There is far more to do in Seychelles than lie on a beach, though the beaches are world-class. Snorkel and dive the marine parks, take boat trips to Curieuse and St Pierre, meet giant tortoises, hike the Morne Seychellois trails, walk the Vallee de Mai forest, explore Victoria and its market, and try Creole food and Takamaka rum. Most of the best experiences, beaches and walks, are free, so save spending for a few key outings.
Seychelles is famous for doing nothing beautifully, but it rewards the curious too. Between the beaches there is sea life, wild nature, easy culture and proper adventure, more than enough to fill a week without ever feeling rushed. Here is the complete list of what to do, with guides to each.
The beaches
Start with the obvious, because they really are the best in the world. Swim the calm bays like Beau Vallon and Cote d’Or, photograph the granite of Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Lazio, and find a wild, near-empty beach in the south of Mahe or the east of La Digue. Beaches are free and public, which is the foundation of any trip.
In and under the water
- Snorkelling in the Ste Anne and Baie Ternay marine parks, easy and rich even for beginners.
- Diving the granite pinnacles, the Ennerdale wreck and Shark Bank.
- Boat trips to Curieuse for tortoises, St Pierre for snorkelling, and the Ste Anne islands with lunch.
- Whale sharks off Mahe around October and November in season.
Wildlife and nature
Meet free-roaming giant tortoises on Curieuse, walk the prehistoric palm forest of the Vallee de Mai on Praslin, watch endemic birds at the Veuve Reserve on La Digue or the reserves of Cousin and Aride, and look up for fruit bats at dusk. The Seychelles packs an extraordinary amount of accessible wildlife into a small space.
On foot and on wheels
Hike the Morne Seychellois trails on Mahe, from the short Copolia viewpoint to the coastal walk to Anse Major. Cycle car-free La Digue from beach to beach. These cost little and show you a side of the islands most visitors miss.
Culture, food and town
Spend a morning in Victoria, one of the world’s smallest capitals, for the market, the clock tower and the botanical gardens. Tour the Takamaka rum distillery and the Jardin du Roi spice garden. Eat Creole food at markets and small restaurants, and catch the Wednesday Bazar Labrin on Beau Vallon beach. The culture is half the trip.
How much is free
It is worth saying that most of the best things, the beaches, the walking, the viewpoints, watching tortoises in the wild and bats at dusk, cost nothing. Save your budget for a few paid highlights like a marine-park boat trip, the Vallee de Mai entry or a dive, rather than spending every day.
How to plan
Mix one or two days on the water with beach days, a wildlife outing and a culture morning, and you will see the best of the islands in a week. Browse verified places to stay in our directory, add a hire car for Mahe and Praslin, check the ferry schedule for island hops, and look at boat trips for the marine parks and islands.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Seychelles?
Beyond the beaches: snorkel and dive the marine parks, take boat trips to Curieuse and St Pierre, meet giant tortoises, hike the Morne Seychellois trails, walk the Vallee de Mai, explore Victoria, and try Creole food and Takamaka rum.
What is there to do in Seychelles besides beaches?
Snorkelling and diving, boat trips to the islands and marine parks, giant tortoises on Curieuse, the Vallee de Mai forest, birdwatching, hiking on Mahe, cycling La Digue, and the markets and culture of Victoria.
Are there free things to do in Seychelles?
Many. The beaches, walking, viewpoints, watching wild tortoises and fruit bats, and snorkelling off the beach are all free. Save spending for a few paid highlights like boat trips and the Vallee de Mai.
How do you fit everything into a Seychelles trip?
Mix one or two days on the water with beach days, a wildlife outing and a culture morning. In a week, across Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, you can see the best of the islands without rushing.
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