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Is Seychelles worth visiting? Should you visit or skip it

Seychelles Islands were on my travel bucket list for a long time. After multiple trips, I still find something when I visit, which makes me fall in love with the place all over again. 

In this guide, I’ll share my thoughts on why is Seychelles worth visiting. I will highlight what makes it a fantastic destination for some, and who might prefer to go someplace else.

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 perfect for those who enjoy tranquility, beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and being surrounded by nature. However, if you’re looking for shopping, party vibes, and a lively atmosphere, you might want to consider other destinations.

Below, you’ll find reasons for and against adding Seychelles on your places to visit list!

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.


Visiting Seychelles islands


Anja on Anse Source D'Argent beach thinking why is Seychelles worth visiting
On Anse source D’Argent beach on La Digue | Anja On Adventure


KEY TAKEAWAYS

● Learn why Seychelles’ breathtaking beaches, diverse marine life, and lush landscapes make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.

● Find out about the unique cultural experiences and relaxation opportunities that should put Seychelles on your travel wish list.

● Discover which types of travelers might not enjoy Seychelles.


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Why visit Seychelles

In Seychelles, you will see the world’s most unique tropical destination. Thanks to granite boulders, idyllic white-sand beaches, paradise vegetation, coral atolls, and countless photo opportunities.

It’s on the top list for honeymoons (even celebrities picked it), weddings, and tropical family-friendly destinations. This beautiful country even hosted the Miss World competition, twice! You can find secluded areas, and some of the finest places to stay, like Silhouette Island, in the world.

This island archipelago in the Indian Ocean is also great for adventure seekers, and snorkeling. You can also go on a hike, among other amazing things to do in Seychelles.

Find out why I think everyone should visit Seychelles at least once in their life.

On Anse Source d’Argent Beach on La Digue | Photo credit @crystalwaterkayaks


One-of-a-kind tropical landscape

Seychelles has a unique landscape, you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

This island archipelago is made up of 115 islands, with outer islands being coral and inner ones being granite. Granite islands date back to the supercontinent Gondwana, which began breaking apart over 180 million years ago.

To put things in perspective, Seychelles date back to the time of dinosaurs.

Unique biodiversity

Anj holding coco de mer in valle de mai unesco world heritage site
Holding Coco de Mer in UNESCO site Valle de Mai in Praslin | Anja On Adventure


Seychelles might be one of the smallest countries in the world but is often referred to as a true paradise on Earth, and its unique flora and fauna are a big reason why.

Here you will find two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Vallée de Mai on Praslin island is home to the famous coco de mer palm tree, which produces the largest and heaviest seeds on Earth, It has a unique heart shape and is the world’s largest nut. This natural reserve is also home to endemic black parrots.

Aldabra Atoll, another UNESCO site, is home to over 400 endemic species. The most well-known one, is a population of more than 100.000 Aldabra Giant Tortoise.

Stunning beaches

One of the beaches in Seychelles | Anja On Adventure


It is not surprising that Seychelles beaches are continuously voted as some of the best in the world. Many of them even top the lists.

Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is famous for its stunning granite boulders, soft white sand, turquoise waters, and lush greenery in the back. It consistently ranks among the most photographed in the world.

On Praslin Island, Anse Lazio captivates with its blend of lush greenery and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This is also my favorite beach in Seychelles.

There are also less famous like Beau Vallon Beach on Mahe Island and a plethora of untouched beaches on private islands that only a select few get to see.

Endless adventures

Scenery on Grand Anse to Anse Cocos hike | Anja On Adventure


As mentioned earlier, while Seychelles is famous for its stunning beaches, it also offers a variety of adventures for those looking to explore beyond the shoreline.

There are numerous hiking trails on Mahé, like the Copolia and Anse Major, as well as on Praslin with the hike to Anse Georgette, and La Digue with trails such as Anse Cocos, Anse Marron, and Nid d’Aigle. These paths wind through lush forests and up scenic hills, providing breathtaking views.

For water enthusiasts, kayaking with Crystal Water Kayaks to Robinson Crusoe Beach is a fantastic experience. There are also superb snorkeling spots all around; my favorite is around Coco and Félicité Islands. Additionally, visiting Moyenne National Park lets you meet giant Aldababra tortoises in their natural habitat.

If you’re into diving, Seychelles has some prime sites, and you can even swim with whale sharks and manta rays. The best spots are south of the main islands and can be reached with Amirantes tour.

