12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Seychelles At Least Once

The beaches in Seychelles have so much to offer. The sand is super fine and blindingly white. The water is warm and every shade of blue imaginable. The best part, even the most popular beaches are never what most people would consider crowded. Those looking to avoid crowds entirely have countless options to choose from.

Most of the beaches here are totally untouched and many are naturally surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation to provide some welcome shade throughout the day.

While there are seasons in Seychelles, the weather really is beautiful year round. Even in seasons where there is traditionally more rain, it is always warm and the rain never lasts long enough to wash out a whole day. The temperature only really varies a couple of degrees either side of 30°C, making it hot, but not too hot.

While very few people go on holiday to experience the rain, it is spectacular in the Seychelles in its own right. Overall, it’s always warm, and a Piña Colada is never too far away.

There are some outstanding hikes in Seychelles. Find fantastic trails across the islands with varying difficulties, but all offering spectacular views.

Dreaming of an octopus curry, the freshest-grilled fish straight from the Indian Ocean, or the ultimate sweet-coconut nougat? Book a trip to the Seychelles. Those looking for something a little more exotic, how about trying the local delicacy, fruit bat?

From street food to fine dining, tourists will find all varieties of the best Creole food.

Seychelles is home to many endangered and critically-endangered species. High on the ‘look-out list’ for nature lovers are the hawksbill and green turtles, Aldabra giant tortoises, and Seychelles paradise flycatchers. There is a whole lot more though; in fact, 65 species on the IUCN Red List currently call Seychelles home.

The nut of the endemic Coco de Mer is certainly a sight to behold. It is, in fact the biggest nut in the world. However, it’s hard to hide from the fact that it looks exactly like a woman’s backside. There’s no missing the insanely-phallic-looking Inflorescence either. Many myths and legends surrounding the Coco de Mer exist including the nuts only falling at night, that they hold aphrodisiac qualities, and the old sailors’ belief that they grew in an underwater forest.

One thing is clear, they are certainly revered by Seychellois to this day. They only grow naturally on Praslin and Cureiuse Islands, although some have been planted elsewhere in the Seychelles. They are well worth checking out, and weighing more than 50 lbs, these giants really do look too big to be growing on any tree.

Praslin, Seychelles

Cureiuse Islands, Seychelles

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites call Seychelles home: The Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island and the Aldabra Atoll, which is part of the outer-island chain. The Vallee de Mai is an absolute must-visit for any visitor to the Seychelles and the best place see Coco de Mer in abundance.

Meanwhile, the Aldabra Atoll is much harder to reach, but it is once again possible after a long hiatus due to piracy risks. There is no way to land a helicopter or plane there, so visitors must get there by boat and be prepared to pay for such an expedition.

The Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, Praslin, Seychelles

Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles

While only in its seventh year, the Carnival in Seychelles has already become an extremely popular event, not just locally but worldwide. With participants coming from all over the world, the Seychelles’ Carnival is proving itself on the big stage of worldwide carnivals.

It has been decided this year that the carnival will be moved from April to October to fall in line with the annual Creole Festival. There is always a fantastic party atmosphere and at the same time it’s a wonderful way to learn about, and celebrate the ‘melting pot’ that is Seychelles culture and history. This is more true than ever now that it is being tied in with the Creole Festival.