Seychelles-A Dream Honeymoon Destination

Being a beach person, I have always dreamed of sitting and relaxing on the beaches of one of the most incredible islands on the earth. My dream came true when my husband and I decided to go to Seychelles for our honeymoon trip. It has always been on our bucket list. When I visited there, it just looked like heaven. It was so unreal. I mean just look at the pictures. It looks so gorgeous. And that’s the reason why they called Seychelles “Paradise on Earth”.  While writing this article, I literally didn’t find the word to describe the beauty of this place. I hope pictures can do justice to it. 

Where is Seychelles?

Also known as “The Paradise Isles”, Seychelles is a small island nestled in the Indian Ocean.  It consists of 115 islands and is located off the coast of East Africa. Although half of the island in Seychelles are neither accessible nor inhabited and some of them are only accessible via cruise. Seychelles is one of those lonely and dreamy islands one can ever imagine. The white-sand beaches, tall green palm trees, beautiful coral reefs, turquoise waters surrounded by forest and mountains is a dream of every beach lover. It was just a perfect honeymoon destination for me. Every year,  a lot of honeymooners come to enjoy their vacation.

Seychelles Travel Cost

 

How long to visit Seychelles

We have visited Seychelles for 6 days which was a perfect duration for us. We landed in Mahe, explored Mahe for 5 days and took a day trip to La Digue. You can also book your stay at La Digue or Praslin for a more relaxing vacation and then you can take one or two days’ trip to Mahe before leaving Seychelles. 

However, if you have time or budget you can plan your visit to Seychelles for more than a week to explore other islands. The longer you will stay the longer you’ll embrace the beauty of this place. 

When is the best time to visit Seychelles?

Due to the pleasant weather of Seychelles throughout the year, you can visit this beautiful paradise at any time of the year.  

Although, the months between March and June are perfect. Waters are calm and perfect for Swimming, Snorkeling, and Diving. On the other hand, you can expect a lot of rainfall if you visit this nation from November to January.

 

Seychelles in Summer

Summer season is considered to be the dry season in Seychelles and is 

 

How to reach Seychelles?

Seychelles International Airport is located on the Mahe in the Capital City, Victoria and welcomes flights from all over the world. Air Seychelles has a direct flight from Mumbai to Mahe Island. 

In addition, there is also a secondary airport called the Praslin Island Airport which is located on the neighboring island Praslin. This airport is mainly for domestic travel.

We booked our flight from Bangalore to Mumbai and then a direct flight to Mahe and it took around 3 hours from Mumbai to reach Seychelles. 

How to get around in Seychelles

Before visiting Seychelles, there are two things to consider- getting around the islands and how to get from one island to another. 

Getting around the island

The best way to get around on the larger islands such as Mahe or Praslin by hiring a car. There are a lot of companies where you can choose with a price ranging from $50- $80 a day. You can hire a car and drive by yourself or you can hire a car with a private driver for half-day or day which will help you explore the sights and attractions  Although hiring a car with a private driver will be expensive but it’s a good idea if you’re traveling with a family or don’t want to drive by yourself. This will make your trip a lot easier. But remember to book it in advance. 

There is also a public bus service available in Mahe and Praslin which runs all around the island and covers most of the destination. Public buses cost around just Rs 7 per journey and are the cheapest way to get around. However, it may take longer because of the timetable. 

We hire a car with a private driver for a one day trip and we roam around Mahe island through the bus as we find it super comfortable and affordable. 

Small islands such as La Digue, there are not many cars and most visitors prefer island-hopping by renting a bike which is easily available at the jetty on arrival. You can also ask your guesthouse or hotels. They will most likely keep bikes for hire. Hiring a bike can cost you around Rs 100 per day. The hotels also offer golf carts that provide transfer services. 

Getting from island to another

There are two options to get from one island to another- one is through the flight and the other one through a boat. 

Tourists who booked their hotel to Praslin can easily reach there through Air Seychelles. There is also a helicopter charter service that operates between Mahe, Praslin and LA Digue by ZilAir and is very expensive. 

The other option to reach these islands from Mahe is by taking a boat. It took around 1 hour to reach Praslin and 15 minutes to La Digue from Praslin. We opt for this option because of the cost-effectiveness. 

 

Seychelles Essential Information

Seychelles Visa Information

Seychelles is a visa-free country. It means you do not need a visa to enjoy your holidays in Seychelles. However, there are few documents you need to show to the immigrant officials at the Seychelles International Airport. 