Away from mass tourism

is seychelles worth visiting
No crowds on the beach | Anja On Adventure


This is not a traditional tourist destination. Seychelles is one of those rare unspoiled places where you can enjoy your time off in peace and quiet, away from too many crowds and tourists.

Contrary to Barbados in the Caribbean, the islands are quiet and not overcrowded. Even on the popular beaches, you will not feel overwhelmed. Beyond those, you can find many secluded beaches and tranquil spots.

This unique atmosphere and privacy attract many Hollywood A-listers and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), as they can truly disconnect and recharge in a stunning natural setting.

Maybe this is why the islands are a popular wedding and honeymoon destination as well.

Perfect wedding and honeymoon destination

As a wedding assistant for a wedding photoshoot | Anja On Adventure


The serene atmosphere, stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and amazing photo opportunities make Seychelles one of the prime wedding and honeymoon destinations in the world.

Funny enough, I was once an assistant at a wedding photoshoot in La Digue.

The peaceful vibe likely influenced Prince William and Kate Middleton in choosing the North Island for their honeymoon, as well as Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt opting for a tropical escape on Fregate Island.

Paradise for everyone

is seychelles worth visiting with a backdrop of wedding ceremony on anse lazio
No crowds on the beach | Anja On Adventure


Seychelles is expensive but I was surprised by how affordable this tropical destination can be.

While Seychelles is known for its private islands and luxury resorts, you can also find many accommodation options that cater to different budgets.

You can splurge and stay in 5-star hotels in Mahe. If you prefer something more cost-effective, choose a boutique hotel in Praslin or book a self-catering apartment in La Digue. I can confirm both of those provide a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Who is Seychelles not for

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

I’ve been to Seychelles five times (and counting) and believe it’s worth visiting. But not every destination fits all. So, here is who, I think, might find Seychelles isn’t their ideal destination and where they could go instead.

Travelers on a shoestring
If you’re looking for ultra-budget options, Seychelles might not be for you. There are some self-catering options available, but not as affordable as you can find them in South East Asia, like Thailand or Bali. Instead, consider Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.

Party Travelers
If you are searching for a lively atmosphere filled with bars and clubs, Seychelles won’t meet your expectations. For vibrant nightlife, beach parties, and social gatherings, look to travel to Mykonos, Ibiza, or Dubai.

Culture Seekers
While Seychelles has its unique Seychellois culture, it might not be as obvious as in other destinations. For a deeper cultural experience, consider places like Fiji, Samoa, Zanzibar, or Bali, where local traditions are more evident.

Snorkeling and marine life lovers
If you wish to have less nature and your main goal is and exploring diverse marine life, the Maldives might be a better choice. Its colorful reefs and rich biodiversity offer some of the best snorkeling experiences in the world.

Solo travelers
If you’re traveling alone and seeking a social environment, Thailand is a fantastic option. It offers vibrant street life, backpacker hostels, and numerous activities that make it easy to meet fellow travelers. While you can visit Seychelles solo, finding like-minded people may be more challenging.

Shopping lovers
If you want to combine a beach holiday with great shopping, consider destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong or the Caribbean.

Beach lovers seeking more tourists
If you prefer a lively atmosphere with more tourist amenities, Barbados might be more your style, as it has a bustling beach scene and vibrant nightlife.

Verdict: Is Seychelles worth it?

Seychelles has its charm, and I believe they are worth visiting, but it may not be the right fit for every type of traveler.

The islands offer stunning beaches, unique landscapes, unbelievable vegetation, friendly wildlife, picture-perfect granite boulders and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a fantastic destination for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation.

I’ve visited multiple times and can confidently say that enjoying tourist destinations without large crowds is refreshing!

However, if you’re after parties, nightlife, meeting other solo travelers, or are traveling on a shoestring, you might want to consider Zanzibar or Bali. Barbados is livelier choice and closer to the US, while the Maldives may be a better choice if marine life is your top priority. 

If Seychelles sounds like a destination you would like to visit, be sure to check out my Seychelles guides on the islands, including where to stay, must-visit spots, and travel tips. I recommend including Mahe, Praslin and La Digue in your Seychelles itinerary for the ultimate experience. 

➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides

Perfect first-timers Seychelles Itinerary
Where is Seychelles located? (+ Map)
How to get to Seychelles from US, UK, Europe and Australia (+ Map)
Crystal Kayak La Digue: The Ultimate Seychelles Epic Adventure Tour
101+ Seychelles Captions for Instagram

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About the author: Anja

Photo of author
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.