The Seychelles is certainly one of the most idyllic seaside destinations on Earth. scattered across the Indian Ocean, its islands boast incredible landscapes where beaches are hemmed in by crystal-clear water and bordered by lush vegetation. Nearly 50% of the archipelago's territory is protected in nature reserves, allowing the observation of multicolored fish, astonishing birds, giant tortoises and impressive whale sharks. Add to this an exceptional endemic flora , such as the emblematic, generously-shaped coco-fesse...
1. Mahé Island
At 25 km long and 6 km wide, Mahé is the largest, most densely populated and best developed island in the Seychelles. That said, this small natural paradise has remained untouched and offers a wide variety of landscapes: from the Morne Seychellois mountain overlooking the Indian Ocean to tropical forests and sublime beaches with crystal-clear waters . The island boasts over a hundred beaches, most of them framed by granite rocks that contrast with the golden color of the fine sand. Because of its many natural treasures, Mahé was once called "the island of abundance".
Would you like to discover the history of Mahé? We recommend you book this guided tour of the island, which will take you to some of the most popular tourist sites and attractions.
2. Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles
Located on the island of Mahé, Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles, and its colonial heritage and colorful streets full of Creole houses give it an unmistakable cachet. It's a pleasure to stroll through this timeless setting and discover the Bazaar (a large market with stalls stocked with fish, fruit, chillies, flowers, etc.) and the Clock Tower, an emblematic monument of the Seychelles. The botanical garden is also of great beauty, and there are several museums in the city, two of which are absolutely fascinating: the National History Museum and the Natural History Museum. This guided tour of Mahé will introduce you to the main sights of the Seychelles, including the highlights of its capital, Victoria , and its beautiful, picturesque beaches.
3. What to do in the Seychelles Discover Praslin
Located 45 km northeast of Mahé, Praslin is the second largest island in the archipelago: this is where you'll find the most beautiful resorts. The island's northeast and west coasts are protected by large coral reefs and fringed by heavenly beaches, including the famous Anse Lazio. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is adorned with translucent water and backed by gigantic rocks and lush vegetation of palms and takamatas. The island's second major attraction is the Vallée de Mai, which deserves an article of its own.
4. Vallée de Mai
In the heart of Praslin, the Vallée de Mai is a partly primary forest, composed mainly of the archipelago's endemic palm trees: the coco-fesse, with its comically evocative shape. The forest extends over 19 hectares, forming the largest plantation of the species on earth, and is home to specimens that can reach several meters in height, with leaves 6 meters wide and 14 meters long. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers five trails to explore, each bearing witness to the evolution of vegetation through the ages.
Would you like to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site? This guided hike through the rainforest will introduce you to the Valley's spectacular treasures, as well as its local tales and legends. And if you're lucky, you might even hear the call of one of the world's rarest birds, the Seychelles black parrot.
5. What to do in the Seychelles Sunbathing on Beau Vallon beach
The large beach of Beau Vallon is the most famous on the island of Mahé. It has to be said that its 3.5 km of fine sand bordered by crystal-clear water are quite an argument! But it's not the only one, as it boasts a diving center and a nautical center, the only one on the archipelago that allows motorized water sports. Water scooters, diving, water skiing, paragliding, parasailing... There's no shortage of activities on this beach, which is as popular with tourists as it is with Seychellois. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes magical and party-goers have every opportunity to dance the night away!
6. La Digue Island
Small in size - 5 km long and 3 wide - the island of La Digue nevertheless concentrates a wide range of the archipelago's natural beauties. Beaches encircled by granite rocks, hills forested with coconut palms, lataniers and takamakas, small roads through which bicycles and ox carts pass: La Digue has preserved much of its authenticity. Lovers of the island can enjoy deep-sea fishing, or opt for a nature safari in one of its two major sites: Nid d'Aigle, which rises to 333 m, and the Veuve noire reserve, home to colonies of birds that bear its name.
Discover the best of La Digue island on this this catamaran cruise which takes you to Vallée de Mai and then to Anse Source d'Argent, one of the world's most photographed beaches.
7. What to do in the Seychelles Bird Island
Bird Island has lived up to its name: over three million birds find refuge in this magnificent sanctuary. Terns, kingfishers, swallows, peacocks, noddis, white swans... Some thirty different species have been recorded, including some from Alaska and Siberia. The island is a private reserve, and is home to sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs between October and February. This is also the home of Esmeralda, the world's heaviest free-ranging land tortoise at 304 kilos, and certainly the oldest: island legends have her living to be 200 years old!
8. Turtles on Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island is a national park in the Seychelles , encompassing the entire island and part of its maritime periphery. Its main purpose is to protect the giant land turtles and sea turtles that come to lay their eggs on its beaches. The most common are the Aldabra tortoises, of which there are almost 300 living here in total freedom. Not very shy, they're easy to approach if they don't come to you themselves, especially at lunchtime!
We recommend this this one-day cruise which will take you to two of the Seychelles' magnificent islands : Curieuse Island, with its unique biodiversity, and Saint Pierre Island, with its raised reefs.
9. What to do in the Seychelles Swim with whale sharks
The Seychelles is very involved in the protection of whale sharks, which are particularly present in its waters in September and October. Rest assured, despite their colossal size, they are totally harmless, and even quite playful when it comes to frolicking with you during an organized dive. Most of them can be found near the west and north coasts of Mahé, where there are numerous centers authorized to accompany you on this extraordinary adventure.
10.st. Denis Island
Denis Island is a small, lush coral island of just 1.3 km², mainly dedicated to tourism, with charming wooden cottages for rent. It's one of the best places to explore the Seychelles from the coast, especially for snorkeling enthusiasts . The island is fringed by coral reefs, providing a habitat for a multitude of aquatic species, including sea turtles, rays, small harmless sharks, butterfly fish and surgeonfish, among others. Whether on land or underwater, Denis Island is a dazzling sight to behold!
