The beach is what beckons visitors to the Seychelles. Venture a little further and discover rare wildlife, outstanding scuba diving, hiking and parasailing not to mention the culinary delights of a fiery local cuisine. Made up of 115 islands scattered across 544 square kilometres of Indian Ocean, the Seychelles offers a diverse range of landscapes that rush up to greet you the moment your aircraft begins its descent and promises a long list of things to do.
You are a thousand miles from the African mainland in an area that boasts some of the best beaches in the world, pristine and uncrowded. Some are framed by age-old granite boulders, others offer powder-soft sands, turquoise waters and sublime opportunities for swimming, snorkelling or pure relaxation. Just 16 islands are actually inhabited with accommodation ranging from luxury 5 star resorts to rustic island lodges, bungalows and B&Bs.
We can create Seychelles packages for honeymooners, families and adventure seekers wanting Seychelles Islands sailing holidays.
Fast Facts
Pirates used the islands of Seychelles as a hideout and many still believe that pirate Olivier Le Vasseur had a treasure worth 100,000 euros still hidden on an island. Seychelles is home to the heaviest land tortoise living in the wild. Named Esmeralda, it weights 304 kilograms and can be found at Bird Island.
Mahe (main island)
The largest island of the Seychelles archipelago, Mahe is 6 kilometres wide and 26 kilometres long.The population is around 80,000 and this idyllic island contains glorious bays caressed by gorgeously multi-hued waters and empty white sandy beaches. Its granitic in origin and mountainous with beautiful marine parks to explore. On land, visit tea plantations, spice gardens, the national botanical gardens, hindu temples to name a few.
Praslin
Praslin is the second largest with enough beauty and charm to satisfy any visitor in search of an island tropical paradise. This island is better for those who have a fine appreciation for nature with lush vegetation, tropical forests and abundant animal life on land and in the waters. The fun here is in swimming, sailing and diving, especially on the magnificent beach of Anse Lazio with its dazzling coral reefs.
La Digue
La Digue is a small island with a relaxed and back to nature style Seychelles holiday experience. Beaches here are tropical, beautiful and some of the most photographed in the world. This granite island has stunning granite cliffs and rock formations that extend into the sea. Explore small coves, private beaches and offshore coral reefs. Some rare birds live on La Digue including the Chinese bittern, waxbill, black paradise flycatcher and cave swiftlet.
Browse our Itinerary Collection for Seychelles inspiration
Pure shores
This tropical utopia boasts white sand beaches that are lined by lush palm forests and lapped at by the warm, azure waters. It is here you will be able to slow down after the fast safari pace, soak up the sun and really enjoy the pure beach shores that surround one or more of its islands. Bathe on white sands beneath magical granite rock formations at Anse Source d’Argent and in the Veuve Reserve, try to spot the rare black paradise flycatcher.
Diving
Available all year round (wind dependent), diving is a highlight in the Seychelles with two options. You can dive the inner islands with waters resembling submerged mountain ranges and plateaus. Shark Bank is a highlight. With a granite plateau that shelters a dazzling array of marine life, you will see gaping Napolean fish, shoals of bright tropical fish and enormous stingrays. If you’re lucky, you may spot the odd whale shark. The second option is the outer islands to the south which are corralling or sand cays and mainly uninhabited which gives experienced divers opportunities to explore where few others have been before.
Morne Seychellois National Park
Taking up 20% of the main island of Mahe land area, this stunning national park is home to the highest peak, Morne Seychellois at 905 metres. Landscapes range from thick coastal mangroves and woodland so take your walking shoes and take to the trails for some exercise and adventure.
Market visit
To see the country’s local culture and sample its cuisine, a visit to the bustling Victoria market is a must. Here you can buy fresh produce to create a picnic, stock up on locally grown herbs and spices and shop for souvenirs. The Seychelles sarongs are most popular! Saturday is the best day for vibe and atmosphere.
