14 Epic Things to Do in Seychelles: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

Felicite Island + Sister Islands

Seychelles isn’t usually the first place people think of for snorkeling, and fair enough.

It doesn’t have the same reputation as places like the Maldives or Indonesia. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth bringing your mask and fins.

There are still several fantastic spots that deliver some seriously memorable underwater moments if you know where to look, and especially if you’re willing to hop on a boat.

Captain Jacques with Tranquility Charters took us out on a private trip to Felicite Island and both Big and Little Sister Island. We were greeted by turtles, a reef shark, friendly batfish and parrot fish, and even the smallest eagle ray I have ever seen.

It felt like we had the entire ocean to ourselves. There were only a few other snorkelers. If you’re even remotely into snorkeling, these are the spots you want.

And don’t miss my Ultimate Seychelles Snorkeling Guide. It includes snorkeling maps and all of my fish photos.

Also, make sure to bring your own gear!

Here’s the snorkeling equipment we swear by after years of testing across 74+ snorkeling sites!

Curieuse Island

Missing the Aldabra Giant Tortoises in Seychelles is like skipping the Eiffel Tower when in Paris.

You can spot them on Mahe (Takamaka Rum Distillery), La Digue (L’Union Estate), and Praslin (Fond Ferdinand), but the best place to see them is hands down Curieuse Island. There are hundreds roaming around freely!

We visited the Giant Tortoises on Curieuse Island as part of our snorkeling trip with Captain Jacques, and seeing them up close was incredible!

Watching these gentle giants meander through the landscape was like stepping into another time. With their wise, wrinkly faces and slow-motion charm, they’re surprisingly captivating.

They look like cute little Grandpas. Most live up to 150 years old!

This was hands down one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip. If you’re only picking one tortoise experience, make it Curieuse Island. You won’t regret it.

Praslin

The Coco de Mer nut is the largest nut in the world, and yes, it’s oddly shaped and hilarious.

I had seen others take photos posing with this large, “butt” nut, and I couldn’t help myself.

There are two places to witness the Coco de Mer. We chose Fond Ferdinand over Vallée de Mai because it is less crowded and involved a scenic hike with stunning views.

Walking through lush greenery, we learned fascinating facts about this rare nut. The climb through the park was worth every step, especially when we reached the viewpoint overlooking Baie Sainte Anne and Round Island!

Praslin

We’ve visited our fair share of the World’s 50 Best Beaches (Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos, Boulders Beach in South Africa, Pink Beach in Indonesia, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, and Klein Bonaire (No Name Beach) in Bonaire), but Anse Georgette on Praslin tops them all.

The access isn’t exactly simple, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. To get there, you’ll need to arrange entry through the 5-star Constance Lemuria resort.

We made a relaxed day of it with lunch at The Nest on the property, then wandered down to the beach for the afternoon.

Anse Georgette delivered the full package: powdery white sand, vibrant turquoise water, dramatic granite boulders, and palm trees swaying overhead.

Our main goal was snorkeling, and we weren’t disappointed. We spotted schools of convict surgeonfish and Pacific threadfin, plus a calm, curious stingray gliding along the beach edge.

If you’re planning time on Praslin, this beach should absolutely be on your list. It’s a bit of a trek, but that’s part of the charm, and a big reason why it remains so pristine.

Don’t miss my Anse Georgette Snorkeling Guide for a map, details on accessing the best spots, and lots of fun fish photos!

La Digue

La Digue instantly reminded us of Caye Caulker in Belize, where bikes rule the road and the pace of life slows way down.

We biked to grab Takamaka rum cocktails at Chez Jules, to beach hop at Grand Anse, and to kayak at Anse Source d’Argent.

Everything was close, easy, and relaxed in the best way.

All without ever getting in a car.

Back home in the U.S., we live in a city and avoid driving as much as possible. So being able to beach hop, snorkel, and grab a cocktail or bite to eat all by bike?

That’s our kind of travel, and La Digue felt like it was made for us.

We rented bikes from our hotel, Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel, and hit the road.

