The Great Marine Migration: Seychelles' Rare Wildlife Spectacle at Four Seasons Resorts Seychelles

In Seychelles, nature moves on its own terms. The Indian Ocean’s great travellers—from sea turtles and shearwater birds to majestic whale sharks—follow ancient rhythms, crossing thousands of miles to return to these pristine waters. Unlike the thunderous spectacle of Africa’s Great Migration, Seychelles’ marine migration is quieter, more elusive—but no less extraordinary.

At Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Petite Anse and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, guests are invited to step into one of the last genuinely wild marine corridors, where hatchlings emerge at high tide, seabirds return to roost after months at sea, and the ocean grants a glimpse of its most secretive giants.

This seasonal movement—spanning summer to spring—unfolds away from the crowds, in a sanctuary where the ocean’s rhythms dictate the day.

An Ocean-Faring Migration

Each year, Seychelles welcomes a remarkable cast of marine travellers, moving in harmony with the tides, seasons, and instincts honed over millennia:

• Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles (October-March / Year-Round) – Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is a sanctuary for sea turtles, with nesting hotspots steps from beachfront villas. Guests can witness hatchlings emerging from the sand, often under moonlight, but always in tune with the high tide—whether by night or in the quiet morning glow or assisted by marine biologists in their first journey to the ocean—a rare and deeply moving conservation experience.
• Shearwater Birds (July–April) – These elusive seabirds spend months at sea, only to return at night, filling the air with their haunting calls as they reclaim their nesting grounds near Desroches’ coastal lighthouse.
• Humpback Whales (July–October) – Every year, the Indian Ocean welcomes the return of the humpback whales, their ancient migration bringing them past the remote shores of Seychelles. These ocean wanderers travel thousands of miles not just to feed but to breed and calve, sometimes visible from the shores of Desroches or on marine excursions. Sightings, however, vary each year due to natural migratory cycles.
• Whale Sharks (July–August) – Among the most breathtaking travellers passing through Seychelles’ waters, the whale shark—the largest fish in the ocean—occasionally makes an appearance, gliding effortlessly beneath the waves. In a rare phenomenon, 2024 saw whale sharks lingering in Petite Anse for weeks, offering guests the privilege of swimming alongside them in an experience that felt almost mythical. While their movements remain a mystery, they are more commonly seen around Mahé.
• Giant Aldabra Tortoises (Year-Round) – Not all great travellers move with the tides. At Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely, their ancient presence unchanged for centuries, while a dedicated conservation nursery nurtures the next generation.
• Eagle Rays (Year-Round) – Gliding like shadows across the reef, they are a constant presence beneath the water’s surface. On Desroches Island, they are frequently spotted at the Aquarium and the Southeast end of the runway, while manta rays are more commonly seen at Poivre Island.

Beyond Observation: A Role in Conservation

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles offers guests more than a front-row seat to the migration; it invites them to participate in its preservation.

• At Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, guests can rise before sunrise to assist marine biologists and Island Conservation Society team members in monitoring nesting sites, ensuring hatchlings make it safely to the sea.
• At Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Mahé, the resort’s secluded bay offers spontaneous wildlife encounters, sometimes without even stepping off the shore.
• For those wanting to explore conservation more deeply, Four Seasons partners with local marine specialists, offering private conservation excursions, expert-led snorkel safaris with Blue Safari and WiseOceans, and immersive programs highlighting this aquatic ecosystem's fragility and wonder.

"Luxury today is about meaningful connection," says Budi Widodo, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Deroches Island. "For our guests, it's no longer just about witnessing something rare—it's about being part of its preservation."

Seychelles: A Last Refuge for Ocean Wanderers

As eco-conscious travel surges, Seychelles stands apart as one of the last great marine sanctuaries. Unlike many Indian Ocean destinations, where development has encroached on natural habitats, Seychelles remains largely untouched—its waters protected, its species thriving.

• More than 30 percent of Seychelles' waters are designated as marine-protected areas, ensuring that migratory species return year after year.
• Unlike other destinations in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles’ remoteness ensures that guests experience wildlife without crowds or intrusion—just raw, unfiltered nature.
• Turtle nesting numbers remain stable, thanks to conservation efforts that have helped populations recover from historic overhunting.

For those seeking a front-row seat to nature’s most elusive journeys, Four Seasons Seychelles provides a gateway to the extraordinary, where every encounter is unscripted, intimate, and profoundly moving.

How to Experience the Seychelles Marine Migrations

The prime season for Seychelles' marine migrations is July to October, with peak turtle nesting from October to March at Desroches Island. Guests can participate in reef restoration programs, guided by WiseOceans Marine Biologists, or embark on expert-led snorkel safaris with Blue Safari, offering an up-close look at Seychelles’ vibrant marine ecosystems.

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