Things to do in Seychelles: The 25 Best Places to Visit and Highlights

Planning your trip and wondering what are the best things to do in Seychelles? Which places should you absolutely not miss?

You’re in the right place!

In this article, I’ll take you through the must-see places in Seychelles, especially on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the 3 main islands of the archipelago.

For each island, I’ll share the places and activities you shouldn’t miss: the most beautiful beaches, hiking trails, villages to visit, boat trips, the best snorkeling spots, and more.

And because Seychelles is not only about these 3 islands, I’ll also tell you about a few smaller nearby islands to discover on a day trip.

So, what are the best things to do and see in Seychelles?

Let’s go!

What to Do in Seychelles: Mahé Island

Welcome to Seychelles, this archipelago of 115 paradise islands lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean!

Mahé is the main island of Seychelles, the largest one, and the island where the capital is located. It is also the most populated island in the country, home to around 90% of Seychellois people.

It is 27 km long and 7 km wide, and it is the main economic, administrative and tourist center of the archipelago.

Mahé is a mountainous island, with white-sand beaches and tropical forests.

And there are so many beautiful things to see here 🙂

1. Victoria, the Capital

The capital of Seychelles, Victoria, is located in the northeast of Mahé Island, and it has one special feature: it is one of the smallest capitals in the world!

With around 25,000 inhabitants, it is also the only real city in the archipelago, as the other populated areas are more like villages.

This is where you’ll land if you arrive by plane, since the Seychelles International Airport is nearby. Victoria is therefore often the first stop on a trip to Seychelles, before exploring Mahé and the other islands.

As Victoria is very small, it is easy to visit on foot. You’ll discover a peaceful atmosphere, colorful markets and a few colonial buildings.

It’s the perfect place to soak up local life, meet Seychellois people and try Creole food in small local restaurants.

The best things to see in Victoria:

  • the Clock Tower, a miniature replica of London’s Big Ben, erected in 1903 in honor of Queen Victoria
  • the colorful Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple
  • the National Botanical Gardens, with a beautiful collection of tropical plants
  • the St. Paul’s Cathedral, dating back to 1859, the oldest Anglican church in the country
  • Revolution Avenue, known for its restaurants and St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, open daily but livelier on Saturday mornings
  • the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in Seychelles
  • the National Museum of History, a small but very interesting museum with collections of objects, costumes, photos and more.
temple victoria seychelles
The Hindu temple in Victoria, on Mahé Island, Seychelles

2. Beau Vallon Beach

If you’re wondering what to do in Seychelles, don’t miss Beau Vallon Beach!

It is probably the most famous beach on Mahé and one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles.

With its calm turquoise water and white sand, it has that perfect postcard look and attracts both visitors and locals.

It is very large, almost 3 km long, and perfect for families, thanks to its palm-lined areas providing shade and its shallow water.

Water sports lovers will also enjoy it, as Beau Vallon is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.

If you like snorkeling, Beau Vallon is also a great choice. The water is full of colorful fish, and you can see them without going far from the shore.

In the evening, the beachfront comes alive with restaurants, bars and night markets.

So it’s almost impossible not to spend some time at Beau Vallon during your trip to Seychelles!

Beau Vallon beach Mahé Seychelles
Beau Vallon Beach, Mahé, Seychelles

Planning a trip to Seychelles?

To help you organize your vacation, I’ve prepared several optimized itineraries depending on the length of your stay.

3. Morne Seychellois National Park

In Seychelles, it’s not all postcard beaches — there is also an incredible lush natural world to explore!

If you spend a few days on Mahé Island, I really recommend setting aside a day to explore Morne Seychellois National Park.

With 20 km² of tropical forest, mountains and mangroves, it is the largest nature reserve in the archipelago. It is also home to the highest point in Seychelles: Morne Seychellois, rising to 905 meters.

The park alone covers almost a quarter of Mahé’s surface.

If you enjoy hiking, Morne Seychellois National Park is a must during your Seychelles trip. It’s one of the best hiking areas in the country and attracts walkers from all over the world.