No traffic, no stress, just ocean views and warm breezes.

La Digue

Kayaking around the granite boulders at Anse Source d’Argent was such a fun way to experience one of the most iconic beaches in the Seychelles.

Seeing it from the water gave us a completely different perspective, and it was a calm, easy paddle across super clear water.

After snapping a few photos from the kayaks, we pulled up to shore and did a short hike inland.

Turns out, this is where parts of the 1988 Robinson Crusoe movie were filmed, which gave it that extra castaway vibe. 

We also checked out a beautiful tide pool before learning how to open a coconut. Apparently, a crucial skill in case we ever get shipwrecked. 

Our guide was friendly, and the whole tour was well organized. 

Start times depend on the tides, so definitely check ahead. Be sure to read my full kayak experience for more details!

Praslin

Staying at the boutique hotel Terrasse Sur Lazio was our best-kept secret. It’s one of the best value boutique stays for couples on Praslin!

Just a short hike from the property leads straight to Anse Lazio, a world-famous beach known for its long stretches of powdery sand (it feels like flour under your feet) and massive granite boulders on either side.

There are different areas along the beach for snorkeling, but one section in particular is clearly the winner. Especially if you’re hoping for a chance to see turtles!

Don’t miss my Anse Lazio Snorkeling Guide, where I show exactly where that spot is, complete with a snorkeling map and plenty of fish photo evidence.

This beach gave us the perfect mix of relaxing vibes and easy access to underwater adventure. We loved being able to stay nearby and just walk down when the mood hit.

Mahe

My husband and I are a little obsessed with cocktail culture when we travel. Some favorites include Tokyo’s Mori Bar, The Old Man in Hong Kong, Baltra Bar in Mexico City, and Death & Co back in the U.S.

Once you’re into cocktails, you start getting into the spirits behind them. So when we hit tropical destinations with a great rum reputation, we’re all in.

Barbados? We did a Mount Gay tasting.

Taha’a? Mana’o and Domaine Pari Pari.

The moment we heard Takamaka Rum Distillery had partnered with our favorite Barbados rum house, Foursquare, for their St. André series, we were all in.

We visited Takamaka during a 6-hour Mahe Island Tour with the amazing Nils from Cocotier Tours before our flight to Tanzania. Having a driver meant we could actually enjoy the tastings.

They offer both basic and premium tastings. We each did one so we could sample everything.

They were out of the Grankaz rum (the one with the Foursquare blend), but we tracked it down at the airport and can’t wait to crack it open!

Praslin

If you’re curious about Seychellois cuisine, The Nest at Constance Lemuria is where you want to be.

The food in Seychelles pulls influence from a mix of cultures, and you’ll see that right away with staples like grilled fish and coconut-based Creole curries.

We booked a laid-back lunch at The Nest and tried the three-course Taste of Praslin Set Menu, and wow!

The meal kicked off with marinated smoked fish in a lemon-ginger dressing. Super fresh, zingy, and the perfect start.

The main dish was a local chicken kari koko (coconut curry) served with cinnamon rice and Creole veggies, and yep, the chicken was sourced right on Praslin.

For dessert? A Takamaka Coco Loco pineapple bliss that might just top anything we’ve had at Michelin-star restaurants (and we’ve been to quite a few!).

I would fly back to the Seychelles just for this dessert.

The textures (whipped almost like a meringue), the right balance of sweetness, the toasted coconut crunch. It was exceptional.

And the setting? You’re dining right next to that mesmerizing turquoise water. If you’re only trying one spot for authentic local flavors with a side of wow, make it The Nest. And don’t forget to pair it with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc from their impressive wine list. 

Mahe

I’m not usually one for souvenirs, but local art, handcrafted jewelry, or beautiful textiles always catch my eye.

So when I heard about Michael Adams, Seychelles’ renowned artist, I knew I had to make a visit.

He’s lived in the same family home (which also doubles as his studio) since 1972, along with his wife and children, Alyssa and Tristan.

