16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in The Seychelles

11/27/2017 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Seychelles | PlanetWare
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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the

Seychelles
Written by Karen Hastings
Stunning and unspoiled, the Seychelles star in countless tropical island

fantasies. Beautiful boulder-strewn beaches, virgin jungles, thriving coral reefs,
and UNESCO-listed nature reserves are just some of the many attractions of
the archipelago's 115 coral and granite islands, which are the peaks of a vast
underwater plateau. The Seychelles lie east of Kenya, near the equator. Almost
half their total land area is protected, and many of the islands and atolls are
contained within marine sanctuaries. On land, visitors can hike mountain trails,
bask on the ravishing beaches, rock climb, photograph the unique flora and
fauna, and dine on mouth watering Créole cuisine. Aquatic pursuits abound in
the clear azure water. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, and sailing are all world class,
and the Seychelles boast some of the richest fishing grounds in the world.
The larger, granitic inner islands of the Seychelles (primarily Mahé, Praslin,
and La Digue) are the most developed for tourists with many luxury five-star
resorts. Mahé is home to the small capital, Victoria, as well as the international
airport, cruiseship port, and the beautiful Morne Seychellois National Park.
On Praslin Island, visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, while
sleepy La Digue shelters some of the world's most breathtaking beaches. The
outer islands are mainly uninhabited low-lying sand cays and small coralline
islands and atolls. Fishing is superb here and anglers will find exclusive fishing
lodges in Desroche Island, Alphonse Island, and Farquhar Atoll.
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Anse Intendance
One of Mahé's most beautiful beaches, this small and secluded crescent
of sand on the island's south coast is a favorite surfing spot thanks to its
frequent big swells and wild waves. The lack of a protective reef makes
swimming a little rough when tradewinds blow from the southeast, but
sunbathers, beachcombers, and photographers will enjoy this
picturesque, palm-framed strand at any time of year. Turtles nest along
the powdery shores here.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Seychelles
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2. Baie Lazare
Baie Lazare
The pretty village of Baie Lazare was named after 18th-century French
explorer Lazare Picault, who landed here when the French government
sent him to explore the islands. One of the area's main tourist attractions
is the neo-Gothic Baie Lazare Church, dedicated to St. Francis of
Assisi, which provides
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panoramic view of the area. Luxury resorts
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fringe the beaches here, and stunning Anse Soleil and Petite Anse are
favorites with their striking azure water and dazzling white sand.
Location: Mahé
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Baie Lazare
3. Beau Vallon
Beau Vallon
The alluring curve of glittering sand at Beau Vallon, on Mahé's northwest

coast, is a magnet for both tourists and locals. Looking out to sea,
mountainous Silhouette Island shimmers on the horizon, and hotels
fringe the shore. Visitors will find a variety of watersports on offer,
including jet skis and water skiing. The sea is usually calm here,
especially during the southeast tradewinds, making this a good choice
for families with small children. Lifeguards patrol the beach.
Address: Beau Vallon Beach Rd, Beau Vallon, Mahé

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Beau Vallon
4. Morne Seychellois National Park
Morne Seychellois National Park David Stanley / photo modified
The largest national park in the Seychelles, Morne Seychellois National

