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THE SEYCHELLES

PARADISE ON EARTH

Photo: PTO Travel Pro*

 THE DESTINATION

OVERVIEW

KNOWN FOR:

BEACHES

DIVING
 

SAILING

NATURAL SCENERY

The 115 islands of the Seychelles dotted across the Indian Ocean are about as close as you can come to Paradise on Earth. You’ll find mountainous granitic islands with boulder-strewn beaches as well as low-lying cays and atolls with shallow turquoise waters - all straight out of a postcard. With just 100,000 residents spread across the nations 530,00 square miles, the Seychelles have largely been spared the negative impacts of human presence. That means you’ll find endemic species and rich biodiversity in the country’s waters and rainforests. Two of these sites - the Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai - are worthy of UNESCO World Heritage Status. The islands happen to be home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. The islands are also full of rich cultural diversity. From the time Vasco da Gama allegedly first sighted the Seychelles in 1503 to the country’s independence in 1976, the islands changed hands multiple times and became a cultural melting pot. Influences from European colonization (British, then French, then British again) mix with the culture of the people brought here by the slave & spice trades. Though it’s not believed the islands were home to pre-colonial indigenous people, a local culture known as Creole as emerged through all this history. It’s one of the most remote places on Earth but the picture-perfect scenery, warm hospitality, and overwhelming feeling of romance and relaxation make this small island nation well worthy of a trip!

MOST RECENT VISIT: Summer 2022

THE BOTTOM LINE

So what's the big deal? Here's why the Seychelles is worthy of a stop on your itinerary: 
IF YOU'RE PLANNING A HONEYMOON DRIPPING IN ROMANCE

I can't imagine many places more romantic than the Seychelles. The resorts here certainly caught on to that vibe as well, and most feel tailor-made for honeymooners with plunge pool villas, private dining experiences, and secluded beaches.

IF YOU WANT TO LOUNGE ON THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Whatever comes to mind when you picture a desert island is what you can expect to find in the Seychelles. All beaches are public, and many of the white sand strips are dotted with large granite boulders and fringed by lush green foliage and turquoise waters - a picture perfect setting for both tourists and Hollywood.

TO BALANCE THE ADVENTURE OF SAFARI WITH SOME ISLAND TIME

The Seychelles are just a 3 hour flight from Nairobi and the perfect finale to a trip on safari. After spending time exploring the bush in a game vehicle, it can be nice to park yourself on the beach - a gorgeous one at that - with a cocktail to unwind.

TRAVEL TOOLKIT:

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HOSPITALITY
ATLAS

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DATE
SELECTOR

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ACTIVITY PORTFOLIO

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LOGISTICS
PLANNER

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ITINERARY
 

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LANDING GEAR

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JOURNEY BUILDER

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SUITCASE
PACKER

Zoom out on the map below to see the outer islands, including Desroches, Platte, Alphonse, and Aldabra!

HOSPITALITY ATLAS

WHERE TO STAY

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

ISLANDS & RESORTS GUIDE

THE SEYCHELLES

Photo: PTO Travel Pro*

Trying to decide where to stay or looking on-the-fly for your next stop nearby? This guide gives an overview of the key islands in the Seychelles, plus a selection of hotels, restaurants, and things to do for each. It then provides more detail for select hotels across the Seychelles.

 

The Seychelles has some truly spectacular accommodation options ranging from family-friendly resorts to ultra-romantic private islands. Depending on what you're looking for (and what you're looking to spend), there's something for everyone. Click on the guide to learn more!

COMING SOON

ACTIVITY PORTFOLIO

TOP THINGS TO DO

Anse Source D'Argent La Digue Seychelles
Outdoors

Photo: PTO Travel Pro*

WORLD-CLASS
BEACHES

Whatever comes to mind when you picture a desert island is what you can expect to find in the Seychelles. All beaches are public, and many of the white sand strips are dotted with large granite boulders and fringed by lush green foliage and turquoise waters - a picture perfect setting for both tourists and Hollywood.

Image by Ash Edmonds
Local Culture

Photo: Unsplash*

LOCAL RUM DISTILLERY

Want to try some of the local flavor? Visit La Plaine St. Andre, a 1790s plantation that is now the home of Takamaka Rum Distillery where you can sample & see how the local spirit is made and explore the grounds' museum, garden, and ruins. We were truly impressed with the rum and wish we could get some in the States!

Image by Hugh Whyte
Water Activities

Photo: Unsplash*

MOTOR-FREE WATER SPORTS

From laid-back to action-packed there is a way to get out and enjoy the sea in the Seychelles. Beaches like Anse Intendance are known for surfing, while Anse Source d'Argent offers glass-bottomed kayaks. Our resort offered complimentary Hobie cats to sail, stand-up paddleboards, reef restoration activities, and more.

