It's no secret that the Seychelles is a world-class beach destination. So much so that in 1881, the English General, Charles Gordon, thought that he'd discovered the legendary Garden of Eden. But while it might be tempting to spend your whole trip lounging on the flour-soft sand and soaking up the sunshine, there are plenty of other must-see sights. Read on for our guide on things to do in the Seychelles…
Explore Morne Seychellois National Park
Morne Seychellois National Park sprawls across more than 20 per cent of?Mahe?and is home to an array of endemic species and some well-worn hiking trails. For scenic coastal views, hike along the gentle Anse Major Trail to reach the eponymous beach, or traverse the moderate out-and-back Copolia Trail to reach the 1,630ft-tall summit of Copolia and enjoy panoramic views. Fancy more of a challenge? Trek to the summit of Morne Seychellois (almost 3,000ft high) with a licensed guide in around five hours.
Surf on tropical shores
The Seychelles might not be synonymous with surfing, but did you know that you can ride the waves here year-round? From April to September, however, weather conditions allow for the best, most consistent surf breaks, particularly at Anse Lazio on Praslin and Grand Anse on La Digue. Novice surfers can start off at Carana Beach on Mahe, while surf lessons are offered on Mahe’s Baie Lazare.
Dive into the deep blue
The best things to do in the Seychelles aren’t always above ground. Both beginners and experienced divers can explore the spectacular underwater world where colourful coral reefs and an array of marine life await. For full immersion in the watery world, we can arrange for you to stay on a liveaboard as part of your trip. April, October and November are generally the best months for calm seas and good visibility. Sharks can be spotted at Shark Bank and Channel Rocks, while manta rays are found around Desroches and Aldabra.
Explore the world’s smallest national park
Established in the 1960s by British newspaper editor-turned-conservationist Brendon Grimshaw, Moyenne Island National Park is the world’s smallest. This wild, untamed isle is home to incredible biodiversity, including over 16,000 trees, over 100 Aldabra giant tortoises and various bird species. You can explore the fascinating flora and fauna via the winding nature paths that criss-cross the island.
See giant tortoises on Aldabra
The secluded four-island Aldabra coral atoll is a UNESCO-listed beauty that boasts extraordinary biodiversity, including red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Aldabra rails (the last species of flightless birds in the Indian Ocean), and most notably, the largest population of giant tortoises in the world (over 100,000). It's also one of the largest atolls in the world and an incredibly well-preserved lagoon with magical limestone landscapes, beaches of fine sand, and crystal blue waters that shelter rich underwater fauna: turtles, young sharks, manta rays, jackfish and sometimes even dugongs.
Tour the capital city, Victoria
With a population of 25,000, Mahe’s capital, Victoria, is one of the smallest capitals in the world and well worth exploring on foot. Take a look at the colonial clock tower, visit the National Museum of History and stop off at the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market for tropical fruits and fresh seafood.
Enjoy a Creole cooking lesson
Creole cuisine is an intriguing (and delicious) mix of West African and European-inspired flavours. Learn how to make traditional dishes during a cookery lesson led by a local family, following a tour of Victoria’s main food market.
See prehistoric palms at Vallee de Mai
Vallee de Mai is a UNESCO-listed prehistoric palm forest home to 4,000 endemic coco de mer palms, the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. Located on the small island of Praslin, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in the Seychelles if you’re a nature enthusiast. Marvel at the palms’ giant leaves and abundant coconuts, as well as five other endemic palm species and fauna, including the Seychelles black parrot and Praslin sooglossid frog. This is an enchanting place to connect with nature, unchanged since ancient times.
Lounge on Anse Source d’Argent
Perhaps the most quintessentially Seychellois beach (and one of the most photographed in the world), Anse Source d’Argent is blessed with sugary sand, swaying palms and an aquamarine ocean. Crystalline waters reveal abundant fish and sea turtles, and large, smooth granite boulders dot the dreamy stretch of sand. Located inside L’Union Estate plantation on La Digue, the beach can be busy, so it’s worth visiting at off-peak times.
Discover Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is a stunning secluded beach situated within the grounds of the Constance Lemuria Resort (but don’t worry, anyone can visit). It’s not hard to see why this beach is consistently voted among the best in the world – it’s the picture of paradise. Brilliant turquoise waves gently lap at the footprint-free slick of sand, lush green vegetation fringes its borders and dramatic rock formations pepper the landscape.
