The Seychelles is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, comprised of 115 separate islands which between them offer everything you could want in a beach holiday. Whether you’re looking for an isolated beach hut for your own Castaway moment, or a luxury hotel, there is plenty on offer.
While the beautiful blue ocean and white sandy beaches are the main draw for the region, there is far more to occupy your time than simply sunbathing on the beach (although no one would blame you if this is all you wanted to do!)
Here’s a quick rundown of what is on offer in the Seychelles:
Mahe
The main island in the Seychelles, Mahe accommodates 90 per cent of the country’s population, and as such is a bustling hive of activity (well, as ‘bustling’ as anything really gets in the Seychelles).
It is home to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Cousin Island Special Reserve and a host of museums documenting local life on the islands, along with all the other modern conveniences you could want.
At the heart of Mahe is Port Victoria, parts of which have remained unchanged since colonial times, with the British influence clear to see. The Victoria Botanical Gardens are spectacular, while the port itself is a great place to find local crafts and fresh produce.
At night, Port Victoria is alive with bars, nightclubs and restaurants which are very welcoming of tourists, with the same relaxed attitude which is evident during the day continuing into the evening’s festivities.
For clubbers, Katiolo is certainly worth a look. The venue makes the most of the local climate with open-air sections, and the music is a varied mix to suit most tastes. Lovenut is also worth checking out – it’s probably the biggest club on the island – but you’ll also find a great atmosphere among those just drinking on the beach!
Island Hopping
From Mahe you can take ferries to the other populated islands in the Seychelles, as well as some of the smaller deserted ones. This is a great way to see the wildlife of the Seychelles in a completely natural habitat, as well as the natural beauty the area has to offer – a boat tour with the sun setting over various islands is truly a sight to behold.
Diving
The Seychelles is one of the world’s premier diving and snorkelling hotspots. The clear water provides maximum visibility, and the local marine life is so varied – you can see Moray eels, scorpion fish, eagle rays, lion fish, fusiliers, jacks, and barracudas, along with a wide range of shark species. These inhabit the open water and the vast expanses of coral, while old shipwrecks – themselves worth exploring – have also become habitat for marine life. Diving schools are dotted all over the islands, and are able to cater for all pockets and experience levels.
Walking
You can also explore the Seychelles by foot; around 40 per cent of the land is protected with National Park Status, so hiking the many coastal paths is a good way for landlubbers to see the sights. The Val Riche Copolia Trail is definitely worth attempting, taking walkers deep into the heart of the forest of the Morne Seychellois National Park, with the reward of stunning mountain views at the top – just don’t stray off the path!
This is a guest post and photo courtesy of Kempinski Hotels. All rights reserved.
Robert Schrader is a travel writer and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications such as “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” along the way. His blog, Leave Your Daily Hell, provides a mix of travel advice, destination guides and personal essays covering the more esoteric aspects of life as a traveler.