The documents are:

• A valid passport
• A valid return ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Sufficient amount of money. 

You are allowed to stay up to one month but it can be extended up to three months.

Currency in Seychelles

The currency of Seychelles is Seychellois Rupee. You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs around the country and most locations also accept credit cards. We exchanged our money in India only and paid for hiring a car through a credit card. 

Electricity in Seychelles

Just like Europe, Seychelles uses a 240v standard. Seychelles’ power plugs and sockets are of type G. Tourists traveling from India have to buy an adaptor like this. 

Internet in Seychelles

The Internet in Seychelles is very expensive. We stayed in Airbnb which does not have free wifi. So, we have to pay a certain amount of money per day to opt for the wifi and we find it super expensive.

Safety in Seychelles

Seychelles is quite a safe destination to travel. However, it is well said that your safety is in your hands. So, be careful about your belongings, don’t leave your car unattended, don’t leave your valuables on the beaches, if you’re renting a house or an apartment, make sure you lock your doors and windows. Just a basic safety to look for. 

Where to stay in Seychelles?

There are various options available to choose from when it comes to accommodation Seychelles. Although these options start from midrange to luxury category. There is no hostel-style accommodation available in Seychelles. 

We booked a beautiful sea view apartment through Airbnb. It was a beautiful home located in the north of Mahe. The property was on a beautiful location facing the sea and a 15 minutes drive to Victoria and to the most happening beach Beau Vallon. It cost around INR 39791.78 for 6 nights and 7 days. 

Where to stay in Mahe?

Mahe is the largest island in Seychelles compared to LA Digue and Praslin. Therefore, there are a lot of accommodation options available. 

Some of them are:

• • Ocean View Guesthouse- A few minute walks from Beau Vallon beach, Ocean view guest house is a highly rated guest house in Seychelles and worth your visit. 
  • Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove- If you want to experience the world-class service, visit Le Meridien FIsherman’s Cove. It is located at the end of Beau Vallon and a premium property with a pool, restaurants, bars, and spa. 
  • Carana Hilltop Villa- Nestled in the north-eastern Mahe, Carana Hilltop Villa is a beautiful villa which is a 20-minute drive to the international airport and 15-minute drive to Victoria. One of the finest beaches, Carana beach is just a 5-minute walk from the villa.  
  • Four Seasons- Located on the south end of the Mahe Island, Four Seasons is a beautiful luxurious property overlooking the ocean. 
  • Villa Vanilla- Villa Vanilla is a mid-range property located near Port Glaud with a room offering sea view. 

Where to stay in Praslin?

After Mahe, Praslin is the second largest island in Seychelles. The population of Praslin is less as compared to Mahe. Therefore, the options to choose from are a little less.

Here are some options to consider:

• Acajou Beach Resort- Located on the Cote D’or beachfront on the northern coast of Praslin, Acajou Beach Resort is a beautiful budget-friendly resort with bars, restaurants, and pools. 
• Raffles Seychelles- A high-end luxury resort located near Anse Lazio beach. It offers luxurious villa options with private pools. 
• Le Chateau de Feuilles- Nestled in the remote area of Praslin Island, Le Chateau de Feuilles offers the most spectacular and panoramic view of the ocean. 
• Constance Lemuria- Constance Lemuria is an excellent luxury option with a range of suites and villas. It has its own golf course, restaurants, spa, and pool. 

Where to stay in La Digue?

When compared to Mahe and Praslin, La Digue is relatively small in size. Despite that, it is the most popular destination among tourists. 

Here are some options to consider:

• La Digue Island Lodge- Nestled on the Anse Reunion beach, La Digue Island Lodge has its own diving center. This beautiful property offers an on-site restaurant and pool with a swim-up bar.
• Patatran Village Hotel- Patatran village is located overlooking the beachfront en-suite rooms and on-site restaurants. 
• Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa- With just two minutes’ drive from Anse Severe beach, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa has two on-site restaurants, spa, and pool. The rooms of the resort are villa style. 

Apart from the above-mentioned hotels and resorts, Seychelles provides a lot of other options for your stay. There are various online booking websites where you can choose from such as booking.com, trip advisor, etc. You may also choose from Airbnb. 

