The Seychelles often flies under the radar when stacked against other islands in the Indian Ocean such as Mauritius, Maldives, or Zanzibar. Yet this collection of 115 islands is just as breathtaking as its more popular counterparts.

Seychelles features stunning beaches, pristine ocean waters, and a vibrant Creole culture waiting to be explored. This destination is ideal for honeymooners, couples, families, and thrill-seekers, providing an abundance of activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, scenic hikes, and encounters with unique wildlife.

Whether you seek the tranquility of a luxurious resort or the thrill of discovering unique islands on a boat cruise, Seychelles offers an array of exciting activities. Before you feel overwhelmed by the options in Seychelles, here’s a collection of exciting and thrilling activities to dive into.

Exciting activities to experience in Seychelles

1. Explore Vallee de Mai

One of the most exciting experiences in Seychelles is exploring Vallee de Mai.

This UNESCO Natural World Heritage listed nature park is tucked away on the stunning island of Praslin. A stroll through it feels like stepping into another realm, akin to an extraordinary journey through time, making it an essential adventure for those who cherish the great outdoors and the beauty of nature.

Vallee de Mai is a treasure trove of unique Coco de mer trees, making it a must-visit spot during your time in Seychelles. Their leaves are so large and heavy that when they clatter together in the wild, it creates a symphony reminiscent of a gentle downpour. You can lose yourself for hours just gazing up at them.

But embark on this journey with a guide who can unveil some of their essential details.

Their seeds, taking seven years to mature, are truly fascinating. Reaching weights of up to 40kg, these seeds stand out as the most massive and substantial in the realm of plants.

Their unique form has led to the playful nickname coco-fesses (buttocks coconuts) and inspired 19th-century British General Charles Gordon to proclaim that he had discovered the “Garden of Eden” along with its elusive fruits. Yet, his peers swiftly began to wonder how Eve managed to tackle the enormous seeds.

In addition to the legendary coco de mer, the forest of Vallée de Mai boasts some animal species that are equally rare and unique to the Seychelles – such as the highly coveted Seychelles black parrot. Be on the lookout for coco de mer snails and bronze-eyed geckos that might be hiding among the whimsical and storied nuts and leaves.

2. Embark on an Island Hopping Tour

The Seychellois often call their home ‘paradise,’ and honestly, it is hard to argue with that sentiment. The country consists of 115 stunning islands featuring unspoiled beaches, sparkling waters, towering jungled peaks, and unique plant and animal life.

While you might find joy in dedicating a week or two to a single island, doing so would mean overlooking the incredible variety that the Seychelles have in store for you.

Island-hopping offers an exhilarating journey through the Seychelles. Mahe Island serves as an excellent and central launchpad for discovering the other enchanting islands of Seychelles.

As the vibrant heart of the Seychelles, Mahe offers an exhilarating glimpse into the local culture, tantalizing cuisine, and dynamic city life, making it the perfect starting point before you embark on your next adventure by ferry!

La Digue Island is a mere hour and a half by ferry from Mahe, with a delightful stopover in Praslin Island, making this route a favorite for those seeking thrilling island hopping experiences.

From there, you can explore Félicité Island for snorkelling or embark on a cruise to Curieuse Island to hike through the mangroves and nature trails, where you can encounter the rare Giant Tortoises. Imagine soaring through the skies on a quick helicopter ride to the pristine shores of Silhouette Island, where you can immerse yourself in untouched rainforests. Be sure to savor every moment on each island for an unforgettable holiday experience.

3. Embrace a Day at Praslin Beach

Praslin Island is the second-largest island in Seychelles, following Mahe.

Praslin is famous for its incredible beaches. Explore the stunning Anse Lazio in the Northwest, framed by majestic granite boulders, or relax on the soft sands of Anse Georgette. In the east, the gently sloping Anse Volbert offers a fantastic experience for families and is conveniently close to supermarkets.

If you are looking to escape the throngs at the more frequented beaches in Seychelles, Anse Georgette offers an ideal retreat.

Delight in a picnic, dive into a captivating book, or simply bring a towel if you are drawn to the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. This stunning bay invites everyone to explore its wonders.

Guests at Constance Lemuria resort have the option for transfers, while non-guests can embark on a delightful 30-minute to an hour-long stroll through lush surroundings to reach the area.

At times, the resort restricts the number of visitors, so if you are not staying there, it is wise to call ahead and inform them of your arrival!

4. Embark on a kayaking journey, explore the depths while scuba diving, or discover the underwater world through snorkelling.

Among the most thrilling activities to experience in Seychelles are kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling excursions. The pristine waters of La Digue Island invite exploration in a glass kayak – the perspective from within is breathtaking and uniquely captivating compared to a traditional kayak.

With a plethora of choices available, discovering snorkel-friendly waters in the Seychelles will be an exhilarating experience. Many resorts in this area can arrange snorkelling excursions for their guests and provide all the needed gear. However, if you are not a resort guest, there is no need to fret; the waters are accessible to everyone. Port Launay Marine Park is a top destination for snorkelling, thanks to its inviting waters and vibrant marine life.

