Sustainable Tourism

Seychelles is famous for its beautiful environment and this archipelago of 115 islands truly lives up to its name 'paradise' with its stunning views.

Cousin Island Special Reserve is one of the islands that receives numerous visitors each year. Cousin  is an island protected under Seychelles law. The terrestrial environment as well as the 400 metres surrounding the island is a no-take zone, thereby prohibiting the removal of any plant or animal species.

Nature in its purest form

A world renowned Marine Protected Area (MPA) managed by Nature Seychelles, the BirdLife partner in Seychelles, Cousin was once a coconut plantation. After years of restoration work spanning over half a century, the ecosystem is thriving.

Tourists visit Cousin hoping to experience an unforgettable encounter with nature. Because of conservation efforts over the years, there are numerous bird species flying or perched all over the island, skinks and giant Aldabra giant tortoises roaming freely on the island, and when it is turtle nesting season, there is a likelihood to see a turtle arriving, digging a nest, laying eggs returning to the see or just the tracks as evidence of the turtle’s visit.

Tourists can visit the island in the mornings (between 9.45 am in the morning and 12.30) every weekday, except on public holidays,  for a guided island tour by one of the wardens. The staff and volunteers give tourists a brief history of the island and point out various wildlife. 

The tourist fees charged are used to pay the Cousin staff and for other costs that ensure the conservation work continues to be managed successfully.

To learn more about visiting the island, please see this link: https://www.cousinisland.net/visit/

How does Nature Seychelles support Sustainable Tourism?​