Here is a fun fact about Seychelles … it is one of the wealthiest African countries. Thanks to the tourism industry and rich fisheries.
Are you keen to know more interesting facts about Seychelles? These Seychelles facts will detail everything you should know about one of the most popular tropical destinations in the Indian Ocean. find them below!
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 attracts thousands of tourists, honeymooners, and outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning landscapes and unique features every year.
An island archipelago is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, cheeky coconut, the most photographed beach, the second largest land tortoise species, and many other things you may not have known about Seychelles.
Below are 23 Seychelles fun facts – a blue travel destination I highly recommend for a relaxed holiday or honeymoon.
If you have any other Seychelles travel facts to share, feel free to send them to me via email.
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.
Fun facts about Seychelles
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Learn some of the best Seychelles facts, a tropical paradise with stunning beaches attracting celebrities and offering a private getaway.
● Find out some fascinating facts about Seychelles’ unique wildlife, diverse bird species, protected natural habitats, and UNESCO sites.
● Get surprised by Seychelles’ interesting facts about culture, people, history, and events happening here.
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List of most interesting facts about Seychelles
1. Less than half of the 115 islands in the archipelago are uninhabited
Out of Seychelles’ 115 islands, only 42 are inhabited (by people).
The inhabited ones are granitic inner islands that are geologically among the oldest on Earth. Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the most famous, known for lush rainforests and striking granite formations.
Mostly uninhabited are coral islands, with pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Aldabra Atoll has the world’s largest population of giant tortoises.
2. Seychelles date back to the time of the dinosaurs
One of the most fascinating facts about the Seychelles is that the granitic islands of Seychelles are some of the oldest on Earth. It is estimated they are around 150 million years old. Some rocks date back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the planet.
Contrary to what most people think, Seychelles is made from granite and is not of volcanic origin. They were once part of the supercontinent Gondwana.
Over millions of years, a shifting tectonic plates, underwater volcano, or meteor impact led to the extinction of dinosaurs. That same event caused a massive break in the Earth’s crust from what is now India.
As the continents drifted apart, Seychelles became isolated, and are some of the rarest granitic rocks found in the middle of the ocean.
3. Islands are Malaria-free paradise
One of the things I’m sure you didn’t know about the Seychelles is that there is no malaria. Amazing right!?
Why? The Anopheles mosquito, which spreads the disease, isn’t found in the Seychelles.
Based on the studies, the reason might be the lack of terrestrial mammals on the islands. These animals provide the blood that Anopheles mosquitoes need to breed. Too bad for them, but lucky for us as we get to enjoy one of the five destinations free from malaria!
4. They were settled only 18 years earlier than Australia
Seychelles was first settled by the French in 1770, the same year James Cook discovered Australia.
Despite being one of the world’s most ancient island groups, the islands remained largely uninhabited until then. While sailors and pirates occasionally visited, the French established the first permanent settlement. Later, the British took control of the islands.
5. Seychelles has no Indigenous people
Seychelles is one of the few countries with no native population.
The islands were uninhabited until the 18th century when the French settled in. Over time, the population grew as African slaves, British settlers, Indian laborers, and Chinese merchants.
Today, every Seychellois can trace their ancestry back to these diverse groups, creating a cultural melting pot reflected in a blend of African, European, and Asian influences.
6. The Republic of Seychelles is the smallest African country
The Republic of Seychelles is the smallest African country, in size and population.
Located in the Indian Ocean, between Africa and India, Seychelles is an island archipelago made up of 115 islands. Finding this tropical paradise northeast of Madagascar can feel like a treasure hunt as its total land area is only about 455 km² (176 mi²). To put things in perspective, the land area of a well-known Grand Canyon in the USA is 4,931 km² (1,904 mi²) or 10x bigger.
The unique location of Seychelles islands, between two continents, far from major landmasses, contributes to its secluded charm and pristine environment.
7. Their biggest town is one of the smallest capitals in the world
Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is the smallest capital in Africa and one of the smallest capitals in the world.
Founded in the 18th century by the British as a colonial trading post, the capital was named in honor of Queen Victoria. It is located on the island of Mahé and has a population of around 30,000 people.
Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to do in Victoria. You can explore the city on foot, visit the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, wander through the lush Botanical Gardens, or snap a photo in front of the iconic Victoria Clock Tower.
