Things to see and do in Seychelles
Attractions in Seychelles
Aldabra Atoll
Remote, immense and exceptionally well preserved, UNESCO-listed Aldabra is one of the world's largest raised coral atolls and supports the world's largest population of giant tortoises. Its isolation has protected an extraordinary ecosystem of lagoons, mangroves, seabirds, turtles and marine life. Reaching Aldabra requires prior permission from the Seychelles Islands Foundation.
Aride Island
This small nature reserve north of Praslin supports enormous colonies of seabirds as well as endemic plants, reptiles and land birds. Visits are carefully managed to protect the island's wildlife, with guided walks providing an opportunity to experience one of the archipelago's most important conservation areas.
Birdwatching
Seychelles is an outstanding birdwatching destination, with numerous endemic species and major seabird colonies. Praslin is home to the rare Seychelles black parrot, while Aride, Cousin and Bird islands are particularly rewarding for nesting seabirds and other native species.
Cousin Island Special Reserve
Just off Praslin, Cousin Island is an important nature reserve renowned for its successful conservation programmes. Once the last refuge of the critically endangered Seychelles warbler, the restored island now shelters several endemic birds, large seabird colonies and nesting hawksbill turtles. Visits are carefully managed and include guided walks through the reserve.
Curieuse Island
Just off Praslin, protected Curieuse Island is best known for its population of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises. Walking trails cross mangroves and coco de mer habitat, while the restored Doctor's House recalls the island's history as a leper colony. Curieuse is usually visited by boat on a day excursion from Praslin.
La Digue, Anse Source d'Argent
Huge weathered granite boulders rise between shallow turquoise water and pale sand at Anse Source d'Argent, creating the landscape most closely associated with Seychelles. The beach is reached through L'Union Estate, and its sheltered shallows and extraordinary rock formations are best explored slowly rather than simply treated as a photographic stop.
La Digue, L'Union Estate
This former coconut and vanilla plantation provides an insight into La Digue's traditional economy and Creole heritage. Visitors can see an old plantation house and historic copra-processing equipment before continuing through the estate towards Anse Source d'Argent.
Mahé, Beau Vallon
Beau Vallon curves around a broad bay on Mahé's northwest coast and is one of the island's liveliest beach areas. Calm waters during favourable conditions make it popular for swimming and water sports, while restaurants, accommodation and evening food stalls give the area a more sociable atmosphere than many of the Seychelles' secluded beaches.
Mahé, Morne Seychellois National Park
Covering a substantial part of Mahé's mountainous interior, Morne Seychellois National Park protects dense tropical forest rising to the country's highest peak. Walking trails lead through endemic vegetation to viewpoints overlooking the coast, with the Morne Blanc and Copolia trails among the most accessible choices for visitors.
Mahé, Sainte Anne Marine National Park
A short boat journey from Mahé, this protected marine area encompasses several small islands and the surrounding reefs and lagoons. Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat excursions reveal tropical fish, coral and other marine life, making it an easy introduction to the Seychelles' underwater world.
Mahé, Victoria
Seychelles' tiny capital is compact and pleasantly walkable, with its colourful Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market providing a lively introduction to everyday island life. Nearby landmarks include the silver-painted Clock Tower, the Hindu temple of Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar and the National Museum of History, while the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens lie just outside the centre.
Praslin, Anse Lazio
Granite boulders and forested hills frame the pale sand and clear blue water of Anse Lazio on Praslin's northwest coast. Frequently regarded as one of Seychelles' finest beaches, it is particularly attractive for swimming and snorkelling when sea conditions are calm.
Praslin, Vallée de Mai
This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves an extraordinary palm forest where the endemic coco de mer grows naturally beneath a dense canopy. Walking trails wind between enormous palm leaves and the distinctive double-lobed fruits, while the forest also shelters rare wildlife including the Seychelles black parrot. Its remarkably primaeval atmosphere makes it one of the Seychelles' most memorable natural attractions.
Scuba diving
Seychelles offers excellent diving among coral reefs, granite formations, wrecks and deeper offshore sites. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue have established dive centres catering to beginners and experienced divers, while more remote islands offer access to less-visited sites. Visibility and sea conditions vary seasonally, with the calmer transition periods around April-May and October-November generally providing some of the best conditions.