Seychelles attractions and experiences

There are quite a good number of incredible beaches where you can spend all day. Most happening beaches in Mahe are Beau Vallon situated on the northern coast of the island. You can enjoy a pleasant view of the setting sun over Silhouette island, north of Mahe. Here you can enjoy a large number of water-sports with the rental of jet skis and canoes. You can also find a beachside hotel’s restaurant selling delicious foods. Stalls are also lined up near the beaches selling varieties of local foods and souvenirs.

Apart from this breathtaking beach, there are other excellent beaches as well where you can relax, read books and get tanned.

Attractions in Mahe:

1. Anse Intendance

Located in the southern part of age, Anse Intendance beach is the most beautiful beach in Seychelles and for any in the world. The clear blue water that you see on postcards, the backdrop of mangroves and large granite formations make the view of this beach incredible.  As it is one of the isolated beaches in Seychelles, you will hardly find any crowd here, therefore this beach is a perfect spot where you can spend some alone quality time with your companion. This beach is an ideal location to enjoy the sunset over the ocean.

The only resort on the Anse Intendance beach is the well -known Banyan tree resort. As a result, this beach is visited by the guest staying in this beautiful luxury resort. 

Reaching here is very simple. As the bus stop is located only a few minutes away from the sand, reaching here by bus is super easy. Not to mention. You can also come by car as there are car parking spaces as well. 

Since Anse Intendance beach is nestled a few miles off the island’s main road,  there are no restaurants and guesthouses nearby other than Banyan Tree Resort. However, there is a small beach bar that sells a few snacks and cold drinks. 

The beach has no offshore coral reef, the water gets deep very fast. During south-east trade winds from May to Sep, the large waves can strike the beach making it dangerous for swimming for most people. However, you can see some locals enjoying surfing as these larger waves make it ideal for surfboards and bodyboards.

2. Morne Blanc

Located above 2188 feet (667 meters), Morne Blanc offers a stunning panoramic view of Mahe’s western seaboard. It takes around 45 minutes of hiking to reach the viewing platform through a well-maintained trail. 

The trail starts from an already high altitude starting point in the Morne Seychellois National Park. There is an old tea plantation on the way when you start your hike but as the trail elevates, you’ll pass through more dense mist forests. In addition to that, you’ll encounter many jackfruit trees standing close to the path.

These mountain areas of Seychelles are home to many local birds, for instance, Seychelles sunbird, Seychelles bulbul, and Seychelles Swiftlet. It is highly recommended that you start your hiking in the morning so that you can admire the view before it becomes cloudy.  

3. Seychelles National Botanical Garden

Located in Mont Fleuri, on the outskirts of Victoria, Seychelles National Botanical garden is over 100 years old and is one of the oldest national monuments of Seychelles. It is a must-see place for people who love nature. This 15-acre garden has become one of the main tourist attractions in Victoria. 

Must-see attractions at the botanical garden:

• Coco de Mer alley- The first thing you see when you enter the garden is the coco de Mer, the most iconic of Seychelles’ endemic plants. The Duke of Edinburgh planted Coco de Mer palm in the Botanical Gardens in 1956. 
• Endemic birds- Some of the endemic birds found in this garden are the Seychelles Bulbul or merl, the fruit-eating Pigeon or the pizon olande, and the nectar-shipping Sunbird or Kolibri. 
• Giant tortoise- Tortoise are the added attractions in the garden and they are originally from Aldabra. Some of them are over 150 years old. They are the top attractions of the botanical garden. You can also pay to feed the tortoise. 
• Cannonball tree- The tree is named as Cannonball because not only the fruits are large, round, and heavy, but also when they fall to the ground, they often make loud and explosive noises. 
• Exotic Flowers- You’ll also find a lot of local and exotic flowers in the garden such as Frangipani, the heliconia, the Pride of Barbados, and various colors of hibiscus. 
• Terrapins Pond-  The garden is also home to various terrapins which are locally known as torti soupap. 
• Fruits and Spices- Some of the exotic fruits found in the garden are durian notorious and the rambutan which is locally known as letsi plim. Spices found in gardens are nutmeg, clove, vanilla, and so on.

4. Victoria Market

Officially known as the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, the Seychelles Victoria market is a small market that was built in 1840 and later innovated in 1999. It is a great place to buy local fruits, vegetables, fish, spices, herbs, souvenirs, etc. The market is frequently visited by Seychellois for shopping.

It opens between 4 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. 

