
There are about 150,000 giant land turtles living on the coral cliffs and islands of Aldabra. This is the largest population in the world. It is home to the Indian Ocean’s last flightless bird, the cuvier’s shepherdess. Aldabra is home to the world’s second largest colony of frigates. Flamingos nest here, as well as a dozen endemic species of birds. Among the reefs swim sea turtles, rays, sharks and many exotic fish. More than 2000 turtles lay eggs on the beaches of Aldabra. Dugongs have been seen here four times since 2001 – these sea cows were previously thought to be extinct.
.Visiting Aldabra is expensive and difficult, but not impossible. You need to get a permit from the Seychelles Islands Foundation. Tourists must strictly follow the rules set out. The most convenient way to visit the atoll is by cruise ship or an organized tour from a travel agency. You can charter a yacht from Angel Fish Yacht Charters or Silhouette Cruises. The cruise will take about two weeks. You can even charter an airplane from Island Development on Mahé. You will then be flown to Assomption, where you can transfer to a pre-chartered boat for the three-hour trip to Aldabra.
.Environmentally-minded tourists can board the Lady Genevieve, a ship that brings supplies from Mahe to Aldabra. But there are few seats on the ship, and you will have to make do with just fish and rice for the whole 12 days. You can spend no more than 2 hours on Aldabra. However, some people are lucky enough to find a place to stay, but then you have to wait for the return of the ship for another two months.
.Other islands of Aldabra Atoll are open to the public. Ships stop at Picard Island, and tourists are taken ashore in rubber boats. The island has a science station consisting of six double rooms where scientists usually live. Once in the lagoon, you will see humpback whales, sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. Snorkeling here is a real treat for the nature lover.
.1150 km southwest of Mahé. Flights to Assomption are offered only by Islands Development (tel: 224-640).
.Seychelles Islands Foundation, La Ciotat Building, Mont Fleuri, Victoria, Mahe. Tel: 321-735. www.sif.se
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