The Seychelles fruit bat, or flying fox, is a large fruit-eating bat you will see flapping across the sky at dusk almost everywhere in the islands. It is harmless to people, feeds on fruit and nectar, and roosts in tall trees by day. It is one of the most visible animals in the Seychelles. A traditional bat curry is also part of local Creole cuisine, which often surprises visitors.
Spend an evening anywhere in the Seychelles and you will see them, big dark shapes flapping unhurried across the dusk sky on wings far wider than any bird’s. These are Seychelles fruit bats, or flying foxes, and they are one of the most reliably seen animals in the country. Far from spooky, they are gentle fruit-eaters and a normal part of island life.
What they are
The Seychelles fruit bat is a large megabat with a fox-like face, hence the name flying fox. Unlike the small insect-eating bats people picture, these are big, slow-flying fruit specialists with good eyesight rather than echolocation. Their wingspan can be impressive, and in flight they look more like a strange bird than a bat.
Why you see them at dusk
Fruit bats spend the day roosting and squabbling in the tops of tall trees, often in noisy groups. As the light fades they head out to feed, which is why dusk is when you see them crossing the sky and hear them in fruiting trees. They navigate by sight and smell, so warm evenings around gardens and forest edges are prime viewing.
What they eat and why they matter
They feed on fruit, flowers and nectar, including mangoes, breadfruit and figs. In doing so they spread seeds and pollinate trees, which makes them quietly important to island forests. They will visit garden fruit trees, so a guesthouse veranda at dusk is often a fine viewing spot.
Are they dangerous?
No. Fruit bats are not aggressive and have no interest in people. As with any wild animal you should not handle them, but watching them is completely safe and is one of the easy wildlife pleasures of the islands, free and available almost everywhere.
The bat curry, honestly
Visitors are sometimes surprised to learn that fruit bat curry is a traditional Creole dish in the Seychelles, served in some local restaurants. It is a long-standing part of the food culture rather than a tourist gimmick. Whether you try it is a personal choice, but it is worth knowing that the same animal you watch at dusk has a place on traditional menus.
Where to see them and how to plan
You will see fruit bats almost anywhere at dusk, including around Victoria, the Botanical Gardens and any leafy hillside. No trip or ticket is needed, just look up in the evening. For more wildlife, the giant tortoises, sea turtles and endemic birds each have their own best spots. Browse verified places to stay in our directory, many with gardens where the bats pass overhead.
Frequently asked questions
Are Seychelles fruit bats dangerous?
No. They are large but gentle fruit-eaters with no interest in people and are not aggressive. As with any wild animal you should not handle them, but watching them is completely safe.
When can you see fruit bats in Seychelles?
At dusk, almost everywhere. They roost in tall trees by day and fly out to feed as the light fades, so evening is when you see them crossing the sky and visiting fruiting trees.
What do Seychelles fruit bats eat?
Fruit, flowers and nectar, including mangoes, breadfruit and figs. By feeding they spread seeds and pollinate trees, which makes them important to the island forests.
Is fruit bat curry really eaten in Seychelles?
Yes. Fruit bat curry is a traditional Creole dish served in some local restaurants, a long-standing part of the food culture. Whether you try it is a personal choice.
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