5. Anse Royale Beach

Located on the south coast of the Island, Anse Royale beach is considered to be one of the most popular beaches in Mahe. Unlike Anse Intendance, this beach offers various facilities such as restaurants, hospitals, banks, a petrol pump, Seychelles university and a variety of accommodation to choose from. 

Anse Royale beach is a long, stretching bay that consists of many smaller beaches. Though this beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mahe, you can expect a crowd, however, this beach is pretty big enough that you’ll always find your own spot to enjoy. 

It is the best beach for swimming and snorkeling. In addition to that, Anse Royale beach is good for windsurfing as well mainly during summer months i.e, from June to Sep.

There are various shops which give you the equipment for fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling for rent. 

Lastly, Anse Royale is around 11 km from the Airport. 

6. Tempio Hindu

Nestled in the capital city of Seychelles, Tempio Hindu is the only Hindu Temple in Seychelles. It is also known as Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple which was built in 1992 for the archipelago’s Hindu Community. 

Tempio Hindu is a small yet beautiful temple located on the busiest street of Victoria town just in front of the Victoria Maret with a backdrop of three majestic mountains behind the town. This beautiful and vibrant temple adds colors to the multicultural society of Seychelles. It opens at 6: am and closes at 9 pm. When in Seychelles, take time to appreciate the impressive architecture of the Tempio Hindu. 

7. Anse Takamaka Beach

A stunning beach with picturesque views, beautiful golden sand, tall green palm trees, and the Takamaka trees, Anse Takamaka beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Seychelles. The beautiful crystal clear water and the gorgeous sandy surface will take your breath away. 

This picturesque beach is located in the south-west of the Island. With its crystal clear water and plenty of marine life, snorkeling is the most suited activity in Anse Takama. As there are no equipment rental shops, don’t forget to bring your own equipment with you. In addition to that, Anse Takamaka beach is also ideal for swimming. 

Anse Takamaka offers few accommodation options and various restaurants. Some of the popular restaurants are Creole restaurant, Takamaka Beach restaurant, Chez Batista, and many more. Anse Takamaka is one of those beautiful beaches where you’ll find a very little crowd.

The bus stop is just 20 meters away from the beach, therefore, coming to the beach by bus is really simple. However, there are parking spaces as well. 

8. Clock Tower

Victoria’s clock tower is one of the smallest attractions I’ve ever seen in Seychelles. Installed in 1903, Victoria clock tower is the most iconic historical feature of Seychelles. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria who died in 1901. It is in the middle of the road and north worth more than 30 seconds of your time. 

9. Seychelles Natural History Museum

Located in the heart of Victoria, Mahe, Seychelle’s natural history museum offers a lot of information related to Seychelles. This small yet interesting museum not only provides the flora, fauna, and geological history of Seychelles but also focuses on the major environmental concerns that are faced by Seychelles. The aim is to educate locals and tourists about the threat and to promote positive change. The whole tour takes only 10-15 minutes but it is worth a visit.  

10. Dans Gallas Trails

If you’re someone who loves adventure then this is the right trail for you. It takes around 2 and a half hours of hiking. On the way, you’ll get to see thick woods and amazing granite formation. However, there are ladders which will help you to reach the summit. 

Dans Gallas Trails gives you an impressive panoramic view of Beau Vallon, the north of Mahe and the east coast of the Island includes Victoria. 

The trail starts from Le Niol road between Victoria and Beau Vallon. You can take a bus to Le Niol at Beau Vallon to reach the hiking trail. 

The trek is a little tricky and dangerous, therefore it is advised no to take any children or elderly members of the family. 

11. Grand Anse

One of the largest and widest beaches in Mahe, Grand Anse beach is an incredibly beautiful beach with crystal clear turquoise water, fine soft sand, and spectacular scenery. The backdrop of Grand Anse is just breathtaking with mountain landscape and lush green trees. 

The water is deep and sometimes the current under the water can be very strong. Therefore, swimming is not recommended here. However, it is still suitable for confident swimmers and surfers. 

Located in the south-western region of Mahe, getting to the beach is very simple. You can take a bus or can come to your car as the parking space is easily available.

Lastly, Grand Asnse also offers various accommodation options such as Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort, Precious Residence C, and many more. 

