10 Family-Friendly Activities To Do In The Seychelles

Seychelles is a fantastic location to bring kids. While it has a reputation for being a world class reputation for couples and honeymooners, there is plenty to do as a family as well. Here are the best family friendly activities for you to check out when you’re in Seychelles.

Go scuba diving

Take a scuba diving course together – kids as young as 8 years old can experience scuba diving with the PADI course called Bubblemaker for kids 8 years and up. If your kids are 10 and over, they can complete the PADI Open Water course. There are 12 PADI-approved dive centres in the Seychelles, so you can be sure to find one close to where you are staying.

Visit L'Union Estate

Museum

The L’Union Estate on La Digue Island is a great working museum where you can see a traditional working copra mill and kiln where coconuts were dried and pressed for oil. On the estate you’ll also find Anse Source d’Argent, a fantastic old plantation style house, the graveyard of the original settlers and the vanilla plantation.

Hit the beach

Most of the beaches here are really very safe for kids, and what better way to keep the whole family happy than by hitting the sand? Early mornings and evenings are the best time to go to avoid the heat of the day. Many beaches here get natural shade at these times from the trees lining them. The waters are calm and flat most of the year making it great to swim, paddle or just splash around in the shallows.

Explore the botanical gardens

Botanical Garden

Spend a couple of hours at the Botanical Gardens on Mahe Island. They are beautifully kept and its an easy way to see many of the endemic plants and trees of the Seychelles, including coco de mer.

Shop at the craft village

Take an afternoon trip to the craft village, a lovely spot to pick up authentic souvenirs as well as getting some Seychelles culture and history. The original plantation house The Grann Kaz is open to explore, and there is also a replica servants’ quarters called Lakaz Rosa. Both of these houses give a fantastic insight into life in Seychelles in times gone by.

Discover the Vallée de Mai

Forest, Natural Feature

Stunning views await you at Vallee De Mai

The Vallée de Mai is a great place for a family walk. You’ll find countless coco de mer trees, as well as many other indigenous palms and plants. There’s some great wildlife too – look out for the black parrot in particular. It’s a great place to escape the heat of the day, or even a way to still get out and about if its raining. The canopy provides almost complete coverage from the sun and rain! The paths are well maintained, making it a rainforest experience even the youngest of family members can enjoy.

Try watersports

Most hotels offer the option to renting out paddle boards, kayaks or canoes. This is a great way to get out on the water with the family and explore as well as getting some great exercise too. Take a waterproof camera and your mask and see what marine life you can spot along the way.

Feed giant tortoises on Curieuse Island

Head over to the beautiful Curieuse Island to find giant tortoises roaming round. These giants are very friendly and kids (and grown ups) will love to feed them. There is an enclosure for the baby tortoises there too – it’s hard to imagine when you see how small the babies are that they will become as giant as they do! Curieuse Island is most easily reached from Praslin Island by boat, where you can arrange a day trip with a BBQ for a fantastic family day.

Go bike riding on La Digue

La Digue island is synonymous with bike riding. From the jetty you’ll arrive at the small village of La Passe. There you’ll find many different shops where you can hire bikes for around 100 Seychelles rupees (US$7.49) a day. Some of these places will offer baby seats and tandem bikes, great for when the little ones get tired legs!

Visit Paradis des Enfants

Park

If you’re coming to the Seychelles with younger kids, Paradis des Enfants play park is a lovely place to visit. While it may not be a typical Seychellois activity, sometimes you just need to let the run off some steam at the park! It’s close to the jetty on Mahe and you’ll find play parks, the Seychelles’ first ice rink, arcades and carousels. The park is well maintained and there is plenty of inside and outside entertainment so there’s something whatever the weather.