I still remember my first visit to Mahe; the plane landed ahead of schedule, and we had to wait an hour for the airport workers to come in.
Since then, I visited the island over 10 times in the last couple of years, and I can tell you, there are plenty of things to do in Mahe. 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!)
Mahe Island is the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and your gateway to the Seychelles. It is not as famous as Praslin or La Digue, but still worth visiting!
Here you can find one of the world’s smallest capitals – Victoria, beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, hidden waterfalls, spice gardens, and rum tastings with ocean views.
It is the easiest Seychelles island to reach, as Seychelles International Airport is located here. It is most developed and diverse. Perfect for families and travelers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and beach time.
Keep reading to find the top things to do in Mahe, 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 on Mahe Island
TL;DR / KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Rent a car to explore Mahe attractions and drive the scenic coastal roads, hidden viewpoints, and local villages.
● Discover Mahe’s top beaches, including the popular Beau Vallon, the wild Anse Intendance, the photogenic Anse Royale, chase waterfalls, or go on the scenic hikes.
● Visit Victoria, one of the smallest capitals in the world, tour the Takamaka Rum Distillery, and experience Creole culture through food, markets, and historic sites.
● Hike Morne Seychellois National Park trails like Copolia and Morne Blanc; cool off at hidden waterfalls such as Sauzier.
● Take a boat trip to nearby islands or snorkel at Sainte Anne Marine National Park, meet giant tortoises, and enjoy turquoise waters straight out of a postcard.
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List of the best things to do in Mahe island in the Seychelles
Walk around the capital Victoria
On the list of things to do in Mahe, spending some time in Victoria, one of the world’s smallest capitals, is a must.
Victoria, renamed from L’Établissement du Roy, after Queen Victoria, is a small and walkable city. You can explore the main sights in Victoria in half a day, ideally in the morning.
Begin at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, where you’ll find fresh fish, tropical fruits, spices, and local souvenirs. From there, have a look at the Hindu temple and walk past the iconic Victoria Clocktower (a miniature version of London’s Big Ben), to the National Museum of History. Here you can learn about dinosaurs and crocodiles in the Seychelles.
You can continue to the Botanical Gardens, which is one of the best things to do in Victoria, if you are not planning to visit Praslin or La Digue. Here you can see giant tortoises and endemic plants.
Combine sightseeing in Victoria with a coffee stop at a local café or use it as a starting point before heading out to other parts of the island.
ALSO READ:
• Top 10 things to do in Victoria
Eat at the Creole restaurant Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette Restaurant is one of the best places to try traditional Creole cuisine on Mahé.
You can stop here for lunch or dinner when exploring Victoria, as it is located only a few minutes walk from Hindu temple. It is a well-known local restaurant, similar to Chez Jules, on La Digue.
This is the place to sample true Creole specialties such as grilled fish, octopus curry, chicken curry, lentils, chutneys, and breadfruit. If you want to try something more adventurous, they sometimes serve fruit bat curry — a Seychelles delicacy.
It’s not the cheapest place to eat on Mahé, but it’s one of the most reliable spots to try traditional cuisine. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel season.
ALSO READ:
• Where to eat on Mahe
Spend a day at Beau Vallon Beach
Beau Vallon is the most accessible beach on Mahé and one of the best areas to stay on the island.
You can spend the day swimming in calm, shallow water, which is rare in Seychelles, or try activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet skiing directly from the shore. The beach is lined with restaurants, takeaways, and beach bars, making it one of the best places on Mahé to try local Creole food and fresh seafood without planning ahead.
Beau Vallon is just a short drive from Victoria, and you can easily get there by bus if you decide not to rent a car in Seychelles. It’s also a convenient starting point for the Anse Major hike.
The area offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to beachfront resorts, all within walking distance of the beach and restaurants.
Go on a hike to Anse Major
Anse Major hike is one of the most popular hikes on Mahé.
It’s an easy to moderate hike, taking around 45 minutes to 1 hour one way. Since 2024, there is an entrance fee, payable by card only.
The trail starts in Bel Ombre at the last stop (Danzil) of bus #21 and follows the coastline with constant ocean views.
You don’t need a guide, but wear proper shoes as the path is rocky, uneven, and exposed to the sun. Start early to avoid the heat and combine the hike with swimming or snorkeling at the beach.
Anse Major is a quieter beach with clear water and one of the best snorkeling spots on Mahé. There is a small local stand selling drinks and food, but I would still advise to bring your own snacks and water. You can only pay here in cash.
You can hike back or take a boat taxi to Beau Vallon.
Marvel at Seychelles’ “Palm Dubai”
Eden Island is a man-made island often compared to Palm Jumeirah, though on a much smaller scale.
Eden Island, like Dubai’s Palm, is a luxury residential and commercial marina development area. It was built between 2005 and 2013 with investment from Dubai.
