The best place to see giant tortoises in Seychelles is Curieuse Island off Praslin, where hundreds roam free in a national park. You can also meet them at L'Union Estate on La Digue, on Bird Island, and at the Botanical Gardens on Mahe. The wild stronghold is the remote Aldabra atoll.
The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the icons of Seychelles, a huge, ancient reptile that can live well over a century. You can see them free-roaming on Curieuse Island near Praslin, on Fregate and other islands, in the L'Union Estate on La Digue, and as Esmeralda, one of the heaviest in the world, on Bird Island. The best wild experience is the day trip to Curieuse, where they wander unfenced.
Giant tortoises
Meet the giants that were here long before us.
Few animals say Seychelles like the giant tortoise. These enormous, slow, gentle creatures have been here far longer than people, and meeting one up close, watching it stretch its neck and blink at you, is one of the defining experiences of a trip. The good news is they are easy to find if you know where to look.
What they are
The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the largest tortoises on earth, the males reaching well over two hundred kilos, and they routinely live more than a hundred years. They originally thrived on the remote Aldabra atoll, which still holds the great wild population, but they have been settled on many of the inner islands where visitors can meet them.
Curieuse Island, the best wild encounter
The standout experience is a day trip to Curieuse, a small island just off Praslin. Here hundreds of giant tortoises roam completely free, grazing the open ground and resting in the shade, and you walk among them. The trip usually combines the tortoises with a guided walk across the island’s old mangrove and a beach barbecue, and it is one of the best days out in the country.
Other places to see them
- L’Union Estate, La Digue, has a pen of giant tortoises you pass on the way to Anse Source d’Argent.
- Fregate Island has one of the largest free-roaming populations, though access is for resort guests.
- Bird Island is home to Esmeralda, often cited as one of the heaviest free-living tortoises in the world and well over a century old.
- Many hotels, parks and estates on Mahe and Praslin keep small groups you can see easily.
Meeting them respectfully
Giant tortoises are used to people in these spots, but they are still wild animals. You can usually approach and watch them closely, and at some places gently touch the shell, but follow your guide, do not feed them random food, do not climb on them, and give nesting or resting animals space. They set the pace, which is the whole charm.
Tortoise versus turtle
It is worth clearing up a common mix-up. Giant tortoises are land animals you meet grazing on the islands. Sea turtles are the marine animals you see swimming and nesting on the beaches. The Seychelles is special for having both, easily seen, in one trip.
How to plan
Build in a Curieuse day trip from Praslin for the best wild encounter, and you will likely meet tortoises at L’Union on La Digue and at parks on Mahe along the way. Browse verified places to stay in our directory, look at boat-trip options to reach Curieuse, and pair this with our sea-turtle and wildlife guides.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see giant tortoises in Seychelles?
Free-roaming on Curieuse Island near Praslin (the best wild encounter), at the L'Union Estate on La Digue, on Fregate Island, and as Esmeralda on Bird Island, plus many parks and hotels on Mahe and Praslin.
What is the best way to see giant tortoises?
A day trip to Curieuse Island from Praslin, where hundreds roam free and you walk among them, usually combined with a guided mangrove walk and a beach barbecue.
How big and old do Aldabra giant tortoises get?
Males can exceed two hundred kilos, and they routinely live more than a hundred years. Esmeralda on Bird Island is often called one of the heaviest free-living tortoises in the world.
What is the difference between a giant tortoise and a sea turtle?
Giant tortoises are land animals you meet grazing on the islands. Sea turtles are marine animals you see swimming and nesting on the beaches. Seychelles is special for having both.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see giant tortoises in Seychelles?
Curieuse Island off Praslin is the top spot for free-roaming tortoises. Others live at L'Union Estate on La Digue, on Bird Island, on Cousin and Aride, and at the Mahe Botanical Gardens.
How big do Seychelles giant tortoises get?
Aldabra giant tortoises grow over a metre long and can weigh more than 250 kilograms, with the largest males over a hundred years old.
Can you touch the giant tortoises?
In many places you can gently touch the shell, but only where the guide allows it. You should never feed them or lift them.
Are Seychelles tortoises wild?
Many roam free in national parks like Curieuse, and the largest wild population lives on the remote Aldabra atoll. Others live in protected sanctuaries on the main islands.
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