The park is crossed by several trails through dense, preserved vegetation, where you may spot birds and plants found nowhere else, including Nepenthes pervillei, an endemic carnivorous plant!

Sans Souci Road, which crosses the park, is dotted with beautiful viewpoints, perfect for photos.

For hiking, here are the main trails not to miss in Morne Seychellois National Park:

  • Morne Seychellois summit hike: a sporty hike of around 5 hours, taking you to the highest point in Seychelles. At the top, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view over Sainte Anne Bay and Victoria.
  • Morne Blanc: a shorter and more accessible trail leading to a 667-meter summit with beautiful views.
  • Trois Frères Trail: ideal for families, this easy walk takes about 1.5 hours round trip and offers superb panoramas over Praslin, La Digue, Victoria and Sainte Anne Marine Park.
  • Copolia Trail: a 2-hour round-trip hike through palm forest, ending on a granite plateau. From there, you get a 360° view over Mahé and the surrounding ocean. This is the only paid trail in the park, around €8 per person.

Entrance to the park is free, except for the Copolia Trail.

My Tip

If you want to try the more demanding hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois summit, I recommend hiring a local guide: it’s safer and usually much more rewarding.

Book your guided hike in Morne Seychellois National Park directly below:

Morne Seychellois National Park
Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé, Seychelles

4. Snorkeling at Port Launay

On the northwest coast of Mahé, don’t miss Port Launay, one of the best snorkeling spots in Seychelles. The name refers both to a beautiful beach and a protected marine park.

The bay is well sheltered, the water is calm, clear and full of fish… in short, the ideal conditions for snorkeling, even for beginners.

Here, you’ll swim in a real natural aquarium: angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish, turtles, manta rays… and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale shark in season!

It happened to me last year, and I can tell you I’ll never forget that moment.

Whether you’re passionate about snorkeling or simply curious to explore the crystal-clear waters of Seychelles, Port Launay is a real gem.

And if you simply want to relax on the beach, you’ll love it too: fine sand, a peaceful atmosphere and trees to settle under the shade. It’s clearly one of the most beautiful beaches in Mahé in my opinion!

Port Launay beach Mahé Seychelles
Port Launay, Mahé, Seychelles

5. Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Speaking of underwater paradises, Sainte Anne Marine Park is another must-see in Seychelles!

Created in 1973, it is the oldest marine reserve in Seychelles and is located just a few kilometers off Victoria, the capital.

Sainte Anne Marine Park includes six small islands:

  • Sainte Anne, the largest
  • Round Island
  • Île Cachée
  • Long Island
  • Moyenne Island
  • and Cerf Island, the only inhabited one.

Rangers protect these islands and their surrounding lagoons day and night.

The park is home to exceptional biodiversity: more than 150 species of marine animals live around its coral reefs.

Among them, you may spot Picasso fish, butterflyfish, goatfish, damselfish, parrotfish, eagle rays, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles… and many more.

It’s the perfect place for snorkeling, scuba diving, or even a glass-bottom boat tour if you’d rather admire the underwater world without getting wet.

Several excursions are available for a full day or half day, with snorkeling stops and visits to the different islands. I especially recommend these:

If you prefer to explore the park on your own, you’ll need to take one of the shuttles connecting Mahé to Cerf Island.

catamaran Seychelles
Catamaran cruise in Sainte Anne Marine Park, an excursion you should absolutely do in Seychelles!

6. Anse Major

Among the best places to see in Seychelles, there are of course plenty of dream beaches. And Anse Major is definitely one of them.

This small secret and wild beach is tucked between limestone cliffs and dense jungle in the northwest of the island. The sand is fine, the water turquoise, and the atmosphere incredibly peaceful. No hotel, no car noise: a true little paradise!

Just a few meters offshore, coral reefs are home to a rich diversity of tropical fish, making it another great spot for snorkeling or diving.

Anse Major is so beautiful that you have to earn it: it is only accessible on foot, via a hiking trail called the Anse Major Trail.

It is one of the most beautiful walks to do in Seychelles, ideally early in the morning or late afternoon, with good shoes, water and a hat!

