Also known as " Ile Aux Vaches " probably because of the sea mammals - dudongs, which populated its shores when it was discovered, Bird Island is probably the only place in the world where visitors can share an island with millions of seabirds. This occurs between May and October each year when the sooty terns arrive to breed on the island. Other seabirds including the fairy terns and crested terns as well as noddys also breed on the island. The island is surrounded by a perfectly white beach and an azure sea while the reefs around provide excellent snorkelling. Covered mainly by casuarina and coconut palms, the island is also home to what is believed to be the world's oldest and heaviest land tortoise - Esmeralda