8 Amazing Day Trips to Take Around the Seychelles by Boat

Moor at Cote D’or to explore the second biggest island in the region. Its forests are so glorious, it was once thought to be the site of the original Garden of Eden. In the Vallée de Mai, a Unesco-listed site, you’ll find the famous, towering Coco de Mer palm trees and rare birds such as the black parrot. Anse Lazio beach is a must-see; find out for yourself if it really is the “world’s most beautiful beach”. As you’ll quickly realise, in the Seychelles, there’s a lot of stiff competition for that title.

>> Experience Praslin Island as well as the other nearby islands like St Pierre and Anse Lafarine on this excursion.

For a real slice of authentic Seychellois life, set your compass for La Digue, the easy-going, smaller sibling to neighbouring Mahé and Praslin. Do as the locals do and take a bike ride around this pretty island; at only three miles long and two miles wide, you won’t find it too strenuous. Drop in at La Digue Veuve Reserve to spot the rare paradise flycatcher among the takamaka and badamier trees.

>> Don’t miss Anse Source d’Argent beach, gloriously unspoiled by commercialism.

The St Anne National Marine Park is a pristine marine protected area, made up of six islands, just five km off the coast of Mahé. The park was the first to be established in the Indian Ocean in 1973 and is home to a startling array of marine life, such as bottlenose dolphins, hawksbill turtles and a mesmerising multitude of tropical fish. Snorkelling is the best way to appreciate nature’s dazzling display; you may even catch sight of green turtles feeding on the seagrass meadows. The Creole barbecue at the Jolly Roger Bar is a good stop-off point on the island of Moyenne.

>> See it all on this half day trip via boat!

Although it’s home to the capital, Victoria, and is the international hub of the Seychelles, Mahé still has its fair share of tranquil spots and hidden treasures. Take a day on this excursion to get acquainted with the island’s gentle breezes, tropical birds and tantalising beaches. Drop anchor at Beau Vallon beach and hike the coastal path over to Anse Major, a gem of a beach, set back in a small bay, sheltered by huge granite rocks and backed by lush rainforest.

Therese and Conception are two islands, just off the northwest coast of Mahé, that shouldn’t be missed. The latter has recently been made a wildlife reserve because it’s home to the extremely rare Seychelles white-eye bird, as well as the Seychelles kestrel and the Malagasy turtle-dove. Apart from bird-watching in the dense coconut groves, enjoy some of the best snorkelling among the technicolour coral reefs. A gentle cruise around the two islands makes a splendid day trip.

Just northeast of Praslin lies the tiny islet of St Pierre, renowned for being the quintessential Seychelles tableau – a cluster of tall swaying palm trees atop a haphazard jumble of striped granite rock against an azure blue sky. It’s a hot destination for snorkellers and photographers alike, with sublime underwater scenes. Nearby Curieuse is famous for its turtle sanctuary, which you can reach by a 45-minute walk through the mangroves and coconut trees from Anse San José.

>> Make sure you experience the knowledge of a guide as well as a barbecue on this tour!

On the other side of Praslin lies Cousin Island, a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. As it is less than 800m (2,625ft) in diameter, the island has restricted access and can only be visited on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It’s worth squeezing this into your itinerary, primarily for the view from the top of the island, reached by a narrow trail through the turtle enclosure and dense forest. Spotting various tropical birds here is almost a dead cert.

Conservationists regard this beautiful island as one of the most significant areas of biodiversity in the Indian Ocean, thanks to the exquisite, unique flora and fauna found here. Happily, there’s limited development on Silhouette. However, a visit to the Eforea Spa in its deep jungle location within the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort is a real treat. Follow it up with a trip to the 4th Degree beach bar for superbly fresh seafood, washed down with a cold glass of the local Seybrew beer.