My Tip

The trail leading to Anse Major Beach starts in Bel Ombre, about 3 km from Beau Vallon. There is a car park where you can leave your vehicle. Allow about 1.5 hours round trip.

Anse Major Trail
The start of the trail leading to Anse Major Beach

7. Anse Intendance

If you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches to see in Seychelles, don’t miss Anse Intendance either.

This one is located in the south of Mahé and is known for its typical huge granite rocks.

Once again, you’ll be facing magnificent turquoise water, bordered by fine white sand. Behind the beach, there is a mangrove forest.

It’s a favorite spot among surfers, drawn here by the powerful ocean waves.

However, there is no coral reef here, and the water gets deep quickly: it’s not the best place for snorkeling or diving. But if you’re looking for a spectacular beach where you can admire the raw power of nature, Anse Intendance is a must.

beach bar Seychelles
Summer Bar, where you can enjoy a fresh juice on Anse Intendance Beach

8. Petite Anse

Petite Anse really lives up to its name: this pretty beach in southwest Mahé is only about 200 meters long, but it has everything you could want.

Surrounded by high cliffs and bordered by crystal-blue water, it is absolutely stunning.

It’s the perfect beach for a relaxing day by the water, for swimming and snorkeling near the rocks.

On-site, you’ll find a bar and a beach restaurant.

At the western entrance to the beach, local vendors sell coconuts and fresh fruit juices.

You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas to settle comfortably in the shade.

Even though it borders the Four Seasons Resort, Petite Anse remains open to everyone: as everywhere in Seychelles, access to the coastline is free.

My Tip

For even more ideas of things to see and do in Mahé, read my complete guide: Visiting Mahé – Complete Guide

What to Do in Seychelles: Visit Praslin Island

Among the top places to see in Seychelles, there is also Praslin Island!

Praslin is the second-largest island in the archipelago. It is located about 35 km northeast of Mahé.

It is a lush island with very well-preserved nature — and hopefully it stays that way! You can get there by plane, a 15-minute flight, or by boat, about 45 minutes from Mahé.

This is where you’ll find the iconic Vallée de Mai, a primary tropical forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As everywhere in Seychelles, the island is also lined with sublime beaches.

To fully enjoy Praslin, I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days there and sleeping on the island: it’s the best way to discover it at your own pace without missing anything.

So, what are the best things to see and do in Praslin?

9. Vallée de Mai

Let’s start with Praslin’s absolute must-see: Vallée de Mai.

This UNESCO-listed tropical forest is the pride of the country and a true natural treasure of global importance.

Covering 19 hectares, Vallée de Mai is largely in its original state, spared from human activity. It has remained almost untouched since prehistoric times!

This forest is therefore a real open-air laboratory, where scientists study the evolution of plant species.

Vallée de Mai is explored on foot, along public trails crossing the forest. It is home to many endemic species, such as the coco de mer, the iconic Seychelles palm, the Seychelles black parrot and the Seychelles blue pigeon.

Allow around 2 hours for the visit.

I recommend hiring a local guide: it’s always more interesting and gives you a better chance of spotting wildlife 🙂 Book your local guide for Vallée de Mai directly here.

My Tip

If you visit Vallée de Mai on your own, I recommend the Circular Path North, which leads to a breathtaking viewpoint over the whole valley.

Vallée de Mai Praslin Seychelles
Vallée de Mai, a green sanctuary on Praslin Island, Seychelles

10. Anse Lazio

Another place to see in Seychelles on Praslin: Anse Lazio Beach!

It is simply known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Located in the north of Praslin, it has everything: fine white sand, translucent azure-blue water, and a lagoon filled with colorful corals and fish.

Be careful, though: as there is no coral reef barrier, the water gets deep quickly and there can be currents, especially during the rainy season from December to March. Lifeguards are present to ensure swimmers’ safety.

The beach can get quite busy, but it keeps its charm thanks to its paradise setting and peaceful atmosphere.

You’ll find 2 restaurants, a bar and a small beach shop.

