Seychelles is an archipelago consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Many of the Seychelles islands are uninhabited, and most tourists head for the biggest and most well-known three islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
The easiest to access is Mahé, home to the capital of Seychelles, Victoria. This is Seychelles largest island and main island with an international airport. From here, it’s easy to explore and do a little island hopping to discover other islands in the Seychelles archipelago.
So which are the best Seychelles islands to visit? In this complete guide, you will learn about the three main islands in Seychelles as well as others, more remote yet easily accessible islands in the archipelago. You’ll discover the perfect spot for snorkeling, find out the absolute must-see white sand beaches and decide which is the best for a perfect family vacation.
There are so many things to do in Seychelles and most people do visit the islands for an incredible honeymoon. You will find some of the best beaches in the world here in Seychelles but you can also venture out and explore national parks, dive to see sea turtles, snorkel and just drive along the coastline. Visit Seychelles for its natural beauty, unique biodiversity and have the best trip filled with culture, good food and great vibes.
Table of Contents
- Mahé
- Accommodation on Mahé
- Praslin
- Which island is better, Mahé or Praslin?
- Accommodation on Praslin island
- La Digue
- Accommodation on La Digue
- Cocos island
- Félicité
- Accommodation on Félicité
- Grand Soeur and Petite Soeur
- Curieuse
- Cousin
- Accommodation on Cousin
- Silhouette
- Accommodation on Silhouette
- Is Seychelles safe for tourists?
- Is it expensive to visit Seychelles?
- Where do celebrities stay in Seychelles?
Mahé
Mahé island is the most popular in Seychelles. It’s the island where you will see most of Seychellois culture and is usually the best starting point for your holiday. Mahé is home to a fantastic range of large and luxurious hotels. It’s also a great place for travellers interested in hiking trails, as there are many walking opportunities.
A visit to Victoria, the capital and the largest city, is an absolute must, especially during the morning to purchase fresh, local produce. Mahé is also the only island to have a large hypermarket, hence is a great option for indie travellers who want to cook using supermarket ingredients. The Seychelles government is also in Victoria. Love plants? Head over to the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Mahé is a great destination for an initiation trip to Seychelles. It has amazing beaches, great accommodation options and several cultural activities where you can learn about its history. If you’ve never been diving before, Mahé has many diving schools and sites to teach you how to do it.
No trip to Seychelles is complete without seeing Petite Anse, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. To access Petite Anse you need to cross the main section of the Four Seasons. It’s open to everyone, even if you don’t stay in the luxury accommodation. Enjoy the shallow waters and stay until late to see the most beautiful sunset.
Visit the Morne Seychellois National Park for hiking trails and Sainte Anne Marine National Park, which contains one of the largest area of seagrass meadows in the granitic islands.
Stay for a few nights in Mahé in one of the luxury accommodations, then prepare for a trip to another island in Seychelles. Book an island tour with a local to have a great half a day experience around Mahé.
Accommodation on Mahé
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is situated less than 20 feet from the beach located on Petite Anse, Baie Lazare. Each air-conditioned villa has a private pool and a patio. For ultimate luxury in Seychelles, this is the hotel for you. Prices start from £1300 per night.
Click here for prices and book Resort Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
This property is a 2-minute walk from the beach. Royale Suites by Arc Royal Luxury Apts has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Anse Royale, 1,000 feet from Anse Royale Beach. Prices start from £173 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Click here for prices and book Royale Suites by Arc Royal Luxury
Sunbird Bungalow is located 4 minutes’ walk away from Anse Louis Beach. The chalet is surrounded by a tropical garden and offers a furnished patio and free private parking. Prices from £67 per night.
Praslin
Praslin island is the second-largest island in Seychelles and the perfect paradise for honeymooners. Praslin island is in a sense the middle ground between the large and populous Mahé and the small and chilled La Digue. Depending on what you are after, you have two choices: you can stay on the West side of Praslin if you prefer seclusion and quiet, or you can locate yourself on the East if you want more restaurants and bars.
To get to Pralin you will need to take a ferry from Mahé. You should prebook your ferry tickets from Mahé to Praslin.
Praslin is fantastic for nature lovers who are keen to visit the UNESCO Heritage Site: Praslin National Park, home to Vallée de Mai. Praslin has incredible beaches, with Anse Lazio beach being one of the most famous in the world.
You’ll want to visit Praslin for the Vallée de Mai, a nature reserve known for its palm forest and the endemic coco de mer. Coco de mer takes no less than seven years to grow. You can even purchase one and have it delivered to your country, but it will cost roughly £500 to buy. Coco de Mer is the largest seed, sometimes weighing over 10 kilos.
Beyond the well-known Anse Lazio beach, visit Praslin to swim and snorkel in Anse Georgette, one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles or head to Cote d’Or. To access Anse Georgette, you need to call the luxurious Constance Lemuria resort to tell them you are coming to the beach. It’s free of charge to access it, and remember that all beaches are public domain in Seychelles. Côte d’Or is a relaxed long white sandy beach from which you can take boat excursions year-round.
Book a full day Excursion of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre Islands from Praslin.
