Aride, perhaps the most unspoiled of all the islands, is situated 10km north of Praslin and is known as the ‘seabird citadel’ of the Indian Ocean. The island became protected as a reserve in 1967, and since 1973 when it was purchased by Christopher Cadbury for what is now the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, seabird numbers have multiplied and five endemic land birds have now returned after having been wiped out with the introduction of man.
No accommodation is available, but Aride Island is open to day visitors 3 days a week (Sun, Mon, Wed). Excursions can be booked through Praslin hotels, boat owners and ground handling operators.
