Aldabra Atoll

Located in the Indian Ocean, the island of Aldabra is part of the Seychelles. The reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects rare mushroom corals, shrubs, flowering plants, grasses, turtle populations, and the underwater world. Excursions to the island are organized as part of expeditions or in the author’s tours.

General information about Aldabra Coral Atoll

Aldabra is estimated by scientists to be on the list of the world’s largest coral atolls. The object is located in the ocean southeast of the continent of Africa. The atoll is part of the Aldabra group of islands. The sites are 1,120 km southwest of Victoria on Mahe. The area of the natural formation is 155 square kilometers. The highest point of the territories – up to 8 m.

In 1982, the atoll was included in the UNESCO list of valuable and protected sites. It is remote from the main trade routes, so people rarely land here.

At Aldabra, research on fauna and flora is regularly carried out, and comprehensive conservation activities are organized. A science station has been set up on the island territories. Scientists observe animal populations, study the plant and underwater world, and develop conservation measures.

Geographic location

The atoll is on the map in the Indian Ocean, included in the state of Seychelles and the group of islands of the same name. The region has a warm tropical climate with high humidity year-round. The atoll is 34 km long and 14.5 km wide. The area of the surrounding lagoon is more than 220 square kilometers. At the base of the atoll is an ancient volcano crater.

Over the past 2 million years, the Aldabra Atoll has been submerged in the ocean no less than 6 times and subsequently emerged on the surface. The cause of the changes was an increase or decrease in the level of the world’s oceans due to the cooling of the climate, followed by a sharp warming.

Description of the islands that make up the atoll

The atoll consists of the main islands:

1. Grand Terre. The second name of the island is South. The area of the formation is about 116 square kilometers.
2. Malabar (Medium). The area in the ocean is 26.8 square kilometers.
3. Picard. Its second name is Western. The area of the washed land is only 9.4 square kilometers.
4. Polymni. It occupies a small area of about 4.75 square kilometers.

There are other small islands nearby, their total number is 46.

History of Aldabra Atoll

In the seventh century, Arab peoples appeared in East Africa. Historians estimate that a lost atoll was found at this time. Its name “Aldabra” is derived from Arabic words. However, the opening date of the facility has not been preserved. In 1511, the maps marked the territories north of Madagascar. Evidence of the study of the sites by the traveler and scientist L. Pico (1742) has been preserved.

Subsequently, the Seychelles came under British rule. Scientists, including. Ч. Darwin, in 1874, urged the colonial leadership to take up the protection of the rare turtle populations on the atoll. Many new species were described by biologist W. Abbott of Britain in 1892. A station was opened on Aldabra in 1971 to accommodate scientists, conservationists. A few years later, the Seychelles received the status of an independent entity, including. in composition with the atoll.

The unique flora and fauna of the mysterious island of Aldabra

The island, remote from civilization, has preserved the pristine nature and wildlife that are protected by UNESCO. The secluded areas are home to giant tortoises, rare birds, mammals, and unusual endemic plants.

Underwater World

The underwater world of the island formation is preserved in its pristine state, as. mass travel is prohibited. The area is home to about 220 species of fish from 38 families.

A safe ecological environment and healthy fish populations are maintained here. Reef species swim among stingrays, perch, mackerel, and seahorses.

In the lagoon of the atoll they organize drift diving along the channels. If you have the equipment, you can see mantas, dolphins, etc. According to specialists’ calculations, the number of fish in the inspected sections of the island is about 3 000 fish per 100 square meters.

Giant Seychelles Turtles

A large population of large tortoises survived on the shores of the island territories. The number of individuals can reach 152,000. Turtles can grow up to 1.5 m in length. The weight of adults can be up to 0.5 tons. By the 19th century, the population declined to a critical level.

However, a protective program and conservation measures have been developed to conserve the giant tortoise population. In the modern period, the population is the largest in the world. Smaller sea turtles also lay their eggs on the shoals.

Corals

The atoll is surrounded by a coral reef, divided by 3 passages. Formations visually distinguish up to 4 large islands. Scientists monitor the condition of corals. In 1998, an expedition from Cambridge University surveyed the area. Discoloration of the outer reefs was detected.

Among the severely damaged are Acropora, Goniastrea, Millepora, etc. The percentage of preserved live coral cover at sites near Aldabra ranges from 3-28% in shallow water and about 0.2-36% in deep water. Corals are most protected in the northwestern part of the atoll.

Other rare animals and plants of Aldabra

As on other isolated islands in the ocean, Aldabra is characterized by a high percentage of endemic species. There are shrubs, trees, palm trees, tall grass, etc. Due to the proximity to Africa, the islands have preserved a rich flora. More than 270 species of flowering plants and ferns grow here. Of these, scientists classify 19 of them as endemic. Around the inner lagoon is a mangrove forest.

More than 1,000 species of insects have been recorded in the area, including. 127 varieties of tropical butterflies and moths. According to research scientists, 36 species of butterflies live only in this environment. The list of protected species includes endemic species of crustaceans, snails, freshwater fish, etc.

Various species of seabirds nest on the shores of Aldabra. The islands are a prime area in the Indian Ocean for populations of rare tropical frigates. Here you can see red-tailed phaetons, white crayfish, red-footed boobies, and many more. others. On the islands study the populations of flamingos, herons, ibises, and sea swallows. The only mammal on the archipelago is the unusual flying fox.

How to get to Aldabra Atoll

It is possible to enter the protected reserve only after obtaining official permission to visit the atoll with a guided tour.

For tourists organize a special support in the organization of the trip. You can get to the island as part of an expedition special group or on the author’s program.

As part of a group expedition

Organizers conduct expeditions to the remote island in the ocean on MV Maya’s Dugong. Trips are scheduled twice a year and last two weeks. There are seven passenger cabins on board. Experts recommend booking the expedition a year in advance.

The expedition program includes:

• boarding the ship on Mahe;
• Visit to Fr. Deroche, Alphonse;
• seaside walk;
• the study of Adabra and Cosmoledo Atoll;
• review of island territories, snorkeling, diving;
• a tour of the north island;
• Landing on Bijutje Island for snorkeling, etc.

Fees include:

• itinerary cruise;
• comprehensive meals;
• service for travelers by a trained crew;
• Guide-instructor services;
• health insurance;
• equipment for diving and snorkeling;
• air travel;
• drinks;
• transfer organization;
• stay on the island of Mahe, etc.

Individual tour to the island of Aldabra

An individual trip to Aldabra is available. For the preparatory work, registration of entry papers will take 3-4 months. The program includes a flight from Mahe to Assampshen. After resting, tourists should take their seats on MV Maya’s Dugong ship. The trip plan includes diving, excursions, a tour of the Cosmoledo and Aldabra atolls, and air travel.

Approximate cost of a trip to Aldabra

The price of an expedition as a group is about $11,000 for 1 person in a 2-3-bed cabin. A fee of $950 per traveler will be required for landing fees in the conservation area. Separately paid for a charter flight (about $50,000) in a plane with 6 seats. For a 7-night cruise, it will cost about $72,000. If the number of participants changes, the price may be higher.