Discover secluded beaches, giant tortoises, historic sights and an exciting underwater world in this Indian Ocean archipelago.
With blue-green seas, white sand beaches, rainforest-covered hills and rare tropical plant and animal species, the Seychelles are celebrated for their natural beauty. The 115 islands that make up the archipelago are spread over a large swath of the Indian Ocean between India and Madagascar.
Learn about the biodiversity of the island nation by hiking through its national parks. In the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, spot the coco de mer, a two-lobed coconut with the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Walk through the mountain forests of Mahé and look for jellyfish trees. They are endemic to the island and are among the rarest trees in the world. Observe giant tortoises on the Aldabra Atoll.
Many visitors come for the beaches and aquatic pursuits in the warm Indian Ocean. Stretch out on Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé and Honeymoon Beach on North Island. Enjoy surfing, waterskiing and canoeing at many of the main beaches across the Seychelles.
The clear aquamarine waters surrounding the islands are home to large reef systems, shipwrecks and hundreds of marine life species. Snorkeling and scuba diving are possible from most of the islands. Find diving companies operating in several locations including La Digue and Praslin.
Spend some vacation time in Victoria. The capital city of the Seychelles is on Mahé and is home to one-third of the island nation’s population. See the Victoria Clock Tower, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Visit Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles. Buy fresh fruit, fish, vegetables and spices at Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market. Dine on local specialties such as pumpkin soup in a city-center restaurant.
Reach the Seychelles by flying into the international airport on Mahé, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Victoria. Get around by public transportation, taxis, rental bikes and rental cars. Travel between islands by air or sea.
Experience a tropical island vacation that promises relaxation, natural beauty, water sports and adventure.
