What to Do in the Seychelles: Our Complete Guide

I have written several articles about the Seychelles in response to readers’ requests, but I realized that I had not yet covered a topic many of you were interested in: “What to do in the Seychelles.” It is a dream destination, with paradise islands, white-sand beaches, coral reefs and much more. For anyone wondering what the best things to do in the Seychelles are, I hope this article will help. That is the aim, anyway! The guide is largely based on Aurélie’s experience—remember, she was lucky enough to spend her honeymoon in the Seychelles—as well as feedback from friends who have visited recently. They absolutely loved it!

Before we get to the heart of the matter, if you would like practical information about getting to the Seychelles, traveling between the islands, where to eat and more, take a look at our dedicated page.

Let’s get started! We will first set sail for the three main islands before exploring the more remote islands, which are every bit as beautiful. To help you find out more, I will include links to our individual guides to Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. You will also find accommodation guides for all three islands, making it easier to choose the best places to stay. So, are you ready to start planning your activities?

If you are currently planning your trip, you have probably already heard of Mahé. Quite simply, it is the main island in the Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria. It is also where you will find the archipelago’s only international airport. In other words, this is where you will arrive, so you might as well make the most of it and spend a few days there, right? In any case, Aurélie strongly recommends including Mahé in your itinerary!

Speaking of Mahé, let’s begin with Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles.
As you might expect, it is a small capital city with a population of only 25,000. Despite its size, there are plenty of things to see and do, including:

• Sir Selwyn Clarke Market: Victoria’s main market and the ideal place to experience local life and sample Creole specialties.
• Seychelles Botanical Gardens: an unmissable walk where you can discover the flora and fauna of the Seychelles, including the famous coco de mer and Aldabra giant tortoises.
• Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple: a Hindu temple in the heart of the capital whose distinctive architecture immediately captures travelers’ attention.
• Clock Tower: saving the best for last, this is quite simply THE monument you should not miss. If you have already visited London, this time you will be standing in front of a smaller replica of Big Ben.

For more details about these attractions, I highly recommend reading our article on things to do in Victoria. One thing is certain: you will not be bored!

Head to the north of the island to discover Beau Vallon Beach. Not only is Beau Vallon a beautiful white-sand beach with turquoise waters, but it also offers a wide range of water sports. Scuba diving is one activity that immediately comes to mind, and it is a must during any vacation in the Seychelles. It is a wonderful way to discover the underwater world, including coral, tropical fish, turtles and even sharks. I can assure you that diving is an incredible experience—although I have to admit that it is one of my favorite activities, and we used to dive every weekend when we lived in Mayotte! If you prefer to stay close to the surface, snorkeling is another excellent option. Either way, you will come out of the water with your head full of unforgettable images. After all, you do not get the chance to dive in the Seychelles every day!

Staying with the theme of diving, Sainte-Anne Marine Park is another must-see. For the record, it was the first marine park established anywhere in the Indian Ocean. It consists of six small islands: Sainte-Anne Island, the largest, Cerf Island, Moyenne Island, Longue Island, Ronde Island and Cachée Island. The park remains wonderfully unspoiled, and fishing is strictly regulated. Its marine biodiversity is exceptional, with coral, colorful fish, sea turtles and much more. In short, this is an ideal place to dive in biodiverse waters and enjoy beautiful beaches in complete peace. A quick tip: from Mahé, do not hesitate to plan a day trip to the park.

This is an unmissable outing for nature lovers. There are numerous hiking trails across the island, and the Copolia Trail is one of the most famous in Morne Seychelles National Park. The trail offers stunning views, is considered moderately difficult and takes just under two hours round trip, depending on your fitness level. The goal is to reach the summit and enjoy an incredible view over Mahé and the Indian Ocean. Get your cameras ready!

