Top-rated Attractions In Seychelles

Nearly a decade since my visit, this beautiful African archipelago has remained one of my favourite travel destinations and so, I am incredibly excited to share with you some of top-rated attractions in Seychelles.

A country consisting of 115 islands, and known mostly for its pristine, white beaches, Seychelles is one the most scenic places on Earth. I am not exaggerating. In fact, Anse Lazio on Praslin ranked second on Forbes’s 50 best beaches list in 2017 due to its crystal-clear water, abundance of coconut palm trees and granite boulders which create something even better than paradise. Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue also ranked seventh on Harper Bazar’s 2020 list of the 40 best beaches in the world.

However, the beautiful attractions in Seychelles are more than just the beaches. The country is full of rich history, culture and biodiversity that often places it at the top of any traveller’s bucket list.

Of the roughly 200 plant species found in Seychelles, around 80 are unique to the islands, including screw pines, several varieties of jellyfish trees, the bois rouge, and the most famous of all, the coco de mer. A huge tourist attraction, the coco de mer (which rightfully translates to “coconut of the sea”) is found on only two islands and produces a fruit that is one of the largest and heaviest known to humankind. Across 40 of Seychelles islands, you can also find more than one million species of beautiful birds.

Naturally, there is also a great variety in the marine life, with 900 identified species of fish and green sea turtles that make snorkelling and deep-sea diving, a delight. Giant tortoises (which unfortunately on the brink of extinction) also inhabit the islands and are known to be some of the oldest animals on Earth.

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Travel and Accommodation In Seychelles

Like most island vacations, flights and accommodation can be expensive in the summer so keep a lookout for deals, or travel in the off-peak season. I was here in August and I had a fabulous time. Besides, with year-round sunshine, there really is no bad time to visit!

Fun fact: The excitement of the trip starts as soon as you begin your descent because the landing strip is actually on the beach!

One the best ways to save money is by avoiding full board or even half-board options – especially if you will be spending a lot of time exploring the different islands. Booking bed and breakfast also allows you to explore the local cuisine in a more exciting way.

Seychelles is an extremely popular tourist destination and therefore there is a wide range of both local and international chain hotel you can stay at. Some of these include:

The best place to stay in terms of location is in Mahe, Seychelles’ largest island that also hosts the nation’s capital, Victoria, and consists of 90% of the Seychelloise population.

Six Attractions To Explore In Seychelles

Victoria and The Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market

The capital city Victoria is one the smallest in the world and is a place you really can’t get lost in – but that does not mean its not a wonderful part of the country to wander and gain great insight into the Seychellois life. Rise early and head for the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market Ito interact with the locals, taste a range of sweet local fruits and also grab souvenirs. Also worth a look is the colonial clock tower, which didn’t work for the first 96 years of its existence.

The Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

Situated on the outskirts of Victoria, in all its stunning glory, displays a large range of exotic plants, fruit trees and spices within 5 acres of tropical gardens. An added bonus attraction is the population of giant tortoises from Aldabra, some of which are over 150 years old!

The Morne Blanc Trail

Take the uphill climb from the Morne Seychellois National Park to the top of the top of Morne Blanc mountain for sweeping views across Mahé’s western seaboard, after passing through an old tea plantation and several caves camouflaged by thick jungle undergrowth. The trek takes between 40 minutes to an hour, and is one of the most underrated attractions in Seychelles.

Island Hopping To La Digue and Pralsin

Island hoping is the most practical and beautiful way to explore Seychelles. You can book a day trip through your hotel or online, and join a group as you visit several unique locations after sailing off from Mahe. Who could say no to spending the day exploring a variety of perfect, sandy coasts with crystal-clear waters anyway?

Praslin

Vallée de Mai National Park is the UNESCO-listed, prehistoric forest that forms the emerald heart of Praslin Island. It is the is the only place in the world where all six of the palm species endemic to Seychelles, including the coco de mer, are found together. The coco de mer in particular, is a rare and iconic element of Seychelles’ culture and nature, and is characterised by its fascinating, large seed that produces the largest wild fruit in the world.

Coco De Mer and A Giant Tortoise, Seychelles — Coco De Mer and a Giant Tortoise

La Digue

It is through this adventure that you will arrive at the oh-so-glamourous Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue with its granite boulders and coconut-heavy palms. The picture-perfect beach is in a constant state of bliss and is the perfect place for snorkelling in translucent shallow waters. Besides this strip of stunning sand also lies the famous L’Union Estate Farm. A visit here feels like a step back in time as you explore the colonial coconut and vanilla plantations, which were used until the 1980s, and is one the most historically significant attractions in Seychelles.

Do keep in mind that the waters can be rough, so if you are prone to seasickness, carry some motion sickness medication or travel-sick bags with you while island hopping.

Marie Antoinette Restaurant

South of Victoria, this is the oldest restaurant in the Indian Ocean and with its wood walls and lace tablecloths, this colonial mansion is a real tangible piece of history. Today, it serves up small bowls of Creole favourites such as aubergine fritters, mango salad, sweet and sour tuna steak. Whatever you go for, be sure to at least try a glass of their fresh juices.

Snorkelling, Diving and Other Water Sports

Indulging in the marvellous underwater world that surrounds Seychelles is the perfect reminder for how extraordinary the Earth is. From giant moray eels, schools of lion fish, and green sea turtles to thriving coral and exciting underwater caverns the marine life in this region is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure seeks everywhere. It is perfect place to appreciate the beauty of our planet and test out your GoPro – but if swimming isn’t your thing, then jump onto a jet ski for a thrilling cruise last spectacular scenery.

There are also a number shipwrecks to explore, including the the famous Ennerdale Wreck (an enormous British Fleet Auxiliary tanker weighing 47000 tonnes) and The Dredger Wreck which was purposely sunk in October 1989. Both are located off the shores of Mahe Island.

Average Cost For Five Days In Seychelles Per Person

Transport (flights from Nairobi + local travel): £500

Accommodation: £350 (£700 per double)

Attractions: £300

Food and amenities: £250

Keep In Mind

Eat out at the local restaurants and cafes because eating in hotel restaurants in Seychelles is painfully pricey. Trying out the beachfront cafes and restaurants are a must.

Overall, Seychelles has been one of my favourite places to explore, for its beautiful beaches alone, and I don’t think that will ever change. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit this remarkable country.