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Seychelles Travel Guide

Forget flat and uninteresting holiday hotspots, the Seychelles islands are a beach destination unlike any other. Every unique island and islet offers a dynamic yet stunning jumble of granite boulders and leafy forests, fringed with sweeping sandy beaches and swaying palms... not to mention activities galore! World-class diving, snorkelling and sailing followed by island hopping and finished off with a gourmet beach picnic - what more could you want from a holiday of a lifetime?

Best beaches in the Seychelles

Mother Nature has been extremely generous in creating the magnificent beaches of the Seychelles. The Seychelles are made up of more than 110 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. The beauty of these beaches is unsurpassed, with exquisite stretches of white sand washed by diamond waters and backed by shady, swaying palm-covered hills. Every day, luxurious or rustic resorts open their doors on the beaches of these corners of paradise. Discover our top picks to experience them for yourself.

Best beaches in Seychelles

Turquoise ocean edging onto white sand with hilly green forest - Anse Source D'argent
Image courtesy of Michel Denousse - Tourism Seychelles

Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue

The picture-perfect shoreline of Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed on the planet. And for good reason - sea-smoothed granite rocks, blindingly white sand, clear waters teeming with fish and large swaying palms for extra cooling shade. It's easily reached by a short walk or bike ride through the plantations of L'Union Estate, which has an entrance fee, but believe us when we say it will be a million percent worth it. Admire the striking orange sunset with the family or a loved one, best seen if you arrive early to beat the crowds.

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White sandy beach with lone man swimming in blue sea with rocks in foreground - Anse Georgette
Image courtesy of Torsten Dickmann - Tourism Seychelles

Anse Georgette, Praslin

Preserved in its raw and natural beauty, Anse Georgette is a rare and completely undeveloped beach in the Seychelles Islands. A short sweep of unraked sand, lapped by powerful blue waves – with no sun loungers, cafes or tourist traps found here makes it a perfect addition to our list. Enjoy pre-arranged gourmet picnics from the nearby Constance Lemuria Hotel, or bring your own spread to watch the sunset glisten on the rippling water. Be warned that with no coral, currents can be strong when swimming.

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White waves crashing on white sand with hilly forest in background - Anse Intendance

Anse Intendance, Mahé

Better suited to surfing and watersports lovers, this stunningly scenic kilometre-long stretch of shoreline on the southwest tip of Mahé has no reefs, but its high rolling waves are ideal for adrenaline junkies. Other than exhilarating (or calming for beginners) sports, spot the nesting turtles - with the nearby Banyon Tree Resort carrying out daily monitoring keeping them safe – so keep an eye out for their tell-tale footprints in the white sand.

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Seychelles geography

The Seychelles is unsurprisingly one of the planet’s smallest countries. The nation is an archipelago of 115 tropical islands – some granite and some coral. Comprising two main island groups, the central and mountainous granite islands of Mahé, and the flat outer coralline islands. Ninety percent of the 90,000 population live on Mahé, with the islands typically rocky with narrow coastal strips and a central range of mountains.

The overall aspect of the islands with tropical vegetation, is that of high-hanging green gardens overlooking blinding white beaches and emerald lagoons. The coralline islands, rising only a mere few feet above sea level, are elevated by the coral reefs at different formation stages – with the islands being largely waterless and with few inhabitants. The highest Seychelles peak is Morne Seychelles (905 metres/2969 ft), found within the Mahé mountain range.

The tropical oceanic climate, with little variation year in and year out, sees daily temperatures of low 30°C in the afternoon and low 20° at night. Rain can vary from island to island, with Mahé’s precipitation ranging from 90 inches at sea level to 140 inches in the high mountains. Humidity is constantly high but is counteracted in some locations windward of the southeast trade winds.

Seychelles history

It is believed the islands were first used by Arab traders to open up important routes to the east coast of Africa and beyond. There are also accounts of Indonesian and Egyptian expeditions travelling close to the Seychelles.

