With emerald green waters, white sandy beaches, and endless sunshine the Seychelles are a remarkable destination for adventure seekers and sun-lovers. Just off the east coast of Africa, this land of perpetual summer deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list. Read on to find out what to do when you travel to the Seychelles.
What to do on holiday in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles boast stunning beaches, lush jungles, thriving marine life, and endless outdoor activities. With over 100 islands to explore, the country offers unlimited possibilities for adventure and discovery. From surfing to boating, snorkelling, diving, hiking, birdwatching, sunbathing, and island-hopping, there is something for everyone here!
Where to go in the Seychelles?
While most tourists begin their adventures on the main island of Mahé, many also venture out to the islands of Praslin and La Digue. These three islands, which are the most populated, are easy to access via boat or a small plane.
Across these islands, you’ll find a plethora of cultural experiences, historical sites, Creole cuisine, and nature reserves. There are several outer islands you can venture to via boat for day trips or short excursions. These islands offer opportunities to explore some of Seychelle’s untouched, pristine regions, full of natural wonders and native wildlife.
Needless to say, there are many reasons to travel to the Seychelles – the hard part comes in determining what to include on your itinerary. We’ve listed the top seven things to do in the Seychelles to make the most of these tropical islands!
Seychelles’ Beach Holiday
If you can only do one thing in the Seychelles, visit the beach! Spread out across countless islands are the pristine, white sandy beaches with some of the clearest ocean waters around.
While nearly all of the beaches in the Seychelles are worth visiting, one of the most popular and reportedly most photographed beaches in the world is Anse Source D’Argent. Located on La Digue Island, this beach features incredible scenery, lush palm trees, giant boulders, and calm waves. Other popular beaches on the islands include Anse Grand and Beau Vallon on Mahé, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette on Praslin, as well as Anse Coco Beach on La Digue.
Snorkelling and Diving
Many of the Seychelle islands are surrounded by coral reefs. It comes as no surprise that the waters off of the islands are abundant with marine life. From reef fish to starfish, octopi, manta rays, stingrays, barracuda, and whale sharks, visitors can see a wide variety of marine life.
Whether you opt to snorkel or dive, there are several places to witness these marine ecosystems, both along the shore and out in open water. Some of the most popular locations include Beau Vallon on Mahé Island, the Secret Passage off of Desroches Island, Cote d’Or on Praslin Island, as well as the waters surrounding Bird Island.
Visit One of the World’s Smallest Capital Cities
Located on the island of Mahé, Victoria is a small but diverse city, one that definitely deserves a spot in your itinerary. Here you’ll find a variety of attractions, including the National Museum of History, the Victoria Clock Tower, and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market. The lush Botanical gardens are also worth a visit. Furthermore, Victoria is home to the only Hindu temple in the country — Hindu Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple. The city is also a great place to sample some of the islands’ traditional Creole cuisine. You can try a few dishes at a local restaurant or even sign up for a cooking class.
Seychelles Island-Hopping
One of the best ways to see the Seychelles is to get on a boat and go island-hopping! There are several boat tours you can join from the main islands of Mahé, La Digue, and Praslin. These will take you out for a day (or longer, if you hop aboard a cruise) to the smaller surrounding islands.
Some of the most popular destinations for these excursions include Curieuse Island, home to several important historical sites. St. Pierre Island is another popular stop, thanks to its snorkelling sites. Moreover, you will likely visit Cousin’s Island, a nature reserve and primary nesting site for hawksbill turtles.
See the Giant Tortoises
The Seychelles Islands are home to the second-largest tortoise species in the world, the Aldabra tortoises. These tortoises inhabit a number of islands, including La Digue Island and Curieuse Island, which host a special breeding program for them. However, the best place to see the turtles is Aldabra Atoll. Located in the southwestern reaches of the country, Aldabra is only accessible by boat. To get to it you need a special permission from the Seychelles government. Not only is the island the original home of the Aldabra tortoises, but it’s also one of the largest coral atolls in the world and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Discover a Variety of National Parks
In an effort to preserve its pristine natural environment, the Seychelles have designated several national parks and reserves. These areas can be found throughout the islands, strategically placed to protect certain species of flora and fauna.
One of the largest and most popular parks is the Morne Seychellois National Park. Located on the island of Mahé, this park covers more than 20 per cent of the isle and features its largest mountain range, Morne Seychellois. Another impressive park is the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, which encompasses six small islands that lie just north of Mahé. Here you’ll find countless coral reefs and thriving marine life.
Hike for the Views
One of the best ways to take in the views of Seychelles is from atop its many mountains. If you’re on the island of Mahé, the Morne Blanc trail is a great way to do just that. This 3.2km hike travels straight up Morne Blanc Mountain, leading to a summit with incredible views of the Indian Ocean and the Seychelle Islands. Other trails you can explore include the Copolia Trail and the Trois Frere trail, both located on Mahé. Meanwhile, Praslin Island offers trails through the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve.
The Bottom Line
A holiday to the Seychelles is the perfect opportunity to witness the exotic natural world of this tropical paradise. With many opportunities for diving, hiking, and island-hopping, this destination could be the trip of a lifetime.