My Tip

The best time of day to visit Anse Lazio? Late afternoon, because the sunsets are spectacular.

Anse Lazio beach Praslin
Anse Lazio Beach, a must-see in Praslin

11. Anse Georgette

If you’re still wondering what to do in Seychelles, add Anse Georgette to your list!

You’ll find this stunning beach in the north of Praslin, in a lovely bay surrounded by pink granite rocks.

Here again, the sand is pristine and the turquoise water sparkles in the sun.

The setting is idyllic, but be careful when swimming, as the waves can be quite strong on some days.

Anse Georgette is not a beach you visit spontaneously: you need to plan ahead and reserve access 24 to 48 hours in advance with the Constance Lemuria Hotel. This gives you permission to cross their golf course, which leads to the beach.

The advantage of this limited access is that Anse Georgette remains very quiet and uncrowded. You really feel privileged there!

My Tip

For good walkers, there is another trail to Anse Georgette, starting from Anse Lazio. This access is free, but longer and more challenging than going through the Lemuria Hotel.

Anse Georgette Praslin
Anse Georgette Beach

12. Boat Trip to Curieuse and Saint Pierre Islands

If you’re looking for a truly unmissable excursion in Seychelles, don’t miss the boat trip to Curieuse and Saint Pierre islands.

Departing from Praslin, this full-day trip brings together everything we love about Seychelles: stunning beaches, snorkeling in turquoise water, a Creole barbecue on the beach, and the chance to meet the famous Aldabra giant tortoises.

How the day goes:

After boarding at Grande Anse, the day starts with a first stop at the beautiful Anse Georgette Beach, before heading toward Saint Pierre Islet.

You’ll then reach Saint Pierre Islet, known for its exceptional underwater life.

There, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the water with mask and snorkel. You’ll stop at 2 different snorkeling spots around the islet, surrounded by countless tropical fish. You may even spot turtles or rays!

It is clearly one of the best places to go snorkeling in Seychelles.

The cruise then continues to Curieuse Island, where you’ll enjoy a barbecue on the beach.

After lunch, you can visit the old colonial doctor’s house, now turned into a small museum about the island’s leper colony history.

Then it’s time for a lovely walk through the mangrove and forests of endemic palms. The trail is easy and pleasant, and leads to Anse Laraie, where the famous Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely. It’s a wonderful place to observe them up close and take beautiful photos.

In short, this excursion is complete, exotic, well organized, and clearly one of the best boat trips to do during a trip to Seychelles.

Just keep in mind that it is a very popular activity, especially in high season. I recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates to make sure you get a spot.

Book your Curieuse and Saint Pierre cruise from Praslin by clicking below:

Saint Pierre Praslin
Excursion to Saint Pierre Island from Praslin

13. Côte d’Or Beach

Côte d’Or, also called Anse Volbert, is also one of the top things to do in Seychelles, especially if you love peaceful and easily accessible beaches — and honestly, who doesn’t? 😀

Its 3 km of fine pale sand stretch along the east coast of Praslin, facing a sea that shifts through every shade of blue. The water is warm, calm and shallow for several meters, making it an ideal beach for families with children.

From the beach, you get a beautiful view of the islets of Curieuse and Saint Pierre.

At the northern end, I recommend Restaurant Saint Pierre for lunch with panoramic views of the lagoon.

And if you love taking photos, don’t miss the famous leaning palm tree that is a hit on Instagram. It’s on the beach in front of Passerose Gallery.

My Tip

Small tip if you plan to swim: bring water shoes. Venomous rays are often hidden in the sand near the shore.

14. Baie Sainte Anne Harbor

Very close to Côte d’Or Beach, a short walk will take you to Baie Sainte-Anne harbor.

This is probably where you first set foot on Praslin if you arrived by boat from Mahé or La Digue. The harbor is also the starting point for many excursions to nearby islets.

Baie Sainte-Anne is the commercial center of the island and home to Praslin’s main port.

