Discover
Seychelles
An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Anse Source d'Argent
Anse Source d'Argent is widely considered one of the most photographed beaches on Earth, characterized by its dazzling white sands and dramatically sculpted granite boulders. The shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters are shielded by a coral reef, creating a tranquil lagoon perfect for wading and swimming. Surrounded by lush emerald vegetation, the beach offers a surreal and idyllic tropical setting. Its unique geological formations have been shaped by the elements over millions of years, offering a timeless beauty.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Visit early in the morning...
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vallée de Mai is a pristine palm forest often referred to as the original Garden of Eden. It is world-renowned for being the natural habitat of the endemic Coco de Mer, a colossal palm that produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The dense canopy of giant palm leaves creates a mystical, shaded environment where rare wildlife, including the elusive Seychelles black parrot, thrives. Walking through this ancient, untouched forest feels like stepping back into a prehistoric era.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Hire a private local guide...
Beau Vallon Beach
Beau Vallon is the most popular and vibrant beach on the main island of Mahé, featuring a long, sweeping crescent of soft white sand. Unlike many other Seychelles beaches, it has no coral reef immediately offshore, making it one of the best spots for uninterrupted swimming and a wide variety of water sports. The bay is framed by dramatic mountain peaks and dotted with luxury resorts, upscale restaurants, and lively local vendor stalls. As the sun sets, the horizon is painted in breathtaking hues of orange and pink, often accompanied by the silhouettes of distant islands.
Best Time
Year-round, especially October to May for calm waters
Insider Tip
Visit on a Wednesday evening...
Anse Lazio
Consistently ranked among the best beaches globally, Anse Lazio is a stunning stretch of powdery white sand framed by large granite boulders at both ends. The striking turquoise water deepens quickly, offering excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities among colorful marine life. The beach is bordered by a lush fringe of Takamaka and palm trees, providing ample natural shade for a luxurious beach day. Its relatively untouched landscape, devoid of structural developments directly on the sand, preserves its pristine and wild charm.
Best Time
April and May, October and November
Insider Tip
Swim towards the large rocks...
Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island is a small, protected granitic island famously known for its striking red earth and its thriving population of giant Aldabra tortoises. The island features extensive mangrove forests which can be explored via scenic wooden boardwalks, offering glimpses of diverse birdlife and marine ecosystems. It is also one of the only two places in the world where the Coco de Mer palm grows naturally in the wild. Historically serving as a leper colony, the island retains a rich, albeit poignant, cultural history alongside its vibrant biodiversity.
Best Time
October to April
Insider Tip
Combine your visit with a...
Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra Atoll is the world's second-largest coral atoll and a profoundly isolated UNESCO World Heritage site. It boasts an incredibly pristine marine ecosystem and is home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the world, numbering over 100,000. The atoll consists of four main coral islands enclosing a massive shallow lagoon, teeming with blacktip reef sharks, manta rays, and flightless birds. Due to its extreme isolation, Aldabra has remained virtually untouched by human influence, acting as an unparalleled living laboratory of evolution.
Best Time
March to May, September to November
Insider Tip
Access is strictly regulated; ensure...
Morne Seychellois National Park
Encompassing more than 20% of the island of Mahé, Morne Seychellois National Park is a vast expanse of lush, mountainous terrain. It features a network of well-maintained trails that lead adventurers through dense mangrove forests, deep gorges, and up to the island's highest peak, Morne Seychellois, at 905 meters. The park is a sanctuary for some of the rarest endemic birds and carnivorous pitcher plants, creating a biodiversity hotspot. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and neighboring islands reward those who hike to its elevated viewpoints.
Best Time
May to September (drier and cooler weather)
Insider Tip
Hike the Copolia Trail for...
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Created in 1973 as the first marine protected area in the Indian Ocean, Sainte Anne Marine National Park encompasses six small islands just off the coast of Mahé. The park boasts some of the most extensive and vibrant seagrass meadows in the region, which serve as crucial feeding grounds for green and hawksbill turtles. The calm, shallow waters are brimming with colorful coral gardens and a staggering variety of tropical fish, making it a premier snorkeling destination. Above the water, the islands offer secluded coves and exclusive luxury resorts nestled amidst rich tropical flora.
Best Time
October to May
Insider Tip
Book a private semi-submarine or...
Bird Island
Bird Island is the northernmost island of the Seychelles archipelago, renowned as a spectacular haven for millions of migratory birds. Between May and October, the island becomes a cacophony of life as massive colonies of Sooty Terns arrive to nest on the flat, sandy terrain. The island is also home to Esmeralda, a heavyweight giant tortoise who is one of the oldest in the world. Surrounded by pristine, untouched beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the island operates with a strong ethos of conservation and eco-tourism.
Best Time
May to October (to see the Sooty Terns)
Insider Tip
Pack binoculars and a high-quality...
Victoria (Clock Tower)
Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, characterized by its vibrant Creole architecture and laid-back charm. At its heart stands the Victoria Clock Tower, an elegant silver landmark erected in 1903 as a replica of the Vauxhall Clock Tower in London. The town bustles with colorful markets, notably the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, which brims with fresh fish, exotic spices, and local crafts. Despite its small size, Victoria serves as the cultural and historical epicenter of the islands, offering a rich tapestry of Seychellois life.
Best Time
Early morning on a weekday
Insider Tip
Visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke...
