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10 Best things to do in Seychelles Islands

I’ve been to Seychelles more than five times over the past few years, and there are so many amazing things to see and do — some of them even free!

Throughout my trips, I’ve experienced a lot, and below is my selection of the best things to do in Seychelles, for a first-time visitor, honeymooner, or family on holiday.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEYCHELLES:
Hilltop Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Victoria on Mahé)
Sun Properties & Resort Hotel (I stayed here in Beau Vallon on Mahé)
Marie Laure Suites (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
Bambous River Lodge (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
Palm Beach Hotel (I stayed here in Grand Anse on Praslin)
Chez Bea (I stayed here in Cote’Or on Praslin)
Cote D’Or Footprints (upscale stay in Cote D’Or on Praslin)
La Digue Self Catering Apartments (I stayed here in La Passe on La Digue)
Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel (perfect beachfront location on La Digue)
Chalets d’Anse Reunion (perfect paradise stay on La Digue)

TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN SEYCHELLES:
Mahé: Anse Major hike (I did this fun hike!)
Mahé: Private Tour on Mahé (I did this)
Mahé: St. Anne Marine Park with Lunch (I did this!)
Mahé: Rock pool hike (on my wishlist)
Mahé: Day trip to Praslin and La Digue (great if you are short on time)
Praslin: Vallé de Mai and Anse Lazio (I did this!)
Praslin: cruise to Curieuse and St. Pierre Island (top-rated tour)
La Digue: Anse Marron (hike to an isolated beach)
La Digue: Crystal Water Kayaks tour (my favorite!)


Seychelles is an island archipelago, known as a prime wedding and honeymoon destination in the Indian Ocean.

They are a synonym for a tropical paradise with pristine, white sand beaches, turquoise ocean, and lush vegetation. It is a destination that is easy to get to and worth visiting.

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Inside are only the top Seychelles things to do ideas. But for even more ideas, have a look at my other guides with detailed guides for individual islands Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.

Now, find out the best Seychelles attractions that you should include in your Seychelles itinerary because you won’t want to miss any of them!

FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.


Things to do in the Seychelles


Find out top things to do in Seychelles Islands. From beaches, hikes, UNESCO world heritage sites, tortoises, coco de mer, day trips, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Kayaking along Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue | Anja On Adventure


KEY TAKEAWAYS

● The best way to explore the island is by visiting all three main islands and taking boat trips to nearby islands like Curieuse, Moyenne, and Felicité.

● Swim on one of the best beaches, including Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio, and Beau Vallon Beach, in the world.

● Hike scenic trails such as the Anse Major trail, found on all three main islands.

● Try authentic Creole cuisine, with top restaurants on all three main islands.

● Visit historical sites, and UNESCO world heritage site Vallee de Mai on Praslin.


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List of the best things to do in Seychelles Islands

Take a boat trip

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands. And while here, you should add a visit to a couple of other, smaller, inner islands to your island itinerary.

You can join a snorkeling tour to Sainte Anne Marine Park, from Victoria or visit Silhouette Island.

For some of the best snorkeling spots book a boat trip to Coco and Felicite Islands. If you’re interested in seeing more tortoises, take a boat to Curieuse Island, home to a large population of giant Aldabra tortoises, mangrove forests, and scenic nature trails. 

You can visit neighboring islands, go snorkeling, or just enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.

Go island hopping | Anja On Adventure


Walk around Victoria

Victoria, on Mahe Island, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, with a population of just around 25,000 people.

It is a cultural and historical hub of Seychelles, where you can catch a glimpse of the island’s heritage.

As it is a small and walkable city, you can explore the main sights in Victoria in half a day, ideally in the morning when the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market is lively and you can see locals sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts.

From there you can continue to the Hindu temple, and then to the iconic Victoria Clock Tower, a charming landmark modeled after London’s Big Ben. Don’t skip the National Museum and Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, which showcase lush tropical plants and the famous giant tortoises.

Capital city Victoria can be a perfect intro to your tropical holiday, learning about the island’s culture and history or the great ending of your tropical adventure where you can buy souvenirs.

Little Ben in Victoria
Main tourist attraction in Victoria on Mahe Island | Anja On Adventure


Pet a giant Aldabra tortoise

There are more giant Aldabra tortoises than people in the Seychelles, so finding one should not be a problem! Or at least, that’s what you’d think.

