25 Best Places To Visit In Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, known for its fine white sand beaches and clear blue waters. The islands feature diverse landscapes including forests with palm trees, monkeys, and giant tortoises, as well as coral reefs rich with colorful marine life.

The islands experience minimal rainfall, making them ideal for dry season travel. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and stargazing on the beaches, while exploring the local wildlife and underwater ecosystems.

Ile du Nord

North Island, a granitic isle in Seychelles, offers beautiful beaches, a lagoon, and a quaint village, perfect for romantic or group getaways. Known for its fishing and natural resources, the island’s cuisine blends French, Indian, and Seychellois Creole flavors.

Notable attractions include giant land tortoises and the endangered Seychelles White-Eyes bird. The island, located 30 km from Mahe, features a tropical interior and is surrounded by granite outcrops. It also hosts a children’s program called Children in the Wilderness.

La Digue Island

La Digue Island in Seychelles is known for its stunning beaches, including the granite-studded Anse Source d’Argent and the secluded Anse Bonnet Carré. The island also hosts the Veuve Nature Reserve and the historic Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church. The best time to visit is October to November for bird migration.

La Digue’s weather is generally dry and temperate, though April and May can be hot and humid. The northeastern beaches are more developed, while the southeastern side is less so. The Anse Caiman Nature Trail leads to the beautiful Grand Anse beach. At sunset, you can spot giant fruit bats.

Anse Source D’Argent

Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island is a renowned beach known for its clear water, white sand, and pink granite boulders. It’s popular for snorkeling and diving, especially during low tide when the lagoon is protected from the ocean. Despite some coral bleaching, the area still offers views of diverse marine life.

The beach provides amenities such as refreshment shacks and transparent kayak rentals for exploring the sheltered waters. Its picturesque scenery has made it a favored location for films and TV shows, contributing to its status as one of the world’s most photographed beaches.

Praslin Island

Praslin Island in Seychelles offers palm-fringed beaches and the Praslin National Park, which includes the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Popular beaches include Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, with water sports available. The quietest time to visit is from December to March.

The Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to unique plants like the Coco de Mer palm and the Seychelles black parrot. Praslin National Park covers most of the island, with tropical forests and rolling hills accessible by hiking or boat. Guides can help spot rare species.

Mahé Island

Mahé, the largest island in Seychelles, features granite peaks, white sand beaches, and rainforest-covered mountains. Its capital, Victoria, is known for Creole architecture and colorful markets. The island is home to two rum distilleries offering tours and tastings, as well as the Jardin du Roi, a historic spice garden with self-guided tours.

At 27km long and 8km wide, Mahé is easily navigable by car in a day. The island has well-maintained roads both inland and along the coast, making it convenient for visitors to explore its diverse attractions.

Anse Intendance

Anse Intendance is ideal for surfing due to its open layout and lack of offshore reef, offering larger waves. Backed by granite formations, this kilometer-long beach features white sand and turquoise water. It’s also a turtle nesting site and has a beach bar.

The beach is less crowded on weekdays and has a mild climate, with average temperatures around 85°F. May is the hottest month, with temperatures often exceeding 86°F. While popular for surfing and sunsets, it may not be the best choice for young children.

Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island, near Praslin’s north coast, is known for its coco de mer palms, red earth, and giant tortoises. The island features a restored colonial villa called Doctor’s House, which overlooks a green turtle nesting site. Visitors can explore mangroves, a turtle farm, and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

The island’s tropical climate is relatively dry from May to October, ideal for exploring and snorkeling. From November to December, baby green turtles can be seen on the beach. The island’s diverse landscape includes granite rocks, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters.

Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio, a popular beach on Praslin island in Seychelles, is known for its sunset views over the Indian Ocean. The beach is surrounded by vegetation and takamaka trees that provide shade. While shark sightings are now rare, stingrays are common in the water, so swimmers should be cautious outside designated areas.

Located 8 kilometers northwest of Baie Ste, Anse Lazio is accessible by road or helicopter from Mahe island. The road to the beach is well-maintained, allowing easy access by taxi or bicycle during the day.

Aldabra Island

Aldabra Island, a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean, offers pristine natural beauty with a large turquoise lagoon and coral limestone islets. It is home to unique species, including over 100,000 giant tortoises, critically endangered hawksbill turtles, and numerous birds like flamingos, railbirds, and boobies.

