1. Mahé Island, Seychelles

Mahé is the largest and most populated island in Seychelles and the main gateway for international visitors. It is home to Victoria, the country’s capital, along with many hotels, restaurants and tourism services.

The island combines dramatic granite mountains, tropical forests, coastal viewpoints and beautiful white-sand beaches. Visitors can experience local markets, Creole culture, hiking trails and boat excursions to neighbouring islands.

Things to Do on Mahé

• Visit Victoria and its local market.
• Relax at Beau Vallon Beach.
• Hike in Morne Seychellois National Park.
• Discover Seychelles Creole culture and cuisine.
• Explore tropical beaches and scenic viewpoints.
• Go snorkeling or take a boat excursion.
• Visit Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
• Explore Moyenne Island on an organised trip.
• Enjoy a sunset cruise or private boat charter.

Mahé is an excellent starting point for Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island excursions .

2. Praslin Island, Seychelles

Praslin is the second-largest of the granite islands in Seychelles. It is known for its tropical scenery, beautiful beaches and the remarkable Coco de Mer palm, which produces the world’s largest seed.

Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects an ancient palm forest. Praslin is also a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations such as Curieuse, Cousin, Aride, Saint Pierre and La Digue.

Things to Do on Praslin

• Explore Vallée de Mai.
• Discover the Coco de Mer palm.
• Visit Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
• Relax around Côte d’Or.
• Go snorkeling in suitable coastal locations.
• Take an island-hopping excursion.
• Visit Curieuse Island and its giant tortoises.
• Discover nearby nature reserves and marine life.

Why visit Praslin? Praslin is ideal for travellers looking for a combination of beaches, nature, wildlife and island-hopping opportunities.

3. La Digue Island, Seychelles

La Digue is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, traditional Creole character, bicycle-friendly roads and spectacular granite-boulder beaches. The island has no airport and is generally reached by ferry.

Its best-known attraction is Anse Source d’Argent, where enormous granite formations, white sand and clear shallow water create one of Seychelles’ most recognisable coastal landscapes.

Things to Do on La Digue

• Visit Anse Source d’Argent.
• Explore L’Union Estate.
• Rent a bicycle and discover the island.
• Visit Grand Anse and Petite Anse.
• Hike towards Anse Coco.
• Explore Veuve Reserve.
• Take a boat trip to nearby islands, subject to availability.

4. Sainte Anne Island

Sainte Anne is the island after which the marine park is named. Its surrounding waters form part of a protected area where visitors can enjoy scenic boat trips and learn about the marine environment.

Things to Do Around Sainte Anne

• Enjoy snorkeling in suitable locations.
• Take a glass-bottom boat trip.
• Explore the surrounding islands by boat.
• Observe marine life responsibly.
• Combine the marine park with a Moyenne Island visit.

5. Moyenne Island

Moyenne is a small island within Sainte Anne Marine National Park, covering approximately nine hectares. It is known for its giant tortoises, endemic plants, quiet surroundings and historical sites.

Visitors can explore walking trails, discover island history and enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery. Access and activities depend on local arrangements and applicable conservation rules.

Things to Do on Moyenne Island

• Observe giant tortoises responsibly.
• Walk along the island’s nature trails.
• Explore the beaches and coastal scenery.
• Learn about the island’s history and historic sites.
• Combine the visit with a Sainte Anne Marine Park boat trip.

Discover our full-day Sainte Anne Marine Park, Moyenne Island and snorkeling tour for an island experience from Mahé.

6. Cerf Island

Cerf Island lies close to Mahé within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park area. Its tropical surroundings make it appealing for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing by the coast.

Depending on the itinerary, Cerf Island and the surrounding marine park can be included in a boat excursion from Mahé.

7. Round Island and Long Island

Round Island and Long Island form part of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park group. Their coastal scenery adds to the experience of cruising through the protected waters around Mahé.

Access to individual islands depends on local rules, permissions and the arrangements made for each excursion.

8. Curieuse Island

Curieuse is a marine national park near Praslin, known for Aldabra giant tortoises, mangrove forests, red earth and Coco de Mer palms. Its natural landscapes make it a popular destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

• Observe giant tortoises.
• Explore designated nature trails.
• Discover mangrove habitats.
• Enjoy the island’s beaches and coastal scenery.

9. Cousin Island

Cousin Island is a conservation island near Praslin and an important sanctuary for seabirds and endemic wildlife. Visits are managed to protect its sensitive habitats, generally through organised guided tours.

Best for: birdwatching, wildlife, conservation, nature photography and responsible ecotourism.

10. Aride Island

Aride is an important nature reserve known for its seabird colonies and endemic wildlife. It is one of the major birdwatching destinations among Seychelles’ granitic islands.

Best for: birdwatching, nature walks, wildlife photography and conservation-focused visits.

