Picture-perfect postcards of the Seychelles always show those white-sand beaches and turquoise waters – and as someone who’s spent months exploring these islands, I can tell you they’re just as good in real life. But while most travelers make a beeline for the popular spots like Beau Vallon or Anse Source d’Argent, there’s so much more to these islands than just beach-hopping and sunbathing.
From hidden coves that rarely see footprints to misty mountain trails where giant tortoises roam free, the Seychelles holds countless secrets waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in local Creole culture, want to dive into some of the clearest waters on Earth, or just need to find your own quiet corner of paradise, these islands deliver in ways that might surprise you. Here’s my guide to 20 experiences that’ll help you see the Seychelles beyond the typical tourist trail.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue
Tucked away on La Digue island, Anse Source d’Argent first caught my eye back in 2019. One of the most photographed beaches in the world, this slice of paradise sits nestled among towering granite boulders that have stood watch over its shores for centuries. The shallow, crystal-clear waters lap gently against the pink-tinged sand, while coconut palms lean lazily over the beach, providing natural shade for visitors. What makes this spot truly special isn’t just its picture-perfect setting – it’s the way the ancient rocks create small, intimate coves that feel like your own private escape. The beach is particularly magical during late afternoon, when the setting sun paints the granite formations in warm golden hues and reflects off the calm waters like scattered diamonds.
Beau Vallon Beach, Mahé
Dive into the clear blue waters of Beau Vallon Beach, one of the most popular stretches of sand on Mahé Island. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling year-round, while the long curve of beach gives you plenty of space to spread out your towel and relax. You’ll find plenty of local restaurants and small hotels along the shoreline, perfect for grabbing a fresh coconut or trying some Creole dishes. For the more active beach-goers, you can rent kayaks and jet skis, or book a sunset sailing trip to watch the sky turn orange over the Indian Ocean.
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin
Step into a living time capsule at the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, home to the famous coco de mer palm trees that have grown here for millions of years. This UNESCO World Heritage site lets you walk through prehistoric forests along well-marked trails, where you can spot rare black parrots and giant palm fronds swaying overhead. Make sure to join a guided tour to learn about the unique coco de mer nut – the largest seed in the plant kingdom – and hear local folklore about why it’s called the “love nut.” For the best experience, visit early in the morning when the forest is cool and the birds are most active.
Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé
Want to explore Seychelles’ wild side? Head to Morne Seychellois National Park, where the island’s highest peak rises 905 meters above the turquoise Indian Ocean. This natural wonderland covers more than 20% of Mahé island and serves up jungle trails that wind past towering granite cliffs and hidden tea plantations. You’ll spot rare black parrots darting between the branches and maybe even glimpse the endangered Seychelles warbler. The park’s network of hiking paths leads to spectacular viewpoints where you can see neighboring islands dotting the horizon, and the dense forest provides a cool escape from the tropical heat. Don’t miss the historic Mission Lodge ruins, where Queen Elizabeth II once stopped for tea during her visit to the islands.
Victoria Market, Mahé
Victoria Market, locally known as Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, sits in the heart of Mahé’s capital city like a bustling time capsule from 1840. This covered market remains the commercial soul of Seychelles, where early morning shoppers shuffle between stalls stacked with fresh caught fish and locally grown produce. Vendors call out their daily specials in Creole, while the scent of fresh vanilla pods and cinnamon bark drifts through the air. The second floor houses small craft shops where you can find everything from woven baskets to coconut oil soaps, all made by local artisans. It’s best to visit around 6-7am when fishermen bring in their morning catch and the market comes alive with the authentic rhythms of daily Seychellois life.
Anse Lazio, Praslin
Ever dreamed of lounging on a beach that looks like it belongs on a postcard? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Anse Lazio, tucked away on the northern coast of Praslin Island. This curved stretch of white sand, framed by massive granite boulders and swaying palm trees, is what most people picture when they think of the Seychelles. The clear turquoise waters here are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with coral reefs just offshore where tropical fish dart between the shadows. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours watching local fishermen bring in their daily catch or sipping fresh coconut water under the shade of a takamaka tree.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Take a dip in crystal-clear waters at Sainte Anne Marine National Park, one of the oldest marine reserves in the Indian Ocean. This protected area spans six islands and offers some of the best snorkeling spots in Seychelles, where you can swim alongside sea turtles and colorful fish among vast coral reefs. You can join a glass-bottom boat tour to stay dry while watching marine life, or hop on a guided kayak expedition to explore hidden coves and small beaches. For lunch, stop at one of the restaurants on Sainte Anne Island, where fresh-caught fish and Creole dishes are served with views of the turquoise sea.
Moyenne Island
Of all the tiny islands scattered across the Seychelles archipelago, Moyenne Island stands out as a unique success story of conservation. This small speck of paradise, just a 15-minute boat ride from Mahé, was transformed from an abandoned patch of land into a protected nature reserve by one determined Yorkshire man named Brendon Grimshaw. The island is now home to over 100 giant tortoises that roam freely among the walking trails, and legend has it that buried pirate treasure still lies hidden somewhere beneath its soil. It’s not a typical beach destination – there’s no fancy resort or restaurant – but those who make the trip discover a pure, untouched slice of nature that shows what dedication and love for the environment can achieve.
Interesting Fact:
Moyenne Island has quite the origin story – in 1962, a newspaper editor named Brendon Grimshaw purchased this tiny Seychelles paradise for just £8,000 (around $10,000) and spent decades restoring its ecosystem by planting 16,000 trees and protecting endangered giant tortoises. Today, this 0.089-square-kilometer speck of land is both the world’s smallest national park and home to more species per square foot than any other part of the world, making it a remarkable example of one person’s dedication to conservation.
