The Seychelles may be regarded underrated when compared to other Islands in the Indian Ocean like Mauritius, Maldives or Zanzibar.
But this archipelago of 115 islands is just as stunning as its more sought-after counterparts. Seychelles boasts some of the best beaches on the planet, crystal clear ocean water and a rich Creole culture.
It is the perfect destination for honeymooners, couples, families, and adventure travelers alike, offering a wealth of activities like scuba diving and snorkeling amid colorful coral reefs, picturesque hikes and exotic wildlife viewing.
Whether you are looking to relax in a 5-star resort or explore its unique islands on a boat cruise, there is a variety of things to do in Seychelles.
Before you get confused about what to do in Seychelles, here is a compilation of fun and exhilarating activities in Seychelles.
Top things to do in Seychelles
1. Visit Vallee de Mai
One of the top things to do in Seychelles is touring Vallee de Mai.
This UNESCO Natural World Heritage listed nature park is nestled on the gorgeous island of Praslin. A walk through it is a surreal experience similar to natural time travel and it is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Vallee de Mai is home to endemic Coco de mer trees which are well worth looking for when spending time in Seychelles. Their leaves are so large and heavy that when they clatter together in the wild, it sounds like rain. You can spend hours simply peering up at them.
But go with a guide who can reveal some of their vital statistics.
Their seeds, which take seven years to ripe, are quite the curiosity. Weighing up to 40kg, they are the largest and heaviest seed in the plant world.
Their distinctive shape has earned them the nick-name coco-fesses (buttocks coconuts) and persuaded 19th-century British General Charles Gordon to declare that he had found the “Garden of Eden” and its forbidden fruits. However, his contemporaries were quick to question how Eve could have handled the giant seeds.
Besides the legendary coco de mer, the forest of Vallée de Mai is also home to some animal species that are just as rare and are endemic to the Seychelles – for example, there is the highly sought-after Seychelles black parrot.
Also keep an eye out for coco de mer snails and bronze-eyed geckos that may be lurking in among the comical and legendary nuts and leaves.
2. Take An Island Hopping Tour
The Seychellois routinely refer to their home as ‘paradise’ and, frankly, it is difficult to disagree. The country is made up of 115 gorgeous islands with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, rugged, jungled peaks and endemic flora and fauna.
And while you could happily spend a week or two on a single island that means missing out on the diversity that the Seychelles offer.
Island-hopping is a perfect way tour Seychelles. Mahe Island always makes for a great and central starting point to explore other Islands of Seychelles.
Home to the capital city, Mahe is one of the best places to get a taste of the culture, the food, and the city life in the Seychelles before taking a ferry to your next destination!
La Digue Island is just an hour and a half away by ferry from Mahe with a stopover in Praslin Island, making this route a top choice amongst those on island hopping adventures.
From there, you can Félicité Island for snorkelling or cruise to Curieuse Island to hike the mangroves and nature trails and to see the rare Giant Tortoises. You can even hop on a 15-minute helicopter to to the unspoiled beaches of Silhouette Island and take virgin rainforest hiking – don’t forget to take your time on each island for the best holiday experience.
3. Enjoy a Praslin Beach Day
Praslin Island is Seychelles’ second-largest island after Mahe.
Praslin is well-known for its awesome beaches. Visit Anse Lazio in the Northwest, bordered by granite boulders, or powdery Anse Georgette. In the east, gently shelving Anse Volbert is great for families and is walking distance to supermarkets.
If you are interested in getting away from the crowds at some of the more popular beaches in Seychelles, Anse Georgette is the perfect place to do it.
Enjoy a picnic, grab a good book, or even just a towel if the Indian Ocean water is all you are here for. This beautiful bay is accessible to all.
Guests at Constance Lemuria resort can be transferred, whereas non-guests can take a scenic and green 30-minute to an hour-long walk to reach the area.
Sometimes the resort limits the visitor number, so if you are not a guest you are advised to call ahead and let them know you are coming!
4. Go Kayaking, Scuba Diving or Snorkelling
Among the most adventurous things to do in Seychelles is to go for Kayaking, Scuba diving or snorkeling trips. The crystal-clear waters at La Digue Island are best explored in a glass kayak – the view from inside is wonderful and completely different to a regular kayak.
With a variety of options to choose from, you will not struggle to find snorkel-friendly waters in the Seychelles. Most resorts here can organize snorkelling trips for guests and offer any necessary equipment, but if you are not staying at a resort, don’t worry, the waters are open to all. Port Launay Marine Park is a primary snorkelling location due its warm waters and brilliant fauna.
