Finding your perfect island escape - Top 5 things to do in the Seychelles
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 individual islands in the Indian Ocean. Although less than half of these are inhabited, there are still many idyllic places to unwind and things to do in the Seychelles.
With glorious warm sunshine virtually guaranteed, we’ve picked out five fantastic outdoor activities below you can enjoy to the fullest on your luxury island holiday. Whether you’re looking for adventure or want to explore relaxing things to do in the Seychelles, this blog has got you covered.
Find bliss on the beach
The unspoilt beaches of the Seychelles are the obvious place to start our list. The contrast between the long white sands and wonderful turquoise waters is an incredible sight that will immediately relax you.
There are far too many beautiful beaches to list here, but our favourites include Beau Vallon on Mahé Island - one of the longest and most popular beaches in the Seychelles. If you get the opportunity to visit, we’d also recommend Anse Lazio on Praslin Island. It’s as close to perfection as you’ll find, and a great place to swim in the clear warm ocean.
We can’t mention beaches in the Seychelles without including the most photographed beach in the world, Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue Island. If you can find a secluded spot to listen to the waves coming ashore with the one you love, there’s no better place to be.
Water sports with the ‘wow’ factor
While there are many amazing things to do in the Seychelles on dry land, you’ll find plenty of stunning sights underwater, too. There’s a host of incredible marine life and captivating coral reefs to be discovered. Whether you’re experienced in diving and snorkelling or are looking to try it for the first time, the Seychelles is definitely the place to be. There are angelfish, eels, turtles, rays, dolphins and many more creatures to be found and you’ll get a great view because the water is so clear.
Some of the best places to take the plunge include Brissare Rocks in the north of Mahé Island, Shark Bank, which is only accessible by boat, and St. Pierre Island - a top snorkelling spot and uninhabited island north of Praslin.
You can also take part in other watersports such as kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and water skiing. There are unforgettable memories to be made every day, whether you’re honeymooning or just making the most of a well-deserved break in the sunshine.
Visit Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
The next place to feature in our list of what to do in the Seychelles is the island of Praslin and Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. It’s been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and spans almost 20 hectares.
This picturesque palm forest is home to a huge variety of species, including bronze geckos, tree frogs, freshwater fish, sunbirds and Seychelles skinks, an endemic reptile. It’s a completely different environment to explore from the world-renowned beaches, and booking a guided tour is the best way to learn as much as possible about the island’s natural wonders.
The nature reserve is also famous for the coco de mer palm. This tree has the biggest and heaviest seeds in the world and is reputed to have grown beneath the Indian Ocean waves. Your entrance fee to the nature reserve will be reinvested in its comprehensive conservation and research programmes to ensure wildlife, flora and fauna will continue to thrive in this part of the Seychelles for future generations to enjoy and explore.
Take to the hills
There are many other hiking and nature trails throughout the Seychelles. For a taste of local life above sea level, you can choose from easy strolls right up to more challenging hikes, depending on your preferences and fitness levels.
If you’re staying on Mahé Island, we’d highly recommend going to Morne Seychellois National Park. It covers more than one-fifth of the island and over 3,000 hectares. It’s a brilliant place to do some birdwatching, admire the stunning views over the ocean and savour the tranquillity of the lush tropical jungles and magnificent mangroves.
When you feel like a change from chilling out on the local beaches, exploring the other side of the Seychelles will open your eyes to so many wonderful sights. For example, in Morne Seychellois National Park, you may be lucky enough to spot a rare Seychelles scops-owl or a Seychelles kestrel.
Incredible island-hopping
While there are similarities between many of the islands that make up the Seychelles, no two are exactly the same. That’s why we’d recommend doing a spot of island-hopping to make the most of your time in this unrivalled part of the world.
For example, you may want to switch between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue to see what each has to offer. Alternatively, you could arrange a private adventure to some of the many remote atolls for the ultimate romantic escape.
We’ve only just scratched the surface of things to do in the Seychelles with these five highlights. Other attractions and activities you may want to research include:
● The Takamaka Rum Distillery
● Visiting Victoria - one of the world’s smallest cities
● Playing a round of golf at the Constance Lemuria resort on Praslin, with its challenging layout and mesmerising views
Wherever your Seychelles holiday takes you, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime when you book a multi-centre break with Viva Holidays.
Contact us now to discuss your next luxury getaway.