12. Petite Anse

Lie next to Grand Anse, Petite Anse beach is a perfect place for sunbathing, beach games, and for picnics. Although Petite Anse and Grand Anse have most of the things common including lack of coral reefs, deep water, and their beauty, however, Petite Anse beach is a secluded beach.

You can reach Petite Anse via Grand Anse and by taking a short trek over a small hill that takes around 15 minutes roughly. The nearest parking is at Grand Anse. 

13. Anse Major

Seychelles is full of amazing beaches and most of them are easily reachable by roads. However, there are various beaches in Seychelles that are only accessible by hiking or by boat and Anse Major is one of them. Located on the wild northern coast of the island, Anse Major is a secluded beach that can only be reached by hiking through the Morne Seychellois National Park. The hiking trail begins from the Bel Ombre Bus Terminal. 

Once you’ll reach there, you’ll know that every bit of hiking is worth the effort. You can also book a boat from Beau Vallon or Bel Ombre which will drop you to the beach which will cost around SCR 200. The beach is small yet gorgeous surrounded with palm trees and the primary attraction there is the unique flora. 

In addition to that, Anse Major beach is perfect for snorkeling because of its underwater life and enchanting coral seabeds. 

14. Anse Forbans

Anse Forban is nestled in the south-east of the Island. Due to the offshore coral reef, the water is calm and the depth is very low which makes it ideal for families and safer for children. In addition to that, Anse Forban beach is perfect for bathing and snorkeling.

There are various accommodation options available including hotels, guest houses, and luxury resorts. Some of them are Chalets D’Anse Forbans and Hilton Allamanda Resort.

15. Morne Seychellois National Park

Apart from the stunning beaches, Seychelles is also famous for the Morne Seychellois National Park. This national park takes up 20 percent of the total area of Mahe and encompasses the wide variety of habitats from the coastal mangrove forests to the country’s highest peak. 

Morne Seychellois park is home to beautiful birds such as blue pigeons, bulbuls, scoop owls, white eyes, and sunbirds of Seychelles. The park can only be reached by walking trails. However, the trailheads are accessible by road. 

16. Port Launay Beach

Port Launay Beach which is also a Marine National Park is nestled on the north-western coast of Mahe. Stunning picturesque scenery, calm and shallow water, and sandy shores make Port Launay beach worth visiting. 

Calm and shallow water offers a great opportunity for swimming and snorkeling. This beach is also famous for various water activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, canoeing, kitesurfing, fishing, windsurfing, and sailing. There are various shops that provide equipment rental options. 

Some of the accommodation options available at Port Launay beach are Constance Ephelia, Sunset beach hotel, and Edens Holiday Villas. 

17. Anse Soleil

Located on the south-western coast of the Island, Anse Soleil is the hidden gem of Seychelles. This beach is a very beautiful and picture-perfect beach in Seychelles. The beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling and is one of the popular beaches for the weekend beach picnic. 

18. Beau Vallon

Last but not the least, Seychelles’ most happening beach, Beau Vallon. Beau Vallon is Mahe’s most famous, popular and happening beach among tourists and locals. A blend of stunning landscape, full of adventure activity options, and amazing infrastructure make this beach prominent among visitors.

The white beautiful sand and clear turquoise water are perfectly appropriate for relaxing at the beach under the sun. The beautiful submarine of Beau Vallon is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The beach is also famous for various other water activities that include windsurfing, jet skiing, and surfing. 

Furthermore, you can also enjoy the beautiful sunset as well as the nightlife of the beach at Beau Vallon thanks to local restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. There are also a lot of accommodation options available near Beau Vallon that include The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach, Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Beau Vallon Bungalows, Oceanic View Apartment, and much more. 

The beach can easily be reached by car, taxi or bus as there is plenty of parking space near to the beach and the bus stop is just beside the beach. 

Attractions in La Digue

1. Anse Source D’Argent

One of the world’s most photographed beaches, Anse Source D’Argent is undoubtedly the most magnificent beach. The dazzling white sands, shallow turquoise water, beautiful rock formations on the back, and the tropical palm tree make this a must-visit place for photographers. As the beach is famous for its silver-white sands, it is also known as “The Bay of Silver Springs”. 

The beach is ideal for relaxing under the palm trees and snorkeling. It can be accessed via L’Union Estate where you have to pay the entrance fee of SCR 100 per person for the entire day. 