Park covers more than 20 percent of the area of Mahé. Within its lush
borders lies the mountain chain named after its highest point, Morne
Seychellois, which reaches a height of 905 m and overlooks Victoria.
Hiking trails ascend into the park from the village of Danzil, passing tea
plantations, and offering spectacular views of the southwest coast of
Mahé from the mountain slopes. Walking west through the park, hikers
will reach the Baie Ternay and Port Launay Marine Parks. To the
northwest lies the hamlet of Bel Ombre and the isolated beach at Anse
Major.
Official site:
http://www.seychelles.travel/en/products/attractions.php?aid=61
5. Ste Anne National Marine Park
Ste Anne National Marine Park Fabio Achilli / photo modified
Encompassing six islands off the coast of Mahé near Victoria, Ste Anne
National Marine Park became the first national park in the Indian Ocean
in 1973. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat excursions
reveal the diversity of marine life in the park's coral reefs, and visitors
can explore most of the islands within the reserve. Home to a five-star
resort, Ste Anne Island, is an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles.
In spite of its mangroves and crocodiles, the island was the site of a
1770 French settlement, the first in the Seychelles.
On Round Island, a former leper colony, visitors can explore the ruins of
the hospital, enjoy a nature walk, or dine at the Creole restaurant. Île
Cachée is an important breeding site for noddies and a designated
protected nature reserve. At Cerf Island, visitors can swim, snorkel, or
dive along the beautiful reefs or bask on the uncrowded beaches, while
privately owned Moyenne Island features nature trails, reconstructed
settlers' homes, pirate graves, and a small, thatched chapel.
Official site: http://www.snpa.sc/marine-parks/st-anne
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Ste Anne Island
6. Victoria
Victoria
Named Port Victoria in honor of the British queen after her coronation,
the small capital of the Seychelles is the only seaport in the country. One
of the main tourist attractions is the Seychelles National Botanical
Gardens. Established almost a century ago, the gardens encompass 15
acres of native and exotic plants as well as flying foxes, giant tortoises,
and an orchid garden. Modern buildings of concrete and glass have
sprouted up in recent years and the few remaining colonial buildings lie
around Freedom Square. The most prominent historical structure is the
clock tower. Erected in 1903, it was modeled on Little Ben, a small
version of Big Ben in London.
Overlooking the square, St Paul's Cathedral is built on the site of the

first church of the Seychelles, which was destroyed by a freak cyclone in
1862. At Rond-Point de l'Indépendance, in the centre of the city, a
statue of three pairs of bird's wings symbolizes the origins of the
population in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Shoppers head to Sir Selwyn
Clarke Market where locals sell fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and
the many craft shops offer souvenirs ranging from ship models to pearl
jewelry. For an overview of the flora and fauna of the Seychelles, visit
the Natural History Museum, which also displays a few historical
artifacts.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Victoria
7. Anse Volbert
Anse Volbert
On the northeast coast of Praslin, Anse Volbert (also known as Côte

d'Or) is one of the island's most popular beaches. Warm, shallow water
laps the sun-bleached sands, and coral reefs beckon just offshore. The
calm waters are also safe for swimming with small children. Anse Volbert
is one of the island's main resort areas and visitors will find many hotels
and restaurants lining the shores.
Official site:
http://www.seychelles.travel/en/products/beaches.php?aid=33
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Anse Volbert
8. Vallée de Mai National Park
Vallée de Mai National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai National Park preserves

a prehistoric forest that contains at least 4,000 examples of the giant
coco de mer fruit palm (unique to the Seychelles), vanilla orchids,
palmiste, latanier, splayed traveler's palm, and Chinese fans. Nature
lovers, birders, and photographers will enjoy exploring this reserve
where the trees form an overhead canopy, and large prehistoric boulders
are strewn across the forest floor. The valley is home to many species of
lizards and rare birds such as the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon, and the
national bird of the Seychelles, the black parrot. Visitors can hike the
marked nature trail. Rated an "easy" hike, it takes from 45 minutes to
two hours, depending on the route.
Official site: http://www.sif.sc/
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Vallée de Mai National Park
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Cousin Island
Established in 1968, Cousin Island is a nature reserve primarily for the

Seychelles warbler and the hawksbill turtle. The island lies about 2 km
from Praslin Island, and birders can hike the trails to spot some of the
Seychelles rare species. Residents include the Seychelles magpie robin,
the Seychelles brush warbler, the Seychelles turtledove, and the wedge-
tailed shearwater. The reserve also encompasses breeding grounds for
lesser noddies, fairy terns, and tropicbirds.
Official site: www.natureseychelles.org
10. Aride Island Nature Reserve
Aride Island Nature Reserve
The northernmost of the Granitic Seychelles, Aride Island Nature

