ad The best unique things to do in the Seychelles
The Seychelles is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Here I share the best unique things to do in the Seychelles.
An archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles consists of 115 different islands, each one filled with unique wildlife, habitats and mesmerising beaches.
Many people think of the Maldives when you imagine white sandy beaches and peaceful holidays, but I honestly think the Seychelles, a little further West, is the quieter, more beautiful sister.
The turquoise waters are home to over 1000 different species of fish and the islands are visited by over 200 rare bird breeds. Where Maldives is a magnet for honeymooners and big birthdays, the Seychelles is for people who love luxury, but with added adventure and wildlife.
The Seychelles has incredible biodiversity, with the majority of its islands uninhabited and home to national parks, giant tortoises and many of the world’s threatened species.
If you’re not sold yet, the weather is a balmy 24-30 degrees celsius all year round. Though there is a little more rain in the winter months.
I am desperate to return to these incredible islands and experience more of what the Seychelles has to offer. Here are some of the best unique things to do in the Seychelles.
This post is in partnership with Original Diving and Original Travel.
The best unique things to do in the Seychelles
The islands have so much beauty and adventure to offer, but here are a few of the best unique things you can do on the many islands of the Seychelles.
Go diving to see manta rays and sharks
When I visited the Seychelles I was lucky to try my hand at diving with manta rays and sharks, amongst many more of the beautiful 2000+ species of fish surrounding the islands.
I already have my padi, but if you don’t there are opportunities to try your hand at scuba diving for the first time, or even get your padi certification.
Original Diving suggests visiting the Aldabra Group of islands in the Seychelles for your diving. These remote, uninhabited atolls are found 700 miles south of the main island of Mahe, which means they really are remote!
However, remote means you will find more undisturbed and interesting marine life. From hammerhead sharks to dorado and sailfish.
No two dives will be the same and you are sure to find something beautiful.
Original Diving offer unique Seychelles diving holidays.
Relax like Robinson Crusoe on Denis Island
You get to Denis island via a small aircraft after landing on the mainland of Mahe. This smaller more remote island offers the chance to stay in one of only 25 cottages on the whole island.
Living right on the beach for a few days it is like you are in your own real life castaway… but with added luxury!
There is lots to do on the island, including hiring bikes to cycle around and explore the different beaches or heading out with local rangers to learn more about the conservation efforts to support the wildlife.
Original Travel offers a brilliant trip to visit Denis Island and Praslin Island, an amazing Seychelles holiday, for a trip with a perfect mix of luxury and adventure.
Visit Victoria Market on Mahe
International flights land on the main island of Mahe, where 90% of the Seychelles’ almost 100,000 residents live.
It is worth staying around Mahe for at least a few days before visiting other islands, or use it as a base for different day trips.
My favourite part of Mahe was visiting the traditional Victoria Market. The market is open from 7am 6 days a week and is a brilliant place to explore the Seychellios culture and explore some of the local produce on sale.
The market is filled with colour and locals selling everything from fresh fruit and fish to fabrics and artisanal souvenirs.
Take a spice tour at Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
Like nearby(ish) Zanzibar, the Seychelles is known for its spices and a visit to Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is an afternoon well spent.
On the main island of Mahe, the 35 hectare garden home is full of rare and fragrant fauna.
There is also a cafe and shop on site where you can stock up on spices and jams and other treats to take home.
Cycle to white sandy beaches on La Digue
When I visited the Seychelles, La Digue was my favourite place. Anse Aux Codre beach isn’t often named the best beach in the world for nothing.
The clear blue water, white sandy beaches and large smooth rounded rocks make for a spectacular view.
I did a day trip to La Digue from Mahe, waking up super early to make the most of the day on the island. I hired a bike and cycled from one gorgeous beach to another, making friends with the locals and eating fresh fruit with my toes in the sea.
An absolute must for any visit to the Seychelles, really one of the best beaches in the whole of Africa.
Search for magpie robins and paradise flycatchers with local rangers
The Seychelles is home to some of the world’s rarest birds and other wildlife. The Government allocates over 40% of its territory to conservation, meaning there are loads of rare and endangered species to find.
They take their conservation seriously and there are areas and times when you can’t visit, but they have lots of rangers who run organised visits to where you can find different rare birds.
The striking paradise flycatcher is a must to look for. Its long blue tail and deep blue is a wonder to the eye and is found on La Digue island
Go hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park
The Seychelles has 9 national parks, 6 of which are marine national parks, home to the many fish and sealife living around the islands.
The Morne Seychellois National Park is on the main island of Mahe. It is home to a forest and woodland, with steep sides and the highest mountains in the Seychelles, including the Morne peak. Hiking trails will take you up to the highest points in the national park for incredible views down to the beautiful Mahe coastline.
Keep an eye out for more incredible colourful birds and other wildlife too and don’t get lost!
Watch the sunset while horseback riding
There is something pretty special about watching a sunset, now imagine a sunset while horseback riding along the beach in the Seychelles.
The organised horse rides take you through tropical jungle and along beautiful quiet beaches. Look closely and you might spot a mantaray from your perch on a horse in the waters below.
Visit the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
If it’s not the white sandy beaches people think of when visiting the Seychelles, it’s likely the giant tortoises who call the Seychelles their home.
The best place to see the giant tortoise of the Seychelles is in the Curieuse Marine National Park, where the sanctuary there is home to over 200 rare giant tortoises.
These gentle giants can grow up to four feet long and live to over 100 years old. They are classified as vulnerable animals so are protected and you should follow all guidance when near them.
Swim in the natural Ros Sodyer Rock Pool
This is high on my list for my next visit to the Seychelles. I love wild swimming and swimming in a secluded natural rock pool in the Seychelles by the sea sounds like my idea of heaven.
It is a saltwater rock pool that fills up with the rising tide, though on low tide you can make your way there for a little swim in your own private pool.
You can reach this hidden pool either by joining an organised walking tour or make your own way there. You will either need to get a bus or hire a car and drive to Anse Takamaka. Once there it is a bit of an adventurous walk through the jungle and up a steel ladder and across rocks before you find this hidden gem in the Seychelles. If you’re lucky you might get it all to yourself. A beautiful wild swimming experience.
Have I tempted you to visit the Seychelles? These are what I think are some of the best unique things to do in the Seychelles, but I would love to hear what else I should add for my next trip to these incredible islands in the Indian Ocean.
