Seychelles:
Island hopping
At a peek
Location:
Indian Ocean, Eastern Africa
Capital:
Victoria
Official Languages:
Seychellois Creole, English, French
Currency:
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Best Time to Visit:
April, May, October, November
Average Temperature:
Around 27°C/81°F
Culinary Highlight:
Grilled Fish – fresh fish grilled with local spices, often served with rice and salads
Unique Feature:
Renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.
You know, we usually go on road trips and assist you with the planning for yours. But on comparatively small islands, what should you do?
Right, island hopping. And if you are looking for it right now, the Seychelles are the best place to go.
This breathtaking archipelago in the Indian Ocean offers an array of stunning islands with beautiful beaches, luxurious and affordable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences for couples seeking both adventure and tranquility.
In december 2023 we went on an incredible journey through the Seychelles, exploring its pristine islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Our island hopping adventure included visiting all three main islands: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Each island offered its unique charm and a variety of activities that made our trip truly unforgettable.
Probably the most well-known feature of the Seychelles are its beautiful beaches. There are lovely lodging options ranging from inexpensive guest houses to opulent resorts on every island. On Mahé, we spent our evenings on our private terrace, enjoying the sunset and the soothing sounds of the ocean after a day of exploring the island.
The crazy thing about our trip was, that we went there for just a bit more than one week. But is it enough? Does it make sense to fly for more than 10 hours from europe for a trip that lasts less than 2 weeks and explore all 3 main islands?
The answer is yes, but let’s come back to that later. First, we would like to share some information with you about the top activities and accomondations.
At a peek
Location:
Indian Ocean, Eastern Africa
Capital:
Victoria
Official Languages:
Seychellois Creole, English, French
Currency:
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Best Time to Visit:
April, May, October, November
Average Temperature:
Around 27°C/81°F
Culinary Highlight:
Grilled Fish – fresh fish grilled with local spices, often served with rice and salads
Unique Feature:
Renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.
Things to do
Island Hopping
Mahé: The Gateway to Seychelle islands
Our journey began on the largest island, Mahé, home to the capital city, Victoria. Here, we explored bustling markets, the capital city of Victoria and visited the beautiful Botanic Gardens with beautiful giant tortoises.
Praslin: Next, we traveled to Praslin, famous for the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through the reserve, we marveled at the unique coco de mer palms and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere. That island is home to one of the most stunning beaches in the world, Anse Lazio. Another option is to visit Curieuse Island for the day. This island is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and beautiful red soil. If the tour is not in your schedule, take our advice and head to the Botanic Gardens on Mahé to see the tortoises.
La Digue: For those who love the idea of discovering hidden gems, the island of La Digue is a dream come true. Well-known for its striking granite boulders, quiet coves, and relaxed atmosphere, Anse Source d’Argent is the beach that receives the most photos worldwide. We strongly advise you to go on a kayak tour in order to fully enjoy this stunning beach. Remember that La Digue is an island that can only be explored by foot, bicycle, or taxi; you cannot rent a car there. Renting a bike is simple, and the hotels are happy to assist and make arrangements.
Beyond the Main Islands
While Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the primary islands most visitors explore, the Seychelles is home to many more islands. Some islands are remote and uninhabited, perfect for adventurous explorers seeking solitude and pristine nature. Others are privately owned and host luxurious resorts, providing exclusive and intimate getaways. Islands like Fregate, North Island, and Denis Island host some of the world’s most luxurious private resorts. Staying on one of these islands offers unparalleled privacy and a chance to experience the Seychelles’ natural beauty in an exclusive setting. For those looking for adventure, islands like Silhouette, Bird Island, and Aldabra Atoll offer remote and untouched landscapes. These islands are perfect for nature enthusiasts and those looking to get off the beaten path.
Relax on Stunning beaches
The Seychelles is renowned for its idyllic beaches, offering couples a perfect blend of serenity, beauty, and romance. During our island-hopping adventure, we had the pleasure of visiting some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From the pristine sands of Anse Lazio to the dramatic boulders of Anse Source d’Argent and the serene shores of Beau Vallon Beach, each beach provided a unique and unforgettable experience.
Beau Vallon Beach: Serenity on Mahé
Known for its long stretch of soft sand and gentle waves, this beach provided a perfect setting for relaxation. Beau Vallon is one of the most popular beaches on Mahé. Like Anse Lazio, the next beach on our list, Beau Vallon is renowned for its stunning sunsets. We enjoyed them during long walks along the beach as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with spectacular colors. One of the special things about Indian Ocean sunsets, they are amazing!