We also recommend taking a look at the available paid activities, which can be a great way to discover the area with a guide:

• A private island tour with a driver
• A day exploring Sainte-Anne Marine Park
• A day aboard a glass-bottom boat with lunch and snorkeling

After Mahé, it is time to discover Praslin, the second-largest island in the archipelago. Expect coconut palms, palm trees, turquoise waters, lush vegetation and an introduction to Creole culture. Here are the best things to do on Praslin.

For anyone dreaming of postcard-perfect scenery, Praslin is the ideal place to enjoy the heavenly beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. These two beaches are among the most beautiful in the Seychelles. They are perfect for relaxing or enjoying water sports, depending on your preference. Both are located on the northwestern coast of Praslin. If you had to choose between them, Anse Lazio is easier to reach and has restaurants nearby. If you would prefer a quieter experience, Anse Georgette is more secluded. The only drawback is that reaching it involves a climb. Personally, I prefer secluded, wild beaches away from the tourist crowds!

Located in the center of Praslin, the Vallée de Mai is a genuine natural treasure. For your information, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the island’s tropical vegetation, including several species of palm trees, medicinal plants and the famous coco de mer, sometimes known as coco fesse because of its shape. As for wildlife, you may come across the black parrot, the Seychelles bulbul and many other species. A quick tip: to make sure you do not miss anything, I recommend hiring a local guide to accompany you during your visit. In my opinion, that extra insight makes a real difference. As you can see, the Vallée de Mai is a must-see in the Seychelles and places you right in the heart of the islands’ biodiversity.

After a day spent exploring nature, why not sample some local cuisine? One thing to keep in mind is that Creole food can be quite spicy. Here are a few examples of sweet and savory dishes to try:

• Cari Coco: a meat-based dish prepared with spices and coconut milk.
• Kat Kat: a dish made with tuna and green banana, served with coconut milk.
• Cassava pudding: as its name suggests, this dessert is made with cassava, coconut and sweet potatoes, and served with honey. Quite original!

And that is not all—you can even try bat meat. All right, I admit that it does not sound especially appetizing when you put it that way. But once you are there, why not give it a try?

Here are a few interesting paid activities you can enjoy from Praslin:

• Discover Curieuse Island and Saint-Pierre Island
• A day trip to Cousin, Curieuse and Saint-Pierre islands

Next, set course for La Digue Island, a genuine little piece of paradise. According to my friends and Aurélie, this Seychellois island is well worth the detour. With its white-sand beaches, friendly locals and lush vegetation, you will not be disappointed.

Anse Source d’Argent is quite simply one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In other words, it is THE beach you should not miss on La Digue. The scenery is gorgeous, with fine sand, granite rocks, coconut palms, palm trees and, above all, turquoise water. One thing to keep in mind is that reaching the beach requires a short walk and payment of an entrance fee. However, it is well worth the effort. You will feel completely cut off from the rest of the world in the heart of an idyllic setting.

La Passe is a village in central La Digue with a small harbor, and this is where you will arrive on the island. The harbor, with its colorful boats, leads directly into the village, where you will find colonial houses and local shops. You can also learn more about the island’s history, which is closely connected to this village. In short, it is an excellent place to immerse yourself in Seychellois culture.

Cycling is quite simply the main way to get around La Digue, apart from walking, of course. You will quickly notice that most locals travel by bicycle and that there are virtually no cars. Do not worry, the island is quite small, measuring 5 km long and 3 km wide, so getting around should be manageable, haha. As you can see, your stay will be filled with swimming, cycling and snorkeling. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the island at your own pace. Personally, when I travel, I like to take my time to appreciate the scenery, the attractions and, most importantly, the photography.

After cycling, you can set off on an adventure along the famous Nid d’Aigle Trail. This accessible hike takes you to the highest point on La Digue, at an elevation of 333 meters. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views across the island. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna, including medicinal plants, Seychellois birds, vanilla plants and much more. It is a wonderful way to make new discoveries in the heart of nature.