The village of the same name stretches behind the harbor and is the largest on the island. You’ll find the hospital, school, a few bars, shops, restaurants, and a beautiful white church worth seeing. It makes for a pleasant little walk.

The area is also home to several quiet beaches to discover, such as Anse La Blague, Anse Takamaka, Anse Bonnet Carré and Anse Badamier.

Baie Sainte Anne Praslin Seychelles
Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin, Seychelles

15. Praslin Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Seychelles besides beaches, I recommend visiting the Praslin Museum.

It is located next to Côte d’Or Beach.

It’s a nice little cultural stop to learn more about Seychelles history and local traditions.

The museum is well designed and even fun for children. Activities are regularly offered, such as tasting local fruits, learning how to open coconuts and discovering other traditional practices.

End your visit with a walk through the museum’s botanical garden, where you can admire its collection of endemic, aromatic and medicinal plants. It is also home to several very old land tortoises.

16. Cruise to Sister and Coco Islands

Another great thing to do in Seychelles: a boat trip to Sister Island and Coco Island!

Departing from Praslin or La Digue, this full-day trip takes you to discover some of the most beautiful wild islets in Seychelles.

The day starts with a catamaran crossing to Sister Island, a private islet with a paradise setting and a crystal-clear lagoon.

You’ll then continue toward Coco Island and/or Félicité, two spots known for the beauty of their underwater world. With a mask and snorkel, you can swim in transparent water among tropical fish, coral, and maybe even sea turtles. Snorkeling equipment is provided, which is very convenient.

The big plus of this excursion is that it takes place aboard a very comfortable catamaran, with a barbecue lunch served on board.

The activity lasts around 6 to 8 hours and includes access fees to Sister Island and Coco National Park, barbecue lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, round-trip ferry tickets, and round-trip transfers for travelers staying in Praslin. For departures from La Digue, the catamaran picks up participants directly at La Digue jetty.

It’s an excursion to choose if you want to discover several islands in a single day while enjoying superb swimming and snorkeling spots. It is clearly one of the best boat trips to do in Seychelles.

Be careful: this cruise is very popular, especially in high season. I recommend booking as soon as your dates are fixed to make sure you get a spot.

Book your catamaran cruise to Sister, Coco and Félicité islands directly below:

Seychelles islet
Excursions to the islets around Praslin, an absolute must-do in Seychelles

My Tip

Want even more ideas of things to do and see in Praslin? I’ve prepared a complete detailed guide for you: Visiting Praslin – 12 Must-Sees + Where to Stay

Must-See Places in La Digue

La Digue is, of course, another island you absolutely must visit in Seychelles.

It is the third main island of the archipelago, and it is completely unmissable.

Much smaller than Mahé and Praslin, it is also even wilder and more preserved than the first two.

Here, time seems to have stopped. The lifestyle is still simple, slow and authentic. There are no cars: you get around by bike, and that’s what gives this little paradise so much charm.

La Digue is also known for being home to the iconic beach of Seychelles, the one you see on all the postcards: Anse Source d’Argent, considered one of the most beautiful and most photographed beaches in the world.

La Digue can be reached in 15 minutes by boat from Praslin, and in 2 hours by ferry from Mahé. I recommend spending at least 2 full days there.

Here is my selection of the things you shouldn’t miss on La Digue during your Seychelles trip:

La Digue Seychelles
La Digue, a must-see destination in Seychelles

17. Anse Source d’Argent

Let’s start, of course, with THE beach to see in Seychelles: the magnificent Anse Source d’Argent!

It is located in the southwest of La Digue and is one of the major attractions in Seychelles. You’ll understand why immediately!

With its granite boulders in surprising shapes, polished over centuries, its bright white sand and its turquoise lagoon, the scenery is simply breathtaking.

Anse Source d’Argent has also been used as a filming location for several productions, including the famous movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks, and remains one of the most photographed beaches on the planet.

You can swim, relax on the warm sand and go snorkeling.

Access is easy by crossing L’Union Estate park, with an entrance fee.

