What to see in Seychelles: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in Seychelles: 10 must-see destinations, from Aldabra Atoll to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Predominantly beach and UNESCO heritage; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(4)
Walk along the shore of Anse Source d'Argent, on La Digue, where pink and gray granite boulders rise among palms and fine white sand. Swim in its crystal-clear, shallow waters, ideal for snorkeling among colorful fish. Stroll barefoot at sunset, when the light tints the rocks and the beach is left almost empty. You'll understand why it's the most photographed beach in the Seychelles and one of the most sought after by photographers from around the world.
Walk along the white-sand shore of Beau Vallon, on the island of Mahé, where coconut palms shade the turquoise water. Put on your mask and snorkel over the coral reefs that line the bay, watch local fishermen at work with their traditional methods, and wait for sunset by the ocean. The fine sand and crystal-clear water invite a swim, while an end-of-day stroll along the shore completes a visit to this Seychelles beach.
Stop in La Digue, the Seychelles island where granite rocks frame white-sand beaches and the jungle reaches almost to the shore. Explore its quiet paths by bike, watch fishermen at work with traditional methods, and walk to Anse Source d'Argent, famous for its granite formations. Swim in clear, shallow waters, snorkel among colorful fish, and rest under the palms as the waves break gently on the fine sand of this nearly car-free island.
Enter the Vallée de Mai and walk among coco de mer palms before heading down to Anse Lazio, where white sand blends with pink granite boulders and turquoise water. Snorkel near the rocks, stroll the shore at sunset, and recognize the island Daniel Defoe described in "Robinson Crusoe"—the second-largest in the Seychelles and the departure point for ferries to La Digue.
UNESCO Heritage(2)
Marvel at the 152,000 giant tortoises that roam free on Aldabra, the world's largest coral atoll—a sanctuary barely touched by humankind. Sail its lagoons, where manta rays and sharks glide beneath your boat, and understand why UNESCO, which declared it a World Heritage Site, has dubbed it the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean”. Four islands encircle a central lagoon where the tides rise and fall three meters, and the tortoises share the land with the last flight of the Aldabra ibis and coconut crabs the size of a cat.
Walk through Praslin's primeval forest, where the coco de mer, the world's largest seed, falls among endemic palms 40 meters tall. Listen for the Seychelles black parrot among the fronds and follow trails beneath a canopy that has survived 15 million years. The Vallée de Mai, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, preserves an intact forest that lets you imagine what this island was like before humans arrived.
Natural(2)
Sail to the island where giant tortoises, mangroves, and jungle form a living ecosystem. Stroll the beach, watch the tortoises, and discover why this island was a leper colony for 100 years. Explore the natural landscape, where geological formations, fauna, and flora make up a living ecosystem. Hiking, nature watching, and immersion in spectacular scenery. Natural processes have shaped this landscape over millions of years.
Swim in the cove where the boat from Praslin docks before hiking up the trail that crosses Aride, the reserve where some 500,000 seabirds nest, the most important colony in Seychelles. Get a close look at frigatebirds, terns, and petrels, and walk among giant tortoises that roam freely around the island while the sanctuary rangers explain how this limited-access granite territory is protected.
National Park(1)
Immerse yourself in Mahé's rainforest and climb to the highest peak in the Seychelles, at 905 meters, past waterfalls, mist, and viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean. Hike trails of up to 5 hours, camp at the summit, and wake up above a sea of clouds. Spot endemic birds, carnivorous plants, and coco de mer palms as you walk marked routes between granite and humid forest. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and respect the conservation areas that keep this corner of the island alive.
City(1)
Wander the streets of Victoria, the world's smallest capital, home to just 28,000 people. Buy tropical fruit at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, admire the replica of Big Ben on the clock tower, and visit the colorful Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple. At the Natural History Museum you'll learn about the islands' flora and fauna, while the fish market shows the daily routine of the fishermen. Here Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians live side by side among colonial buildings and Creole shops.
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