The Seychelles is also a top scuba diving destination with a range of sites to suit divers of all levels. Around the Islands of La Digue and Praslin, enormous granite boulders lie heaped on the ocean floor creating shallow coral crevices with a kaleidoscope of exotic reef fish alongside hawksbill turtles, octopus, eels and nudibranchs.
5. Explore Victoria Town and the Victoria Market
Victoria is one of the world’s smallest capitals and also the cultural hub of the Seychelles.
It is the best place to catch a glimpse of the local people that make up this special nation in their daily lives. Take a leisurely walk through the lively streets, admire the colonial buildings or shop around the local stores and visit one of the local galleries or the beautiful botanical gardens. When you are ready to go to the busy Victoria Market, you can expect friendly vendors with rows of fresh fruits as well as fresh fish.
If you are feeling hungry, there are many street food vendors around offering a taste of true Creole cuisine. Finally, you can stop by the garments and crafts stores for a handmade souvenir to take back home.
6. Enjoy a Picnic or Dinner on a Private Beach
Definitely romantic, this is one of the top things to do in Seychelles for couples.
Some resorts and restaurants in Seychelles such as Praslin’s Raffles, on Cousine Island, are more than happy to set up a casual outdoor dining experience on your request.
You will find that many even have this option readily available to honeymooners, and that is because nothing quite compares to the breathtaking experience of seeing the sunset off on some of best beaches in Seychelles.
If you are not staying at a resort that does this, you can still call ahead and inform the hotel staff that you would like to book the area and bring your own basket along.
A shoreside meal as the waters beat gently on the sand just a few meters away and the crimson sunset skies turn dark and star-filled, is one of the most romantic experiences ever! Below are the tp three sunset sports in Seychelles:
- Beach Shak, Mahé
- Anse Georgette, Praslin
- Anse Severe, La Digue
7. Cycle around La Digue Island
Another of the top things to do in Seychelles is cycling around La Digue Island.
Bikes are available for hire on almost every street corner, and with very few cars on the island, it’s a safe and delightful way to spend your time. You may rent a bike for the full day with no limits on where you can travel.
The road around the island is the most attractive cycling path since it hugs the shore and provides gorgeous views after breathtaking views.
Along the road, there are several boutique craft shops and jewellery stalls, as well as fruit vendors where they make smoothies and juices to order (or open up a drinking coconut for you), which is ideal for rehydrating.
8. Go Inland For A Hike
It is not easy to imagine ever getting tired of the gorgeous coastlines all around you, but the scenic trails in Seychelles make it so worth it to forgo the resort life, even if only for a little while. If you are feeling energetic enough to leave your resort and want a different view of the Seychelles, we suggest strapping up your hiking shoes and taking a trail on.
Morne Seychellois National Park covers 30km2 of mountainous jungle and mangroves – an impressive 20% of Mahe’s total land surface. A network of hiking trails snakes for over 14km, including to the top of Morne Seychellois, the Seychelles’ highest point.
The Copolia Trail offers panoramic views of Mahe, Victoria, and neighbouring islands which makes it worth the challenge – it’s not easy.
And on Praslin Island, you can hike from Mont Plaisir up to the postcard-perfect beach of Anse Lazio, where you can cool down in clear waters.
9. Simply Relax
The memo for all beach holidays is to simply kick back and relax, and you should leave time to do just that.
An itinerary is great, and there are quite a lot of things to do in around you, but some days you just want to take it all in without having to move around too much. Go to the spa, spend your day by the resort pool, take a leisurely stroll, or just hang out on the beach.
Seychelles has some of the amazing beaches of the world. The pristine white sands shaded by coconut palms and shallow turquoise waters that gently lap against granite boulders at Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Source D’Argent, and Beau Vallon beaches are to die for.
In fact, Anse Source d’Argent is one of the world’s 20 best beaches according to Lonely Planet and one of the top 10 beaches in the world according to a 2024 TripAdvisor Report.
Best time to visit Seychelles
The Seychelles is sunny and hot year-round, with average temperatures of around 30C. And people go for a Seychelles holiday year round, but it is quieter between December and February when the islands get the most rain and humidity. From July to August it can become windy, making the ferry crossings less comfortable and disrupting inter-island flight schedules.
Sometimes seaweed will be washed onto the beaches and the wind will stir up the sand making the ocean appear cloudy, so if you are looking for the usual pristine white sand and clear sea then it is best to avoid these months. Read more about the best time to visit Seychelles.
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