My Tip

As you can imagine, this beach attracts quite a lot of people. The best time to go is in the morning before 10 am, or late afternoon after 5 pm, to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Anse Source d'Argent Seychelles
The stunning Anse Source d’Argent Beach, a must-see in Seychelles

18. Explore La Digue by Bike

If there’s one thing that defines La Digue in Seychelles, it’s its pace of life.

Here, no engines, no horns… just a few rare taxis and, above all, bicycles! It’s the island’s iconic mode of transport.

So if you’re wondering what to do in Seychelles, you absolutely need to plan to explore La Digue by bike!

Cycling along the coastal roads lets you fully enjoy the scenery, with superb ocean views, and discover often deserted beaches around the bends.

It’s also not unusual to pass an Aldabra giant tortoise quietly grazing by the roadside 🙂

Most accommodations in La Digue offer bikes for rent, but you can also easily rent one when you arrive at one of the shops near the port. If you’re visiting Seychelles with children, bikes with child seats are usually available.

And if you only stay in Seychelles for a few days, you can absolutely visit La Digue as a day trip, with a bike included!

That’s what this organized excursion from Mahé offers. You board the ferry around 8 am, pick up your rental bike when you arrive on La Digue, then have plenty of time to explore before the return crossing around 4 pm.

Book your La Digue day trip including round-trip ferry + bike rental using the button below:

La Digue bike Seychelles
Day trip to La Digue and bike tour from Mahé

19. L’Union Estate Park

You can’t visit La Digue in Seychelles without passing through L’Union Estate Park!

It’s the mandatory passage to reach the famous Anse Source d’Argent Beach, but there are also plenty of other things to see on the estate.

Once an important coconut and vanilla plantation, it now tells the story of the island’s agricultural and colonial past.

You can walk along the paths and feel transported back a few decades, to a time when the estate was covered in coconut fields.

You can still see the old installations, visit the current vanilla plantation, and discover the impressive Plantation House. This national monument is absolutely beautiful, with colonial architecture made of noble wood and a palm-leaf roof.

Also to see in L’Union Estate Park:

  • the historic Breton cemetery, where the first settlers of La Digue are buried
  • the huge 40-meter-high granite monolith, around 700 million years old, near the vanilla plantation.

To visit the park, you need to pay an entrance fee of 150 rupees, about €9. It is open daily from 6 am to 5 pm.

Union Estate Park
L’Union Estate Park, on La Digue Island

20. Hike to Nid d’Aigle Viewpoint

During your stay on La Digue, I also recommend climbing up to the Nid d’Aigle viewpoint.

If you like getting a little higher, this is the hike to do on La Digue.

It is the highest point on the island, reaching exactly 333 meters above sea level. The climb offers a magnificent view over the surroundings. On a clear day, you can see Praslin, Félicité, Marianne, and even Frégate Island in the distance.

The trail starts not far from the paved road to Belle Vue, in the center of the island. It climbs quite a bit, but it’s absolutely doable if you wear proper shoes and bring enough water.

The beginning of the climb follows a fairly steep winding road, difficult to do with a regular bike, but you can go up to Belle Vue village by rental car or taxi. There, you can stop at a small café or restaurant with a view before starting the real climb.

The trail crosses dense tropical vegetation, alternating red earth, granite and forest. Allow around 2 hours round trip, taking your time. At the top, the view over La Digue and the neighboring islands is simply superb.

My Tip

There is almost no shade on the trail, so it’s best to leave early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Nid d'Aigle viewpoint La Digue
View from the top of Nid d’Aigle

21. Grand Anse and Petite Anse

Among the most beautiful places to see in Seychelles, I also recommend the beaches on the southeast coast of La Digue.

Grand Anse and Petite Anse are two stunning wild beaches, reached on foot or by bike along peaceful trails.

You can reach Grand Anse by bike or on foot from La Passe, allowing around 45 minutes on foot. Once there, you’ll face a wide stretch of white sand bordered by a powerful sea.

There is no coral reef here: the waves are high, the currents are strong, and swimming can be dangerous. Warning signs clearly remind visitors to be careful.

But even without swimming, the place is absolutely worth the detour. The scenery is spectacular and very photogenic.