You can walk around the marina, see private yachts, and explore neatly planned streets lined with villas and apartments. The island also has restaurants, cafés, and small shops, making it an easy stop if you’re nearby or passing through.
It’s located just outside Victoria and offers a different side of Seychelles compared to its natural beaches and national parks.
Explore Morne Seychellois National Park
If you want to experience the wilder side of Mahé, Morne Seychellois National Park should be high on your list of things to do on Mahé.
The park covers around 20% of the island and offers multiple hiking options through dense mountainous rainforest and granite peaks.
Trails like Morne Blanc provide a short but steep climb with panoramic views over the surrounding forests and northern coastline. The hike to Morne Seychellois, the island’s highest peak at 905 meters, will reward you with breathtaking vistas over the Seychelles archipelago. Copolia trail is a popular, short but rewarding hike to a granite peak, with a nice view over Victoria and St. Anne Marine Park.
Most trails are marked, so you don’t need a guide, but hire one if you are not sure. They range from easy to challenging, so wear proper shoes, bring water and insect repellent, and start early to avoid the heat. There is an entrance fee for the most popular hikes!
This is the best place on Mahé to experience Seychelles beyond the beaches.
Visit the smallest national park in the world
St. Anne Marine National Park is one of the smallest national parks in the world and an easy day trip from Victoria.
You can reach the park by boat in 10–15 minutes and explore several small islands surrounded by protected coral reefs.
The best way to visit is by booking a boat tour, which often includes stops on islands like Île Moyenne, where you can walk short trails and see giant tortoises. Most tours also include snorkeling stops and lunch (the tour is worth it because of lunch only!)
It’s a good alternative if you can’t include Curieuse Island in your Seychelles itinerary.
Learn About Rum at Takamaka Rum Distillery
This is genuinely one of my favorite stops on the island, where you can taste the spirit of Seychelles and learn about rum.
The Takamaka Rum distillery produces rum from locally grown sugarcane using traditional methods. You can take a guided tour to see the production process, learn about aging techniques, and sample a variety of rums.
VISITING TAKAMAKA DISTILLERY
Opening hours: 10:30 – 16:30 Monday – Thursday and Saturday, 10:30 – 22:00 Friday
Closed: Sunday
Time needed: 1 – 2 hours
Free tours: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 Monday – Friday, 11:00, 14:00 Saturday
The spirit is lighter and fruitier than classic Caribbean rum, often with spiced or tropical flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or coconut — very different from Barbados rum, which tends to be richer, deeper, and oak-aged, with notes of caramel and molasses.
The rum is named after the takamaka tree, which grows all around Seychelles. On Praslin, you can spot it lining Anse Lazio beach.
It also makes one of the best souvenirs from Seychelles — I always bring home a bottle or two, and you can even buy it at the airport for convenience.
Relax at Anse Royale
Anse Royale is one of the most peaceful beaches on Mahé, perfect if you want calm waters and a less touristy vibe.
Located on the southeast coast of the island, the beach has soft white sand. It is shallow and suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Unlike the busier Beau Vallon, Anse Royale feels quieter and more local, making it a better spot to unwind, have a picnic, or take a long walk along the shore. You can also explore nearby small shops and cafés serving fresh seafood and Creole dishes.
It’s an easy stop from Victoria in an area that is also one of the best places to stay on Mahé, with options ranging from beachfront guesthouses to small boutique hotels, giving you easy access to the beach and local amenities.
Stroll through lush Jardin du Roi
Jardin du Roi is perfect if you want a break from the beaches and learn more about spices in Seychelles.
Located in the hills above the southeast coast, this historic plantation with a small museum is close to one of the best Mahé beaches, Anse Royale.
Here you can learn about spice cultivation during the colonial period, when crops like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg were introduced. Today, cinnamon is by far the most dominant, growing wild across Mahé, while vanilla is still cultivated in smaller quantities. Nutmeg exists but is far less common. On Praslin, you can visit the ruins of the old cinnamon distillery.
There is a small entrance fee to access the garden, and you can explore it at your own pace. At the top, there’s a restaurant with panoramic views over the coastline, making it a great stop to combine with a beach visit.
Swim in the Rock Pool at Ros Sodyer
If you are an adventurer, Ros Sodyer is perfect if you want a hidden swimming spot.
Rock Pool at Ros Sodyer is one of the most unique and underrated Mahé landmarks. This natural rock pool is located on the west coast of the island. The pool forms between granite boulders and fills with seawater, creating a sheltered place to swim when conditions are right. You can reach it via the Rock Pool hike, a short but uneven coastal trail, and a guide is recommended if you’re unfamiliar with the route.
Time of visit is important! Do not go during high tide and only visit when the sea is calm, as waves can be dangerous and wash over the rocks. There are no facilities, so bring water, snacks, and proper shoes for the rocky terrain.
