Aldabra Atoll

Comparable to the Galapagos Islands in terms of rare biodiversity, the Aldabra Atoll is a bastion for a number of exotic fauna, but mainly giant turtles. 

Aldabra, the second largest coral atoll in the world sits in the Indian Ocean, 265 miles from the nearest landmass, allowing the small island to remain virtually untouched throughout history. This isolation has, in turn, allowed a remarkable variety of species to call the coral formation and its central lagoon home. The most prevalent beast to be found on the island is the giant tortoise, of which there is thought to be a population of at least 100,000. With the global population of giant tortoises numbering only 150,000 in total, that is no small number of terrapins. In addition to the turtles the sunny, arid shores are home to the world’s largest species of crab, the coconut crab, and a rare type of bird known as the Aldabra Rail which is the only flightless variety of its type left in the world.