The Seychelles is an exhilarating scuba diving destination, offering a variety of sites that cater to divers of every skill level. In the waters surrounding La Digue and Praslin, massive granite boulders are strewn across the ocean floor, forming shallow coral crevices teeming with a vibrant array of exotic reef fish, alongside graceful hawksbill turtles, curious octopus, elusive eels, and colorful nudibranchs.

5. Discover the charm of Victoria Town & the vibrant Victoria Market

Victoria is a charming little capital, bursting with vibrant culture in the heart of the Seychelles.

It is the perfect spot to witness the vibrant lives of the local people who embody the spirit of this unique nation. Stroll through the vibrant streets, soak in the charm of the colonial architecture, explore the unique local shops, and discover one of the captivating galleries or the stunning botanical gardens.

When you set out for the bustling Victoria Market, prepare to encounter welcoming vendors amidst vibrant displays of fresh fruits and an array of fresh fish. If you are feeling peckish, you will find an array of street food vendors nearby, each serving up authentic Creole delights that promise an exciting culinary experience. At last, you can explore the garments and crafts stores to find a unique handmade souvenir to bring back home.

6. Savor a Picnic or Dinner on a Secluded Beach

Undoubtedly enchanting, this ranks among the must-do experiences in Seychelles for couples.

Some resorts and restaurants in Seychelles, like Praslin’s Raffles on Cousine Island, are eager to create a relaxed outdoor dining experience upon your request.

Many places offer this option to honeymooners, as nothing compares to the breathtaking experience of witnessing the sunset on some of the finest beaches in Seychelles.

If you are not at a resort that offers this, do not worry! You can always reach out to the hotel staff in advance to let them know you would like to reserve the area and bring your own basket with you.

A meal by the shore, with the waves softly lapping at the sand nearby and the vibrant sunset giving way to a starry night, creates an unforgettable experience filled with romance! Here are the top three sunset activities in Seychelles:

Beach Shak, Mahé Anse Georgette, Praslin Anse Severe, La Digue

7. Pedal through the enchanting landscapes of La Digue Island

One of the most exciting activities in Seychelles is exploring La Digue Island by bike.

Bikes can be found for rent on nearly every street corner, and with minimal traffic on the island, it’s a secure and enjoyable way to explore your surroundings. Feel free to rent a bike for the entire day and explore without any restrictions on your journey.

The road encircling the island is an enchanting cycling route, closely following the shoreline and offering stunning vistas at every turn.

As you journey down the road, you will encounter charming craft shops and sparkling jewellery stalls, alongside vibrant fruit vendors who whip up smoothies and fresh juices right before your eyes, or even crack open a coconut for a refreshing drink, perfect for quenching your thirst.

8. Venture Inland for an Exciting Hike

It’s hard to picture growing weary of the stunning coastlines surrounding you, yet the breathtaking trails in Seychelles make stepping away from the resort life truly rewarding, even if just for a brief moment. If you are brimming with energy and ready to step outside your resort for a fresh perspective on the Seychelles, we recommend lacing up your hiking shoes and hitting the trails.

Morne Seychellois National Park spans 30km2 of rugged jungle and mangroves, showcasing an impressive 20% of Mahe’s total land area. A winding network of hiking trails stretches for more than 14km, leading adventurers to the summit of Morne Seychellois, the tallest peak in the Seychelles.

The Copolia Trail presents breathtaking vistas of Mahe, Victoria, and the surrounding islands, making the effort truly rewarding – it’s a tough trek.

On Praslin Island, embark on a hike from Mont Plaisir to the stunning beach of Anse Lazio, where you can refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters.

9. Just Unwind

The memo for all beach holidays is to embrace the thrill of relaxation, and you should carve out time to do just that.

An itinerary can be exciting, and there are plenty of activities nearby, but there are moments when you simply want to soak it all in without too much hustle and bustle. Visit the spa, enjoy a day by the resort pool, take a relaxed stroll, or simply unwind on the beach.

Seychelles boasts some of the most incredible beaches on the planet. The immaculate white sands, adorned with swaying coconut palms and the serene turquoise waters that softly caress granite boulders at Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Source D’Argent, and Beau Vallon beaches are simply breathtaking.

Indeed, Anse Source d’Argent ranks among the top 20 beaches globally as per Lonely Planet and is celebrated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world according to a 2024 TripAdvisor Report.

An ideal 9 Days Seychelles Adventure Package
6 Days in the Seychelles | Explore Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue
7 Days of Exploration in Seychelles | Mahe & La Digue

Ideal moments to explore Seychelles

The Seychelles boasts a warm and sunny climate throughout the year, with average temperatures hovering around 30C.

People flock to the Seychelles for a holiday throughout the year, but the period from December to February sees a lull as the islands experience their peak of rain and humidity. Between July and August, the winds can pick up, creating a more challenging experience for ferry crossings and causing some interruptions to inter-island flight schedules.

At times, seaweed finds its way onto the shores, and the wind kicks up the sand, giving the ocean a mysterious, cloudy look. If you are in search of the typical pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it might be wise to steer clear during these months.