Anse Lazio: A Slice of Paradise on Praslin
Anse Lazio, located on the northwest coast of Praslin, is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As soon as we set foot on its powdery white sand, we understood why this beach garners so much acclaim. We advise visiting the beach first thing in the morning.
Anse Source d’Argent: La Digue’s Iconic Beach
Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is famous for its unique and dramatic granite boulders, which create a stunning contrast against the clear blue waters. This beach is not only one of the most photographed in the Seychelles but also one of the most beautiful places we visited. The beach’s iconic granite boulders are scattered along the shore. The best way to explore this beautiful beach is joining a Kayak tour. We have opted for the Robinson Crusoe Tour with Crystal Water Kayak. Paddling through the clear waters in transparent kayaks, we were able to see the vibrant marine life beneath us. The tour led us to Anse Pierrot, a secluded beach accessible only by sea, where we felt like true adventurers discovering a hidden paradise. We learned how to open coconuts and explored the pristine beaches and hidden caves. For more information, visit the website of: Crystal Water Kayak.
Discover Nature and Wildlife in Seychelles
The Seychelles are not only a destination of stunning beaches and turquoise waters but also a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Every moment was a monument to the natural beauty and biodiversity of these islands, from the age-old Coco de Mer palms of Vallée de Mai to the breathtaking views of Morne Seychellois National Park and the bird-watching opportunities on Cousin Island.
Morne Seychellois National Park
Morne-Seychellois National Park, located on the island of Mahé, is a sprawling reserve that covers over 20% of the island’s land area. This park offers a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to mountain peaks, and provides breathtaking views and abundant wildlife.
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Located on the island of Praslin, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into a prehistoric world. This ancient forest is home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm, as well as a rich variety of plant and animal species. Coco de Mer palms are unique trees that produce the largest seeds.
Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island, located near Praslin, is a stunning granite island celebrated for its exceptional conservation efforts and fascinating wildlife. This enchanting nature reserve is a shining example of successful environmental protection, offering visitors an immersive experience in its flourishing ecosystem. The island is famed for its large population of Aldabra giant tortoises, which roam freely, offering an incredible sight. Although we didn’t have the time to take the guided tour to the island, we definitely plan to do it next time. The tours on Curieuse Island provide a deep dive into the conservation efforts that have turned the island into a haven for wildlife. We suggest going to the botanic garden on Mahé if you are itching to see the giant tortoises but do not have time to take the tour to Curieuse Island.
The Unique Flying Foxes of the Seychelles
The Seychelles are home to the unique Seychelles flying foxes. The Seychelles flying foxes prefer the islands‘ lush, tropical forests and mangroves, unlike bats, which are typically connected with dark caves. Seeing these amazing animals all day long is one of the most captivating parts of traveling to the Seychelles. Unlike many other bats, the Seychelles flying foxes, which are much much bigger than normal bats, can often be seen gliding through the trees even in daylight.
Our Top 3 Activities In Seychelles
Half Day boat tour
Curieuse & St Pierre island
Full Day Discovery
Vallee de Mai on Praslin
Explore more Islands
3 islands Tour
How to plan your trip
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Flights
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Find the Perfect Fit for Your Budget
.How to go around?
on’t pay for an expensive day tour to La Digue for example. You can book normal ferry ticket instead and invest the saved money for a proper activity:
https://catcocos.com/
Renting a Car in Seychelles: Our Experience
Aventure Car Hire
Conclusion
And now, let’s come back to our question if one week is enough time for Seychelles. If you’re short on time but long on wanderlust, the answer is a resounding yes—if you plan it right! We managed to visit all 3 of the main islands, Mahé, Praslin, and even La Digue. Each island has its own charm and unique attractions, so a well-organized itinerary can make even a short stay immensely fulfilling. We found that the days were more productive and less crowded when we started early. If you prefer a more leisurely pace and enjoy your sleep-ins, you might find a one-week trip a bit rushed.
If your heart is set on exploring the more remote islands, such as Silhouette or Fregate, you’ll definitely need more time. These islands are less accessible and often require additional travel time, but they offer a more secluded and unique experience. Plan a two-week trip or longer in case you want to explore more islands or spend more time on each island. We are happy to help you with that. Check out our link below.
It can be somewhat risky to travel during the rainy season, as was the case for our December trip. And of course we knew that but we wanted to explore Seychelles as we had few PTO days left for 2023. So we decided to take that risk. We experienced everything from brief showers to heavy rains that lasted several hours. While the rain never dampened our spirits (and it’s always warm!), it did affect our plans a little bit. So, if you’re looking for sunnier days, consider visiting during the drier months from May to October.
We hope that we were able to help you with this guide. If you love the sun and the beach, but want to visit the Caribbean sea, we recommend to visit our Curacao blog here.
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