In more recent history, the islands were used as a base for pirates escaping the European navies in the 17th century. After several French expeditions, a settlement was established in 1770. The first colonists compromised of European, African and Indian people and the Seychellois Creole language was developed, so the different races could communicate with each other. The islands remained under French rule until the war between France and Britain led to the surrender of the Seychelles to the British in 1810.

Plantations were already in decline when slavery was abolished in the 1830s. Some planters took their slaves and left the Seychelles and many remaining slaves had no land so were left to squat on estates. Growth of the colony slowed for many years as there were no exports or money being generated to pay for new infrastructure. The situation improved as planters began growing less labour-intensive crops, like coconuts, instead of traditional crops like cotton, sugar and rice. During the later 1800s, more workers were brought into the country and towns like Victoria began to grow.

Times were tough during World War I – there were no ships importing and exporting goods, wages fell and prices soared. By the end of the war, the Seychelles was feeling neglected by the British.

In 1976 the Seychelles won independence from Great Britain and became a republic within the Commonwealth.

Wildlife in Seychelles

The Seychelles are home to 200 plant species, with 80 being unique to these tropical islands – including the screw pines, varieties of jellyfish trees, Wrights gardenia and the most famous of all, the coco de mer. The fruit of the latter is found on only two of the islands and produces the largest and heaviest fruit known to exist, believed to be an aphrodisiac and medicinal by Asian cultures. The Seychellois government closely monitors the quantity and status of the trees, with poaching becoming a huge concern.

Wildlife includes an extremely varied selection of marine life with more than 900 identified fish, turtles and tortoises calling the islands home. Endemic species include birds such as the bulbul and swiftlet; several species of local tree frog, snail and wormlike caecilian; Seychelles wolf snake; tiger chameleon and heaps of others. Mammals are few and far between, with both fruit bats and sheath-tailed bats endemic to the islands. Indian mynahs, barn owls and tenrecs (mini hedgehogs – we know, how cute!) from nearby Madagascar are also found here.

Activities in Seychelles

The Seychelles may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but the activity choices are huge. With endless excursions for all types of travellers, live out your best holiday fantasies island hopping to emerald lagoons, or golfing with breathtaking views – be mesmerised by the Indian Ocean’s best kept secret.

Watersports

Diving in Seychelles

Whether an experienced diver or a novice learning a new skill, take the plunge and book an amazing diving experience in the Seychelles. Best undertaken during the months of April, October or November when the calm seas offer some amazing visibility. May to September will see blooms of plankton that hinders and blurs the usually-clear visibility, but the flipside is that it also brings inquisitive filter-feeding whale sharks to stunning sites, like the Channel Rocks. Other fabulous diving locations that we recommend would be Shark Bank or barracuda, stingrays and fan corals, as well as the breathtaking sunken Dredger shipwreck, perfect to see giant grouper. Travelling slightly further afield to Aldabra or Desroches will be worth to journey to see some unmissable manta rays.

Surfing in Seychelles

Surfing in the Seychelles is by no means world renowned, due to the inconsistent waves. However, from April to September the weather conditions allow for some fantastic breaks – especially found at the famed Grand Anse on La Digue and the stunning Anse Lazio on Praslin. Experienced surfers will love the rolling waves of Anse Lascars, based in the Isle of Silhouette, whilst beginners will feel at ease at Mahé’s Carana Beach.

Private or group sessions are a popular choice upon Mahé’s Baie Lazare offered by the friendly iSurf group. We recommend wearing a wetsuit or rash vest however warm the water may be, to avoid the rough wax on the boards used on these islands.

Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Seychelles

The fascinating sports of kitesurfing and windsurfing are hugely popular in the windy shorelines of the Seychelles. The Seychelles Sailing Association offers immense fun at Carana Beach in northeast Mahe, and Roche Copra in the Baie Lazare district in the south. Amitie in Praslin, along with the shores of La Digue are perfect for the experienced wind-goer with their own equipment, weather depending of course.

