Seychelles

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Seychelles - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Anse Georgette

    Anse Georgette

    This small bay of white sand punctuated by granite boulders could certainly contend for Praslin's prettiest beach—a complete lack of development and difficult access keep it so. Unfortunately, road access passes through the Constance Lemuria Resort, and nonguests must get permission to enter, which is not always an easy task. Call or email the resort at least 24-hours in advance if you want to be sure to get in. Alternatively, there is now a forest path from Anse Lazio, but it takes about an hour to walk between the two beaches, and decent shoes are needed. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

    Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles
    428–1281-Constance Lemuria
  • 2. Cousin Island

    Cousin lies just off the southwest coast of Praslin, about 30 to 45 minutes away by boat. A nature reserve since 1968, Cousin is home to some of Seychelles' rarest birds, including the Seychelles bush warbler and the Seychelles magpie robin, and also serves as the breeding ground for thousands of lesser noddies, ferry terns, and tropic birds. Arriving on this small island, you'll see a sky darkened with the diving silhouettes of thousands of birds, and a visit gives a glimmer of an idea of what the first explorers to Seychelles might have experienced when alighting on these islands. In addition to its magnificent bird populations, the island is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, as well as being a favorite nesting site for hawksbill turtles. Your hotel can organize a trip to the island with one of the many boat excursion operators, or check out one of Masons Travel's excursions. The stop at Cousin will usually be one of three your boat will make. Be sure to bring your camera (fantastic photo ops of ground-nesting birds), mosquito spray (the mozzies can be thick in the interior), and a hat (they say it's good luck to be pooped on by a bird, but let your hat take the hit).

    Cousin, Inner Islands, Seychelles
    460–1100-Mahe office

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Rs500, Mon.–Fri. 10–noon
  • 3. Vallée de Mai National Park

    Vallée de Mai

    Located on Praslin's southeastern end, the Vallée de Mai National Park protects some of the last ancient virgin Mascarene forest in the world. This World Heritage Site is also the only place on earth where the unique double coconut or Coco de Mer palms grow wild and abundantly. Some 6,000 specimens bearing the largest nut in the plant kingdom flourish here. This idyllic paradise is also home to the other five species of Seychelles endemic palms, the rare black parrot, fresh-water crabs, giant crayfish, and vanilla orchids. Visitors can take the tarmac road from Bay St. Anne toward Grand Anse for a drive through the park that will introduce them to its charms, but the only real way to experience it is to walk along the very well-maintained nature trails (sandals will suffice) that run through the valley. Allow at least three hours to really explore the park. A nice gift shop where you can buy certified Coco de Mer seeds, a café, and luggage lockers are on the premises. There is also a free one-hour guided tour daily at 10 and 2.

    Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles
    432–1735

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Rs345 cash only, Daily 8–5:30
  • 4. Anse Lazio

    Anse Lazio

    Praslin's most famous beach is located on the island's northeastern tip. A long strip of golden sand with stunning granite boulders on either end and takamaka trees providing much coveted shade, this calm beach is known for excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Unfortunately, this postcard perfect spot can get extremely crowded, diminishing the magic for some. When you arrive, head left and look for a nook at the very end between the boulders. The bus doesn't reach here, so you'll have to drive or walk about 20 minutes from the closest bus stop. Two restaurants operate on either end of the beach, about a ten minute walk away from one another. Amenities: food and drink, parking, toilets (at restaurants). Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

    Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles
  • 5. Aride

    A 30- to 45-minute boat trip from Praslin, Aride is one of the most pristine of the Seychelles islands and is known as the "seabird citadel" of the Indian Ocean, with more than a million seabirds breeding here each year. Protected as a reserve since 1967, Aride hosts 18 species of native birds, including the world's only hilltop colony of sooty terns and the only granitic breeding sites for the world's largest colony of lesser noddies. The Seychelles warbler was introduced from Cousin in 1988, as were the Seychelles fody and magpie robin in 2002. Aride also boasts one of the densest populations of lizards on earth, as well as unique endemic plants. A beautiful reef surrounds the island, and in season it is common to see whale sharks and flying fish in the waters just offshore. Visitors to the island must land between 9:30 and 10, but then may spend the whole day on the island if desired. Numerous operators can take you to Aride, and usually include lunch in the trip; inquire at your hotel. Due to weather conditions, Aride closes to visitors from May to September, when strong winds can prevent boats from landing.

    Aride, Inner Islands, Seychelles
    271–9778-Island Manager

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Rs650, Closed May-September, and when weather does not permit landings.
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  • 6. Cote d'Or Beach

    Cote d'Or

    Cote d'Or Beach (also known as Anse Volbert) is an extensive and stunning white-sand beach that frequently appears on best-beach lists. There are quite a few hotels and restaurants nearby. The only downside to this gorgeous strip of sand, probably Praslin's most popular, is that you won't be alone, and you may get hassled by beach boys selling boat trips and the like. Amenities: Food and drink; toilets (at hotels). Best for: Swimming; partiers; walking.

    Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles
  • 7. Curieuse

    Once known as Île Rouge on account of its red earth, this rugged island was previously home to a leper colony situated at Anse St. Joseph. The resident doctor's house, which dates back to the 1870s, was converted into an eco-museum and visitor center, and Aldabra tortoises roam freely. Aside from Praslin, Curieuse is the only other island where the coco de mer grows naturally (Coco de Mers have been planted and cultivated elsewhere in the Seychelles). Curieuse also offers eight different species of mangrove. It is reachable by boat from Praslin, and often serves as a lunch spot on the various boat excursions from Praslin and La Digue.

    Curieuse, Inner Islands, Seychelles
    422–5115

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Rs200
  • 8. Grand Anse

    Grand Anse

    Grand Anse on the southwest coast is another large stretch of sand with several hotels and restaurants. Lovely from October to March, it can be the recipient of a lot of mucky sea grass the rest of the year. Good for swimming and water sports when sea grass is absent, there are also plenty of places to rent equipment for the latter. Amenities: Food and drink, toilets (at hotels). Best for: Swimming, walking.

    Praslin, Inner Islands, Seychelles

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