From nature reserves protected by UNESCO to surreal beaches and vanilla-coloured shores, Seychelles is undeniably breathtaking. The archipelago is primed for adventure, with over a hundred islands, vast coral reefs, and lush forest trails.
So, ditch the concrete jungle and experience the beauty of the wilderness with a guide to excursions in Seychelles.
Hike Through Untamed Wilderness
While the archipelago has no shortage of nature trails, the path leading to Anse Major offers some of the best hiking experiences in Seychelles. Located on the northern coast of Mahé, this iconic hiking trail spans 2.5 kilometres, featuring a mix of uphill and flat terrain. Along the way, visitors are treated to uninterrupted hilltop views, stretching from sprawling forests to endless blue sea.
Suitable for beginners and moderate hikers alike, the hour-long journey concludes at Anse Major, one of the most stunning beaches in Seychelles. Rest by the water, and head to the small beach bar for refreshments and a small barbecue; it’s the perfect reward for a jungle hike.
Snorkel Around Technicolour Reefs
Just a short boat ride from Mahé lies the Saint Anne National Marine Park, one of the first marine reserves in the Indian Ocean and one of the best spots for snorkelling. Beneath its glittering surface lies a world bursting with colour and life, found just minutes from some of the best Seychelles luxury resorts. Snorkellers can glide through coral gardens that sway with the currents, offering glimpses into an underwater realm shaped by centuries of natural evolution – from the angelfish to the eagle rays.
The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for both novice and pro snorkellers; guided tours by resorts like JA Enchanted Island Resort even help visitors identify different species and understand the importance of conservation. With its technicoloured seascapes and ecosystems, Saint Anne National Marine Park is where Seychelles’ aquatic wonders truly come alive.
Tap into Your Inner Castaway
If you dream of disappearing into nature, Silhouette Island is the place to be. Rugged, mountainous, and delightfully remote, it is celebrated for its untouched forests, granite peaks, and beaches that look straight out of a Robinson Crusoe tale. The island is home to rare wildlife, including giant tortoises and endemic birds, and offers extensive hiking trails that lead through dense jungles and mist-covered summits.
A short hop away, Île Cocos is the quintessential tropical postcard: clear, jewel-toned waters, sculpted granite boulders, and coral-rich lagoons that are irresistible to snorkellers. Its reefs are brimming with colourful marine life, promising a playground for underwater photography and marine enthusiasts.
Between Silhouette’s wild interior and Île Cocos’ undisturbed lagoons, this duo invites travellers to abandon modern distractions and embrace Seychelles’ raw natural magic.
Witness Exotic Birds Take Flight
From the rare paradise flycatcher to the endemic scops owl, the Seychelles is a haven for birdlife. Far off on the outskirts of the archipelago, Aride Island is one of the most important nature reserves in the Indian Ocean and a paradise for birdwatchers.
Managed as a dedicated wildlife sanctuary, it is home to more seabirds than any other island in Seychelles. Visitors can expect to spot species like the Seychelles warbler, white-tailed tropicbird, sooty tern, and fairy tern, gliding across the skies or nesting along cliffs.
In addition to the birdlife, Aride Island itself is a rare sight. It has remained largely unchanged over the centuries; the soundtrack of waves crashing against the rocks blends with the calls of thousands of seabirds, creating an atmosphere of pure island wilderness. For photographers, conservationists, or anyone who finds beauty in nature’s rhythms, Aride offers an extraordinary glimpse into Seychelles’ thriving birdlife.
Take in all the Unusual Beauty
Above all, the islands’ natural landscapes are unlike any other. Go beyond the beaches and reefs, and head to Vallée de Mai. Located on Praslin Island, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most mesmerising natural attractions in Seychelles. Vallée de Mai is ancient, too. Its prehistoric forest is a mystical grove sheltering unusual plant life, often described as the “Garden of Eden” thanks to its towering palm canopy.
This is the only place on earth where the legendary Coco de Mer palm grows naturally. These trees produce the largest and most uniquely shaped seeds in the world, weighing up to a whopping 16 kilograms.
In addition to Coco de Mer, the reserve’s network of trails allows visitors to uncover more rare plants and even rarer wildlife, including the endemic black parrot.
Here, under the shade of enormous palm fronds, walking through Vallée de Mai feels like a fascinating step back in time.
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References:
https://christinaintheclouds.com/anse-major-hike/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/partner-content-seychelles-island-adventures
