Bird Island Seychelles Travel Guide
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé serves as the main international gateway. All international flights land here. Bird Island Airport (BII) is a private airstrip on Bird Island. It accommodates only charter flights from Mahé.
International to Mahé (SEZ): Airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Condor, Air France, British Airways, and Air Seychelles. Domestic to An Island for birds (BII): Air Seychelles operates daily charter flights from Mahé. Lodge booking often includes these flights. This arrangement supports seamless transfers and manages limited capacity.
For flights abroad from Mahé (SEZ), arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. This period gives ample time for check-in, security, and last-minute purchases.
International flight prices to SEZ change seasonally, peaking during popular European holidays (July-Aug, Dec-Jan). Charter flight prices to Bird Island hold relatively stable year-round.
Limited charter capacity makes booking your flight well in advance, regardless of season, a means for securing your spot.
No public ferry services operate to Bird Island due to its significant distance from Mahé. The inter-island ferries typically connect Mahé, Praslin, and The Island of bicycles.
Private yacht charters offer a possible, though less common and more expensive, alternative to the charter flight. If you consider arriving by private yacht, prior arrangements directly with An Island for birds Lodge are a must.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for standard tourist arrivals to Bird Island. All formal immigration clearance occurs at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé upon your first entry into the country.
River transportation options do not exist in Seychelles, as the islands do not have significant navigable rivers. This mode of transport is entirely irrelevant for your journey to A Bird sanctuary.
Departure tax typically appears in your international air ticket price from SEZ. No separate departure fee is due directly from Bird Island.
SEZ offers standard international airport facilities: check-in, security, duty-free, lounges. BII's airstrip facilities appear very basic. Guests explore from lodge and walk to airstrip. No shops or services at the airstrip.
Departure tax appears in your international air ticket price from SEZ. No separate fees from Bird Island.
Lodge staff advise precise departure timings from A Bird sanctuary, coordinating with your international flight.
The small airstrip means a quick and efficient transfer from the lodge; no extensive facilities.
Before leaving A Bird sanctuary, a final check of your travel documents plus schedule brings peace of mind.
Lodge coordination for your departure to Mahé simplifies your onward journey. This ensures you make your international flight without stress.
Ensure luggage meets airline weight limits for both charter and international flights.
Plan ample time at SEZ for check-in and security, especially during peak travel times.
Duty-free shops at SEZ offer last-minute shopping opportunities.
Bird Island's remote location signifies air travel as the sole practical access. Plan international and domestic flights with care for a smooth journey.
