Travel Diaries

If there were an award for the bluest ocean on Earth, the Seychelles would win hands down. For an archipelago with never-ending coastlines, it’s incredible how every single stretch of sand remains perfectly picturesque. The water is crystal clear, the sand is as white as salt, and the leaning coconut trees create the ultimate tropical backdrop.
If you’re a sun-seeker, this is your heaven—but even if you aren’t much of a swimmer, simply watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean is therapeutic enough to justify the flight. This East African gem truly is a slice of perfection. To help you plan your own escape, I’ve listed my top 6 things to do in the Seychelles (in no particular order).

1. Watch the sunset at Anse Lazio beach, Praslin

Let me start by saying I absolutely fell in love with Praslin. If I ever return to the Seychelles, I’m heading straight there and staying the whole time; it’s the perfect balance of gorgeous and serene. While the island offers plenty of sunset spots, Anse Lazio is my top recommendation. It’s the most popular stretch of sand on the island, and rightly so, defined by massive granite boulders dotted along the shoreline.
You can spend the day floating in the turquoise water and wrap it up by watching the sun sink into the horizon. I even spotted a couple enjoying a sundowner picnic and immediately wished I’d been that prepared!
A quick heads-up: The drive there is an adventure in itself. The road winds through a dense reserve with sharp turns and hairpin bends. Thankfully, traffic is light, so if you aren’t used to mountain routes, just take it slow. Since the beach borders private property, you’ll need to pay a small fee to park a few meters away. Once you’re settled, there are plenty of coconut vendors and a beachside bar to keep you fueled for the day.

2. Discover the marine parks in Mahe

This one is a total no-brainer. You simply can’t leave the Seychelles without exploring the world beneath the waves; the sapphire-blue ocean is just too inviting to ignore.
If you aren’t the most confident swimmer, fret not! You can still witness the Indian Ocean’s vibrant “flora and fauna” via a glass-bottom boat or a semi-submersible tour from Victoria. However, if you’re comfortable in the water, snorkeling—or better yet, an ocean dive—is an absolute must.
While some reefs have faced challenges with bleaching, the protected marine parks are your best bet for seeing healthy coral gardens. There are two main gems off the coast of Mahé:
Sainte Anne Marine National Park: The most famous spot, usually reached by a short boat excursion. It’s a snorkeling wonderland where you can often spot sea turtles and rays.
Port Launay Marine Park: This is a hidden gem because it’s the only one you can reach by car! You can just swim out from the beach and find yourself surrounded by colorful fish in calm, shallow water.
Pro Snorkeling Tip: If you’re over on Praslin, don’t miss a boat trip to St. Pierre Island. It’s essentially a tiny granite rock sticking out of the ocean, but the snorkeling around it is legendary. For a “lazy” snorkel, the right-hand side of Anse Lazio (near the rocks) also offers a great glimpse of marine life without needing a boat at all!

3. Visit the Takamaka rum distillery

This one is strictly for those who enjoy a spirited souvenir! Takamaka is the legendary local rum of the Seychelles, and while you’ll see it exported all over the world, its heart is right here on Mahé at the historic La Plaine St. André estate.
They offer free guided tours of the distillery and gardens Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM (with a shorter schedule on Saturdays). You don’t usually need a reservation; just show up a few minutes early. The day we went, there was this light mist in the air that made the whole estate feel incredibly peaceful—it was honestly the perfect vibe.
Behind the distillery is a lush park that’s home to the brand’s namesakes: two Aldabra giant tortoises named Taka and Maka. Getting up close with these prehistoric gentle giants is such a cool experience. The grounds also feature the Rum Shack and a food truck (obviously), which is one of the best ways to spend a relaxed evening on Mahé.
What to Order: My absolute favorite was the Taka Colada—it’s basically vacation in a glass. If you’re a fan of ginger, their Seychelles Mule is the most famous drink on the menu and definitely worth a try. As for the food truck, they serve up some seriously yummy chicken and beef sandwiches, but if you want something different, their vegan falafel and sweet potato fries are also total winners!
Getting There: It’s a breeze to find. Just head south from the airport on the East Coast Road for about 7km. Look for the Takamaka sign on your right at Pointe Au Sel. There’s plenty of parking on-site, but definitely take it slow on the way back if you’ve had a couple of those Coladas!