Sailing
With so many islands to explore, sailing is a fantastic way to get around the pristine waters. We recommend staying within the inner islands so you can explore scenic bays, romantic coves around Praslin and smaller islands like Cerf, Moyenne and Set Anne. La Digue island has some great restaurants, shops and boutiques and it’s where most of our sailors stock up on supplies. Denis and Bird are corralling jewels of the northern waters and the solitary Fregate was once the haunt of many a pirate.
Browse our Itinerary Collection for Seychelles inspiration
Coco de Mer, Praslin
A peaceful and tranquil resort on Praslin Island, Coco de Mer offers guests a warm island welcome and picturesque setting with the rare coco de Mer palm trees surrounding it. There are various accommodation options, all ocean facing with spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom. There are 2 restaurants and bars, 2 magnificent swimming pools, a kiddies paddling pool, library and activities abound. Play a hit of tennis, go bike riding, snorkelling, diving or charter a yacht. The guided nature trails are fun too for all ages. Or simply swim from one of the many private beaches.
Sainte Anne Resort & Spa
Set on its own island and home to a protected marine park that literally teems with marine life is this luxury Seychelles holiday resort. With sensational landscapes of towering granite rocks, lush tropical forests and spectacular beaches this five star resort is a great hideaway for those seeking exclusivity. Just a 15 minute boat ride from the main island, you’ll arrive to luxury villa accommodation, exceptional friendly and unobtrusive island service plus great complimentary activities including kayaking, pedal boats, aqua gym, tennis, mountain biking, table tennis and fitness centre access. Dining is extraordinary here with four restaurants and a fifth dining experience on the beach at certain times of the year.
Descroches Island Resort, Descroches
One of the smaller islands, a fantastic mix of forest hinterland and white sandy beaches await along with this luxury resort. Stay in one of the four different types of villas, all with beautiful setting, access to the beach, ensuite bathrooms and open airy lounge and bedroom. There are a few restaurants and our favourite, a pizzeria plus library, gift shop, tortoise sanctuary, spa, swimming pool, bar and lounge. With the diverse terrain here on the island there is abundance of activities to enjoy. These include snorkelling, scuba diving, cycling tours of the island, spa treatments, tennis, big game fishing, fly fishing and kayaking.
Hilton Northolme, Mahe
Set on a beautiful cove and hillside on the Indian Ocean, this resort has a lot to offer with a good choice of accommodation and lots to do. A choice of three room types are available including the King Hillside Villa nestled in the forest with beautiful ocean views, ensuite bathroom and jacuzzi and the King Oceanfront Villa with stilts over the water, ensuite bathroom, great balcony and jacuzzi. The Suite offers a larger floor plan and further luxury, set in the forest with beautiful decor and sweeping views. Facilities include gift shop, lounge and comprehensive spa offering a wide range of treatments. The choice of restaurants is extensive including the ultimate dining experience at Les Cocotiers Restaurant, the Hilltop Restaurant with stunning ocean views or the Oceanview Bar and Restaurant for a more casual yet intimate affair.
North Island
With an accolade of world wide awards, hand crafted rooms, unbelievable dream like setting, this island will surpass the expectations of even the most affluent and discerning traveller. There are 11 exclusive villas all of which are hand crafted and exquisitely designed and styled. All feature air-conditioning, ocean-view plunge pool, dining room, room attendant, kitchenette and a golf buggy for easy access to the rest of the island. There is also a small gym and a stunning swimming pool, a library for pre-dinner drinks and nightly island talks and a well equipped activities centre. The conservation initiative on the island is extremely impressive. It is a sanctuary where natural habitats are being rehabilitated. Mountain biking, walks, snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking and more are available for your fun.
Browse our Itinerary Collection for Seychelles inspiration
We had an awesome honeymoon escape to Seychelles after our safari holiday in Botswana and Namibia. To arrive and immediately feel the sun on our face, sand in between our feet and cool water lapping on our legs was paradise. Our accommodation was first class, beautiful discreet service. We explored the island in the hire car you arranged – thank you it was perfect for us to get to remote stretches of beach for those romantic picnics. Seychelles surpassed expectations.’
Want to know what others said? Read all our customer ovations.
Get in touch so we can tailor a Seychelles Safari for you today