Image by Krystal Ng
Outdoors

Photo: Unsplash*

VALEE DE MAI  RESERVE

This UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Island of Praslin was thought by some to be the Garden of Eden. The lush rainforest is home to many of the Seychelles' endemic species including the Coco de Mer Palm, the Seychelles Black Parrot, the Seychelles Blue Pigeon, the Tiger Chameleon, and more.

Image by Chase Baker
Water Activities

Photo: Unsplash*

FLY & SPORT FISHING

If casting a rod & reel is your idea of paradise, you'll find plenty to love in the Seychelles. Being in the tropics of the Indian Ocean, you can charter a vessel to catch sportfish like Dorado, Swordfish, Wahoo, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, & more. You can also head to the flats & atolls for some of the best tropical fly-fishing in the world.

Image by Kristel Hayes
Water Activities

Photo: Unsplash*

SAILING & 
BOATING

There are more than 100 islands to explore in the Seychelles, so it only makes sense to get out on the water and sail from island to island, whether for a day or a week. Admire the gorgeous coastlines and explore areas that remain isolated from the influence of humans (especially some of the most spectacular dive sites).

Image by Sebastian Pena Lambarri
Water Activities

Photo: Unsplash*

SNORKELING & DIVING

The pristine underwater world of the Seychelles offers countless sites to explore. Options range from easy to advanced and include shallow sea grass beds swimming with sea turtles, colorful coral reefs with tropical fish, open water dives with manta rays and whale sharks, mazes of granitic boulders, wreck dives, and more.

Image by Miriam Pereira
Local Culture

Photo: Unsplash*

EXPLORE
VICTORIA

The charming, colonial-style capital on Mahe is worthy of exploration. Some of the top sights include the Victoria Clock Tower aka Lorloz (Little Big Ben in Creole), the Botanical Gardens' flowers & tortoises, the National History Museum with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to pirates to independence, and the city market.

LAUNDRY LIST

Beyond the most popular sites, the Seychelles has plenty more to see and do. If you're looking to keep exploring, check out this list of ideas!

BEACHES
Anse Source d'Argent

On La Digue - This beach is the "most photographed in the world" thanks to its picturesque boulders & protected lagoon

Anse Cocos

On La Digue - If you're willing to hike a bit, this is an option for a less popular but still beautiful version of d'Argent

Anse Georgette

On Praslin - A beautiful, boulder-framed beach that's home to the Constance Lemuria resort

Anse Lazio

On Praslin - this beach, bookended by boulders is considered one of the best in the Seychelles

Anse Marron

On La Digue - Very challenging to reach, this beach with many boulders & natural pools is best visited with a guide

Bird Island West Beach

Isolated, with far more birds than people, this powder-soft sand beach is known for fabulous sunsets

Anse Intendance

On Mahe - This beach is home to the Banyan Tree Resort and is known for its lush green backdrop and surfable waves

Beau Vallon

On Mahe - Popular and lively, this beach is fit for a visit or as an easy starting point for many snorkeling & diving excursions

Even More Beaches

Petite Anse on Mahe, Anse Bonnet Carre on La Digue, Cote d'Or on Praslin, Grand Anse on La Digue, and more.

Note: All beaches in the Seychelles are public, even if they are seemingly on resort property. Just reach out for access.

FIELD GUIDE

WILDLIFE TO SEE

Below you’ll see a breakdown of what to expect in the Seychelles: 

  • Plan to see: These are abundant in the Seychelles and less elusive to spot

  • Chance to see: These are either less abundant here or they may just have behavior that makes them harder to spot

  • Rare to see: These are species that are either very scarce here or very elusive

  • Seasonal: These are species that are in the Seychelles seasonally as they migrate

  • If an animal is noted with (**), it's endemic to the Seychelles!

PLAN TO SEE
  • Coco de Mer Palm**

  • Seychelles Giant Tortoise**

  • Bats

  • Whales & Dolphins

  • Reef Fish (Angelfish, Tangs, Clownfish, & more)

  • Sportfish (Swordfish, Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, & more)

CHANCE TO SEE
  • Flamingo

  • Sea Turtles

  • Sharks (Hammerhead, Reef Sharks, and more)

  • Stingrays

  • Lionfish

  • Eels

RARE TO SEE
  • Seychelles Black Parrot**

  • Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher Bird**

  • Tiger Chameleon**

  • Jellyfish Tree**

  • Dugong

SEASONAL
  • Whale Sharks (September to November)

  • Manta Rays (April to December)

Image by Dariusz Sankowski

ITINERARY

SAFARI & THE SEYCHELLES | 2.5 WEEKS

Safari & Seychelles 2.5 Week Itinerary Infographic

OVERVIEW

On this epic honeymoon itinerary, you’ll get up close with big cats, the Great Migration, and more on Safari in the Serengeti and the Mara. Then you’ll head to the Seychelles, one of the most picturesque tropical destinations in the world. I know I’m biased, but if you’re planning a big romantic trip, whether for a honeymoon, a milestone anniversary, or whatever reason, you have to consider this itinerary. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay longer.