Anse Intendance
Located in the wild south of Mahé, Anse Intendance is a breathtaking, half-mile stretch of brilliant white sand flanked by massive granite outcrops. Because it lacks a protective reef, the beach experiences larger waves and dramatic surf, making it a spectacular sight to behold. The lush, mountainous backdrop is completely devoid of commercial development, save for one highly exclusive luxury resort hidden in the trees. It is also a vital nesting ground for endangered hawksbill turtles, adding a layer of ecological significance to its raw beauty.
Best Time
October to April (when the sea is relatively calmer)
Insider Tip
Watch out for nesting turtles...
Cousin Island Special Reserve
Cousin Island is a globally celebrated success story in ecological conservation, fully transformed from a coconut plantation into a thriving special reserve. It is a critical sanctuary for endemic species, including the Seychelles warbler, which was brought back from the brink of extinction here. The island is entirely run by Nature Seychelles and remains strictly protected, serving as a pristine nesting site for hawksbill turtles and hundreds of thousands of seabirds. The dense, indigenous forest and spectacular coral reefs make it a densely packed hotspot of raw, natural biodiversity.
Best Time
April to May, October to November
Insider Tip
Prepare for a thrilling beach...
Aride Island Nature Reserve
Aride Island is the northernmost granitic island in the Seychelles and arguably the most unspoiled, hosting more breeding species of seabirds than any other island in the archipelago. It is home to unique endemic plants, including Wright's Gardenia, which grows naturally nowhere else on Earth. The island has never been heavily populated or subjected to introduced predators, allowing its native flora and fauna to flourish in absolute natural harmony. Towering granite cliffs provide spectacular vantage points over the churning Indian Ocean and vast seabird colonies.
Best Time
November to February (for calm seas and bird breeding season)
Insider Tip
Tours can often be cancelled...
Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, defined by its dramatic, mist-shrouded peaks and lush, impenetrable rainforests. With a population of only a few hundred and no paved roads, it remains a bastion of untouched wilderness and deep historical mystery. The island is surrounded by a protected marine park, offering incredible diving among pristine coral reefs and dramatic underwater granite formations. It boasts historical significance as well, featuring the meticulously restored Dauban plantation house which offers a glimpse into 19th-century island life.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Book a guided hike to...
La Digue Island
La Digue is the fourth-largest inhabited island in the Seychelles, famous for its laid-back rhythm where bicycles and oxcarts are the primary modes of transport. The island represents a charming step back in time, characterized by traditional Creole houses, towering palm trees, and friendly local communities. It is fringed by some of the most spectacular, boulder-strewn beaches in the world, backed by dense, emerald-green jungle. Despite its small size, La Digue pulses with a vibrant local culture and an effortlessly romantic, slow-paced atmosphere.
Best Time
April to May, October to November
Insider Tip
Rent a bicycle to explore...
Moyenne Island
Moyenne Island is a small, enchanting islet within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, famous for its rich history and incredible conservation story. Bought in the 1960s by Brendon Grimshaw, a British editor who spent his life restoring its flora and fauna, the island is now a protected national park. It features meandering nature trails that wind past giant tortoises, pirate graves, and old plantation ruins. The island's dense canopy of indigenous trees and pristine sandy coves make it a fascinating, easily accessible tropical haven.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Take the time to read...
Grand Anse
Grand Anse is arguably the wildest and most spectacular beach on La Digue, offering an immense, wide stretch of dazzling white sand. It is framed by towering, perfectly smooth granite boulders that create a dramatic, almost cinematic backdrop against the deep azure ocean. Unlike the calmer western beaches, Grand Anse faces the open ocean, meaning it boasts powerful waves and strong undercurrents that command respect. The sheer scale and untouched, rugged beauty of the beach make it an awe-inspiring natural monument.
Best Time
April and May, October and November
Insider Tip
Due to dangerous currents, swimming...
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Established over a century ago, the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens represent five acres of beautifully landscaped, lush tropical elegance in the heart of Victoria. The gardens feature an extensive collection of mature, exotic, and endemic plants, including a spectacular avenue of Coco de Mer palms. Visitors can explore vibrant orchid houses, serene spice groves, and a large enclosure housing majestic Aldabra giant tortoises. The well-paved pathways and manicured lawns provide a tranquil, educational oasis amidst the vibrant capital city.
Best Time
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat
Insider Tip
Do not miss the exquisite...
Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is a pristine, hidden gem on Praslin, often cited as one of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches in the Seychelles. Accessible primarily through the grounds of a luxury golf resort, it features blindingly white sand and water so intensely turquoise it appears almost artificial. The beach is completely devoid of rocks or coral underfoot, creating a sublime, sandy-bottomed swimming pool environment. Surrounded by lush, emerald vegetation, the beach remains flawlessly clean and breathtakingly picturesque.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Access requires prior authorization from...
Felicite Island
Felicite is a strikingly beautiful, heavily forested granitic island located just a few kilometers from La Digue. It is defined by massive, dramatic granite boulders that plunge directly into the deep, clear waters of the Indian Ocean, creating spectacular coastal scenery. The island is predominantly a protected nature reserve, characterized by dense, untouched jungles and high, sweeping viewpoints. It is also home to one of the most exclusive, ultra-luxury eco-resorts in the world, which seamlessly blends cutting-edge architecture with the wild environment.
Best Time
April to May, October to November
Insider Tip
Experience the island's supreme luxury...
Travel Tips for Seychelles
- 1.
Island hopping is a must
- 2.
Protect the giant tortoises
- 3.
Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen