top things to do in Seychelles

Introduction : Top Things to Do in Seychelles | Your Ultimate Island Paradise Guide

Ever dreamed of crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white beaches, and lush tropical forests all in one destination? Welcome to Seychelles, folks! This stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean is basically paradise on Earth, and I’m about to walk you through the absolute must-dos for your Seychelles adventure.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore these magnificent islands, and let me tell you – they live up to the hype. From snorkeling with tropical fish to hiking through jungle trails, Seychelles offers experiences that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy (and have you planning your return trip before you’ve even left).

So grab a tropical drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the top things to do in this slice of heaven!

1. Beach-Hopping on Praslin Island

Have you ever seen those photos of beaches that look too perfect to be real? That’s basically every beach on Praslin Island. Anse Lazio is the superstar here – frequently ranked among the world’s best beaches, and trust me, it deserves the title.

The water is so clear you can see your toes wiggling in the sand beneath the surface. Palm trees provide natural shade, and the granite boulders create these amazing framing opportunities for photos. I spent an entire day here and still didn’t want to leave!

Don’t miss Anse Georgette either. It’s a bit harder to access (you’ll need to go through a hotel or hike in), but that means fewer crowds. The effort is totally worth it for what might be the most pristine beach I’ve ever set foot on.

2. Exploring Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Walking through Vallée de Mai feels like stepping back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the famous Coco de Mer palm, which produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom (and yes, they look exactly like what you’re thinking… nature has a sense of humor!).

The reserve has well-maintained paths winding through a prehistoric forest canopy. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare black parrot – Seychelles’ national bird. They’re shy but occasionally make appearances if you’re patient.

FYI, hiring a guide is totally worth it here. Mine pointed out fascinating details about the ecosystem I would’ve completely missed on my own. Plus, they’ll tell you all about the local legends surrounding the mysterious Coco de Mer. 🙂

3. Island-Hopping Adventures

With 115 islands making up Seychelles, sticking to just one would be a crime! Each island has its own unique charm and personality.

La Digue is my personal favorite for day trips. Rent a bicycle (the main mode of transportation) and pedal your way around this laid-back island. The iconic Anse Source d’Argent beach with its massive granite boulders makes for unbelievable photos.

Curious about something more remote? Charter a boat to Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises roam freely. These gentle giants can live to be over 100 years old, and they’ll happily plod right up to you for a photo op (just no touching, please!).

4. Diving and Snorkeling in Marine Wonderlands

Seychelles’ underwater world is just as impressive as what’s above the surface. The marine life here is absolutely bonkers – vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, and more tropical fish than you can count.

Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, Seychelles is the perfect place to start. The water is warm, typically calm, and so clear that visibility often extends beyond 30 meters. Seriously, it’s like swimming in a natural aquarium!

For experienced divers, the granite formations create fascinating underwater topography with caves, tunnels, and swim-throughs. Sites around Mahé’s Shark Bank and Brissare rocks offer chances to spot eagle rays, nurse sharks, and if you’re lucky, whale sharks during the right season.

5. Hiking Trails with Jaw-Dropping Views

Need to work off all that delicious Creole food? Seychelles has some spectacular hiking trails that reward your efforts with views that’ll make your jaw hit the floor.

The Morne Blanc trail on Mahé is challenging but manageable for most reasonably fit folks. It takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the summit, where you’re treated to a panoramic view of the west coast that’ll have you questioning whether you’ve somehow wandered into a desktop wallpaper.

For something more ambitious, try the Copolia Trail. The vista at the top showcases the eastern coast of Mahé and nearby islands dotting the azure sea. Worth every drop of sweat, I promise!

6. Immersing in Victoria’s Local Culture

Victoria, the capital of Seychelles located on Mahé, is one of the smallest capitals in the world – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character.

The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market is a feast for the senses. Local vendors sell everything from fresh fish and exotic fruits to spices and handcrafted souvenirs. Saturday mornings are when the market really comes alive – arrive early to see locals haggling over the day’s best catches.

The small but charming Victoria Clock Tower (a miniature version of London’s Big Ben) stands as a reminder of the colonial era. Nearby, the Natural History Museum offers insights into the unique flora and fauna of the islands.

7. Savoring Creole Cuisine

Ever tried octopus curry or bat chutney? Seychellois cuisine is a fascinating blend of African, French, Chinese, and Indian influences, creating flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Fresh seafood is the star of the show here. Head to beachside restaurants where the catch of the day was literally caught that morning. The grilled fish with chili and garlic is simple but mind-blowingly delicious.

For an authentic experience, look for places serving “ladeob” – fish baked in banana leaves with ginger, garlic, and local herbs. Pair it with a SeyBrew beer, and you’ve got the perfect island meal!

8. Visiting Aldabra Atoll

If you’re an adventurous traveler with time to spare, the remote Aldabra Atoll is the definition of a bucket-list destination. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises – over 100,000 of them!

Getting here isn’t easy (it requires special permission and arrangements), but that’s what keeps it pristine. The atoll is essentially untouched by human development, offering a glimpse of nature in its purest form.

Would I recommend the effort to get here? In a heartbeat. Watching ancient tortoises amble across primitive landscapes feels like witnessing Earth as it was thousands of years ago. Just don’t forget your camera!

9. Sunset Sailing

Is there anything more romantic than sailing into the sunset on the Indian Ocean? I think not! Several operators offer sunset cruises complete with champagne and canapés.

The changing colors of the sky reflected on the water create a natural light show that no filter could ever improve. As someone who’s seen sunsets around the world, I can honestly say Seychelles offers some of the most spectacular.

Pro tip: Book a catamaran cruise for the most stable and spacious sunset experience. The gentle rocking of the boat, the warm breeze, and the fading light create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

10. Sustainable Eco-Tours

Seychelles takes conservation seriously, and eco-tourism has become a major focus in recent years. Join a guided tour of conservation projects to appreciate the incredible biodiversity of these islands while supporting protection efforts.

Bird Island offers amazing bird-watching opportunities, with millions of sooty terns nesting there seasonally. Cousin Island is a special reserve managed by Nature Seychelles, where you can see conservation in action.

Wondering how to pick a responsible tour? Look for operators with Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certification. They follow practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing your experience.

Ready for Paradise?

There you have it – my top recommendations for experiencing the best of Seychelles. From postcard-perfect beaches to unique wildlife encounters, these islands offer experiences that go far beyond the typical tropical getaway.

One last piece of advice? Slow down. Seychelles operates on “island time,” and rushing from activity to activity means missing the essence of this paradise. Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected discoveries, lazy beach days, and conversations with locals.

After all, the most memorable travel experiences often happen when we least expect them. So pack your sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a trip that might just ruin all other beach destinations for you forever. :/

Trust me – once you’ve experienced Seychelles, nowhere else quite compares.