Port Launay Marine National Park
Located just north of Mahe Island, Port Launay Marine National Park offers one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Seychelles. The calm, clear waters protect seven distinct marine habitats, where you can swim alongside sea turtles, spot reef sharks, and watch schools of colorful fish dart through the coral gardens. The sheltered bays make it perfect for families, and the pristine beach gives you a great place to relax between underwater adventures.
Bird Island
If you’re looking to experience Seychelles at its most untouched, head to Bird Island. Located in the northernmost part of the archipelago, this small coral island lives up to its name as home to over a million sooty terns and numerous other seabirds. The island’s pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for both bird watching and soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere.
Cousin Island Special Reserve
Just off the coast of Praslin lies Cousin Island, a tiny natural sanctuary that’s become one of the Seychelles’ greatest conservation success stories. Back in the 1960s, this former coconut plantation was transformed into a nature reserve to save the Seychelles warbler from extinction. Today, the island is home to more than 300,000 nesting seabirds and several rare species you won’t find anywhere else. Like many protected areas in the Seychelles, Cousin Island strictly controls visitor numbers, but those who make the journey get to experience something special. You’ll find giant tortoises roaming freely, sea turtles nesting on the beaches, and lizards scurrying through the dense forest. The island’s guides, who are passionate about conservation, share stories about the resident wildlife while leading you along narrow trails through this living laboratory of nature preservation.
L’Union Estate, La Digue
If you’re exploring La Digue island, you can’t miss L’Union Estate. Located on the south end of the island, this historic plantation gives visitors a glimpse into Seychelles’ colonial past through its traditional coconut oil mill, vanilla plantation, and giant tortoise pen. The estate also serves as the gateway to the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach, where you can walk through the grounds to reach those picture-perfect shorelines.
Aldabra Atoll
Located 1,150 kilometers southwest of the main Seychelles archipelago lies Aldabra Atoll, one of the most remote places you can visit in the Indian Ocean. Like many coral atolls, Aldabra consists of four main islands forming a lagoon in the center, but what makes this place special is what lives here. This protected UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises – the largest population of these prehistoric-looking creatures on Earth. Thanks to its isolation and protected status, Aldabra has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, and walking its shores feels like stepping back in time. Because of its unique ecosystem and the challenges of getting here, only a small number of visitors are allowed each year, making it one of the least-visited but most extraordinary places in Seychelles.
Mission Lodge Lookout, Mahé
Located high in the mountains of Mahé island sits Mission Lodge Lookout, a place where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Back in the 1800s, this spot was home to a school for freed slave children, and while the school building is long gone, what remains tells an important story. The wooden gazebo that stands here now offers sweeping views of Mahé’s west coast and the endless Indian Ocean beyond. On clear days, you can spot several neighboring islands dotting the horizon like tiny jewels. Local families often gather here for picnics on weekends, spreading blankets on the grass and sharing home-cooked Creole dishes while trading stories. The surrounding gardens, filled with native plants and the occasional wandering tortoise, make this more than just a viewpoint – it’s a peaceful escape where you can literally walk through pages of Seychellois history.
Anse Volbert, Praslin
Lounge on the soft white sand of Anse Volbert, one of Praslin’s most popular beaches with calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming. The long shoreline gives you plenty of space to find your own quiet spot, and the water stays warm year-round. You can rent snorkel gear from nearby shops to explore the underwater world, or grab a kayak to paddle along the coast. When you get hungry, walk to one of the beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the waves roll in.
Silhouette Island
If you’re looking to escape the usual tourist spots in Seychelles, head to Silhouette Island. Located about 12 miles from Mahé’s north coast, this quiet paradise offers untouched forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The island’s main settlement, La Passe, features charming Creole houses and the historic Dauban Mausoleum, while hiking trails lead you through dense jungle to spot rare birds and giant tortoises.
Tea Factory, Mahé
Perched high in the misty mountains of Mahé, the Tea Factory offers a glimpse into Seychelles’ lesser-known agricultural heritage. Unlike the beaches and resorts that most visitors flock to, this working tea plantation feels like a journey back to the colonial era, when tea production first took root on these tropical islands. As you walk through rows of carefully maintained tea bushes, you’ll notice the sweet, earthy scent that fills the air. The factory still uses some of its original equipment from the 1960s, and local workers demonstrate traditional tea-making methods passed down through generations. Because of its location at Morne Blanc, one of the island’s highest points, visitors can pair their tea tasting with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding mountains.
Eden Island
Eden Island emerged as Seychelles’ premier artificial island back in 2005, stretching across 138 acres of reclaimed land just off the coast of Mahé. Connected to the mainland by a 300-meter bridge, this exclusive residential marina development has grown into one of the archipelago’s most sought-after spots. The island blends modern luxury with island charm, featuring pristine beaches, a commercial hub, and a world-class marina where sleek yachts bob gently in the clear waters. Walking along the waterfront promenade, you’ll find yourself among trendy cafes and boutiques, while the private beaches offer quiet spots for afternoon swims and sunset views across the Indian Ocean.
Did You Know This Fact?
Did you know that Eden Island isn’t a natural island at all, but rather a man-made paradise that was reclaimed from the sea in 2005 through careful land development? This exclusive residential marina development spans 138 acres off the coast of Mahé and has become home to luxury villas, a commercial marina that can host superyachts up to 330 feet long, and some of the cleanest beaches you’ll find in the Seychelles.
Clock Tower Victoria, Mahé
You can’t miss the iconic Clock Tower when visiting Victoria, the capital of Mahé. Standing proudly in the heart of the city since 1903, this silver-colored timepiece looks like a mini version of London’s Big Ben. The tower marks the busy intersection where Market Street and Independence Avenue meet, making it a popular meeting spot for both locals and tourists who gather under its vintage charm.