Things to Do in Seychelles: 12 Island Experiences

Quick answer

The best things to do in Seychelles are Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue, the Vallée de Mai coco de mer forest on Praslin, Anse Lazio beach, a day trip to Curieuse for giant tortoises, snorkelling in Sainte Anne Marine Park and the Copolia hike on Mahé. Cycling La Digue and Beau Vallon sunsets cost little. Paid boat trips run about ₹5,000–13,000 per person.

12 things worth your time in Seychelles

01
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue
Nature
Granite boulders, shallow turquoise water and fine sand — the most photographed beach in Seychelles. The estate entry includes an old vanilla plantation and giant tortoises.
Half dayAbout ₹900–1,300 (SCR 150–200) entry via L'Union Estate
Go at low tide in the morning; at high tide there is very little beach left.
02
Vallée de Mai, Praslin
Nature
A UNESCO-listed palm forest where the coco de mer, the world's heaviest seed, grows wild. Listen for the rare black parrot.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹3,000–3,500 per adult
Take the longer loop and go early, before tour groups arrive.
03
Anse Lazio, Praslin
Nature
Calm, clear water framed by granite boulders, with good snorkelling at both ends. Often rated the best beach on Praslin.
Half dayFree
Shade is limited, so carry water. Do not leave valuables in parked cars.
04
Curieuse and St Pierre island-hopping
Day trip
Hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises roam Curieuse, with a mangrove boardwalk to the old doctor's house. St Pierre is the tiny granite islet on every postcard, and snorkelling stops are included.
Full dayAbout ₹7,000–13,000 (EUR 70–130) per person with lunch
Ask for a vegetarian Creole lunch in advance — the default is grilled fish.
05
Sainte Anne Marine Park
Nature
Six islands a short boat ride from Victoria, with reef fish, turtles and glass-bottom boats for non-swimmers. The easiest marine outing for families based on Mahé.
Half dayAbout ₹5,000–10,000 (EUR 50–100)
Seas are calmest in April–May and October–November.
06
Copolia trail, Morne Seychellois
Nature
A short, steep climb through misty forest to a granite dome overlooking Victoria and the Sainte Anne islands. Pitcher plants grow beside the path.
2–3 hoursSmall park fee; guide optional
Wear shoes with grip — the rock is slippery after rain.
07
Cycle around La Digue
Experience
La Digue has very few cars and bicycles are the main way around. Ride to Grand Anse and Petite Anse, or follow the flat coast road north.
Full dayBike hire about ₹600–900 (SCR 100–150) a day
Grand Anse has strong currents — do not swim there when red flags are up.
08
Beau Vallon beach and Wednesday market
Food
Mahé's best swimming beach for families, with a Creole street-food market (Bazar Labrin) on Wednesday evenings — grilled fish, curries and fresh juices.
EveningFree; street food about ₹300–900 a plate
Vegetarian choice is limited to lentil curry, breadfruit chips and fruit, so plan a proper meal elsewhere.
09
Victoria market and Ganesh temple
Landmark
One of the world's smallest capitals, with the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market for spices and fruit, the Clock Tower and the colourful Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple built by the Tamil community.
2 hoursFree
The market is liveliest on Saturday mornings.
10
Mission Ruins and tea factory
Landmark
The Mission Ruins on the Sans Souci road overlook Mahé's west coast. Nearby, the tea factory sells local vanilla and lemongrass teas.
1–2 hoursFree (ruins); small fee for the tea factory tour
Combine both on the drive from Victoria to Port Glaud.
11
Diving off Mahé or Praslin
Experience
Granite reefs, turtles and rays in warm, clear water. Certified divers head to sites such as Shark Bank and Brissare Rocks off Mahé.
Half dayTry-dive about ₹10,000–13,000 (EUR 100–130)
Book with a registered dive centre rather than a beach tout.
12
Cousin Island nature reserve
Nature
A small reserve with nesting seabirds, hawksbill turtles from about October to February and lizards everywhere. Wardens guide every visit.
Half dayAbout ₹5,000–9,000 including the boat from Praslin
Landings are by small boat through the surf, so pack a waterproof bag.

Getting around the three main islands

Most first visits split between Mahé, where you land, and Praslin, with a day trip to La Digue. The Cat Cocos catamaran takes about an hour from Mahé to Praslin and costs roughly EUR 55–75 (₹5,600–7,700) one way; the ferry from Praslin to La Digue takes 15 minutes. Domestic flights to Praslin take 15 minutes but have tight baggage limits.

What is free in Seychelles?

All beaches are public up to the high-water mark, including those in front of luxury resorts, so you can walk onto Anse Lazio, Beau Vallon or Anse Intendance at no cost. Hiking trails, viewpoints, Victoria's market and most churches and temples are also free. The expensive items are boat trips, entry to Vallée de Mai and L'Union Estate, and anything sold by a resort.

Paid experiences, ranked by value

Experience	Value for money
Curieuse and St Pierre day	High — tortoises, snorkelling and lunch in one
Vallée de Mai	Good — unique, but go early
Sainte Anne glass-bottom boat	Good for families, average for keen snorkellers
Resort sunset cruises	Low — pricey for what you get

Plan the rest of your trip

Seas decide your snorkelling days — check the best time to visit Seychelles. Our 6-day Seychelles itinerary shows how to fit Mahé, Praslin and La Digue together, and the Seychelles trip cost guide covers ferries and fees. Vegetarians should read the Seychelles food guide, and everyone needs the travel authorisation explained in the Seychelles visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Seychelles better than the Maldives for sightseeing?

Yes, if you want to do more than relax. Seychelles has granite mountains, hiking trails, giant tortoises, a UNESCO palm forest and three distinct islands to explore. The Maldives is better for overwater villas and easy snorkelling from your room. Seychelles generally costs more and needs ferries between islands.

Can you do La Digue as a day trip?

Yes. From Praslin the ferry takes about 15 minutes and runs several times a day. Rent a bicycle at the jetty, visit Anse Source d'Argent and Grand Anse, and return by evening. A day trip from Mahé is possible but long, with around two hours of boat travel in total.

Are beaches in Seychelles free to visit?

Yes. Beaches in Seychelles are public up to the high-water mark, including those in front of five-star resorts. The main exception is Anse Source d'Argent, which you reach through L'Union Estate with a paid ticket. Facilities are basic on most beaches, so carry water and something for shade.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.