Rebecca Mottram Travel Agent

The Seychelles archipelago is 115 islands scattered across the western Indian Ocean just off the coast of Kenya, 115 islands of pristine beauty unaltered since the dawn of time. This enchanting archipelago features a stunning blend of inner granite islands, such as Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, alongside the unique outer islands, including Aldabra, which represent the tips of ancient coral reefs.  Islands where magnificent granite boulders, amongst the oldest on Earth, flank powder-soft beaches that are often rated among the most beautiful on the planet. It is a token of the richness of its amazing ecosystems that Seychelles has not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.

With a year-round average temperature of 29°C, the Seychelles is perfect for island-hopping. Each island has its own unique character and story, like members of an ancient family, coming together to create a world of calm, harmony, and stunning beauty. From luxurious five-star resorts to charming beachside bungalows, there’s something to suit everyone.

While the beaches here are nothing short of sensational, this remarkable destination offers far more than sun and sand; it is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Breath-taking beaches, crystal clear water, and amazing wildlife – the Seychelles Islands is a tropical paradise, just waiting to be explored. Here are the reasons why the tropical islands are a must-visit destination.

Uninhabited by humans throughout most of history, the wildlife on the Seychelles Islands had plenty of time to evolve. Through careful supervision from the Seychellois, the islands remain one of nature’s last pristine sanctuaries, making it an exciting destination for naturalists, ornithologists and eco-tourists alike.

Between them, the Seychelles islands are home to an incredible number of species, from birds and turtles to fish and flowering trees such as hibiscus and frangipani. One of the best places to see a lot of its wildlife is Morne Seychellois National Park, where lush rainforest houses the rare jellyfish tree, mangroves, orchids, and more. A great way to explore is by using its walking and hiking trails, and there are lots of lookouts along the way as well as fascinating sights to see, such as the Tea Factory and Mission Lodge.

Nowhere else on Earth can you find unique specimens such as the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples; the wondrous Coco-de-mer; the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher; and numerous species and subspecies of bird life. The Vallée de Mai, once thought to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, and legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles boasts an amazing array of endemic and indigenous species waiting to be discovered along its several nature trails.

Another superb hike is the Glacis Noire Trail on Praslin – a 1.4km route with the chance to spot the island’s endemic black parrots, Seychelles tiger chameleons, and bronze-eyed geckos. This trail also takes you up to a fire tower with the most amazing views of surrounding islands, including Curieuse National Park.

On the southwest coast of Mahé, you’ll find the Marine Park of Port Launay, a pristine spot known for sublime beaches, a mangrove cove, and amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities to see the wonders of some protected coral ecosystems. Close to Cerf Island, the Marine Park of Sainte-Anne became one of the first preserved areas of the Indian Ocean in 1973 and promises hawksbill turtle sightings along with moray eels, rays, and wrasse in its rich marine grasslands.

Seychelles is also famous for its free-roaming giant land tortoises, which have been on these islands since before human habitation. You can see them in their native setting of the Aldabra atoll or elsewhere across the archipelago, both in the wild and in conservation settings, living alone or in groups. On Mahé, for instance, you can see them at the Victoria Botanical Gardens, while on Curieuse you can see them roaming around the beach.

For fun above and beneath the waves, the Seychelles is perfect for snorkellers and divers, sailors, and those who want to try their hand at fishing. One of the best spots for an activity-packed day by the sea is breath-taking Beau Vallon beach with plenty of water sports to choose from, as well as football or volleyball on the beach. Meanwhile, golfers are in seventh heaven in the Seychelles, playing beneath the swaying palm trees on gorgeous golf courses with shimmering white-sand beaches and the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. 

To talk more about you holiday to the Seychelles, get in touch with me today.