Silhouette Island is one of the Seychelles’ natural treasures, located only 30 km north of Mahé, the main island. Despite its proximity to Mahé, it remains relatively little known. However, it is well worth discovering, with its coconut palms, turquoise lagoon and black rocks. It is also an exclusive island that receives relatively few tourists. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful experience, disconnect from everyday life and recharge your batteries. If you are considering a trip to Silhouette Island, take a look at our complete guide.

Cerf Island is a beautiful island located close to Mahé, making it ideal for a day trip. As soon as you set foot on the island, you will be amazed by its long beaches and crystal-clear waters. This small island is particularly popular with divers. Just imagine swimming among the coral! I have even heard that there are several excellent diving spots around the island.

As its name suggests, Bird Island is the perfect place to get close to the Seychelles’ birdlife. More than 200 species can be found here. These include:

• the sooty tern, also known as the sea swallow
• the Frégate
• the Seychelles pigeon
• the kingfisher
• the Seychelles bulbul

and many more. Of course, you can also enjoy hiking and diving, either independently or under supervision. In short, this is a wonderful place to spend a dream vacation surrounded by nature.

Next, set course for another island in the Seychelles, where you can expect hiking, postcard-perfect scenery and crystal-clear waters. Curieuse Island stands out from the others thanks to its distinctive red soil. It is also one of only two islands, along with Praslin, where the coco de mer grows naturally. On top of that, it is the ideal place to meet giant tortoises. In short, the setting on Curieuse Island is exceptional, and you can look forward to a vacation unlike any other. Are you convinced?

If you are staying on La Digue Island and looking for a day trip, why not take a cruise to Grande Soeur and Félicité islands? This is an opportunity to discover even more heavenly places. Based on the feedback I have received, it is a very enjoyable cruise, with diving and snorkeling stops at some of the best locations.

Located 230 km from Mahé, Desroches Island is a magnificent destination to explore. Admittedly, it is farther away than the other islands, but it is ideal if you are looking for an exclusive and luxurious experience. One option that immediately comes to mind is the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, which offers spacious villas with private pools and excellent service. As you can imagine, this off-the-beaten-path island promises a luxurious stay surrounded by tropical vegetation and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. In my opinion, Desroches Island is well worth the detour.

To help you plan your trip, I have put together two itineraries in the Seychelles: one for 10 days and another for 15 days. Naturally, both itineraries are based on Aurélie’s personal experience and feedback from people close to me.

3 days on Mahé – 3 days on Praslin – 3 days on La Digue – 1 day trip

Let’s begin with the first 10-day itinerary in the Seychelles. As you can imagine, the three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are essential stops during your trip. To make the most of them, I recommend spending three days on each island. In my opinion, this gives you enough time to discover the main attractions on each one. For the remaining day, I suggest taking an excursion to one of the smaller islands near Mahé, Praslin or La Digue. A cruise to Grande Soeur and Félicité islands is one option that immediately comes to mind. Alternatively, you could spend a day exploring Cerf Island. Either way, it is a great opportunity to relax for a day on a less-visited island.

4 days on Mahé – 3 days on Praslin – 3 days on La Digue – 2 days on Silhouette Island – 1–2 days on Cerf Island

To visit the Seychelles in 15 days, I suggest spending time on the three main islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Since Mahé is the main island and generally offers more activities and events, I recommend spending an extra day there, for a total of four days. For the remaining four days, you have two options: spend all four on a more remote island for a luxurious and exclusive stay, such as Desroches Island, or spend two days on Silhouette Island and two days on Cerf Island or Curieuse Island to discover even more scenery. Naturally, you can also choose from the other islands mentioned above. One thing is certain: with this amount of time on each island, you will be able to explore them at your own pace. After all, you are on vacation, so there is no need to rush.

That brings this article about what to do in the Seychelles to an end. I hope it has helped you prepare for your dream vacation. You should now have a good overview of the best things to do and see in the Seychelles.

One final tip before you go: if you are wondering when the best time to visit the Seychelles is, we have written a complete article answering that question.

If you have already visited the archipelago, feel free to tell us more about your experience in the comments. It is always interesting to hear from other travelers.

See you soon for more activities to discover,