Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Seychelles for an Unforgettable Experience

Seychelles is an island paradise located off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. With 115 islands to choose from, there’s an abundance of activities for beach and water lovers. Ben Reeve shares his top recommendations from his experiences on Praslin Island and day trips to nearby islands.

10 Unmissable Things to do in Seychelles

About Seychelles

• The three main islands of Seychelles are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
• Mahé is the largest island of Seychelles, housing the majority of the population and serving as the primary point of entry for tourists.
• Praslin, the second-largest island, offers a great base to explore stunning beaches and a variety of resorts. Its small population enhances its appeal as an island paradise.
• The islands are conveniently close, making travel through Inter Island Ferry Services easy—approximately a 50-minute ride from Mahé to Praslin and around 15 minutes from Praslin to La Digue.
• Alternatively, island hopper flights from Mahé to Praslin take only 15 minutes.
• To navigate the islands, it’s advisable to rent a car on Mahé and Praslin, while renting a bicycle is ideal for La Digue.

1. Go Back in Time – La Digue

La Digue island feels timeless, with minimal motor vehicles, few paved roads, and some of the most pristine beaches in Seychelles. Rent a bike from one of the vendors at the harbor and head to the idyllic Anse Source D’Argent or Anse Coco beaches. Afterwards, visit Veuve Nature Reserve in search of the Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher, one of the rarest birds on Earth.

How to get there: Take the Inter Island Ferry from Praslin for a quick 15-minute ride, costing around 12 Euros one way.

2. Find a Secret Waterfall – Praslin

The Praslin Waterfall remains a well-kept secret. Hardly mentioned in guidebooks, a brief online search yields sparse details, yet it’s undoubtedly beautiful! Located less than half a kilometer from the UNESCO site Vallée De Mai, this stunning waterfall promises solitude and serenity.

How to get there: From Vallée De Mai National Park, drive to Grand Anse and park near the waterworks. A 100-meter uphill walk leads you to the waterfall.

3. Visit Another Country

While it may be a stretch to say Grand Fond (known as Zimbabwe by locals) offers a glimpse into another country, its breathtaking views of the northeast coast are certainly captivating. As the highest point on Praslin Island, it provides panoramic vistas over Anse Possession and Curieuse Island.

How to get there: Rent a car and drive to the highest point, pulling off the side of the road to take in the views.

4. Eat like a Local

Seychelles offers numerous creole takeaways, delivering exceptional value and delightful food. Enjoy dishes like fish curries, lamb stews, savory rice, and diverse daily specialties for under £4 per meal!

Our top restaurant recommendations include Gala on La Digue, Breeze in Grand Anse, and Coco Rouge in Baie St Anne.

5. Experience a Different World

Snorkeling in Seychelles was an unforgettable experience! The vibrant underwater world was nothing short of fascinating. While land animals possess muted hues, the fish flaunt dazzling colors and patterns.

Seychelles boasts several easily accessible snorkeling locations around Praslin Island.

Suggested Snorkeling Locations:

Begin in the shallow waters of Anse La Blague, progress to Anse Lazio, swim across Anse Volbert, and eventually embark on an adventure to St Pierre Island.

6. Find the World’s Heaviest (and Sexiest!) Seed

Vallée De Mai is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seychelles. This nature reserve houses the endangered black parrot and the famous Coco de Mer palm, both indigenous to Seychelles. Historically, the Coco de Mer was mistakenly thought to be a coconut from the sea, but its true origins were uncovered by the French settlers in the 1700s.

The unique shapes of the male and female coconuts have earn Seychelles the nickname “The Garden of Eden.”

7. Lunch with a View

La Buse restaurant, part of the Iles Des Palmes Eco Resort, welcomes non-residents to enjoy meals with stunning views over Baie Ste Anne. Dining here truly showcased our time in paradise.

8. Meet the Bird that Saved an Island!

Unbelievably, Cousin Island was transformed from a coconut plantation into a protected reserve due to the discovery of the Seychelles Warbler, which once had a mere 26 individuals. The island’s native flora was replanted, creating a unique environment.

Visiting Cousin Island is a captivating experience, resembling a castaway adventure in a stunning natural setting.

Information: Tours to Cousin Island can be arranged through local operators, guest houses, and hotels on Praslin Island.

9. Chill Out

On Seychelles, relaxation is essential. The serene lifestyle invites tranquility, and the beaches do not disappoint. Although Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are popular, our favorite was Anse Volbert. Its expansive area allows for personal space, with shallow waters perfect for cooling off.

10. Have a Selfie with a Rare Beast

In Seychelles, giant tortoises roam freely outside of the Galapagos Islands. For an up-close experience, take a boat trip to Curieuse Island, home to the largest and most accessible population. Enjoy mangrove forests, pristine beaches, and, if you’re lucky, a hawksbill turtle sighting!

Excursions to Curieuse Island can be organized from Praslin Island, where you can also stop at other islands along the way.

This concludes our list of must-dos in Seychelles. Have you visited? What did we miss?

Author Bio

Ben is a travel writer and blogger at The Sabbatical Guide. He fell in love with travel at an early age when his family moved to South Africa, and he now shares his adventures through his writings, offering tips on design, writing, and content creation. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.