Count the number of mini heavens of earth and Seychelles would certainly be one of them. One of the finest travel destinations around the world, there are more than islands in Seychelles that make up this gorgeous destination. Although most of the islands are uninhabited, there are a few that bear the rush of travelers all year long.
From sandy beaches and nature's wonders to unique locations that will leave you breathless, this is a destination that has it all. Want to explore the best islands of Seychelles? Here are some of the top ones worth your next vacation.
8 Best Seychelles Islands One Needs To Know About
Exploring the uninhabited islands of Seychelles would take a lot of time as there are more than hundreds of such islands. Be it the weather, exotic wildlife, amazing beaches, or so on, these islands have it all. So, here are some of the top islands that are bound to give you the experience you desire in Seychelles.
1. Mahé
One of the best islands in Seychelles, Mahé is the largest and perhaps the main island of the country. This is an island that houses the main international airport and a vast variety of luxurious hotels and resorts. One can not only explore the gorgeous botanical gardens here but can also enjoy shopping at the bustling marketplaces in Mahé. Interestingly, the island houses multiple beaches and is even home to the beautiful capital of Seychelles, Victoria.
Are you an adventure enthusiast? Well, Mahé offers an array of activities like hiking, jungle exploration, a tour of some serene waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints. One of the major reasons why it features amongst the best places to visit in Seychelles is because of its tranquil beaches. Anyone visiting the beach here can expect to enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and so much more.
Best Time To Visit - April, May, October, and November
Famous For - Beaches, Markets, Botanical Gardens, Adventure Activities
Best Places To Stay - Le Relax Hotel and Restaurant Mahe, Constance Ephelia, STORY Seychelles, Sailfish Beach Villas, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
2. Praslin
The second biggest island in Seychelles and home to only about 6,500 people, Praslin is far less developed when compared to the likes of Mahé. However, there's one thing that makes this destination a favorite spot for tourists and that is the beaches that are located here. Praslin is, in fact, home to some of the finest beaches in Seychelles today.
Likewise, the island houses some major attractions, most notably the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit places in Seychelles. This is a tropical rainforest and is home to the biggest nut - coco-de-mer.
Besides, as far as reaching here is concerned, travelers can plan their journey via ferry boat which is considered to be the best mode of transportation to Praslin.
Best Time To Visit - April to May & October to November
Famous For - UNESCO World Heritage site, beaches, biggest nut
Best Places To Stay - Le Chateau de Feuilles, Constance Lemuria, Coco De Mer Hotel And Black Parrot, Raffles Seychelles, Le Chateau de Feuilles, Le Duc de Praslin
3. Curieuse
Another fine spot to visit on a vacation in Seychelles, the Curieuse is a small granite island nestled only a few kilometers away from Praslin. Featuring its unique biodiversity, the Curieuse Marine National Park boasts of a variety of flora and fauna with giant tortoises, birds, coco de mer and so much more. One can visit here and indulge in a number of adventure activities like hiking, water sports, and much more.
In fact, if you're making a list of some things to do in Seychelles, then a visit to this island has to be one of the choices. It is one of those islands in Seychelles where travelers can even go on boardwalks and discover the mangrove swamps where there's a big chance you might come across a giant crab.
Best Time To Visit - June, July, August, September, October, and November
Famous For - Boardwalks, giant crabs, coco de mer, unique biodiversity
Best Places To Stay - There are no such accommodation options on Curieuse Island and travelers can find some good options on Praslin Island which is nearby Curieuse.
4. La Digue
Out of the three main inhabited islands in Seychelles, La Digue is the smallest and has a population of around 3000. This is an island that is a perfect mix of cultures and is widely popular for its white-sand beaches. One can visit here and discover the whole island on a bike or traditional ox cart. Interestingly, the La Digue island in Seychelles is home to the old Copra Mill where the milling of coconuts is done to produce coconut oil.
Likewise, the southern side of La Digue Island is home to the popular Anse Coco Beach where the giant granite boulders are set to fascinate you.
Since the island is located in close proximity to Praslin, one can easily take a ferry and reach here. Upon reaching the island, much of your exploration would be on a bike.
Best Time To Visit - April to May & October to November
Famous For - Anse Coco Beach, Old Copra Mill, White-sand beaches, a mix of cultures
Best Places To Stay - Le Repaire Boutique Hotel, Cocotier Du Rocher, Buisson Guesthouse La Digue, La Digue Island Lodge, Casa De Leela, Patatran Hotel
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5. Silhouette
Another fine island that features a mountainous profile within a few kilometers from Mahé, the Silhouette Island Seychelles is largely dominated by the peak of Mount Dauban. The island is a protected area under the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles and remains relatively untouched even today.