Which island is better, Mahé or Praslin?
Many people ask this question, and it’s one of the hardest to answer. There is a huge difference between the two islands. Mahé is a bigger island in Seychelles, and it’s better for long trails and luxury hotels. It’s better for travellers who prefer having more options and want to immerse a little more in the local culture. Praslin is smaller and more intimate, but with plenty of gorgeous white sandy beaches and a clear sea for snorkeling. It’s home to Vallée de mai and coco de mer which is a main tourist attraction. Praslin is great for a spectacular beach holiday
Accommodation on Praslin island
For honeymooners, many come to stay at the well-known Constance Lemuria. But if you want to enjoy Seychelles on a budget, rest assured knowing that you can. Rent an apartment and make sure to rent a car to get easier access to all the beaches around the island.
This property is 4 minutes walk from the beach. Constance Lemuria Resort includes a spa surrounded by a lush garden and 4 restaurants. Sports facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 2 tennis courts, snorkelling trips, and windsurfing. The Constance Lemuria is located a 5-minute drive from Praslin Airport. Prices start at £843 per night
Surrounded by a lush garden, La Modestie Guest House is just a 5-minute walk from Grand Anse Beach. It offers rooms and self-catering apartments. All rooms are air-conditioned and the apartments have a kitchenette and include a sofa. Prices start from £110 per night.
Click here for prices and book Guest house La Modestie Guest House
Set in a tropical garden, Villa Rafia is just a 3-minute walk from Anse Volbert Beach. It offers a shared lounge and breakfast area. The garden view apartments come with modern, neutral-coloured décor. Prices from £67 per night.
La Digue
La Digue is a small and chilled island with giant tortoises and pristine beaches. La Digue is the most relaxed of the Seychelles islands, and most locals and visitors alike tend to either walk or cycle everywhere. There are almost no motor vehicles on La Digue making it perfect for romantic strolls.
There are several secluded beaches, but if you want to see the most famous, head over to Anse Source d’Argent or Grand Anse. Visit L’Union Estate and see the famed vanilla plantation. La Digue is ideal for a trip where you relax and spend most of the time relaxing with views of the sea or snorkeling in the most crystal clear waters and vast coral reefs. Anse Patates is one of the best beaches in La Digue, followed by Anse Galettes. Not many tourists add them to their wishlist, so they are still perfect for exploration.
Many people come to La Digue by boat to enjoy one or two days only on the island. You can take a ferry from Mahé or Pralin or hire a local guide to take you to La Digue as part of a long day trip.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities too with souvenir shops and small markets. It’s easy to find delicious restaurants with amazing views as well. Have a cocktail in one of the bars by the sea or grab a healthy juice in one of the stalls by the beach. Either way, explore La Digue and enjoy the most beautiful sunset. You’ll love it.
La Digue is best explored on foot or by bike. Just bring plenty of sunscreen and lots of water with you.
Accommodation on La Digue
As with everything in Seychelles, luxury is everywhere.
There are mid-range options as well. Everything is within walking or cycling distance on the island, which makes it one of the most intimate paradises in Seychelles.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Le Repaire features a small outdoor pool and elegant rooms.Fitted with a private balcony, each room at Le Repaire is decorated with modern furniture and green tones. Prices start from £219 per night.
Click here for prices and book Hotel Le Repaire – Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
La Digue Holiday Villa offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The villa is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with garden views. Prices start from £156 per night.
Featuring a tropical garden and free WiFi, Buisson Guesthouse offers accommodation on La Digue, within 1,650 feet of the beach. Each room includes a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Prices start from £80 per night.
Click here for prices and book Bed and breakfast Buisson Guesthouse
Cocos island
Cocos Islands also called Aux Cocos, are a small group of islets in Seychelles and a designated marine park since 1996. They are an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving and most people take a boat to explore the location from either Praslin island or La Digue. There is no accommodation on this island so it’s only possible to enjoy it as a day trip.
Cocos Island is located just a few miles from La Digue. You will need to hire a catamaran for a half a day tour from a local operator. Most of the time, these tours include a stop on Félicité as well.
For those who love the idea of a small island to see some of the most outstanding marine life, Cocos island is to be added to the wishlist. The rich depths of Coco island are like a real natural aquarium.
Book your private Full-Day boat tour of La Digue and snorkeling in Coco Island
Félicité
If you want to feel like Robinson Crusoe, then a visit to Félicité is a must. Félicité is a forested granitic island just 4 kilometres of La Digue. It’s the fifth-largest island in Seychelles and for a long time, it had a population of just 50. Today, a third of the island is covered by Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort, with 30 villas and a spa.
From Félicité access the tiny Marianne island which is known as a”world-class” diving location.
While on Félicité, visit the Ramos National Park, which covers two-thirds of the land. It is a protected area full of natural wonders.
Accommodation on Félicité
Located on the private island of Felicité, Six Senses Zil Pasyon features a spa centre and fitness centre. All units have a dining area and a seating area with a satellite flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the bar. Felicité island is accessible via boat transfer from La Digue or Praslin. An array of activities are offered in the area, such as snorkelling, windsurfing and diving. Prices start from £1119 per night.