Sailing in Seychelles

Charter a yacht from Praslin, and follow in the footsteps of Arab traders that first set foot in the Seychelles more than 1,200 years ago. Some of the 115 islands and islets may be hard to reach, but a sailing boat opens up a whole heap of new opportunities on the horizon. Choose from skipper-led day trips offering picnics and diving equipment, to week long luxury catamarans with James Bond-style speedboats with self-sail choices for those with experience under their belts. It's time to play out your castaway fantasies in style in the Seychelles.

Fishing in Seychelles

The Seychelles archipelago is said to be surrounded by some of the richest fishing grounds on the planet. Species such as dorado, barracuda, tuna and wahoo regularly make appearances on the line especially between October to November and February to April. The outer Seychelles Islands of Desroches, Alphonse and Cosmoledo sit on the edge of the steep continental shelf knife-edge, making them the perfect place to spot impressive trophy giant trevally, as you relax on a fishing boat or yacht in the cooling Indian Ocean breeze whilst sat upon dazzling blue waters.

Canoeing & kayaking in Seychelles

What's a more perfect way to explore the tranquil turquoise waters of the Seychelles than upon a kayak. Crystal Water Kayaks, based in La Digue, is immensely popular with travellers and locals alike. This eco-friendly kayak company offers guided tours in 100% transparent kayaks. Located on the beautiful beach of Anse Source d'Argent, the company offers 3-hour adventures - with coral spotting, breathtaking panoramic views, swimming in natural pools and plenty to learn about the wild and unspoilt beauty of La Digue.

Land activities

Golf in Seychelles

As expected, The Seychelles is a golf haven. The Constance Lemuria Resort on Praslin is a five-star 18-hole course, one of the largest in the archipelago. Golfers with lots of swing experience will love the challenging yet picturesque nature of the course – the views from the 15th hole are truly special. Do not fear the potential overwhelming heat on the islands while playing, as a buggy will visit when playing, well-equipped with icy water bottles and fresh fruit platters whilst halfway through. Gone are the stereotypes of just older gentlemen being able to enjoy the sport, this course is for all everyone to enjoy and have a go one, and come nightfall the family can enjoy putting neon golf balls through the star-studded night sky to practice your chipping technique – or to just have a great laugh!

Cycling in Seychelles

Explore the beautiful Seychelles on two wheels, with a unique blend of exotic beauty and otherworldly scenery. The Seychelles archipelago is a perfect track for cycling: glass-smooth roads winding through lush jungles, Instagram-worthy beaches and turquoise waters with excellent visibility for diving - a great way to cool off after hours of cycling! Those looking for a comfortable challenge will find it here, with gentle slopes that reward you once you reach the top and witness sensational panoramic views of granite peaks and the Indian Ocean. Thanks to the pleasant tropical climate, cycling in the Seychelles is child's play. Combine outdoor adventure with tranquil settings as you navigate through the mountains and speed along Seychelles' endless coastal roads.

Bike hire services are commonly available on the main islands like La Digue, Mahé or Praslin. We recommend looking out for rental shops and checking with your hotel, as many resorts provideconvenient facilities for guests to explore the area at their own pace.

 

Walking & hiking in Seychelles

Covering more than 20% of the beautiful island of Mahé, Morne Seychellois National Park is dotted with many lush nature trails and is home to a number of native animals, including the elusive Seychelles scops owl also known as the bare-legged scops owl.

The iconic Copolia Trail is located here and takes 45 minutes each way. The 500-metre-high summit opens onto a vast expanse of granite with spectacular views of the capital Victoria and neighbouring islands dipped in azure seas.

For a greater challenge, try hiking to the top of Morne Seychellois, which rises to 905 metres. The trek will take five hours and follow the rocky path through the thick undergrowth, allowing you to live out your wildest explorer fantasies. Sturdy footwear is essential, as is plenty of water - trust us, you'll need it!

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Adults
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