11. Silhouette Island

Silhouette is the third-largest granite island in Seychelles. Its mountainous landscape, tropical forests and rich biodiversity make it a rewarding destination for travellers interested in nature.

The island offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, beach visits and selected marine activities. Protected areas help conserve its distinctive natural environment.

Best for: hiking, nature, wildlife, beaches, snorkeling and conservation.

12. Bird Island

Bird Island is a low-lying coral island known for its seabird colonies, including sooty terns. It is an appealing destination for birdwatchers and visitors interested in island wildlife.

Best for: birdwatching, wildlife photography, seabirds and remote island experiences.

13. Félicité Island

Félicité is a granite island near La Digue, recognised for its rugged landscape, granite formations and luxury island accommodation. It is associated with Six Senses Zil Pasyon and offers access to a beautiful surrounding marine environment.

14. Frégate Island

Frégate is a private island known for secluded beaches, conservation efforts and giant tortoises. Its natural environment offers a more private island experience than the main tourist islands.

15. North Island

North Island is a privately managed granite island known for its secluded beaches, natural surroundings and luxury accommodation. Helicopter transfers from Mahé may be available, subject to the operator’s arrangements.

Best for: luxury travel, privacy, nature, wildlife and exclusive island stays.

16. Denis Island

Denis Island is a remote coral island known for its beaches, fishing opportunities and natural environment. Its isolated setting offers a different experience from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Best for: quiet beach holidays, fishing, nature and secluded island accommodation.

17. Aldabra Atoll

Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls. Its distinctive ecosystem supports giant tortoises, seabirds and other wildlife.

Because Aldabra is remote and environmentally sensitive, access is strictly controlled. Visitors should check official access requirements and conservation rules before planning a trip.

Best for: conservation, wildlife, giant tortoises, scientific research and carefully organised nature expeditions.

18. Alphonse Island

Alphonse is a remote Outer Island destination associated with fly fishing, diving, snorkeling and marine wildlife. Its location several hundred kilometres from Mahé makes it more suitable for travellers planning a dedicated remote-island stay.

Best for: fly fishing, diving, marine exploration and secluded island accommodation.

19. Desroches Island

Desroches belongs to the Amirantes group and is known for its secluded beaches, diving, fishing and remote marine environment. Accommodation and travel arrangements should be checked before visiting.

20. Assumption Island

Assumption is part of the Aldabra group. Its remote setting and proximity to Aldabra make it relevant to certain expeditions and specialist travel arrangements. Access is subject to local requirements.

21. Astove Island

Astove is a remote coral island in the Aldabra group. It may appeal to experienced divers and travellers interested in remote marine ecosystems and expedition-style experiences.

22. Cosmoledo Atoll

Cosmoledo is a remote coral atoll in the Aldabra group. Its marine environment provides important habitat for wildlife, including seabirds and green turtles.

23. Farquhar Atoll

Farquhar is a remote Outer Island destination associated with fishing, diving, marine wildlife and nature expeditions. Travel requires advance planning.

24. Providence Atoll

Providence Atoll forms part of the Farquhar group and consists of Providence Island and surrounding smaller islands. Its remote setting is more suited to specialist exploration and marine activities than conventional beach holidays.

25. St Joseph Atoll

St Joseph Atoll belongs to the Amirantes group. Its atoll and surrounding small islands form part of a remote marine environment relevant to wildlife observation and marine exploration.

26. Platte Island

Platte Island belongs to the Southern Coral group. This low-lying coral island differs from the mountainous granite islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

27. Coëtivy Island

Coëtivy is a remote island in the Southern Coral group. It is known for its low-lying coral environment and has historically been associated with agricultural and aquaculture activities.

How many islands are in Seychelles?

Seychelles consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, including granite islands, coral islands and remote atolls.

Which Seychelles island should I visit first?

Mahé is the main international gateway. Many visitors combine Mahé with Praslin and La Digue to experience beaches, nature, local culture and island-hopping opportunities.

How do I travel between the Seychelles islands?

Praslin can be reached from Mahé by ferry or domestic flight, while La Digue is generally reached by ferry. Sainte Anne Marine National Park and its islands are visited by boat from Mahé. Transport to the Outer Islands varies by destination.

Can I see giant tortoises near Mahé?

Yes. Moyenne Island, within Sainte Anne Marine National Park, is a nearby destination known for its giant tortoises and can be visited on an organised boat excursion, subject to access arrangements.

Are the Outer Islands easy to visit?

No. Many Outer Islands are remote and require specialist flights, boat transfers or organised expeditions. Check availability, access restrictions and conservation requirements before booking.

What is the best island for snorkeling in Seychelles?

Several islands offer snorkeling opportunities. Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a convenient option for visitors staying on Mahé, while other locations around Praslin and La Digue may also offer suitable conditions. Visibility and marine life vary with weather and sea conditions.