Most of them actually live in the remote Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that is not easily accessible to visitors. Fortunately, you can still get up close and take a photo of yourself petting one of the world’s biggest tortoises.

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The best way to visit them is to join one of the tours. You can see them on Moyenne Island, the world’s smallest national park and a tortoise sanctuary. Another popular option is a day trip from Praslin to Curieuse Island, also a tortoise sanctuary, home to even more tortoises and a favorite stop for many visitors.

You can also find Aldabra tortoises roaming the main islands.

On Mahe, the best place to see them is in the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens in Victoria. On Praslin, you can find them in Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve, and on La Digue there are some inside the L’Union Estate, on Anse Severe Beach somewhere around Bikini Bottom bar and close to Chez Jules restaurant.

Tortoise sanctuary on Moyenne Island | Anja On Adventure


Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Seychelles is home to two incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the country’s natural beauty and unique biodiversity.

Aldabra Atoll, the world’s second-largest coral atoll, is a remote and unspoiled sanctuary for thousands of giant Aldabra tortoises, countless marine species and flightless birds. It is challenging to visit.

Closer to the main islands, Vallée de Mai on Praslin is a must-see. Believed by some to be the original Garden of Eden, this prehistoric forest is filled with Coco de Mer palms, along with other endemic palm species and unique birds like the black parrot.

I highly recommend visiting Vallee de Mai with a guide! You will learn a lot of interesting facts about flora and fauna of Seychelles, and Coco de Mer.

Plaques for Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Anja On Adventure


Snorkel and admire colorful marine life

Crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands are home to colorful coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish, perfect for snorkeling.

One of the most popular snorkeling is around Sainte Anne Marine National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. While I did see fish, I was not that impressed, but maybe because the recent El Niño events caused some coral bleaching. Luckily many reefs are showing signs of recovery.

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If you don’t want to go on a tour, there are some great snorkeling beaches on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue;
on Mahe, try Anse Major and Port Launay Marine Park in front of Constance Ephelia Resort,
on Praslin, Anse la Farine and Anse Kerlan are excellent, and along the sides of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette;
on La Digue, head to Anse Severe or Anse Patates.

For an absolute best snorkeling, and my favorite spot, go on an excursion to Coco, Sister and Felicite. You can book one from La Digue or Praslin.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle | Photo credit blueorangestudio


Relax on the most beautiful beaches in the world

Here, in Seychelles, you will find a couple of the most beautiful beaches in the world, not just according to yours truly, but as recognized by Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Lonely Planet.

Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, is often named as the most photographed beach in the world, so no holiday in Seychelles should be without a photo from this iconic beach.

Its unique beauty of gray granite boulders, powdery white sand, turquoise waters and lush greenery is perfect for postcards and Instagram-worthy shots. For the ultimate photo, book a drone photoshoot and wear colors that pop against the stunning backdrop.

Another must-visit beach, and my personal favorite, is Anse Lazio on Praslin.

Anja on Anse Source D'Argent from aeriel view taken with drone
Anja on Anse Source D’Argent Beach as seen from drone | Photo credit @crystalwaterkayaks


Hike one of the scenic walking trails

If you enjoy nature and scenic views leading to secluded beaches or stunning viewpoints, then hiking at least one of Seychelles’ trails should be on your to-do list.

The main island, Mahe, and surrounding inner islands, Silhouette, Praslin, and La Digue, are all granitic islands, offering excellent hiking opportunities to stretch your legs and balance out beach days.

Seychelles tallest peak, Morne Seychellois, reaches 905 meters (2,969 feet).


Some of the most popular trails include the Anse Major hike on Mahe, the hike from Anse Lazio to Anse Georgette on Praslin, and the Anse Cocos hike on La Digue. These trails take you through lush forests and along coastal paths to secluded beaches. I hiked all three and would say the Anse Cocos is the easiest and the Anse Georgette the most challenging.

Other notable hikes are the Morne Blanc trail on Mahe, the 700 steps to Fond Ferdinand viewpoint on Praslin, the Zimbabwe viewpoint on Praslin, and the challenging Anse Marron and Nid d’Aigle hikes on La Digue.