During our island tour with Nils, we stopped by and had the chance to meet Tristan, who’s an exceptionally talented artist in his own right.

I was immediately drawn to one of his watercolor paintings of La Digue and couldn’t resist bringing it home. Still deciding where to hang it, but it’s such a special keepsake.

La Digue

We started the day with a scenic 20-minute bike ride from our amazing boutique hotel, Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel, to Grand Anse Beach.

Heads-up: there’s a steep hill near the end. I’m not embarrassed to say I had to walk it.

From Grand Anse, we hiked 10 minutes to Petite Anse, then another 20 to Anse Cocos, a postcard-perfect beach that we had completely to ourselves.

No crowds, just wild beauty. Hike wasn’t that hard. Just a little up and down over some granite rocks and vegetation.

If you go all the way to the far left side of Anse Cocos (facing the ocean), fellow travelers say there’s a hidden natural rock pool that’s safe to swim in.

Otherwise, skip swimming here because strong riptides make it risky.

We went early to beat the heat, but if you time it right, grab lunch or a cocktail at Coco Bar, which is a rustic beach spot with no set hours (fellow travelers say drinks start around 11 a.m., lunch buffet ~1 p.m., cash only).

We would’ve loved to chill there, but we had to hustle back for our Crystal Water Kayak Tour.

Optional pit stop: Mimi’s Cafe on the way back. Their coconut cheesecake is supposed to be legendary. We missed it this time, but it’s 100% on the list for the next round.

La Digue

Gin and tonics became our favorite sundowners after a South Africa trip years ago. The bartenders at our hotel, Le Nautique in La Digue, craft exceptional G&Ts!

Here’s my very detailed hotel review of why I think this is the BEST hotel in La Digue!

Hubby and I enjoyed sipping drinks poolside as we watched the sunset. Le Nautique had a fantastic selection of gins including everything from Inverroche (South Africa) to Gin Mare (Spain).

But one I was excited to try was the local Digwa Craft Gin from Seychelles, which was a La Digue infusion with local lemongrass, limes, and citronella tea. I paired it with the local Seypearl Tonic Water, and it was fantastic!

Trying the local Seychellois gin added to the experience. It became a favorite evening ritual. Highly recommended for relaxation and memorable evenings!

Praslin

When you land in Mahe, you’ve got two options to reach Praslin: take the ferry or hop on a short domestic flight with Air Seychelles.

To get to La Digue, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Praslin, or if you’re feeling fancy, charter a private boat straight from Mahe.

We ferried from Mahe to Praslin, then on to La Digue. On the way back, we switched it up and flew from Praslin to Mahe, and I’m so glad we did.

I was a little nervous about the small plane, but the flight was smooth and the aerial views were absolutely stunning. Seeing the turquoise waters and lush islands from above gave us a whole new appreciation for Seychelles’ natural beauty.

Mahe

We didn’t have time to fit this hike in, but it came so highly recommended by locals and fellow travelers that I have to mention it.

The Copolia Trail is a steep but manageable 1.2 km hike (about 90 minutes total) that ends with panoramic views over Eden Island and Victoria.

At the top, you’ll walk across massive granite boulders and soak in some of the most stunning coastal scenery on Mahe. Entry is 100 SCR per person.

We seriously considered squeezing it in before our international flight during our Mahe Island Private Tour, but the lack of a place to shower after a sweaty hike made it a no-go. Not ideal when you’re flying for hours to your next destination!

It’s a top priority for our next visit, and if you’re staying on Mahe and love a good viewpoint, don’t miss this one.

Seychelles turned out to be so much more than just a pretty postcard destination.

Sure, the beaches are unreal, but it was the mix of jaw-dropping nature, warm Creole hospitality, and immersive experiences (like biking through La Digue or sipping local gin at sunset) that made this trip unforgettable for us!

If you’re still mapping out your itinerary, don’t forget to check out our 6-day Seychelles adventure. It’s full of insider tips, exact routes, and real-time-saving advice!

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Questions about our favorite things to do in the Seychelles?

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