Discover a nature lover's paradise beyond the beaches of the Seychelles

12 August 2024

The Seychelles is one of the world's most breathtaking tropical island paradises, consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Kenya. 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. 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.

Discover a nature lover's paradise beyond the beaches of the Seychelles

With a wealth of activities and experiences amid stunning natural landscapes, visitors can explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Vallée de Mai and Aldabra—while encountering an incredible variety of wildlife that thrives in these pristine environments.

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.

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 breathtaking 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 book your wildlife and nature holiday in the Seychelles, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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