A small trail allows you to continue to Petite Anse, about 15 minutes away on foot. The path crosses rocks and a small stretch of forest before reaching an even more intimate beach. The setting is similar to Grand Anse, but with even fewer people.

If you still have some energy, continue to Anse Cocos. The trail starts from the southern end of Petite Anse and winds through dense vegetation, a few wooden walkways and a slightly rockier area.

At the end, Anse Cocos rewards you with a wild and beautiful beach, often quieter than the others. A natural pool sheltered by rocks sometimes allows safer swimming depending on the conditions.

Things to See in Seychelles: Private Islands

Silhouette

Located northwest of Mahé, only about 15 minutes away by helicopter, Silhouette Island is a preserved little gem with only around 200 inhabitants.

Covered in tropical forest and mountains, the island opens onto wild, absolutely beautiful beaches.

Another special thing here: there are no cars. You get around by bike, on foot or by electric buggy.

Peace and untouched nature rule on Silhouette ^^

People come here to disconnect, far from the crowds, and enjoy an exclusive stay surrounded by nature.

I dream of spending a few days there, although I haven’t had the chance yet. But I still wanted to include it here because it’s a truly exceptional destination.

Just keep in mind that the island is in high demand and accommodation is limited: there are only two places to stay, the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and La Belle Tortue.

On Silhouette, you can hike through the jungle, discover Anse Mondon, visit the small village of La Passe, see the Dauban family mausoleum, or simply enjoy a quiet beach escape.

Denis Island

About 50 km north of Praslin lies Denis Island, a small private paradise 2 km long and 1.5 km wide, accessible in just 30 minutes by plane.

This preserved coral island has fewer than 100 inhabitants. So you can imagine the atmosphere: incredibly peaceful and intimate.

There is only one accommodation on the island, for a luxury stay: Denis Private Island Seychelles.

In terms of activities, there is plenty to do: cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, or guided tours to discover the local flora and fauna.

Denis Island is ideal if you’re looking for calm, exclusivity and total immersion in an exceptional natural setting.

If you visit Seychelles as a family, it can also be a lovely 2- or 3-day escape, with many activities for children.

Bird Island

For nature and bird lovers, Bird Island is a wonder in its own right.

Located about 30 minutes by plane north of Mahé, it is the northernmost island in Seychelles.

This small coral island is famous for its rare bird colonies: millions of sooty terns, noddies, tropicbirds and other species come here to nest, especially between May and October.

Add to that giant tortoises, some over 150 years old, sea turtles coming to lay eggs, and pristine wild beaches surrounded by turquoise water.

The atmosphere on Bird Island is authentic, peaceful and completely connected to nature. You don’t come here for ultra-modern luxury, but for an immersive experience.

The island has only one accommodation: Bird Island Lodge, a simple, eco-friendly place that perfectly matches the spirit of the island.

Félicité

Another small private island to visit in Seychelles: Félicité Island, located east of La Digue.

This is a granite island with spectacular relief, surrounded by rich, fish-filled waters. It’s a popular destination for snorkeling.

Félicité also has a forest reserve and, of course — because this is Seychelles — sublime beaches.

You can discover the island for a few hours as part of a day cruise. But to fully enjoy its calm and beauty, nothing beats a stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, the only accommodation on the island and one of the most beautiful hotels in the world.

hotel félicité seychelles
Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Where to Stay in Seychelles?

Seychelles offers many accommodation options, whether on Mahé, Praslin or La Digue, the 3 main islands.

Depending on the length of your stay, you can sleep on several islands to discover everything. However, if you only stay a few days, I recommend basing yourself on Mahé and taking day trips to the other islands.

