FREGATE ISLAND PRIVATE

This private island is about 56 kilometres from Mahe and is just two kilometres in length and 1.25 kilometres wide.

This is the most isolated of the granite islands, is only 12 minutes from mahe by Air Seychelles.

Of all the islands, it has the most romantic associations with the world of pirates and hidden treasure. Some relics on the island suggest that it was a refuge for pirates in the 17 th and 18 th centuries. Ian Fleming who created James Bond, was persuaded from ancient maps de discovered here that a trasure was didden somewhere on the island.

Bred from a population of 150 tortoises some 25 years ago to their current number of over 2.000, these ancient creatures are both symbols and witnesses of unparalleled conservation effort. They have watched as their island home has been progressively restored to its natural state, allowing them to flourish and grow to their present numbers. The sandy beaches of Frégate Island provide vital nesting habitat for two species of sea turtle. Seychelles remains one of the few places on Earth where sea turtles come ashore to nest during the daytime. Every nesting season from October to January, the conservation staff's job it to safeguard and monitor the several hundred nests. They see to it that the young turtles hatch successfully and safely. Guests have the chance to witness first-hand one of nature’s true miracles, the sight of a female turtle laying her eggs on the shore.

Hundreds of thousands of birds find sanctuary on Frégate Island, all together over 100 species, with thirteen species taking up permanent residence here. Through ambitious conservation programs, the Seychelles Magpie Robin and others, such as the endemic Seychelles White Eye and Seychelles Warbler, have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Frégate Island was the only remaining habitat of the "Seychelles Magpie Robin". Almost extinct with a headcount of only 14, it was the second rarest bird in the world some 30 years ago. These charming, charismatic birds have since been restored to a healthy population by our permanent on-island conservation staff. Thanks to a program started in collaboration with “Birdlife International”, they now number more than 100.

Conservation efforts have slowly but surely restored the native flora of the island. Many indigenous species have been planted across the island, including the mighty Takamaka tree – a national icon – and the rare and beautifully scented Wrights Gardenia, as well as the Indian Mulberry, which the Giant Tortoise love to feed on. With its regained ecological foothold and splendor, Fregate Island wants to share the wealth of our flora with their guests.