Admire the scenery at Anse Intendance
Anse Intendance is one of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, known for its wide stretch of sand and strong waves.
Located on Mahé’s south coast, this beach is a completely different experience from Beau Vallon. Forget calm, flat water. You can visit for the scenery, photography, and long beach walks, but this is not a swimming beach due to powerful currents and rough surf for most of the year. Conditions can change, so always check local advice before entering the water.
The beach is less developed than others on Mahé, so bring water and snacks if you plan to stay longer. There is limited shade, so visiting in the morning or late afternoon is more comfortable.
It’s a good stop if you want to see a wilder, more untouched side of Seychelles.
Visit Sauzier Waterfall
Sauzier Waterfall is a refreshing break from the coast, tucked into the hills of Mahé. It is one of those things to do in Mahe Seychelles, that feels like a genuine hidden reward.
It is close to one of the most luxurious hotels in Seychelles Constance Ephelia Resort. The trail to the waterfall is short and easy, and will only take 5- 10 minutes. It can be slippery after the rainfall. When you arrive, you’re greeted by a cascading waterfall emptying into a natural pool that’s perfect for a cool swim on a hot afternoon.
There is a small entrance fee (SCR 50 | 3,5€ | $4) to access the waterfall, which helps maintain the path and the surrounding area. The site is less crowded than the main beaches, making it a great stop if you want a peaceful nature experience without leaving Mahé.
Take in the views at Mission Lodge Lookout
If you are looking for a mix of history and incredible scenery, Mission Lodge Lookout is one of the most underrated things to do in Mahé, Seychelles.
Located at the top of Sans Soucis Road, the site is rich in history and reflects Seychelles’ colonial past — it was originally a school for liberated slaves in the early 19th century, and remnants of the old building remain, giving you a glimpse into the island’s missionary heritage. The lookout also features a small pavilion where Queen Elizabeth II took tea in 1972, adding a royal touch to the historic site.
There is an entrance fee to Venn’s Town – Mission Lodge Lookout (SCR 100 | 7€ | $8), which helps maintain the site and picnic areas. Early morning or late afternoon visits are best for cooler temperatures and soft light for photography.
Go on a day trip to nearby islands
Although Mahé is worth visiting, some of the best things to do in Seychelles are found outside of the main island.
You can go on the already mentioned day trip to St. Anne Marine Park or visit nearby islands like Praslin, La Digue, or Silhouette Island. This will let you experience different landscapes, beaches, and local culture in a single day (although, I always recommend spending some nights on the islands).
On Praslin Island, you can visit Anse Lazio and Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My favourite La Digue is famous for Anse Source d’Argent, the most photographed beach, cycling around the island, and its slower pace, giving you a glimpse of traditional island life.
Silhouette Island, visible from Beau Vallon, offers lush jungle hikes and pristine beaches — perfect for nature lovers.
Mahe things to do on a MAP
This map shows a small selection of things to do on Mahe to help you get started.
My full Seychelles Google Map includes all pins from across my Seychelles blog — beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, hikes, and more — everything mentioned in my Seychelles travel guides in one place.
It’s all organized in Google Maps, so you don’t have to piece everything together yourself.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP
Use your mouse or fingers to ZOOM in and ZOOM out. For more info about the place, click the icons on the map.
If you wish to SAVE this map for later use, click the small grey star ‘⭐’ next to the map title. Map will be automatically added to your Google Maps account. To view it, go to ‘Saved’, then select ‘Maps’, find a map or click ‘Open My Maps’. You can also find it in your Google My Maps Account under ‘All’ or ‘Not Owned’ or ‘Recent’.
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Mahe
Mahe is the largest island of Seychelles, one that you will visit by default, offering a mix of stunning beaches, and unique experiences.
This island in Seychelles, has a relaxed pace and is perfect for those wanting a balance of adventure and relaxation.
You can spend your time hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park, learn about spices in Jardin du Roi, and admire the views from various lookouts. You can relax on world-class beaches like Anse Royale and Beau Vallon, or go on a day trip and snorkeling at some of the best spots like St. Anne Marine park.
To taste an authentic Creole meal dine in Marie Antoinette after exploring Victoria. For more options, you can visit Sauzier waterfall or swim in Rock pool. There are plenty of things to do in Mahe Seychelles.
Spend your evenings spinning cocktails and admiring some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Now that you know what to do in Mahe Seychelles, check other Seychelles guides, including things to do in La Digue, and what to do in Praslin. You can also learn more about Mahe, what are the best Mahe beaches, what to pack for Seychelles and other Seychelles info you might need.
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• Where to stay in Mahe Island, Seychelles: Areas and 15 best Mahé hotels
• How to spend 10 days in Seychelles Itinerary
• Best time to visit Seychelles for weather and activities
• eSIM Seychelles: My experience using Airalo eSIM for Seychelles
• Best souvenirs from Seychelles: What should you buy?
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