Grand Soeur and Petite Soeur
Grand Soeur and Petite Soeur can be visited as day trips from La Digue or from Praslin. The island was bought by hotel Château de Feuilles and it organises free full-day excursions on weekends where guests have exclusive use of the island.
Want even more exclusivity? There are now several villas for an overnight stay with a staff house. That’s a next-level luxury right there. If you want to visit, then you should book a stay at the Château de Feuilles. There are only a very small number of visitors allowed to visit otherwise.
Petite Soeur, meanwhile, is surrounded by a reef that makes it impossible to access unless the sea is particularly calm. Because of its rocky coastline, you can rarely anchor here. On the perfect days when you can visit this Seychelles island, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible landscapes and beautiful views.
Curieuse
Curieuse Island is a small granitic island just off the coast of Praslin. Curieuse was originally known as “Ile Rouge” because of its red soil. While this is now seen as a natural paradise and a stunning island for honeymooners, Curieuse was once a leper colony until 1965.
Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters are now known as the Curieuse Marine National Park. Many come to Curieuse to see its large population of Aldabra giant tortoises.
Visit the mangrove swap and see the island’s coco de Mer palms. Admire the giant takamaka trees and the Hawksbill turtles. Curieuse can be visited as a day trip from Praslin and it’s one island in the Seychelles where you cannot stay overnight.
Book your tour to La Digue, Curiuese, St. Pierre, Anse Lazio by boat from Mahe (Private Boat).
Cousin
Cousin island is a very small granitic island just west of Praslin island. It is a nature reserve, covered by indigenous woodland and lined by a long sandy beach almost in its entirety.
Cousin is particularly popular with bird lovers as it’s sometimes known as a Bird Island. This is the best island rewarded for its conservation success stories for saving the unique natural habitat including the Seychelles warbler. You won’t be able to stay overnight on this Cousin but there are frequent day trips organised by local operators.
Needless to say that Cousin looks incredible and if you want to take incredible landscape photos of paradise, this is the one to add to the list. Book a full day excursion of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre Islands from Praslin Island.
Accommodation on Cousin
Cousine Island is an intimate private island in Seychelles, accessible via boat transfer or helicopter flight. The island boasts French colonial-styled Luxury Villas and one Presidential Villa nestled in the lush endemic vegetation, close to the beach. All villas are individually decorated and equipped with handcrafted furniture. Prices start from £9000 per night!
Click here for prices and book Villas Cousine Island Seychelles
Silhouette
Silhouette is located just 12 miles off Mahé and it has a population of 200. The main settlement is La Passe, where the luxurious Hilton Hotel is located.
Silhouette is the third largest of the Seychelles islands with an area of 7.7 square miles. It’s considered to have some of the most dramatic scenery of all the islands because of its mountainous terrain with peaks over 500 m in elevation.
Silhouette has no roads or cars and it’s considered a living museum with many native plants and animal species declared endangered. The majority of the island’s area is under protection.
For hikers, Silhouette truly is paradise as there are plenty of walking trails available for you to explore.
There are two great accommodation options on this island, The Hilston Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa and La Belle Tortue Lodge and Restaurant.
Accommodation on Silhouette
Located on Silhouette Island, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa is a Green Globe Certified hotel that offers spacious, fully-equipped villas with a private terrace. The resort features 7 restaurants and cafés serving Italian, Japanese and locally infused cuisine with a french twist in a sophisticated setting. Prices start from £360 per night.
Click here for prices and book Resort Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
Is Seychelles safe for tourists?
Yes, Seychelles is safe for tourists. Most visits to Seychelles are trouble-free. Always travel with health insurance and ensure you take a bit of precaution. Use common sense and avoid unnecessary risk especially when hiking or swimming in the open sea. If in doubt, always ask hotel staff to help you organise snorkeling or diving tours so you go to safe areas without currents.
Don’t go out at night in areas that may not be familiar to you. There have been some instances of break-ins and robberies so when leaving your accommodation close the windows and doors and draw the shutters. Don’t leave belongings at the back of your rental and avoid hiking without a guide in areas where you might encounter unknown wildlife.
There are no tarantulas in Seychelles but there are several species of spiders on the islands. There are no snakes, scorpions, wasps, dangerous spiders or other dangerous animals in the Seychelles. There are, however, sharks in the waters and stingrays.
Is it expensive to visit Seychelles?
Seychelles is a fairly expensive destination with several luxury hotels and accommodation options. Restaurants are also on the expensive side as most food needs to be imported from other countries. Tours and excursions, rentals and experiences are pricey.
However, you can visit Seychelles on the budget as well. There are several self-catering houses offering smaller but clean rooms for eager visitors. Rent an apartment with a kitchen and make your own food and go on experiences with larger groups to save more money.
Where do celebrities stay in Seychelles?
Celebrities stay in the most luxurious hotels in Seychelles like Hilton, Château de Feuilles and Constance Lemuria. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had their honeymoon in Seychelles. While we don’t know for sure where they stayed there are rumours that they picked the ultra-exclusive Fregate Island Private, a 20-minute helicopter ride from Mahé.
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