Best Things to Do in Seychelles (2025)

These best things to do in Seychelles cover the very best attractions, sights and nature spots that Seychelles has to offer.

The Seychelles archipelago presents travelers with 115 islands scattered across pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, creating opportunities for adventures that surpass those found in other tropical destinations. This isolated paradise combines ancient granite formations, endemic wildlife species, and vibrant Creole culture into experiences that satisfy every type of explorer.

Discovering the best things to do in the Seychelles requires understanding how these islands offer unique combinations of relaxation and adventure. Seychelles yachts provide access to remote locations impossible to reach by land, while hiking trails lead through prehistoric forests where rare species flourish.

The archipelago rewards visitors who venture beyond resort boundaries to experience authentic island culture and pristine natural environments.

Best Things to Do in Seychelles

Anse Source d’Argent

The beaches of Seychelles have earned global recognition for their unique combination of granite formations, pristine sand, and crystal-clear waters, creating photogenic settings unmatched anywhere else on Earth.

Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue island claims the distinction of being the world’s most photographed beach, where massive granite boulders create natural sculptures against powder-soft sand and shallow turquoise lagoons.

Visitors access this beach through L’Union Estate, where giant tortoises roam freely among vanilla plantations.

Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio on Praslin consistently appears on international lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches due to its perfect crescent of white sand bordered by takamaka trees and granite outcrops.

The beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities over coral reefs while providing calm waters suitable for swimming throughout most of the year.

Beau Vallon

Beau Vallon on Mahé serves as the primary family-friendly beach destination, where calm waters, lifeguard services, and nearby restaurants create comfortable environments for visitors of all ages. The beach offers equipment rentals for water sports, while beachfront establishments serve authentic Creole cuisine.

Hidden beaches in Seychelles

Anse Georgette on Praslin requires effort to reach, as visitors must walk through Constance Lemuria Resort or hike over hills to access this secluded paradise.

Grand Anse on La Digue presents wild beauty where strong currents create dramatic coastal scenery perfect for photography. Anse Intendance on Mahé attracts surfers and beach walkers who appreciate dramatic wave action and expansive stretches of pristine sand.

Mahé Island

Another one of the best things to do in Seychelles is Mahé Island. This serves as the cultural and administrative center where visitors explore Victoria, the world’s smallest capital city, and discover markets, museums, and colonial architecture.

The island offers hiking trails through Morne Seychellois National Park, where endemic plants and birds thrive in mountain forests.

Praslin Island

Praslin Island combines UNESCO World Heritage natural sites with spectacular beaches. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve protects ancient palm forests where the legendary coco de mer palm produces the world’s largest seeds, while endemic black parrots call from towering canopies.

La Digue Island

La Digue Island maintains a traditional island lifestyle, where bicycles are the primary mode of transportation, replacing cars. The island preserves Creole architecture and customs while providing access to spectacular beaches and granite boulder formations that define classic Seychelles imagery.

Outer Island Experiences

Aldabra Atoll represents a UNESCO World Heritage site where over 100,000 giant tortoises roam across coral islands. Bird Island transforms seasonally into nesting grounds for millions of sooty terns, creating spectacular wildlife displays between May and October. Denis Island operates as an exclusive eco-luxury destination, where world-class fishing is combined with conservation programs.

Snorkeling in Seychelles

Baie Ternay Marine Park on Mahé offers ideal conditions for beginning snorkelers, where shallow coral gardens teem with tropical fish species in calm, protected waters.

Sainte Anne Marine Park encompasses six islands near Mahé, providing catamaran tour operators with multiple snorkeling sites.

Port Launay Marine Park features pristine coral formations where glass-clear waters offer excellent visibility for observing reef fish and sea turtles.

Scuba Diving and Adventure Sports

Shark Bank attracts advanced divers seeking encounters with grey reef sharks and, occasionally, encounters with hammerhead species. Ennerdale Wreck provides opportunities for wreck diving enthusiasts to explore a British Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel that now serves as an artificial reef.

Deep-sea fishing expeditions target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Kayaking adventures explore mangrove creeks and secluded beaches inaccessible to larger vessels. Stand-up paddleboarding takes advantage of calm lagoons where beginners can learn while experienced practitioners explore coastal areas.

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin protects the world’s largest population of endemic coco de mer palms, where ancient forest ecosystems have remained unchanged for millions of years. The reserve serves as habitat for Seychelles black parrots and other endemic species while providing walking trails through prehistoric palm forests.