As the world’s second-largest coral atoll, Aldabra’s isolation has preserved its ecosystem. Access is restricted and requires a special permit from the Seychelles Island Foundation. The island features a mangrove forest and distinctive coral formations.

Silhouette Island

Silhouette Island in Seychelles is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, including large fruit bats, diverse birdlife, and the endangered Seychelles sheath-tailed bat. Its interior is a national park, making it a significant biodiversity hotspot. The island also has two national monuments reflecting its cultural heritage.

Located 20 km northwest of Mahe, Silhouette is the third-largest granitic island in Seychelles, featuring five peaks over 500 meters. It hosts a green turtle breeding colony and is surrounded by marine reserves with stingrays and sharks. The island’s history includes pirates and plantation workers, but its natural beauty is the main attraction.

Moyenne Island

Moyenne Island, 4.5 km off the north coast of Mahe in Seychelles, is home to just eight permanent residents. This tropical island is covered in dense forest and is part of the Ste Anne Marine National Park. It hosts over 2,000 birds, 100 giant tortoises, and 700 mahogany trees.

Accessible only by boat, Moyenne Island offers hiking trails and snorkeling opportunities. Visitors can see sharks and rays in the waters or relax on the white sand beach. The island also features a museum and other attractions.

Bird Island

Bird Island, 65 miles off the coast of Mahe in Seychelles, is known for its turquoise waters and white coral sand beaches. It’s a popular destination for bird-watching, with about 70,000 pairs of Sooty Terns nesting there. The island also hosts other bird species like ruddy turnstones and blue pigeons.

Bird Island is home to Esmeralda, the world’s largest free-roaming tortoise, measuring 2 meters and estimated to be 170 years old. There are 23 giant tortoises on the island. The northernmost tip offers a sense of vastness. The island is a 30-minute flight from Mahe.

Aride Island

Aride Island, the northernmost granitic island in Seychelles, is leased to the Island Conservation Society and hosts a nature reserve. It is small, undeveloped, and home to diverse wildlife.

The island has the most seabird species in Seychelles, including large colonies of Roseate Tern and Lesser Noddy. It also hosts five endemic land birds like the Seychelles Warbler, and various endemic reptiles such as the Wright’s Skink and Seychelles Whip Spider.

Cousine Island

Cousine Island, a 30-hectare luxury resort and nature preserve, is located 6 km west of Praslin Island. Accessible only by specialized boat, the island offers romantic escapes and relaxing retreats, with activities like scuba diving and snorkeling suitable for all ages.

Cousine Island is open year-round and was once a coconut plantation. Now a protected area, it is home to the endangered Seychelles Warbler. Nature Seychelles manages the island, ensuring its ecological balance.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Sainte Anne Marine National Park, located off the northeast coast of Mahé Island, comprises six islands with luxurious resorts, Creole restaurants, and beaches.

It offers great diving sites, dolphin sightings, and the ruins of early settlers on Moyenne Island. The park is also home to Ile Cachée, a tiny nature reserve.

The park features over 150 species of marine life and beautiful reefs in the Sainte Anne Channel. It provides excellent snorkeling spots with coral-covered granite rocks and diverse marine habitats.

The park is a year-round destination with consistent water temperatures, offering opportunities to see bottlenose dolphins and hawksbill turtles.

Valle De Mai National Park

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Praslin Island, preserves a unique palm forest with all six of Seychelles’ endemic palm species, including the coco de mer. It supports many endemic and threatened species, such as rare birds and reptiles.

Located in the island’s center, the reserve offers hiking trails and is accessible by public transport, private transport, or taxis, which are typically metered. Vallée de Mai is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

Beau Vallon Beach

Beau Vallon, less than 10 miles from Victoria, is one of Seychelles’ most scenic beaches. This tranquil spot offers swimming, snorkeling, and diving in a shallow lagoon, with a variety of marine life. Its crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscape make it ideal for relaxation and water sports.

Beau Vallon is a popular holiday destination with a wide range of services nearby. It features coral reefs for diving, and various restaurants and hotels are within easy walking distance. The beach is family-friendly, offering a great location for relaxation and activities.