2. Grand Anse

Grand Anse is located on the southeast coast of La Digue and is considered as the longest beach of the Island. Compared to Anse Source D’Argent, Grand Anse is a secluded beach and you’ll mostly find it empty. The beach offers picture-perfect beauty, gorgeous scenery, sparkling white sand, blue turquoise water, and other amenities that allow visitors to enjoy their day.  

As the beach has no offshore coral reef, the waters here are too deep and currents are too strong to swim. The beach does not provide much shade which is not ideal for families or someone looking for relaxation under the trees. 

3. L’Union Estate

It is one of the popular places in La Digue where tourists love to visit. The primary attraction at L’Union Estate is not only the coconut and vanilla plantation but also the famous giant tortoise to whom you interact and feed them. 

Furthermore, there is an art gallery and souvenir shop where you can pay for your visit. 

4. Veuve Nature Reserve

This is the best place for nature lovers. Spend some time at the island’s own small nature reserve, the Veuve Nature Reserve. You can easily spend 1 to 2 hours walking around the woods. This reserve is a breeding ground of the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher and if you’re fortunate enough you can encounter one. 

5. Anse Cocos

Anse Cocos is a beautiful sandy beach located in the east of La Digue, just along the coast of Petite Anse. It offers golden sand, blue turquoise water, and a few palm trees where you can relax.

To reach Anse Cocos, you have to hike for 20-3- minutes but the view is just worth it. 

6. Anse Severe

Nestled in the north of La Digue, Anse Severe is a perfect beach to relax. Most of the time, the water here is shallow and calm. Therefore, it is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Tourists, as well as locals, come here to enjoy with their family and friends. 

7. Anse La Reunion

Located on the west coast of La Digue, Anse La Reunion is yet another beautiful beach of the Island. The water here is calm and shallow making it perfect for swimming. There are also a lot of accommodation options available at Anse La Reunions such as Le Summer Chalets and La Digue Island Lodge. Grab a beer or snacks and enjoy the perfect sunset view from the beach.  

8. Anse Fourmis

Located on the east coast of La Digue, You’ll mostly find this beach empty. As the water here is not perfect for swimming and snorkeling but the sand is just perfect to relax underneath the tall Takamaka trees. This beach is perfect for enjoying some quiet alone time at the beach. 

Attractions in Praslin

1. Grand Anse (Fond de l’Anse)

Located on the eastern coast of Praslin, Grand Anse is the longest beach of Praslin. The water here is gorgeous, calm, and warm just like a swimming pool which makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Besides that, the sand here is soft, perfect for taking a walk or relaxing under the shadows. 

There are varieties of hotels at Praslin beach overlooking the waterfront. There are also multiple restaurants, shops, and other facilities. Furthermore, Snorkeling and windsurfing rentals are easily available at various shops. The beach is easily accessible via car, taxi, or bus. 

2. Anse Georgette

Anse Georgette is one of the most appealing beaches of Seychelles which will really take your breath away.  After Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette is considered to be the second most beautiful beach on Praslin. This beach is a perfect blend of pure white sand, stunning turquoise water, and tropical palm trees.

Anse Georgette is mostly visited by the guests of the Lemuria Resort. Therefore, it is easy for the guests of the resort to reach the beach. When it comes to non-guest, they should inform the hotel of their visit beforehand. Visitors can also reach Anse Georgette by boat. 

Getting to the beach is worth a visit. It will make you feel that you’re in heaven. Perfect for bathing and snorkeling, Anse Georgette is one of the few untouched beaches in Seychelles that offers one of the best natural beauty. 

3. Anse Lazio

One of the most famous beaches in Seychelles, Anse Lazio is a perfect combination of crystal clear water, gorgeous golden sand, and incredible granite formation.  This beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Furthermore, various water activities make this beach perfect for the holidaymaker. Hence you’ll mostly find Anse Lazio crowded.

Getting to the beach is easy by car or taxi as there are parking spaces near the beach. However, if you’re coming by bus, you have to walk to the beach as the bus stop is around 2 km away from the beach. There are a small shop and restaurants at the end of the beach. 

4. Cote D’Or Beach (Anse Volbert)

Also known as Anse Volbert, Cote D’Or beach is one of the popular beaches in Praslin. The beach is perfect for a variety of water activities, for instance, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, and windsurfing. In addition, there are various souvenir shops and scuba diving centers. 

Visitors can reach Anse Volbert via bus, car, or boat. Lastly, a lot of accommodation options are available at the Anse Volbert beach.

