Bird Island is a remarkable destination for an unforgettable fishing trip around Bird Island, Seychelles—a breathtaking nature reserve famed for its white-sand beaches, bird sanctuary, and pristine waters. This guide provides an overview of how to reach Bird Island, where to stay, and how to plan a fishing adventure. Two options are available: a relaxing stay at Bird Island Lodge with daily fishing, or the experience of renting a fishing catamaran to explore the surrounding waters. From choosing the right watercraft for a Seychelles fishing charter to selecting the most suitable techniques, discover the best seasons and the species you can target while jigging, popping, or trolling around Bird Island.
A fishing trip to Bird Island can turn your next holiday into a memorable experience. In the first part of this article, you’ll learn the essentials for reaching Bird Island and arranging your stay. The later sections cover the main fishing techniques and the species you can catch while jigging, popping, or trolling around Bird Island in Seychelles. Practical information on peak fishing seasons will also help you plan your trip.
Leopard 48 – Catamaran in the Seychelles
Leopard 48 in the Seychelles: di…
Catamaran Fishing Seychelles - Léopard 48
Fishing Mahé Island
Where is the breathtaking Bird Island?
Bird Island is the northernmost island of the Seychelles archipelago, a 170-acre coralline paradise set amid the Indian Ocean. From the air, you’ll notice the protective barrier reef fringing the east and south, sheltering an explosion of tropical fish, while the open beaches invite swimming and shore-based fishing opportunities.
Not to be confused with similarly named “Aves/Isla Aves” in the Caribbean (near Venezuela and the Dominican Republic), Seychelles’ Bird Island has its own unique history and conservation story. Before private ownership in 1967, the island saw coconut, papaya, and cotton plantations and substantial guano extraction—an estimated 17,000 tons between 1896 and 1906. Since then, dedicated efforts have protected native fauna, including iconic seabird colonies and hawksbill turtle nesting sites. Today, Bird Island is a spectacular, reasonably priced getaway with comfortable accommodations, natural scenery, and countless activities—including world-class fishing.
How to reach Bird Island
Because it is surrounded by water and scheduled sea links are limited, the only practical way to reach Bird Island is by air. All air transport to and from Bird Island is managed by Air Seychelles (a certified 4-star airline). A 30-minute flight on a light aircraft from Mahé (domestic terminal of the International Airport) brings you to Bird Island. Daily flights are scheduled, and private charter options can also be arranged via the airline’s reservations team.
On Bird Island for your fishing trip
As you approach, you’ll see the reef-protected lagoons to the east and south—home to many varieties of colorful tropical fish—and wide open beaches elsewhere, offering superb swimming and fishing.
Two options for anglers:
Staying at Bird Island Lodge & daily fishing
If you choose to stay at Bird Island Lodge, the hotel can organize fishing boat charters on demand. The eco-lodge—nestled among coconut palms of the old plantation—offers a unique blend of hospitality, relaxation, and simplicity in a natural environment. Expect free Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast, bar, babysitting, gift shop, and library. Individual chalets line the western coast, with a lively restaurant, bar, and lounge.
The resident bird colony is a major attraction: naturalists come for noddies, frigate birds, blue pigeons, white-tailed tropicbirds, and the spectacular nesting sooty terns. Beyond fishing, enjoy nature trails, tortoise and turtle spotting, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. The lodge is the gateway to the island’s sublime beaches—Sooty Tern Point, Hirondelle Beach, Passe Coco Beach, West Beach—and more.
Good to know: For deeper-water adventures, the Lodge can also facilitate deep-sea fishing.
Renting a Catamaran Fishing Charter for Bird Island
For anglers who want to optimize every hour on the water, fishing catamarans offer extra deck space, smoother motion, and stable fishing platforms that make fishing more comfortable in a wider range of conditions. These catamarans can reach offshore grounds suited to jigging, popping, and trolling.
Charters usually depart from Mahé. Whether you want 2–3 days, a full week, or more, trips can be customized. Boat options and itineraries can be reviewed before traveling.
Choosing the best watercraft
Fishing catamarans are available for trips ranging from 3 to 10 days. Typical specifications may include 2 × 54 hp diesel, generator, inverter, watermaker, air conditioning, fishing platform with floodlights for night fishing, Raymarine 12-inch fish finder, wash-down pump, cold-plate freezer, and offshore safety equipment (over-60-mile license, life raft, satellite phone, etc.). Trip arrangements may include airport transfers (Mahé) to the marina, a captain, chef and fishing guide, food and soft drinks, fuel for fishing, and trolling tackle. Itineraries and arrangements can be customized.
Sample 8 days / 7 nights plan (recommended)
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Best fishing techniques around Bird Island
Three core techniques define most Bird Island expeditions—Trolling, Jigging, and Popping—each matched to conditions, target species, and your preferences.
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What species can you catch around Bird Island?
Depending on season and conditions, you can expect a huge diversity of game fish:
Fishing conditions and species activity vary by location and season. For deeper species insights, consult additional fishing resources.
Best season for fishing around Bird Island
Peak season: October to May—with standout months in October, November, December, February, March, April, and May. (Note: Bird Island Lodge is closed from December 12 to January 12.)
Season highlights by species (most present year-round unless noted):
Bonus: The island has suitable locations for shore fishing and shore casting; Trevally and Bonefish can even be caught from shore. For deep-sea fishing, Bird Island Lodge can also arrange trips. In many areas around the island, fishing is free of charge.
What to consider for a Bird Island catamaran fishing expedition
Catamaran fishing trips can combine comfort, performance, and fishing expertise:
Planning your fishing trip to Bird Island, Seychelles
The waters around Bird Island in Seychelles offer an exceptional setting for a fishing trip. Whether you stay at Bird Island Lodge and enjoy daily outings or rent a catamaran for a fully immersive expedition, the experience combines sport fishing with the beauty of the island. A fully equipped catamaran fishing charter can provide comfort and facilities for serious sport fishing, leaving you free to focus on the fishing and the surrounding scenery.
Bring your own trusted tackle or use the equipment available for your trip. Target species include GTs, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, and more. Explore the fishing opportunities around Bird Island, where unspoiled nature meets world-class sport fishing.
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