Seychelles Travel Guide

Mahe Island

The largest of the 115 islands in the Seychelles, Mahe is home to almost 90% of the nations residents and features idyllic beaches and 3,000 foot mountains; a place of awe-inspiring beauty. Life is lived at a leisurely place with powder soft sand for beach lovers and places to explore for the more adventurous. The international airport is located at Victoria, the small capital, featuring botanical gardens and the Codevar Craft Centre, Victorian architecture, Hindu temple and more. All built around a clock tower in memory of Queen Victoria. Take a private island tour to the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Trips to the Seychelles are centred on relaxing by the stunning sea, browsing local markets and hiking through national parks and dense forests for the more adventurous. Beautiful natural landscapes provide walking trails into the cloud forest at the island’s mountainous centre. Lush, tropical scenery features the Jellyfish Tree and colourful rare orchids. On the north coast of the island you will find Beau Vallon Bay with one of the islands most beautiful beaches, a popular destination for families. Public transport is a great way to explore the villages and townships dotted across Mahe. Head to Victoria for boat trips to Sainte Anne Marine Park; a collection of jungle-capped islands just off the east coast. Take a guided catamaran cruise to this protected area with fabulous snorkelling spots as you hop between islands. Travel to the south of the island and sample a tipple of rum at Takamaka Rum Distillery, buy a bottle to take home, the rum is made using sugar cane grown only on Mahe; delicious.

Praslin Island

Speed ferries run between the main island Mahe’ and Praslin Island, the second largest island in the Seychelles. Considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, Praslin Island delivers fifteen square miles of paradise. Easy to navigate by local bus, taxi or even bicycle, spend days exploring endless sandy beaches, emerald waters and tropical jungles. Try local restaurants in the evening and sample the local ingredients where mouth-watering dishes are enjoyed alongside jaw dropping views. Visit Anse Lazio beach for brochure style photos and spend an afternoon lazing by the shores watching the world go by; voted as the world’s most beautiful beach this is one not to miss. Pick up a snorkel and explore the underwater life right from the shore.

There’s plenty to see with boat charters, deep-sea fishing, inner-island excursions and water sports. One of the best views of the Seychelles is by helicopter with tours along the coastline and over the mountains; cameras at the ready. Idyllic golf courses enjoy astonishing views of the sea below and are surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for beginners or golf pros to enjoy a game in gorgeous island terrain. The Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is one of the country’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a nickname the Garden of Eden; a protected forest filled with rare fauna and is most famous for the Coco de Mer palm. The tree produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower and take fifty years to mature with the double coconut taking seven years to grow. It’s a must-see so make sure it’s on your list of places to visit.