5. Fond Ferdinand

Fond Ferdinand is the best alternative of Vallee de Mai. It offers a detailed tour of the local flora and fauna. It will cost just 125 Seychellois Rupees for entry and inside they will give you a brief history of the place and the process of Coco De Mer. Make sure you arrive in the morning as there are no tours from 1:00 pm onwards. 

They will also take you to a high viewpoint which is worth a hike. From there, you will get to experience the stunning view of Praslin as well as other inner islands of Seychelles.

6. Vallee De Mai Reserve

Vallee De Mai Reserve is considered as the “Heart of Praslin” and is home to the remains of the original palm jungles of Seychelles. Often described as a “Garden of Eden”, Valle De Mai Reserve is a UNESCO Heritage Site on Praslin Island. 

As compared to Fond Ferdinand, the entry fee of Valle De Mai Reserve is slightly costly which will cost you around 350 Seychellois Rupees. 

Where to Eat in Seychelles?

Food plays an integral part in experiencing the culture of any place. Seychelles is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous landscapes, but it is also famous for its food. From freshly cooked fish to locally grown fruits, from its spicy curries to sweet fried bananas, Seychelles offers something on every plate. 

Some of the best Seychelles food you can try are fresh grilled fish, coconut curry, breadfruit, fruits, kreol style fresh fish, lentils and eggplants fritters, and so on. Seychelles dishes are inspired by Indian, French, British, and Chinese cuisine. 

Where to eat in Mahe?

1. The Boat House, Beau Vallon- The Boat House offers Creole-themed buffet every night of the week with around 20 different dishes including salads, barbecued fish, and Creole curries
2. Chez Batista, Anse Takamaka- Chez Batista is a beach-side restaurant with sand-covered floors and a thatched roof. Enjoy the traditional cuisine in beautiful surroundings. 
3. Marie Antoinette, Victoria- Located in Victoria, Marie Antoinette is an authentic kreol family restaurant that welcomes you with a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Here you can try some traditional cuisine such as grilled fish, tuna steak, fish stew, chicken curry, and battered parrotfish. 
4. La Plaine St. Andre, Anse Royale- Built-in 1792, La Plaine. St. Andre is not just a restaurant but was a traditional plantation house. Enjoy the local cuisine at the colonial-style location which will bring you back to the colonial age. 

Where to eat in La Digue?

1. Le Domaine Combava- This fine open-air restaurant within Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort $ Spa offers fine dining and world-class service. It is famous for its atmosphere primarily in the evening. A prior reservation is a must. 
2. Le Nautique- Le Nautique is a small yet perfectly formed waterfront restaurant that provides a romantic dinner setting. Try its signature dish i.e, the red snapper fillet topped with a banana sauce. Similar to Le Domaine Combava, a prior reservation is a must.
3. Chez Jules restaurant- The beachfront restaurant. Chez Jules is famous for serving the finest meals on the island. This restaurant is famous for the octopus curry and tuna steak with coconut sauce. Furthermore, it is also known for its fresh fruit juices and smoothies. 
4. Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway- Located on the southeast coast of La Digue, Rey & Josh Cafe is a small corner shop that serves delicious and fresh foods. The options are limited and you can’t expect something fancy. The seafood curries at Rey & Josh cafe are a must-try. 

Where to eat in Praslin?

1. Cafe des Arts- It is one of Praslin’s most fine-dining restaurants in the Le Duc de Praslin hotel. It serves fresh seafood and meat dishes and is famous for its hot seafood platter. The interior is designed with colorful paintings and the location is right next to Cote d’Or beach. 
2. Les Lauriers Restaurant- Famous for the spectacular Creole buffet at dinner, Les Lauriers restaurant offers a variety of Creole salads and curries as well as live BBQ where they grill freshly caught local fish and meat. 
3. Pk’s @Pasquiere & Gastropub- An award restaurant, Pk’s serves freshly cooked food. Their seafood and meat dishes are a must-try. They also have a well-stocked bar including a wine list. The view over the ocean is just stunning.
4. Gelateria de Luca- If you want to try some interesting flavors of ice cream such as creme caramel and coppa tropical, head over to Gelateria de Luca. This restaurant also serves pats, Italian pizzas, and creole dishes. It is also a great option for vegetarian food. 

