12 Things to do in the Seychelles
Consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a magnificent island archipelago located east of the African coast. It’s known for incredible white sand beaches, nature reserves, coral reefs and breathtaking hiking trails.
Whether you are a scuba diving enthusiast, an avid hiker or simply want to relax with a cocktail in a luxurious resort or enjoy the local Seychellois cuisine, this magical archipelago can offer it all! Not sure what to visit in Seychelles or where to start? Let us guide you through the best tourist attractions in Seychelles.
Before we list what to do in the Seychelles, we need to ensure you arrive safely! Remember to fill out the Seychelles Islands Travel Authorization Form. The form can be accessed online, and you will need to fill in your passport information as well as proof of your COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance.
There is a processing fee of 10 USD, and once approved, the authorized form will be sent to your email address. Remember to have it printed out or have an easily accessible copy on your digital device when you travel, as some airlines might request to see it when boarding the plane.
Before arriving in Seychelles, you do not need to exchange currency, as Seychellois Rupees (SCR) can be withdrawn from ATMs in the airport. Local shops and restaurants (but not market stalls) also accept credit cards from international credit card issuers. Checked off the practicalities? Let’s talk about places to visit in Seychelles!
Plan your trip?
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Visit Victoria
The capital city Victoria on the main Mahé Island will probably be one of your first Seychelles destinations. And as tempting as sandy beaches can be, we recommend you also take some time to explore the bustling capital.
Walk around the narrow streets and taste local snacks from busy bakeries! Visit the impressive Hindu temple and the grand Catholic cathedral.
Wander around the local fruit and fish market – Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, and if you end up buying fish, it can be prepared for a barbecue at the market for only 35 SCR!
When you get tired of walking around, take a break at the atmospheric café, located on top of the marketplace, hidden amongst charming shops with souvenirs and local crafts.
Note, that shops in Victoria and Sir Selwyn Clarke Market will be closed on Sundays, as Seychelles are a Catholic country, and Sundays are considered holidays.
On Sundays, even the traffic will be diverted in the capital – keep that in mind if you have a flight leaving on a Sunday and need to drive through Victoria to get to the airport!
Connect with nature at Morne Seychellois National Park
Situated on the main island of Mahé, Morne Seychellois National Park covers more than 20% of the island area.
The national park is an impressive mixture of dense tropical jungles, mangroves and mountains, and one of the best places to visit in Seychelles.
You will find here the country’s highest point, the Morne Seychellois, reaching an impressive 905 metres above sea level.
Hike the Copolia Trail
Morne Seychellois National Park is home to impressive hiking trails for all levels, among them the Copolia Trail. Hike through the dense Seychellois jungle – the views from the summit will not disappoint! On your way, you will also see impressive examples of local fauna and flora, among them the carnivorous pitcher plants.
Copolia Trail is moderately difficult, and because the heat can get quite intense, we recommend going before noon.
There are no water stations along the trail, but there is a small shed when you reach the summit where you can enjoy the views protected from the sun.
Visiting hiking trails in Seychelles is usually free of charge, but there is a 100 SCR entrance fee for accessing Copolia Trail for all non-citizens above 12 years. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this trail alone, you can join a tour.
Relax at Beau Vallon Beach
Before you leave Mahé Island to explore other parts of the magical archipelago, you must visit Beau Vallon Beach. Located in the northern part of Mahé, it is bustling with lovely restaurants and beach bars and offers countless opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
It is also the perfect beach for a long walk! In its northern part, you will find more local food options and laid-back eateries, while in the southwestern part the restaurants usually belong to resorts or hotels.
According to the Seychellois law, all beaches are open to the public and free of charge, however, certain paths to the beach might belong to a specific resort.
Do not get discouraged if a road to the beach seems closed, ask around, and the locals will gladly show you an alternative path to your beach of choice!
Go for island-hopping in Seychelles
Visiting the many picturesque islands and island groups is one of the top things to do in Seychelles. This next section will be your guide to some of the most magical Seychellois islands.
Prepare for an abundance of various Seychelles attractions: beautiful, secluded beaches perfect for scuba diving or snorkelling, impressive wildlife and hikes offering magnificent views. Ready for some island-hopping?
Enjoy Praslin Island
Beautiful Praslin Island is a Seychelles must-see! One of its main attractions is the island’s pristine beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette beach. There is a picturesque hiking trail from Anse Lazio beach to Anse Georgette. Many choose to start their hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Anse Lazio. Starting early will also guarantee enough sunlight for your entire hike!
The hiking path is marked, but it is still advisable to have a hiking partner. As hiking back down can be challenging, you can choose to walk back down the main road and pass the Constance Lemuria golf course.
The golf course is an attraction in itself, where golfers can practise their skills on stunning green terraces. New to golf, or never tried it before? Lemuria golf course offers lessons to less advanced golfers – everybody can join!