A little historical anecdote: this island was discovered in 1773 by the commander of the royal flute L'Étoile, when he ventured off Praslin. In his logbook, Denis de Trobiant praised the bounty of the land, noting that the coast was rich in red coral and also teeming with fish.
11. Madame Zabre's natural aquariums and Passe de Tambi on Desroches Island
Desroches Island is home to two magnificent natural aquariums, Madame Zabre Aquarium and Passe Tambi, where you can swim and discover incredible marine life. If you dream of swimming alongside stingrays or turtles, these sites are a must. Thanks to its crystal-clear waters, Desroches Island offers a unique diving experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the underwater world. It's here that the magic happens, and you'll be dazzled by these exceptional natural aquariums and extraordinary seabeds!
12.what to do in the Seychelles Go to Morne Seychellois National Park
Morne Seychellois National Park occupies 20% of the island of Mahé and covers 3,045 hectares. Here you'll find hiking trails through lush rainforest, where a variety of wildlife can be spotted. Don't be afraid to venture out for a while and gain some altitude to explore the beauty of these places in an atmosphere worthy of the settings of Lost or Jurassic Park. The park offers almost a dozen different itineraries, but some of the excursion trails are truly unforgettable. To make the most of your hike, we recommend you book a guide right here who will take you into the heart of nature for some exceptional views. Once you've reached the summit, don't forget to take your camera along to capture those memorable moments!
13. Frégate Island
Located 56 kilometers from the island of Mahé, Frégate Island is a tiny jewel of verdant paradise, just 3 km2 in size, which is sure to awaken the Robinson Crusoe soul in all of us. It's the perfect place to relax in harmony with nature, thanks in particular to the island's luxury spa, the Fregate Island Private. For fishing enthusiasts, the waters around Fregate Island offer the perfect setting. Little frequented, they are teeming with fish and the seabed is absolutely fabulous! The hills, dense forest and beaches of Frégate Island also live up to the Seychelles' reputation for natural beauty.
14.what to do in Seychelles Visit Union Estate Park
Located in the south of the island of La Digue, Union Estate Park offers a fascinating dive into Seychelles' iconic agricultural traditions, while taking you back in time. This estate was once an important colonial plantation, mainly dedicated to the cultivation of coconut palms for the production of copra. You'll see a vast coconut grove, as well as vanilla and saffron plantations.
at the entrance to the park is the island's oldest colonial cemetery, bearing witness to the site's historic past. nearby, a small copra factory reveals the production process. Here, you can watch workers perched on a pile of coconuts, husking them. Not far away, at the foot of a huge rock known as "The Giant Rock", considered to be the largest in the archipelago, you can admire some 15 giant tortoises grazing peacefully in their enclosure. A unique and memorable experience in the heart of a site steeped in history and biodiversity!
15. Take home souvenirs from Domaine de Val des Prés
It's the ideal place to find a nice souvenir from the Seychelles. At Domaine de Val des Prés, Seychellois crafts enthusiasts share their know-how with visitors curious to learn more about local traditions. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, the estate is home to an old colonial house dating from around 1870, which you can visit free of charge. On this site, a dozen workshops and boutiques housed in colorful little huts present different facets of Seychellois craftsmanship. Among them, the oldest and one of the most attractive is Couleurs des Îles, run by Joël Banane. In the others, you can buy a variety of local handicrafts such as pottery, silk paintings, painted wooden fish, pareos and T-shirts, not forgetting the remarkable La Marine ship models, made by the employees of Jean-Louis Marchesseau, a Frenchman renowned for his miniature replicas of ships from the Ancien Régime. Please note, however, that opening times are subject to change, so don't hesitate to ask beforehand.
If you're tempted, we recommend that you book this private tour of Mahé Island which will take you to the most popular places , including Domaine de Val des Prés, according to your wishes and preferences.
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
The Seychelles enjoy pleasant temperatures all year round, fluctuating between 24 and 32°C, making them attractive to travellers whatever the season. From October to March, the weather is warm, with temperatures between 30 and 32°C, and humidity is high, while the sea is generally calm. From May to September, the climate becomes cooler, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 29°C, and is drier, but the sea can be rough. October and April are considered the ideal times to visit the Seychelles. During these months, the climate is mild and pleasant, offering optimal travel conditions.
What's the most beautiful place in the Seychelles?
Discovering the Seychelles archipelago from La Digue is like taking a trip out of time. Considered one of the most idyllic islands in the archipelago, La Digue is particularly appealing to travelers in search of superb beaches. The island boasts a unique atmosphere of exoticism and serenity, transporting visitors to a truly unspoilt paradise.
How long does it take to visit the Seychelles?
The ideal length of time to visit the Seychelles depends on individual preferences, budget and the number of islands you wish to explore. Seychelles offers a variety of activities, beautiful beaches, national parks and tourist sites, which means you can spend a few days or several weeks. To get an overview and enjoy the main attractions, many travelers opt for a week's stay. This allows you to visit some of the main islands , such as Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, relax on the heavenly beaches and enjoy the natural beauty of the archipelago. If you have more time, you can extend your stay to two weeks or more, allowing you to discover less-frequented islands, go scuba diving, take part in boat excursions, hike in the national parks and explore more of the local culture and traditions.
How do I get from island to island in the Seychelles?
Inter-island connections in the Seychelles offer two travel options: by boat or by plane . Each offers its own unique advantages, and is an enriching way to discover the Seychelles from different angles.
Tempted by a vacation in the Seychelles? Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurance here, and leave with peace of mind!