Anse Georgette

Anse Georgette, a stunning beach in Seychelles, offers powder-soft sand and pristine swimming. Access requires special permission from the resort. Another popular beach is Anse Lazio on the north side, reachable by taxi or bus.

Victoria Market is a must-visit for local seafood and produce, especially on Saturday mornings. White Sands Bay, though undeveloped, is known for its turquoise water and is safe to visit even during the northeast monsoon.

Fregate Island

Fregate Island, located 55 km east of Mahe, is known for its natural beauty and abundant frigate birds. It offers a private spa, outdoor pools, a beach bar, and various dining options, including a colonial-themed restaurant and private villa dining. Activities include helicopter rides and powerboat excursions.

Guests can stay in secluded private villas with personal chefs and maids. The Banyan Hill Estate features three villas and a large infinity pool. The island emphasizes health and safety, with hand sanitizers and protective equipment for staff.

Sir Selwyn Clarke Market

Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, Seychelles, offers fresh local produce, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Built in 1804 and later renovated, it’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially on Saturdays.

The market features stalls selling fruits, vegetables, local fish, and exotic items. Fishmongers provide expert advice, and you can try local specialties like “mazavarou.” The market is centrally located with narrow aisles and a bustling courtyard.

Domaine De Val Des Pres

Seychelles offers lush tropical forests and exotic creatures like the world’s smallest frog and giant tortoises. With over 115 islands, it’s perfect for adventure, relaxation, or romance. Praslin, the second-largest island, features Anse Lazio beach and May Valley.

Mahe island hosts Domaine de Val des Pres, a traditional Creole village with a 19th-century plantation house and artisanal kiosks. In Victoria, the city market, open since 1840, offers fruits, vegetables, fish, spices, clothing, souvenirs, and local artwork.

Seychelles Natural History Museum

The Seychelles Natural History Museum showcases the country’s natural heritage and local flora and fauna. It also covers the island’s geology, history, and military history. The museum is open Monday through Friday and offers tours led by scientists.

Nearby attractions include Mahe Bay, popular for snorkeling and diving, and the Eglise de Saint Roch Catholic Church, just 5 minutes away.

Morne Seychellois National Park

Morne Seychellois National Park offers diverse ecosystems and scenic trails, including the island’s highest peak, Morn Seychellois. Popular trails include Morn Blanc and Casse Dent, starting from Sans Souci road. The Valley Mare aux Cochons is a favored picnic spot, and Glacis d’Antin offers panoramic views and a small waterfall.

The park also hosts the Bird Island Wildlife Park, home to endemic plants like the pitcher plant and various native birds. Hiking trails provide spectacular island views, with some trails up to ten kilometers long.

Mission Lodge Lookout

Mission Lodge Lookout in Mahe’s national park offers a scenic hike to a mountaintop with coastal views and ruins of an 1800s missionary school. It’s a romantic spot with a picnic area. The park covers 20% of Mahe, with its highest point at 905 meters.

The site features a National History Museum showcasing local flora and fauna, and a Creole-style house, Kaz Zanana, with artwork by George Camille.

Mission Lodge Lookout provides panoramic ocean and mountain views and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is great for hiking and exploring other attractions.

Baie Lazare

Baie Lazare, a quiet, half-moon bay on Mahe, offers turquoise water, white sand, and granite boulders. It’s ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and windsurfing, with calm waters suitable for children. The beach is easily accessible by bus and is known for its sunset views.

Nearby, the Kempinski Seychelles Resort provides luxury accommodations with an Olympic-size pool, fitness center, and kids’ club.

For wildlife, visit Cousin Island, a protected marine reserve home to the Hawksbill turtle, Seychelles magpie robin, and numerous bird species. The island offers eco-lodges and luxury villas.

Takeaway

Seychelles, an Indian Ocean archipelago, is known for its white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and coral reefs. It offers great weather year-round, making it an ideal holiday destination. Seychelles is also famous for its diverse wildlife, lush forests, and unique culture.

The islands feature excellent snorkeling and diving sites, with numerous nature reserves showcasing exotic plants and endangered wildlife. This biodiversity makes Seychelles a paradise for nature lovers and a popular honeymoon destination.