Tucked away in the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean lies Seychelles, the hidden treasure of East Africa. Known for its majestic beaches, tropical forests, and rich biodiversity, this nation is more than an Instagram-worthy visit, it is a paradise waiting to be explored. Despite being the smallest country in Africa, Seychelles offers an incredible variety of experiences.
Whether exploring the beautiful capital, Victoria, relaxing at one of the many luxury spas, or even something as adventurous as snorkelling, there is no shortage of things to do in Seychelles. Uncovering the best of this island, here are the 15 best things to do in Seychelles that should definitely make it onto your travel bucket list.
15 Best Things to Do in Seychelles
1. Visit Anse Lazio
Northwest of Praline Island, Seychelles, is known as the most beautiful beach in Seychelles.
Known for beaches that are seemingly out of the world, the island is drenched with beautiful shores and a renowned coastline. Anse Lazio is one of the hundreds of pristine beaches in this archipelago.
Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the serene beauty, Anse Lazio offers the ultimate escape. It is one of the most luxurious things to do in Seychelles.
A visit here is not just a beach day but a slow and blissful experience that captures the essence of Seychelles’ coastal magic.
2. Go scuba diving at L’Ilot
L’Ilot, a small island near Mahe in the Seychelles, is a gorgeous destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. L’Ilot offers a vibrant underwater world with diverse marine life.
It's a paradise for both novice and expert divers, surrounded with pristine seas filled with colourful marine life. Explore the striking rock formations and coral gardens while swimming with schools of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles. Scuba diving at L’Ilot is not just a fun activity but also an immersive experience.
3. Take a walk through Vallée de Mai, Praslin
Valleé de mai, also known as the “real-life” Garden of Eden, is one of the world’s smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its natural beauty and biodiversity are renowned.
Valleé de Mai is also famous for the Coco de Mer palm plant, which produces the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. Feel free to wander along shaded trails under a towering canopy of leaves and douse yourself in the sounds of nature rustling and birds singing, untouched by time.
More than a hike, exploring Vallée de Mai is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Seychelles.
4. Rock climbing at Constance Ephélia
For anyone craving a dose of adrenaline with a breathtaking view, Rock climbing at Constance Ephélia is a definite must.
Contrary to the lush forest and the Indian Ocean, this activity offers natural cliffs perfect for climbers of any and all skill levels. Climb your way up rugged rocks, with the sea breeze in your hair and picturesque views waiting as a reward for you at the top.
It’s an activity that embraces Seychelles’ adventurous side and beauty, making it one of the most thrilling and unique things to do in Seychelles.
5. Climbing Morne Blanc Trail in Victoria
The Morne Blanc Trail, which rises far above Mahé's fog, is a strenuous but rewarding climb that takes you through a dense cloud forest to one of the Seychelles' most stunning spots.
You'll be surrounded by beautiful plants, chattering birds, and the earthy aroma of the island as you go higher. Climbing Morne Blanc, which offers a raw, elevated perspective of the island, also gives you a panoramic view of the island’s entire west coast at the climb’s peak.
6. A night out at Katiolo
Katiolo opened its doors in 1974 and is one of the oldest nightclubs in Seychelles; it is a place where the island rhythms come alive after dark. The club is set in an open-air tropical setting. This nightclub pulses with Creole beats, dancehall, reggae, and Afro-pop, drawing both locals and travelers to its happening dance floor. You can sip on island cocktails, sway under the stars, and truly experience Seychelles’ nightlife at its most authentic location. A night out at Katiolo isn’t just about dancing, but it’s about embracing the island's rhythms and locals, making it a must-visit on your Seychelles bucket list.
7. Visit Tempio Hindu
Tempio Hindu is arguably the primary attraction in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. The Arul Mihu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple, also known as Tempio Hindu, is the only Hindu temple in Seychelles.
With its colorful Dravidian-style tower adorned with intricate carvings of deities, this temple is a visual feast and a place of worship representing Seychelles’ multi-cultural spirit.
It is one of the most meaningful things to do in Seychelles; a visit here offers a quiet moment of reflection and peace amid the city’s bustle.
