Seychelles
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Seychelles - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Anse Georgette
Anse GeorgetteThis small bay of white sand punctuated by granite boulders could certainly contend for Praslin's prettiest beach—a complete lack of development and difficult access keep it so. Unfortunately, road access passes through the Constance Lemuria Resort, and nonguests must get permission to enter, which is not always an easy task. Call or email the resort at least 24-hours in advance if you want to be sure to get in. Alternatively, there is now a forest path from Anse Lazio, but it takes about an hour to walk between the two beaches, and decent shoes are needed. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.
Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles428–1281-Constance Lemuria -
2. Cousin Island
Cousin lies just off the southwest coast of Praslin, about 30 to 45 minutes away by boat. A nature reserve since 1968, Cousin is home to some of Seychelles' rarest birds, including the Seychelles bush warbler and the Seychelles magpie robin, and also serves as the breeding ground for thousands of lesser noddies, ferry terns, and tropic birds. Arriving on this small island, you'll see a sky darkened with the diving silhouettes of thousands of birds, and a visit gives a glimmer of an idea of what the first explorers to Seychelles might have experienced when alighting on these islands. In addition to its magnificent bird populations, the island is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, as well as being a favorite nesting site for hawksbill turtles. Your hotel can organize a trip to the island with one of the many boat excursion operators, or check out one of Masons Travel's excursions. The stop at Cousin will usually be one of three your boat will make. Be sure to bring your camera (fantastic photo ops of ground-nesting birds), mosquito spray (the mozzies can be thick in the interior), and a hat (they say it's good luck to be pooped on by a bird, but let your hat take the hit).
Cousin, Inner Islands, Seychelles460–1100-Mahe officeSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs500, Mon.–Fri. 10–noon -
3. Vallée de Mai National Park
Vallée de MaiLocated on Praslin's southeastern end, the Vallée de Mai National Park protects some of the last ancient virgin Mascarene forest in the world. This World Heritage Site is also the only place on earth where the unique double coconut or Coco de Mer palms grow wild and abundantly. Some 6,000 specimens bearing the largest nut in the plant kingdom flourish here. This idyllic paradise is also home to the other five species of Seychelles endemic palms, the rare black parrot, fresh-water crabs, giant crayfish, and vanilla orchids. Visitors can take the tarmac road from Bay St. Anne toward Grand Anse for a drive through the park that will introduce them to its charms, but the only real way to experience it is to walk along the very well-maintained nature trails (sandals will suffice) that run through the valley. Allow at least three hours to really explore the park. A nice gift shop where you can buy certified Coco de Mer seeds, a café, and luggage lockers are on the premises. There is also a free one-hour guided tour daily at 10 and 2.
Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles432–1735Sight Details
Rate Includes: Rs345 cash only, Daily 8–5:30 -
4. Anse à la Mouche
If you want a calmer experience, head for Anse à la Mouche, a crystal clear bay on the southwest coast of the island, where shallow, calm water reigns year-round. Good for kids. Amenities: food. Best for: swimming.
Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
5. Anse Bonnet Carré
Anse Bonnet CarréIf you're near Anse Source d'Argent but want more privacy, the neighboring beach of Anse Bonnet Carré has the same white sand and shallow warm waters, but fewer rocks and people. It requires a short walk, and thus is often deserted, but it's great if you want a dip rather than a proper swim. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming, walking, solitude.
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
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6. Anse Forbans
To get away from it all, head to this beach in the southeast. The sea, as you approach Anse Marie Louise (just past the Anse Forbans Chalets), can be rough (it's a favorite spot for surfers), but you may have the whole thing to yourself. The nearby Surfer's Café is a nice place for a snack or a drink. Amenities : none. Best for: solitude, surfing, swimming.
Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
7. Anse Gaulettes
Anse GaulettesA bit longer than Anse Patates, which makes it perfect for walking, this beach on the island's northern end has soft, white sand and calm seas. However, dangerous currents make it unsuitable for swimming or snorkeling. Amenities: none. Best for: walking.
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
8. Anse Intendance
A half mile of powder white sand, this is one of Mahé's most picturesque beaches. It's also one of the wildest, with the lack of a reef creating a large swell that makes it a favorite for surfers; swimming can be rough. It's also a favorite spot for sunbathing. The Banyan Tree Seychelles dominates the northern side of this beach, but it is open to nonguests. If you are organized, you could make a reservation at one of their excellent restaurants for lunch or dinner. Anse Intendance is one of the few places on Mahé where turtles still nest. Amenities : parking, toilets (only for hotel guests). Best for : surfing.
Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
9. Anse La Réunion
La RéunionCloser to La Passe, this long, beautiful beach has fine views of neighboring Praslin Island. La Digue's most built-up beach in terms of surrounding hotels and restaurants, it's also great for snorkeling and swimming. Amenities: Food and drink; toilet. Best for: Snorkeling; swimming; walking.
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
10. Anse Lazio
Anse LazioPraslin's most famous beach is located on the island's northeastern tip. A long strip of golden sand with stunning granite boulders on either end and takamaka trees providing much coveted shade, this calm beach is known for excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Unfortunately, this postcard perfect spot can get extremely crowded, diminishing the magic for some. When you arrive, head left and look for a nook at the very end between the boulders. The bus doesn't reach here, so you'll have to drive or walk about 20 minutes from the closest bus stop. Two restaurants operate on either end of the beach, about a ten minute walk away from one another. Amenities: food and drink, parking, toilets (at restaurants). Best for: snorkeling, swimming.
Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
11. Anse Patates
Anse PatatesNext to the longer Anse Gaulettes, this smaller beach on the island's northernmost end has soft, white sand and calm seas, making it well suited for swimming and snorkeling. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming, snorkeling.
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
12. Anse Pierrot
Anse PierrotIf you're near Anse Source d'Argent but want more privacy, the neighboring beach of Anse Pierrot has the same white sand and shallow warm waters, but fewer rocks and people. It requires a short walk, and thus is often deserted. It's great if you want some privacy and a dip rather than a proper swim. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming, walking, solitude.
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
13. Anse Royale
A large and beautiful white-sand beach fronting one of the larger "towns" in Mahé's south, Anse Royale hosts calm waters, plenty of shady palms, and a few restaurants, hotels, and shops supplying amenities just a few feet away. During the northwest monsoon this stretch of coast is calm and tranquil, making the stretch of small rock-fringed coves near the Anglican church great for swimming and snorkeling. Swim out from the rocks at "Fairyland" and up to the small island just off the coast. This area is enclosed by a reef and fairly shallow. Beware of currents, however. Les Dauphins Heureux restaurant is a great option when all the swimming and sunning have made you ravenous. Amenities: food and drink (at nearby restaurants and take-aways); toilets (at restaurants). Best for : snorkeling; swimming.
Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
14. Anse Soleil
A calm, jade-blue bay fringed with granite boulders borders this great swimming beach. Its golden sands are a popular and photogenic spot, made more so by the Anse Soleil Café—the only public property on the beach—where you can enjoy a fantastic seafood meal. Just offshore, massive underwater boulders make for good snorkelling, and onshore, large trees create good shade for committed beach lovers. Getting here is something of an off-the-beaten-track journey, but well worth the extra effort. Amenities: food, parking, toilets (at the restaurant). Best for : snorkelling, swimming.
Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
15. Anse Songe
Anse SongeIf you're feeling adventurous, hire a guide (you can ask at the Loutier Coco restaurant, or organize one in advance) to take you to the beautiful, wild beaches at the island's southern tip. About a 20- to 40-minute walk from Grand Anse, Anse Songe is lovely and surrounded by trees so you can enjoy some shade. Another 20–40 minutes along from Anse Songe, Grand Marron's empty beach is a stunning and worthy reward for the adventurous. The hike from Anse Songe to Grand Marron involves climbing over some seriously rocky outcrops and is only for the fit and well prepared (good water shoes are advised).
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
16. Anse Source d'Argent
L'UnionLa Digue is home to some of the world's best beaches, including one of the most photographed, Anse Source d'Argent (the film Cast Away was filmed here). With its soft, white sand, clear turquoise water, and huge granite boulders, it's easy to see why this would be the case. However, the crowds it attracts could outweigh the beach's stunning natural attributes. In either case, it's worth visiting and deciding for yourself. The beach is accessible only through L'Union Estate, for which you must pay the normal entry fee of Rs100. Amenities: Food and drink; toilet. Best for: Snorkeling; swimming; walking.
La Digue, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
17. Aride
A 30- to 45-minute boat trip from Praslin, Aride is one of the most pristine of the Seychelles islands and is known as the "seabird citadel" of the Indian Ocean, with more than a million seabirds breeding here each year. Protected as a reserve since 1967, Aride hosts 18 species of native birds, including the world's only hilltop colony of sooty terns and the only granitic breeding sites for the world's largest colony of lesser noddies. The Seychelles warbler was introduced from Cousin in 1988, as were the Seychelles fody and magpie robin in 2002. Aride also boasts one of the densest populations of lizards on earth, as well as unique endemic plants. A beautiful reef surrounds the island, and in season it is common to see whale sharks and flying fish in the waters just offshore. Visitors to the island must land between 9:30 and 10, but then may spend the whole day on the island if desired. Numerous operators can take you to Aride, and usually include lunch in the trip; inquire at your hotel. Due to weather conditions, Aride closes to visitors from May to September, when strong winds can prevent boats from landing.
Aride, Inner Islands, Seychelles271–9778-Island ManagerSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs650, Closed May-September, and when weather does not permit landings. -
18. Beau Vallon
Mahé's most popular beach, this 3-km (2-mile) crescent on the northwest coast enjoys surf from September to April, safe swimming year-round, and many hotel and dining facilities. The only beach where motorized water sports (Jet Skis, waterskiing) are allowed, there are also numerous recreation and water-sport operators to choose from. With a lifegurad on duty, and no strong currents, rocks, or corals, it's safe for children. It's also a popular beach for an evening run. On Wednesday evenings a food market is held along a promenade between the Coral Strand and Savoy hotels: come join locals who buy delicious takeaway curries and treats to enjoy on the beach at sunset. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets (at hotels). Best for: swimming, walking, partiers.
Beau Vallon Beach Rd., Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
19. Bicentennial Monument
VictoriaErected in 1978, the monument commemorated the 200th anniversary of the founding of Victoria. This simple white structure, depicting three pairs of extended wings, was designed by artist Lorenzo Appiani, an Italian who made his home in Seychelles.
Independence Ave., Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles -
20. Cote d'Or Beach
Cote d'OrCote d'Or Beach (also known as Anse Volbert) is an extensive and stunning white-sand beach that frequently appears on best-beach lists. There are quite a few hotels and restaurants nearby. The only downside to this gorgeous strip of sand, probably Praslin's most popular, is that you won't be alone, and you may get hassled by beach boys selling boat trips and the like. Amenities: Food and drink; toilets (at hotels). Best for: Swimming; partiers; walking.
Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles
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