Handpicked Seychelles

It’s not ideal in the water, but we can’t promise that your breath won’t be taken away by some of the Seychelles’ snorkelling and diving spots. There are incredible spots across a number of islands, each one with an abundance of marine life, underwater coral gardens and mile upon mile of crystal-clear water.

Some of our favourite are Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, Beau Vallon in Mahé and Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Why do we love them so much? Well, much of what makes the Seychelles’ underwater landscapes so unique is that they are, in effect, landscapes from above the waterline that have been submerged. You’ll see the same granite formations and rising peaks that make the island vistas so recognisable – only underwater. You’ll also see an aquarium-sized number of creatures: reef sharks, rays, turtles, all manner of dazzling fish.

And the best thing? Snorkelling and diving here can be done year-round thanks to the country’s warm waters and wonderful visibility. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a part-time snorkeler, we’re totally confident that you’ll find the perfect spot for your needs.

Prefer your holiday adventures on land? The Seychelles is an underrated gem of a place for hiking, with everything from steep peaks to gushing waterfalls.

Type the Seychelles into Google and you’ll most likely see a silhouetted peak against a clear blue sky. That’s the Morne on Mahé island and it’s the highest point anywhere on the archipelago. If you’re feeling bold, you can climb up it, taking in trails through rainforests and along scenic coastal paths that can also be traversed on their own for those feeling a little less energetic. Our founder, Ludo, made it to the top of the Morne – it looked incredible, but we’re yet to hear the end of it.

There are trails on the other major islands, too, most notably the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you’ll find the iconic coco de mer palm trees, as well as the Seychelles Black Parrot. Keep an eye out, though, as it’s about as elusive as you get. On La Digue, too, there’s a selection of gorgeous routes, many of which are slightly more accessible given the island’s smaller size.

We don’t need to tell you that it gets hot and sticky hiking in the Seychelles, so make sure to be well prepared and well-watered. As and when you are, though, this is a special place to explore by land and by foot.

One thing you’re bound to notice when visiting the Seychelles is that it’s a long, long way from anywhere else. It’s why we love it. It’s also why it’s developed one of the most distinct and unique ecosystems on the planet; an abundance of endemic wildlife so incredible it has to be seen to be believed.

Among the oldest and largest of the creatures that you’ll find there is the giant tortoise, with the highest number of them to be found anywhere in the world on the island of Aldabra. The gentlest of giants, we fell in love with them when we visited, especially some of the old boys – and when we say old, that’s over a century in some cases.

There are birds galore, too. The list is basically endless, with endemic and migratory species both flocking to, and remaining put, on any number of the country’s islands. Seeing some of these species in the wild can be needle in the haystack stuff, so the bird sanctuaries at Cousin Island and Aride Island might be a safer bet if there are any in particular that you want to see. Away from the skies, the surrounding waters are also stuffed with life. Turtles, reef sharks, and rays, to name a few, as well as the majestic whale shark at certain times of the year.

The country is at the cutting edge of conservation and we’re really taken with how hard its people are working to preserve the balance between us and the natural world. We couldn’t recommend a trip to see it for yourselves more highly.

The other icon of the Seychelles that you’ll most likely have seen when Googling the country is Anse Source d’Argent. The beach on La Digue island is currently sitting in second place in the definitive list of the world’s most beautiful beaches – a fact which some Seychellois are not happy about. Its dramatic granite boulders frame the water and sand and we have to admit, it’s hard to imagine a place more spectacular than this slice of perfection.

If you’re looking, though, there are plenty that come close. Anse Lazio on Praslin is one of our favourites, with its artist’s palette of blue melting into one another as the depth of the water varies along its length. On the same island, there’s Anse Georgette, the perfect quiet zone for more relaxed travellers. When we say, quiet, we mean practically silent, safe for the birds and the waves. It’s only accessible by foot or by boat and, as a result, it takes unspoiled to new heights.

Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé is another cracker, with a great atmosphere, huge range of water sports and selection of colourful characters – both in and out of the water. The perfect spot for a water ski followed by a sun-downer. That’s certainly what our founder, Ludo, did when he visited.

The fact is that we don’t have enough space on the website to write about all the beaches in the Seychelles. So perhaps it’s worth paying the country a visit to hear about a few more.