My favorite accommodations in Mahé:

  • Cap Sud Self-Catering: a charming guesthouse right by Turtle Bay Beach, accommodating up to 6 people. Cozy, nicely decorated, very well located and offering excellent value for money. From around €110 per night – Check availability
  • Constance Ephelia: a 5-star hotel with suites and villas, private gardens and beautiful pools. From around €500 per night – Check rates
  • Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa: a romantic 5-star resort with ocean-view villas, ideal for a honeymoon – Check availability
hotel constance ephelia mahé seychelles
Constance Ephelia Hotel in Mahé island

My favorite accommodations in Praslin:

  • Seashell Beach Villa: spacious apartments in Grand Anse, perfect for families or couples looking for independence – Check availability
  • Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites: a peaceful 4-star hotel by the sea, with pools, spa and ocean-view rooms – Check availability
  • Constance Lemuria: the most prestigious hotel on Praslin, with golf course, spa and exclusive access to Anse Georgette – Check rates
hotel constance lemuria praslin
Constance Lemuria, one of the most beautiful hotels in Praslin

My favorite accommodations in La Digue:

  • Kot Babi Guesthouse: a friendly guesthouse near the harbor, with a relaxed atmosphere and tropical garden – Check availability
  • Le Repaire Boutique Hotel: a charming boutique hotel with lovely decor and a renowned Italian restaurant – Check availability
  • Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie: the luxury address on La Digue, with elegant villas, spa and sea-view restaurant – Check rates
kot babi guesthouse seychelles la digue
Kot Babi Guesthouse, La Digue

How Long Do You Need to Visit Seychelles?

To really enjoy Seychelles, I recommend planning at least one week. That’s the minimum to calmly discover the beaches, villages and iconic landscapes of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue without rushing everywhere.

With more than 10 days, you’ll have time to explore the islands more deeply and perhaps add an escape to a private island.

To help you organize your trip depending on how much time you have, I’ve prepared detailed itineraries below:

What to Do and See in Seychelles – FAQ

Chaque île a son charme, mais La Digue reste un gros coup de cœur pour moi, pour son côté préservé, ses plages mythiques et son ambiance hors du temps. Mahé et Praslin valent aussi le détour pour leur nature luxuriante, leurs superbes randonnées et bien sûr leurs plages.

Si je ne devais vous conseiller que 10 choses à voir aux Seychelles (c’est quand même très dur de choisir 😬 ), voici ce que je vous recommanderais avant tout :

  • nager à Anse Source d’Argent
  • explorer La Digue à vélo
  • faire du snorkeling à Port Launay
  • visiter la Vallée de Mai à Praslin
  • grimper au Nid d’Aigle
  • partir en excursion vers Curieuse et Saint-Pierre
  • randonner dans le parc du Morne Seychellois
  • découvrir Anse Lazio
  • flâner au marché de Victoria

Pour circuler entre Mahé, Praslin et La Digue pendant votre séjour aux Seychelles, vous avez le choix entre le ferry ou l’avion. Les ferries sont confortables, réguliers et relient facilement les trois îles, avec des tarifs allant de 20 à 75 €. L’avion, plus rapide, permet de rejoindre Praslin depuis Mahé en 15 à 20 minutes (120 à 150€ l’aller simple).

À La Digue, tout se fait à vélo ou à pied. Il n’y a quasiment pas de voitures, ce qui renforce l’ambiance paisible et authentique de l’île. Vous pouvez louer un vélo facilement dès votre arrivée au port ou directement auprès de votre hébergement.

La période entre avril et octobre est idéale : temps sec, mer calme et températures agréables. C’est aussi la meilleure saison pour le snorkeling et la plongée. En dehors de ces mois, il peut faire plus chaud ou plus humide, mais l’archipel reste agréable à visiter toute l’année.

 

That’s it for this guide to the best things to see and do in Seychelles! I hope it helps you plan your trip and make the most of it.

Feel free to leave me a comment below with your questions, remarks or travel experiences 🙂

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Keep Planning Your Trip to Seychelles

These articles may also be useful:

Detailed itineraries:

Focus on places to visit:

Prepare your stay:

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Best things to do in Seychelles
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Angèle

Installée depuis 10 ans dans l’Océan Indien, je passe plusieurs semaines par an aux Seychelles. Sur ce blog, je partage mes bons plans et recommandations pour que votre voyage aux Seychelles soit réussi et inoubliable !

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