8. Victoria Clock Tower is Seychelles’ Mini Big Ben
Victoria’s Clock Tower, known as “Little Ben,” “Mini Big Ben,” or “Lorloz” in Creole, is a charming miniature replica of London’s Big Ben.
Installed in 1903, this iron clock arrived in Seychelles packed in crates and was initially painted black. Standing 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) tall, it was later repainted in silver.
The clock tower was a gift from the British to mark Queen Victoria’s reign and to celebrate Seychelles’ new status as a Crown Colony after it separated from Mauritian rule. Today, it remains a symbol of historical connections and stands as a central landmark in the city.
9. The capital city of Seychelles was once full of saltwater crocodiles
The area of today’s Victoria was once a swampy area full of saltwater crocodiles, along with other shores of Seychelles.
At the beginning of the 19th century, they were hunted to extinction by early European settlers. Both the French and British systematically hunted and killed them to ensure the safety of the growing human population and to promote settlement in the region.
Today, you can see a statue of a saltwater crocodile and a dugong in front of the National History Museum in Victoria.
10. Over half of Seychelles’ land and sea area is protected
Seychelles may be small, but it takes conservation seriously. More than 50% of its land area and around 30% of its waters are protected as national parks and reserves.
Dedication to environmental conservation helps maintain its pristine rainforests, unique wildlife, and coral reefs.
It also supports diverse underwater ecosystems, making Seychelles one of the top destinations for eco-tourism and a shining example of how to protect nature for future generations.
11. Here you can visit the original Garden of Eden or Vallée de Mai
The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often thought to be the real-life Garden of Eden.
This ancient forest is home to five endemic palm trees and a rare Coco de Mer palm tree, whose unique, double-lobed fruit seems straight out of a storybook.
In the core of all three main religions — Christianity, Judaism, and Islam — the Garden of Eden is considered a biblical paradise, a lush and idyllic place, where the first humans lived in harmony. Therefore, if you’ve ever wondered what paradise looks like, Seychelles might just be it!
12. Here you can find Coco de Mer or world’s heaviest nut
Seychelles is known for the fruit of the Coco de Mer, which typically weighs between 15 kg (33 lbs) to 30 kg (66 lbs). The heaviest nut weighted 42 kg (92 lbs). It is the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
Uniquely shaped nuts, that resemble a pair of human buttocks or a female pelvis, are produced only by a female coconut tree. The male trees, on the other hand, don’t bear fruit at all.
One of the other interesting facts about Coco de Mer is that it is found only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse, but grows nuts only in Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.
ALSO READ:
• 15 Interesting facts about Coco de Mer palm tree
13. Seychelles is home to the most photographed beach in the world
Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island is often ranked as one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
It is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the world thanks to its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning granite boulders, and lush greenery behind the beach.
Shallow waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or simply soaking in the views.
14. This was the honeymoon destination for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales
After their royal wedding in 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, spend their honeymoon in the secluded North Island of Seychelles.
They aren’t the only celebrities who visited these beautiful islands! A-listers like George and Amal Clooney, David and Victoria Beckham, Salma Hayek, and Primož Roglič have all chosen Seychelles for a dream vacation.
And if all-inclusive Seychelles resorts, offering everything from luxury villas to private beaches, are good enough for royalty and celebrities, it might be perfect for you too!
15. You can step into the world of Robinson Crusoe
Seychelles is a paradise. So much so, that Anse Pierrot on La Digue Island was chosen as a location for a 1980 film adaptation of “Robinson Crusoe”!
For a truly unforgettable experience, take a crystal-clear water kayak tour to see the stunning coastline from the best vantage point. This is the perfect destination for set-jetting travel enthusiasts eager to walk in the footsteps of the iconic castaway and enjoy the natural beauty that made the film unforgettable.
16. The Seychelles has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
Those are Vallée de Mai and the Aldabra Atoll.
Vallée de Mai, on Praslin Island, is home to the rare Coco de Mer palm tree and lush, ancient forests. Meanwhile, Aldabra Atoll is a stunning marine paradise teeming with giant Aldabra tortoises and colorful marine life.
17. There are more Giant Tortoises than people in Aldabra Atoll (and in Seychelles)
Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles is the world’s second-largest coral atoll and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is home to the largest population of giant tortoises, with around 150,000 of them roaming freely around the atoll. Aldabra tortoises can weigh up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds) and live for over 150 years.