4. Cycle around La Digue island

La Digue is a tiny gem just a 15 to 30-minute boat ride from Praslin. While I didn’t stay overnight myself, many travelers choose to spend a couple of nights here, and I can totally see why. The entire island is virtually free of motorized vehicles, meaning the only way to get around is by walking or cycling. Don’t worry about bringing your own wheels; there are plenty of locals catering to tourists’ bike needs, so you’ll have no trouble renting a cycle for the day.
Although it’s a bit more “touristy” than Praslin, the charm is undeniable. There’s something so peaceful about a place where you don’t hear traffic or horns—just the cheerful tinkle of bicycle bells and the sounds of nature.
The star of the show is Anse Source d’Argent, famously known as one of the world’s most photographed beaches. Accessed through a narrow, winding alley, the area feels beautifully untouched and is dotted with those iconic granite boulders. Even a “very poor” photographer like myself managed to snap some stunning shots! I can only imagine how exciting this place is for the pros (and the Instagram crowd would (obviously) have a field day here).
Even if you aren’t there for the ‘gram, the shore is a lovely place to relax. Just a heads-up: venture into the water with care! It gets deep quite quickly and can get a bit rough depending on the weather. Because the sand strip is quite narrow, I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder season so you can enjoy the view without the crowds.

5. Spend time with the Giant Aldabara turtles in Cruiseoze island

If you thought the tortoises at the distillery were cool, just wait until you get to Curieuse Island. This tiny granitic island is basically a giant, open-air nursery for over 300 Aldabra giant tortoises. Unlike other spots where they might be in enclosures, here they roam totally free.
It’s just a short boat trip from Praslin, and honestly, it’s like stepping into a prehistoric world. These gentle giants are everywhere—hanging out in the shade, munching on leaves, or slowly making their way across the paths. They are incredibly friendly and don’t mind a little attention, making it the perfect spot for photos that don’t even need a filter.
A Quick Tip: Most boat tours combine a visit here with a BBQ lunch on the beach (which is (obviously) the best way to do it). After you’ve had your fill of tortoise cuddles, there’s a lovely boardwalk through the mangrove forests that leads to Anse St. José. It’s a bit of a hike, but the views of the red earth against the green palms are stunning. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water—it gets hot out there in the sun!

6. Visit the markets in Victoria, Mahe

No trip to Mahé is complete without a morning spent in Victoria, the world’s smallest capital city. The heart and soul of the town is definitely the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. It’s a vibrant, chaotic, and colorful explosion of local life that you just have to experience for yourself.
As soon as you walk in, the scent of fresh vanilla, cinnamon, and grilled fish hits you. The ground floor is a bustling maze of fresh tropical fruits, colorful vegetables, and the “catch of the day” laid out on icy stalls (with plenty of white egrets hanging around hoping for a snack!). If you head upstairs, you’ll find locally made crafts, sarongs, and jewelry—it’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs that are actually authentic.
A Quick Tip: Try to get there early on a Saturday morning if you can. That’s when the market is at its most energetic, as all the locals come in to do their weekly shopping.
What to Buy: Definitely grab some local spices or vanilla pods to take home. Also, look out for the chilli cakes (Gateaux Piment) from the small snack stalls—they are (obviously) the best spicy treat to munch on while you wander through the stalls. Just a heads-up: the market is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit for a weekday or Saturday morning to avoid disappointment!

Bonus: For the Thrill-Seekers (Or Accidental Adventurers)

If the beaches are too calm for you, let’s talk about the real adrenaline. We visited in June—shoulder season—which meant the wind and rain made traveling by land and sea a lot more “vivid” than expected.
First: the Twin Otter plane between Mahé and Praslin. This tiny propeller jet wouldn’t even fit my mum’s side of the family (and if you know brown family statistics, you know that’s a tight squeeze!). We booked for speed; we stayed for the heart-pounding thrill. It’s the only flight we’ve taken where the pilot is an arm’s length away and the only “safety briefing” is a thumbs-up from the co-pilot. In fairness, it’s a local lifeline and the pilots are pros, but when your seatbelt feels less secure than a car strap, you’re in for a ride you didn’t sign up for.
If that wasn’t enough, we hit the ocean in a tiny boat with a captain who must be the Son of Poseidon. This man could drive a Fiat to a Formula 1 win. We were facing waves several meters high on a vessel that looked way too small for the job. At one point, I was genuinely worried our dog would end up an orphan! It was (obviously) an incredible way to see the power of the Indian Ocean, but maybe check the wind forecast before you commit.

Only for the brave

Closing thoughts

Whether you’re island-hopping on a bicycle, sipping rum in the mist, or sharing a snack with a giant tortoise, the Seychelles has a way of making every moment feel like a core memory. It truly is a perfect little piece of paradise that lives up to every postcard you’ve ever seen.
This was my personal “Best of” list, but I know there are so many hidden coves and secret trails I haven’t discovered yet. If you’ve been to the Seychelles—or if you’re planning your own escape—I’d love to hear from you! Which of these spots is top of your bucket list? Or is there a hidden gem I missed that I need to visit next time?