Shopping in Seychelles

If you’re going to Seychelles expecting large shopping streets and centers, then you might get disappointed. Seychelles is not famous for shopping. However, as compared to other islands, Mahe is the best island for shopping in Seychelles particularly in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. It offers a few shops that are worth exploring.

There are few things which you can buy from Seychelles before you fly to your home country. Here’s the list:

1. Coconut Shell Artifacts- Craved in different ways, Coconut shells are fascinating because of their unique shape. The most famous one is the Coco de Mer which is also known as the sea coconut or double coconut. It is one of the biggest nuts in the world and hard to crack. Make sure you buy the ones with holographic stickers on it and come with an official permit. 

Where to Buy?

You can check it at Vallee de Mai in Praslin or to any licensed gift shops.

2. Gallery Art pieces- In Seychelles, you’ll find a lot of galleries that display the creative artwork of local artists. They offer paintings and sculptures which portray the Creole lifestyle.

Where to buy?

You can check at Michael Adams Studio, Carrefour des Arts, Rita’s Art Studio and many more.

3. Local Souvenirs- Seychelles is famous for the world’s best souvenirs. Some of the local souvenirs that you can easily buy are batik jewelry made up of beads and seashells, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and coral & polished shells. You can also buy some aromatic spices such as cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, and varieties of chilies. 

Where to buy?

You can easily find these souvenirs at local shops.

4. Takamaka Rum- Takamaka Rum is the most well-known beverage in Seychelles. The most popular one is the dark spiced Takamaka Rum. You can also try coco rum, white rum, and extra dark one. 

Where to buy?

The Takamaka RUm can be tested in the Takamaka Rum Distillery in Mahe. You can also buy it at La Plaine St Andre at Mahe Island. 

Seychelles Markets that are worth exploring

1. Victoria Market

Nestled in the heart of Victoria, the Victoria market is famous for local fruits, vegetables, and fresh fish. If you want to buy some fresh fish, it is highly recommended you visit in the morning. It is open from 4:00 AM to 5:00 Pm from Monday to Saturday and remains closed on Sundays. 

2. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market

Founded in 1840, Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is a major tourist attraction. You can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and spices. There are also some gift shops selling souvenirs. The Market is open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday. It remains closed on Sundays. 

3. Bazar Labrin

Located at one of the most happening beaches of Seychelles, Beau Vallon, Bazar Labrin is a street market that offers fresh fruits, fishes, local souvenirs, and spices. The music in the background keeps the shopping spirit high. Don’t forget to try the local appetizers while walking around the market. The market opens every Wednesday and on the last Saturday of each month. 

4. Seychelles Shopping Mall and Supermarkets

There are not a lot of malls in Seychelles, but the Eden Plaza shopping mall at Eden Island is worth the visit. It offers various stores that sell clothes, shoes, bags, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

In Seychelles, there are a variety of supermarkets such as SPAR, IPSC Supermarket, STX Hypermarket, and so on. 

Nightlife in Seychelles

Seychelles is popular for many good things such as stunning beaches, lush green tropical forests, picturesque mountains, and various water activities, but when it comes to nightlife, Seychelles is nowhere as compared to Bali and Phuket. 

There are not many clubs, pubs, discos, or casinos in Seychelles. However, there are some mainstream hotels and resorts that manage to offer a fun-filled lively night environment with their private bars, disco, and casinos. 

Here are few options where you can enjoy your nightlife in Seychelles

1. Gran Kaz Casino, Victoria

Gran Kaz Casino is the largest casino in Seychelles and offers the best gaming experience. IT has both traditional reel machines and high technology-oriented slot machines. The entry requires a decent dress up.

2. Oxygen, Praslin

Oxygen is a must-visit nightclub in Praslin, which is famous for its tremendous music, amazing crowds with locals, and tourists. You should be nicely dressed if you wish to enter this club.

3. Tequila Boom, Mahe

This nightclub offers happy hours on Sunday, plays local music, and opens the dance floor on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This place is located along the main road in Bel Ombre, close to Beau Vallon. 

4. The Jungle Nightclub, Praslin 

The Jungle offers the combination of the tropical experience with modernity. Free drinks are included in the entrance fee. A must-go place if you’re looking for some madness. 

Conclusion

Seychelles may be hard to explore on a budget but it is not impossible. Plan well and stick to your budget-friendly activities and you’re good to go. Have an amazing time and witness the beautiful paradise on the earth.