Hiking in Seychelles

Morne Seychellois National Park encompasses over 3,000 hectares of mountain forest on Mahé, providing hiking trails that range from easy nature walks to challenging summit climbs. The Copolia Trail offers moderate hiking challenges that reward participants with spectacular views of Mahé and its neighboring islands.

Seychelles Wildlife Watching

Giant tortoise encounters occur at multiple locations throughout the inner islands, where conservation programs have established breeding centers.

Endemic bird watching opportunities abound throughout Seychelles, where species like the Seychelles magpie-robin and Seychelles warbler can be observed.

Whale shark swimming provides opportunities to encounter the world’s largest fish species during their seasonal presence between October and May.

Victoria City and Creole Culture

Victoria Market serves as the heart of local commerce, where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, fish, and handcrafted items that reflect authentic island life. Colonial architecture throughout Victoria demonstrates the influence of both British and French styles, with buildings such as the Clock Tower and the cathedral reflecting European design adapted to tropical conditions.

Traditional music and dance performances introduce visitors to sega rhythms and folk dances that originated from African traditions. Cooking classes teach participants how to prepare traditional Creole dishes using local ingredients such as fish, coconut, breadfruit, and tropical spices. Local festivals provide opportunities to experience authentic cultural expressions through music, dance, food, and community gatherings.

Rock Climbing and Aerial Adventures

Granite boulder climbing utilizes the massive rock formations that characterize Seychelles landscapes, providing natural climbing opportunities for various skill levels. Helicopter tours offer aerial perspectives of the archipelago, revealing the accurate scale and beauty of island landscapes that are impossible to appreciate from ground level.

Cave exploration opportunities exist throughout granite islands where water erosion has created underground chambers accessible to adventure-seeking visitors. Mangrove kayaking takes participants through complex ecosystems where salt-tolerant trees create nursery habitats for marine life. Night diving reveals the behaviors and species of nocturnal marine life that are rarely seen during daylight hours.

Most Instagrammable Locations in the Seychelles

Anse Source d’Argent granite formations create the world’s most recognizable beach photography setting, where massive pink granite boulders contrast with white sand and turquoise waters.

The Victoria Clock Tower serves as an iconic example of colonial architecture, while the Mission Lodge viewpoint on Mahé offers panoramic photography opportunities overlooking the archipelago.

Underwater photography workshops teach participants how to capture marine life using specialized equipment, while wildlife photography experiences focus on photographing endemic species. Landscape photography tours take participants to optimal locations during golden hour periods when lighting conditions create dramatic natural photography opportunities.

Family things to do in in Seychelles

Beau Vallon Beach offers family-friendly amenities, including lifeguard services, shallow swimming areas, and nearby restaurants. Glass-bottom boat tours allow families to observe marine life without requiring swimming skills. Marine discovery centers provide interactive exhibits about coral reef ecosystems, while giant tortoise feeding experiences enable children to interact safely with these gentle reptiles.

Traditional craft workshops teach children about local culture through hands-on activities, and botanical garden tours offer opportunities to learn about endemic plants while observing giant tortoises in their natural habitats.

Romantic things to do in Seychelles

Secluded beach picnics can be arranged on private beaches where professional services provide gourmet meals and privacy, make Seychelles one of the most luxury honeymoon destinations.

You can expect sunset sailing expeditions which take couples aboard sailing vessels for romantic cruises during golden hour lighting, simply perfect.

Couples’ spa treatments utilize local ingredients, such as coconut oil and vanilla, in beachfront settings, add to this unique romantic getaway.

Things to do in Seychelles on a budget

Public beach access allows visitors to enjoy world-famous beaches without entrance fees. Hiking trails throughout national parks provide free access to endemic species and panoramic views.

Local transportation, including buses, offers affordable access to attractions while market food experiences allow travelers to sample authentic Creole cuisine at local prices.

Things to Know before you go to Seychelles

Inter-island ferry services connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue with regular schedules. Island-specific transport options include rental cars on Mahé and Praslin, bicycles on La Digue, and walking access to many attractions.

The best seasons for various activities vary throughout the year, with trade wind periods favoring sailing and hiking, while calmer months provide optimal conditions for swimming and diving. Weather-dependent planning requires flexibility and backup options for outdoor activities. Marine safety guidelines include awareness of currents and weather conditions, while conservation participation opportunities allow visitors to contribute to environmental protection.

Booking strategies should account for seasonal demand variations, with reservations essential for popular activities during peak periods. Understanding transportation options, health considerations, and optimal timing affects activity availability and enjoyment throughout the archipelago.