Aldabra’s remote location, which is closer to Madagascar than Mahe, is not only famous for its giant tortoises but also for its stunning marine life and untouched natural beauty.
18. Here lives a giant among giants – Esmeralda
Esmeralda, a male Aldabra tortoise, is the largest free-roaming tortoise in the world and lives on the Bird Island in Seychelles. He weighs almost 300 kg (660 lbs) and is estimated to be around 170 years old.
Aldabra species are one of the largest tortoises in the World. They have remarkably long necks, which help them reach and feed on high vegetation. The title of the largest tortoise goes to the giant Galápagos tortoise, native to the Galápagos Islands.
19. Fruit bat or “flying fox” is a delicacy
Bat in a curry sauce is a delicacy. Just like snails (escargos) in France.
Fruit bats, also known as “flying foxes,” are served in various Creole dishes, but the most famous one is bat curry or ‘Kari sousouri’. You can find them on the menu at some of the best local restaurants serving traditional Creole cuisine like Marie Antoinette in Victoria, Mahe, Les Rochers on Praslin or Chez Jules in La Digue.
20. You can drink their spirit: Takamaka Rum
Seychelles have their locally crafted rum.
Takamaka Rum, named after the indigenous Takamaka trees, is distilled on Mahé Island using sugarcane grown in Seychelles. Flavors range from smooth coconut (my favorite) to rich spiced blends. You can even tour the distillery to see how it’s made and taste some rum samples.
Takamaka rum is one of the best souvenirs to bring from Seychelles. There is a nice Takamaka shop at the Seychelles airport in duty-free area.
21. There are Kiwis in New Zealand, but Seychelles has a flightless bird as well
Aldabra Atoll is the only place with flightless birds in the Indian Ocean!
The white-throated rail, endemic to Aldabra, is a small, flightless bird that has adapted to its isolated environment. It is one of the fastest examples of evolution that lost the ability to fly over time, because of the lack of predators in the Atoll.
22. Their endemic Black parrot is actually a brown-dark grey color
The Seychelles Black Parrot, Praslin parrot, or kato nwar (Coracopsis barklyi) is one of the rarest parrots in the world.
It is primarily spotted on the island of Praslin, most often in the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, where it builds its nests at the top of trunks of the dead palm trees. It is one of the Seychelles’ national symbols.
23. It was once a popular hideout spot for pirates
Before the real settlement began, during the 17th and 18th centuries, the islands of Seychelles were a hideout for pirates navigating the Indian Ocean.
Some of the most popular hideouts were the beaches of Anse Forbans on Mahé and Côte D’Or on Praslin. The legend even says that the infamous French pirate Olivier Levasseur, nicknamed La Buse (“The Buzzard”) or La Bouche (“The Mouth”), buried a treasure worth millions in Bel Ombre, in the north of Mahé Island.
It remains undiscovered to this day. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to find it!
BONUS FACT: It hosted the Miss World Beauty Pageant – Twice
The Miss World Beauty Pageant, in 1997 and 1998, was held in Seychelles.
In 1997 the event took place in the plantation Club Seychelles in Baie Lazare, on Mahe Seychelles. India’s Diana Hayden was crowned as a winner. The preceding year, in 1998, the pageant was held at Lake Berjaya Mahé Resort, also on Mahé Island. At the end of the event, Israel’s Linor Abargil won the crown.
Final thoughts on fun facts about Seychelles
What is the most interesting fact about the Seychelles you found out today?
Was it the size, the incredible Coco de Mer, the Aldabra giant tortoises, or maybe the fact that Seychelles has the smallest capital city in the world? Maybe facts about Miss World or Prince and Princess of Wales? Whatever it was, Seychelles is full of surprises!
If you’re planning a trip to this stunning island archipelago, make sure to experience the highlights firsthand. Visit Praslin’s Vallée de Mai to see the famous Coco de Mer, relax on the white sands of La Digue’s Anse Source d’Argent, or go on a hike in Mahé. There’s something unforgettable for every traveler.
Want to know more? Have a look at my other Seychelles travel guides and plan your Seychelles vacation with the help of my Seychelles itinerary, guides on where to stay in Seychelles, things to do in Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, what are the best beaches and many other useful tips.
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• Perfect first-timers Seychelles Itinerary
• Where are Seychelles
• How to get to Seychelles from the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia
• 10 Reasons why not visit Seychelles
• Is Seychelles worth visiting? Pros and cons
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