Our Guide to The Seychelles

The best island in the Seychelles for: exploring Seychellois history & culture.

Mahe is home to the nation’s capital; Victoria. The city was named after Queen Victoria, and despite its relatively small size, is an important part of Seychellois history. From picturesque, colourful houses that date to the early 20^th century to a modern marina, the city has plenty to explore.

Our top recommendations:

1. Spend a day touring Victoria; visiting the bustling market, the nearby colourful Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple and the large catholic cathedral that dates to 1892. After this, head to the historic clock tower, nicknamed ‘Little Big Ben’, and finish your day at the National Botanical Gardens.
2. Discover stunning beaches such as Beau Vallon, Anse Intendance, and Anse Royale, ideal for snorkelling and sunbathing.
3. Don't miss the Morne Seychellois National Park, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the island.

Our travel tip:

Mahe can see higher rainfall than the Outer Islands between January and early March, so make sure to consider this if you want to spend time exploring the island.

Our recommended hotels in Mahe:

1. Constance Ephelia: A family-friendly resort surrounded by lush tropical gardens, featuring spacious suites and a range of water sports activities.
2. Anantara Maia: Offering excellent service and private villas, Anantara Maia is a romantic haven that is one of the best hotels in the Seychelles for couples. 

If you do one thing….

Visit the historic Sir Selwyn Selwin Clarke Market. Originally built in 1840, it is one of the oldest continually operating markets in the southern hemisphere. Alongside souvenir shops and local crafts, you will find locals shopping for spices, fruit, vegetables and fresh seafood.

The best island in the Seychelles for: nature lovers.

The second largest island inner island in the Seychelles, Praslin is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and lush jungles filled with endemic flora and fauna. Enjoy walking trails through the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve, as well as a number of trails that travel between the island’s beautiful beaches.

Our top recommendations:

1. Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the iconic coco de mer palms.
2. Discover Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, two of the world's most beautiful beaches, renowned for their pristine waters and powder-white sands.
3. Engage in snorkelling adventures in the stunning coral reefs of the Curieuse Marine National Park.

Our travel tip:

If you are visiting between July and September, be aware that trade winds can mean the ocean is a little choppier than usual. This means the visibility for diving and snorkelling can be reduced and those who experience sea sickness may want to use a domestic flight rather than the ferry to travel between Mahe and Praslin.

Our recommended hotels in Praslin:

1. Constance Lemuria: An eco-friendly resort surrounded by lush vegetation, featuring elegant suites, a championship golf course, and a serene spa.
2. L’Archipel: A family-owned and operated boutique hotel, each of the spacious suites is set amongst tropical gardens, overlooking the peaceful beach.
3. Raffles Seychelles: An exquisite resort nestled in Anse Takamaka, offering luxurious villas with private plunge pools and panoramic ocean views.

If you do one thing….

Enjoy a guided walk through the Vallée de Mai. While you can easily explore the area independently, the extra knowledge you receive from a guide is worth it. The guides are also excellent at spotting elusive endemic species, such as the Seychellois Black Parrot and the Bronze Gecko.

The best island in the Seychelles for: individual exploration and a laid-back atmosphere.

La Digue is a picturesque island, and one of the most popular destinations in the Seychelles. The small island has a relaxed feel, with very few cars – travelling on foot or by bicycle is the most popular form of transport for locals and tourists. The island is dotted with small guesthouses and local restaurants, and each turn uncovers another beautiful beach.

Our top recommendations:

1. Explore the idyllic beaches of Anse Source d'Argent, Anse Coco, and Grand Anse, known for their picturesque landscapes and granite rock formations.
2. Rent a bicycle and leisurely explore the island, discovering quaint villages and the iconic Union Estate, a traditional coconut plantation.
3. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Anse Severe and encounter vibrant marine life.

Our travel tip:

There are ferries between Praslin and La Digue throughout the day, and the journey time is around 15 minutes, which makes it easy to visit for a day trip even if you are not staying on the island.

Our recommended hotels in La Digue:

1. Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie: A charming boutique hotel surrounded by tropical gardens, offering stylish villas and a tranquil spa. 
2. Le Nautique: A 6 bedroom retreat providing comfortable accommodations and breathtaking ocean views.

If you do one thing….

Hire a bicycle and explore the island at your leisure. Stop at beaches that take your fancy while you cycle along the coastal path, and save some time to visit the quieter and more remote beaches that are only accessible on foot.

The best islands in the Seychelles for: remote locations and conservation-focused properties.

The Inner Islands are all granitic islands, and two coralline islands, all relatively close to each other and the main island; Mahe. In contrast, the Outer Islands are all coralline islands which stretch over a 750 mile radius. The Outer Islands are uninhabited for the most part and are often breeding and nesting sites for an array of wildlife. A select number of these islands have become luxurious hotels, all while maintaining a strong focus on conserving marine life and wildlife.

Our recommended hotels:

1. Alphonse Island: Discover a true paradise for snorkelers and divers, with abundant marine life and pristine coral reefs.
2. Denis Island: Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this private island, home to rare bird species and nesting sea turtles. Experience barefoot luxury at Denis Private Island.
3. Desroches Island: Indulge in world-class snorkelling and diving experiences, explore nature trails teeming with birdlife, and unwind on secluded beaches.

Our travel tip:

Weather on the outer islands tends to be more consistent year-round, and the islands see lower rainfall than Mahe. If you are looking to travel to the Seychelles in January of February, this makes the Outer Islands the best places to stay.

If you do one thing….

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience. The light aircraft flight and extra journey time are well worth the effort, as the Outer Islands offer stunning locations and extraordinary wildlife experiences.

The Seychelles offers a world of adventure for snorkelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and hiking aficionados. From the main islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue to the captivating outer islands of Alphonse, Denis, and Desroches, there are endless opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter fascinating wildlife, and embark on breathtaking hikes. Let Love To Explore curate your dream itinerary, combining stays at recommended hotels to ensure an unforgettable journey through this tropical paradise. Start planning your Seychelles adventure today!