One of the most attractions of the island is the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. The resort is located in a small La Passe village and offers a luxurious vacation to visitors.
Much of the interior of the Silhouette Island features its primitive beauty and palm-shaded beaches which are eye-catching for the visitors. In fact, this is one of those places to visit around Mahé that boast of its biological diversity, ecosystems, and a variety of habitats. Travelers can come here and experience hiking, diving, snorkeling, wildlife spotting and so much more.
Best Time To Visit - May to December
Famous For - Biological diversity, ecosystems, variety of habitats, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
Best Places To Stay - Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
6. St. Pierre
Want to spend time on a tiny island amongst a handful of coconut palm trees? Well, St. Pierre is the place for you. This small granite island offers some fun-filled adventure activities in Seychelles that every traveler would love to try. Giving a sense of a miniature island in the middle of the ocean, one can believe this place to be real. In fact, St. Pierre is one of the top snorkeling locations in Seychelles. Every year, thousands of travelers come to this tiny island.
Wondering why? Well, snorkeling is a major reason behind it. The best part? Even though the corals here are mostly dead, one will get to see a number of colorful fishes and sea turtles here. So, why not take a boat ride to this part of Seychelles and spend some time on St. Pierre Island?
Best Time To Visit - July to October
Famous For - Snorkeling, Colorful fishes, Turtles
Best Places To Stay - Travelers planning their journey to St. Pierre can find some good accommodation options at Praslin which is located close to the island.
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7. Cousin Island
Confused by the name of the island? Well, don't be. The cousin island is a birdwatcher's paradise and home to a special reserve that houses some of the rarest of endemic birds in Seychelles. It is, in fact, a nesting site for Hawksbill turtles as well.
But here's a thing, if you're wondering about this island on your own, you are bound to be disappointed. Usually, a member of staff from the reserve accompanies every traveler to the island since this is a special reserve. Travelers are guided through their tour and told about flora and fauna, wildlife present on the island, and even the birds. So if you're in Praslin by any chance and heading for sightseeing, a visit to Cousin Island wouldn't be a bad choice.
Best Time To Visit - October to March
Famous For - Nesting site for Hawksbill turtles, special reserve for endemic birds, rich wildlife
Best Places To Stay - Travelers planning their journey to Cousin Island can find some good accommodation options at Praslin which is located close to the island.
8. Grande Soeur
A private island in Seychelles and the eighth-most popular to feature in our list of top Seychelles islands is Grande Soeur. The island is also known by the name Big Sisters Private Island and is owned and managed by Le Château de Feuilles Hotel. Although the hotel is located on Praslin, it does provide boat trips to the island for its guests and is an exceptional place in Seychelles for a sailing trip.
Interestingly, the interior of Grande Soeur reminds of the Jurassic Park movie with impressive granite boulders, palm trees, and a beach that altogether gives a prehistoric vibe to visitors. One can visit here and be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of the place.
Best Time To Visit - There is no such thing as the best time to visit the island and travelers can visit here at any time during the course of their stay at Le Château de Feuilles Hotel
Famous For - Impressive granite boulders, palm trees, and beach
Best Places To Stay - N/A
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A land of pristine beaches and majestic islands, Seychelles continues to the destination beyond a traveler's dream. From serene locations to calm settings, the islands in Seychelles provide an experience of a lifetime to visitors and compels one to come back again. Whether you're a traveler seeking some calm beach time or an adventure enthusiast longing for some water sport, this is a country that'll offer you all. Want to indulge in a vacation like no other? Book your flight to Seychelles today and visit this heaven on earth with your loved ones.
FAQs
The best time to visit Seychelles is during the period of April to May and October to November. This is the time when the weather is perfect for travelers to enjoy themselves.
Mahé is by far the best island in Seychelles and a major attraction for tourists coming to this country.
Yes, Seychelles is home to some of the most pristine locations around the world and is the perfect destination to feel close to nature. Travelers can explore some majestic islands here and stay in world-class resorts.
Amongst the many things that Mahé is famous for, beaches, markets, botanical gardens, and adventure activities have to be the top ones.
No, since Cousin Island is home to a special reserve, usually a member of staff from the reserve accompanies every traveler to the island since this is a special reserve. Travelers are guided through their tour and told about flora and fauna, wildlife present on the island, and even the birds.
Although it depends upon the travel choices, one can expect to spend in Seychelles an average of 150 – 200 USD per day while travelers opting for some luxury can easily spend over 1000 USD a day in the country.
Yes, Seychelles is a safe country to visit on a holiday as travelers can easily explore the country without any sense of security concerns. However, visitors are advised to be vigilant of their surroundings as robberies and theft cases can happen in any country.
Yes, there are three official languages in Seychelles. These are - Creole, English, and French.