Anse Major Beach | Anja On Adventure


Sleep in luxury accommodation

In the islands of Seychelles, you will find some of the best luxury resorts in the world, from private islands frequented by royalty to those that attract Hollywood A-listers.

While these luxurious options might not fit every budget, there are affordable luxury resorts where you can indulge. If you’re on your honeymoon or a romantic getaway, consider splurging for a night or two at a top-tier resort.

On Mahe, the Four Seasons Resort and Constance Ephelia are top choices, offering stunning views and private pools. On Praslin, Constance Lemuria and Raffles Seychelles stand out as the best options. On the smallest of the three, La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangerie provides a blend of luxury and Creole charm, along with easy access to the island’s best attractions.

If I had to pick just one, my top choice would be Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Felicite Island, which offers a stay on private island, superb snorkeling, but is still close enough to the three main island.

Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie
Lounge with a view in one of the luxurious resorts | Anja On Adventure


Try delicious Creole cuisine

Seychelles offers a unique blend of flavors in its Creole cuisine, influenced by African, French, Indian, and Chinese cooking.

Popular local dishes often feature seafood, with must-try options like octopus curry and grilled fish. For the more adventurous, consider tasting the local delicacy, fruit bat curry.

On Mahe, one of the best places to try authentic Creole dishes is Marie Antoinette, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional curries in a charming setting. On Praslin, I highly recommend Coco Rouge, where I had one of the best dishes during my multiple visits. On La Digue, restaurant Chez Jules, is known for its exquisite Creole dishes and relaxed atmosphere.

You can also find amazing Creole dishes at local takeaways, making it an easy and cheap option to taste this delicious local cuisine.

Traditional Seychelles octopus curry | Photo credit MelanieMaya from Getty Images


Buy a unique souvenir

I very rarely manage to come home without souvenirs. But at the same time, I try not to purchase things just for the sake of it. In Seychelles, you’ll find plenty of unique and meaningful items worth bringing back.

The best places to shop are local markets and small artisan stores, like the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria or the craft shops on La Digue and Praslin. There are also nice souvenir shops at the airport.

Typical souvenirs include local products like vanilla, spices, teas, and coconut products. I usually purchase Takamaka rum, the local spirit of Seychelles. But if you want a truly unique souvenir, consider getting a Coco de Mer nut, one of the rarest and most iconic symbols of the islands.

coco de mer nut
Coco de Mer nut | Anja On Adventure

Things to do in Seychelles on a MAP

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Final thoughts on the best things to do in Seychelles

Seychelles is the definition of a tropical paradise and is absolutely worth a spot on your travel bucket list.

This island archipelago may be small, but it’s packed with everything you would want from your holiday; world-class beaches, delicious food, hiking trails, and unique flora and fauna.

Seychelles has something to offer for every type of traveler.

You can spend your days exploring beautiful beaches like Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent, and Anse Intendance. Watch marine life in crystal-clear waters, hike scenic trails, and learn some facts about the worlds largest nut. You can even snap a photo with a giant Aldabra tortoise and take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands for a unique experience.

Evenings in Seychelles are perfect for enjoying Creole dishes at local restaurants or relaxing at a luxury resort, watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Now that you have a list of the activities in Seychelles, have a look at more detailed guide on what to do in La Digue, Praslin attractions and what to see in Mahe. Find more Seychelles guides on how to reach the islands, where to stay, what to pack and even how Seychelles compare to Zanzibar and Barbados.

➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides

Where to stay in Seychelles: Hotels for every Budget & Style
How to get to La Digue, Seychelles, from Mahé or Praslin
How to spend 10 days in Seychelles Itinerary
Where to stay in Praslin Island, Seychelles: 10 Best Praslin hotels
101+ Seychelles Captions for Instagram

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About the author: Anja

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Anja is a travel blogger and the founder of Anja on Adventure travel blog. Originally from Slovenia, she was also living in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. She loves traveling to tropical destinations, as well as beach destinations with endless summer. But you can also find her eating her way through Italy or Mexico, learning about ancient cultures in Easter Island, visiting bucket list places in Peru, or taking road trips through the USA. She is passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. For the past 15+ years she has been traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide. Her goal is to visit every tropical destination in the World. Anja On Adventure is here to provide helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that she has gathered from first-hand experience.