8. Windsurfing at Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse beach is a haven for thrill seekers and water sport lovers. It's a long stretch of golden sand and has a strong ocean breeze.
The consistent winds and waves make it one of the best spots in Seychelles for windsurfing, even if you’re a pro or a beginner. Glide over the turquoise waters, feel the salt on your skin, and let the wind carry you across the island’s untamed coastline.
9. Watch a movie at Deepam cinema
Tired of the usual TV lineup in your hotel room? Go explore the Deepam cinema in Victoria. It screens American, Indian, French, Chinese, and many more motion pictures. This cozy theatre offers a fun evening escape with cultural options.
A movie night here gives a romanticized local and laid-back vibe to your island getaway. Making it one of the most unexpected but memorable things to do.
10. Shopping at Beau Vallon Night Market
As the sun sets over Mahé, Beau Vallon Night Market comes to life with colour, culture, and the mouthwatering scent of Creole cuisine.
Held every Wednesday evening, this bustling seaside market is the perfect place to browse handmade crafts, local art, souvenirs, and spices. All while sampling local and authentic street food like grilled fish and coconut sweets.
Live music, friendly vendors, and the warm island air turn a simple shopping trip into an actual cultural experience. It’s a part of Seychelles you can take home, which all makes wandering through the Beau Vallon Night Market one of the most exciting things in Seychelles.
11. Visit La Gigue’s Coconut Plantation
At La Gigue's Coconut Plantation, where the agricultural heritage of the Seychelles is brought to life under swaying palms and sunny skies, you can travel back in time.
This ancient plantation on Praslin Island provides insight into traditional coconut processing, from husking and drying to oil extraction. Explore the coconut orchards and rediscover traditional customs, or perhaps even try your hand at tasting fresh coconut oil or cracking a nut.
More than just a history lesson, a trip to La Gigue's is an interactive experience that is one of the most genuine and authentic things to do in the Seychelles.
12. Explore the ruins of The Leprosarium
Tucked away on Curieuse Island, the haunting ruins of the old Leprosarium stand as a solemn reminder of Seychelles' history.
Once a quarantine site for patients with leprosy, these crumbling stone buildings now rest quietly among mangroves and giant tortoises, waiting to be reclaimed by nature and time.
As you walk through the abandoned halls and weathered archways, there’s an eerie beauty that speaks of isolation and the island’s deep past. Exploring the Leprosarium is one of the most thought-provoking things to do in Seychelles.
13. Snorkelling at Bird Island
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs, Bird Island is a snorkeler’s dream come true. Dip beneath the surface to find a kaleidoscope of marine life, parrotfish, sea turtles, butterflyfish, and even reef sharks gracefully weaving through the warm, shallow waters.
The island’s untouched ecosystem and minimal human presence make for an underwater experience that is even rarer and feels even more personal, offering an up-close look at the vibrant world hidden just below the waves.
14. Fishing at Mahé
Thrilling, eventful, and calming, hard to find all three in one activity, but fishing at Mahé does all that and more.
Whether you're deep-sea fishing for tuna and marlin or casting a line close to all, beaming with fish.
You can join a local charter and learn traditional fishing techniques, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze as you wait for a tug on the line.
- Catch the sunset at Pointe Lazare
With a sunset at Pointe Lazare, where the sky blends into gold, pink, and lavender over the seemingly infinite Indian Ocean, you can end your Seychelles adventure in the most poetic way possible.
Away from the crowds and in the silence, this part of Mahé provides the best view of nature's most beautiful attraction.
One of the greatest things to do in the Seychelles is to watch the sunset at Pointe Lazare, which can happily serve as a lasting and luminous reminder of your visit.
Conclusion
With its unparalleled natural beauty, this island nation offers everything you could want: adventure, peace, and culture.
From the stunning beaches of Anse Lazio to the eerie ruins of Curieuse Island and bustling night markets, the top activities in the Seychelles are more than just activities, but rather experiences.
The smallest nation in Africa, Seychelles, is a hidden gem in East Africa that will leave you with infinite memories.
There's always something spectacular to uncover, whether it's your first or fifteenth visit. The best activities in the Seychelles are waiting for you, so bring your curiosity, sunscreen, and be ready to appreciate this nation’s beauty.