Apart from the famous hiking trail and the impressive golf course, Praslin Island is also home to the impressive Coco de Mer – “The Forbidden Fruit of Seychelles”. It is a rare palm tree species, and because of the distinct form of the male and female fruits, Coco de Mer is featured in several legends and by some believed to have magical properties.
Last, but not least, Praslin Island is known for its endangered black parrot. Often heard before it is seen, the bird is very vocal during the day and on bright, moonlit nights.
Wander around Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
While on Praslin Island you should not miss a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the very centre of the island.
Referred to as “Heart of Praslin” and even “The Garden of Eden”, Vallée de Mai is a nature reserve consisting of a well-preserved palm forest.
You can get to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve by bus, or even on foot if you are staying on Praslin Island.
If you only want to visit the nature reserve and are arriving from another island, we recommend booking an organised tour.
Go to La Digue Island
A short ferry ride from Praslin Island, you will find another wonderful island – La Digue. One of its most famous and picturesque locations is Anse Cocos Beach.
Try to get there early to secure the perfect spot, and of course, remember your swimwear.
At low tide, the waters can be quite shallow, so if you plan to go there for a swim, do check the local tide chart. Anse Cocos Beach is accessible on foot, and there is a path from Grand Anse Beach, another pearl of La Digue Island.
La Digue Island is also the perfect location to challenge or practise your scuba diving skills! There are several scuba diving centres on the island, and if you are not ready for a full deep dive, try snorkelling.
Visit Cousin Island
Situated 2 kilometres west of Praslin Island, Cousin Island is a natural reserve with doves and giant tortoises. The island welcomes visitors from Monday to Friday between 9.30 am and noon and is closed on weekends and public holidays.
It is very common to visit several islands on your island-hopping tour, and many organised trips will also include a visit to St. Pierre (perfect for snorkelling) and Curieuse Island where you will find the Coco de Mer palm growing wildly! If you book a trip to visit several islands in one day, lunch will usually be included.
Explore Moyenne Island
Another Seychellois pearl is the Moyenne Island, also known as Ile Moyenne. It is a small island located off the north coast of the main island of Mahé and bears the title of the smallest national park in the world. Ile Moyenne has been a natural reserve since the 1970s.
It used to be privately owned by an Englishman named Brandon Grimshaw who actively contributed to the restoration of the natural beauty of Moyenne Island, after years of neglect and unorganised human intervention.
Today, Ile Moyenne is open to tourists, but since there is no jetty, both getting to the island and exploring it feel like a wild adventure. You can get to Moyenne Island by private boat or book a half-day or a full-day trip with a local trip agency.
Visit Aride Island Nature Reserve
Aride Island is a true gem of Seychelles sightseeing, especially if you are curious to know what the islands looked like before human settlement!
Since the late 1970s, Aride has been a state-assigned nature reserve, and the Island Conservation Society has been monitoring it since 2008.
The island’s only inhabitants are its various animal species and the staff that take care of them. Arriving at the island can be a bit challenging, especially with choppy waters, but do not let the journey discourage you.
Once on the island, you will be guided around by the conservation staff, and there are also opportunities to relax and grab a meal.
Marvel at Aldabra Atoll
This is a true crown jewel of the best tourist attractions in Seychelles! Aldabra is a magnificent atoll, and one of the largest in the world! You will be surprised to see all its colours, formations, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Not without reason, Aldabra Atoll has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
All visitors must receive prior authorisation from Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF), and due to the fragility of the atoll, only some areas are accessible to visitors. This natural wonder can seem quite inaccessible, but do not let its remote location and the necessary paperwork discourage you from visiting!
To reach the Aldabra Atoll you can either book a full boat tour or take a charter flight to Assumption (check the varying schedule) and from there a charter boat to Aldabra Atoll.
Recommended tours in Seychelles
- Anse Marron Tour – La Digue
- Beautiful island tour 5-6 hours | Mahé | Seychelles | Private Tour | Day trip
- Starfish – Odezir Catamaran
- Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks
- Learn the Traditional Seychelles Art of Sun Printing with Local Textile Designer
- Rock pool, fantastic & unique experience | Mahé | Private walking tour | NEW
- St Anne Marine Park & Moyenne Island Full day boat trip from Mahe (Private Boat)
- Island tour with the beach buggy
- Full day (5-6 hours) island tour on Mahé with pick-up
- Beaches, sand castles, swimming & snorkeling | Mahé | Seychelles | Private tour
- La Digue, Curiuese, St. Pierre, Anse Lazio by boat from Mahe (Private Boat)
- Enchanted Walk in the Vallee de Mai (From Praslin)
- Relax, Lunch & Snorkeling in Chauve Souris (A Private Island on Praslin Island)
Read more on the Seychelles:
- Best Seychelles island hotels
- 7 Days in the Seychelles – 1 week Itinerary
- 11 of the Best Beaches in Seychelles
- The Only Honeymoon Guide to Seychelles You’ll Ever Need
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