Today, there are 115 islands that make up the Seychelles group, so there are plenty of options for Seychelles tourists, but some of these idyllic coral atolls sit so low in the water that that number is sure to change. But at the moment, the most difficult part of planning your Seychelles vacation is choosing the island.
16 of the Seychelles islands have visitor accommodation; some, like the largest island, Mahé, have Seychelles vacation options ranging from campsites to five-star hotels, but others, like Cousine, are private island resorts, with room for as few as eight guests. The islands all have powdery white sand beaches fringed with brilliant blue waters, and beyond the coral reefs, it’s a tropical dream given, but like a row of beautiful sisters, each has its own private charms, too.
Holidays in Seychelles on Mahé:
Mahé is the capital and largest island, and is also home to the world’s smallest city, Victoria, which means more people, more nightlife, and more non-beach-centric attractions. The local labor markets are colorful and double as tourist bazaars, selling local handicrafts as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. For history, visit the Seychelles National Museum, and for nature, visit the Botanical Gardens or Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden.
Holidays in Seychelles on Praslin
Praslin is the second largest island, birthplace of the Coco de Mer, which only grows naturally on two islands, and home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a jungle valley home to hundreds of different types of endemic birds. After having toured the Vallée, visit the beaches, Anse Volbert, for the fineness of its sand, Anse Lazio, for the sheltered cove with turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and the famous Creole restaurant, and Anse Georgette.
Seychelles vacation on silhouette island
The third largest in the Seychelles group, Silhouette still has a population of 135, most of them living on La Passe, and there to help care for guests at the island resort. Silhouette has its share of natural beauty, but this time, in addition to powder-soft white beaches, it manifests itself in a couple of mountain peaks – at over 600 meters, they are impressive by Seychelles standards. Offshore is no less beautiful and there are more unusual and rare creatures that live among the corals.
Seychelles holiday on Bird Island
Known for its birds… Its coral shorelines are also home to hawksbill and green turtles, and offshore you might spot a dugong. Bird Island, one of the northernmost in the Seychelles, has been privately owned since the 1960s, when an exclusive 24-bungalow complex was built on it.
Holidays in Seychelles on Denis Island
Denis, named after the first name of a French explorer, in case you were wondering, is located in the far north of the Seychelles, on Bird Island. Made of coral and dotted with coconut palms, the island is home to a private holiday resort, with just 25 villas.
Holidays in Seychelles in Cousin
A maximum of seven other guests will share the beach of this kilometer-long island, so tranquility and privacy are assured, both for guests and for the local turtles that nest here.
Holidays in Seychelles by frigate
This island is known for its snorkeling, rare creatures, and its exclusive resort (Brad Pitt has stayed in one of 16 private villas), no day visitors allowed. It was originally known for its frigate birds, but these days the rare magpie robins and giant Aldabra tortoises are more famous. It also shares with the rest of the Seychelles a reputation for beautiful beaches, Anse Victorin was named one of the best in the world by The Times.
Some of the other private resort islands are Anonyme (7 rooms), named after the ship that wrecked here, and good for divers, North Island (11 luxury accommodations), Felicité (16 guests max), and Desroches Island ( 20 villas).