Reserve is the breeding ground of 18 species of seabirds, including
frigate birds, red-tailed tropicbirds, and the world's largest colonies of
lesser noddy and roseate terns. Nature lovers will find the highest
density of lizards anywhere on earth, as well as several endemic species
of flowers. Wright's gardenia, or bois citron, is unique to this island. Most
hotels on Praslin Island can organize day trips to Aride, but note that the
island is often closed to visitors from May through September due to
rough surf.
Official site: http://www.arideisland.com/
11. Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island
Once known as Île Rouge due to its russet-toned earth, Curieuse Island
is now home to a breeding program for giant tortoises, which roam freely
around the sandy coves. Curieuse is the only place besides Praslin
where the coco de mer palm grows naturally. The island was also once a
leper colony, and visitors can explore the ruins of the leprosarium on the
south shore as well as the doctor's house, a preserved national
monument. Most of the island is covered with takamaka and casuarina
trees, which shade the white sand beaches. Curieuse Island is
accessible by boat from Praslin Island.
Official site: http://www.snpa.sc/marine-parks/curieuse
12. Anse Lazio
Anse Lazio
On the north shore of Praslin Island, Anse Lazio (Chevalier Bay) is one
of island's most picturesque beaches. Flanked by rounded granite
boulders, this long stretch of blond sand merges with crystal clear waters
in dreamy shades of blue. The shallow east end is protected by coral
reef and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Takamaka trees fringe the beach providing patches of shade for
relaxing, and hungry bathers can refuel at restaurants on both ends of
the beach.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Anse Lazio
13. La Digue Island
La Digue Island
The fourth largest island in the archipelago, La Digue is a haven for

nature lovers and those seeking a glimpse of traditional island life;
bicycles and oxcarts are popular modes of transport. Stunning white
sand beaches and granite rock outcrops rim the coast, and beach
connoisseurs will find one of the planet's most picturesque stretches of
sand and sea here, Anse Source D'Argent. Other sightseeing
attractions include the Veuve Nature Reserve, home to the endangered
black paradise flycatcher, also called "the widow" because of its
streaming black tail feathers, and L'Union Estate where visitors can
horseback ride and visit the copra factory, vanilla plantation, and several
old Creole houses. Diving and rock climbing are also popular things to
do on the island, and hikers will enjoy La Pass to Grand Anse Trail,
which threads past French colonial houses through woodlands and
marsh areas to gorgeous Grand Anse beach.
Official site: http://www.ladigue.sc/
Accommodation: Where to Stay on La Digue Island
14. Silhouette Island
Silhouette Island Fabio Achilli / photo modified
In a marine park, 30 km off Mahé's west coast, mountainous Silhouette

Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It's the only other island in the
Seychelles besides Mahé with a mist forest, which cloaks the 731 m
peak of Mont Dauban. The third largest of the granitic islands, Silhouette
Island has a rugged terrain that has helped preserve its natural beauty.
The park protects more than 2,000 species including birds, geckos,
chameleons, turtles, and skinks. Visitors will find caves to explore,
beaches with wonderful swimming and snorkeling opportunities, and
diverse flora and fauna such as carnivorous pitcher plants, coco de mer
palms, millipedes, slugs, and snails.
Official site: http://www.snpa.sc/marine-parks/silhouette
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Silhouette Island
15. Bird Island
Bird Island
Once known as Îles aux Vaches for the population of dugongs (sea
cows) in the area, Bird Island harbors a population of migratory sooty
terns, which swells to 1,500,000 birds during the May to October
breeding season. Birders and photographers can climb raised
observation platforms for clear views of the nests. Other species on the
island include fairy and noddy terns, cardinals, ground doves, mynahs,
crested terns, and plovers. Giant land tortoises are also in residence,
and the nearby Seychelles Bank is renowned for its big-game fishing.
Visitors can access the island via a 30-minute flight from Mahé.
Accommodation: Where to Stay on Mahe
16. Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra Atoll
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is the world's largest raised

coral atoll. The central lagoon fills and empties twice a day through four
channels, revealing mushroom-shaped pinnacles known as
champignons. Tiger sharks and manta rays often prowl the shallows,
and the atoll is home to thousands of birds, including the white-throated
Aldabran rail (the only flightless bird in the Indian Ocean). Also on view
are lesser and great frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, dimorphic egrets
(found only here and in Madagascar), Aldabra sacred ibis, greater
flamingos, and the malagasy kestrel. In addition to its rich avian life,
Aldabra is the habitat of 200,000 giant land tortoises - five times as
many as the Galapagos.
Official site: http://www.sif.sc/
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11/27/2017 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Seychelles | PlanetWare

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the

Stunning and unspoiled, the Seychelles star in countless tropical island

Accommodation: Where to Stay in the Seychelles

Accommodation: Where to Stay near Baie Lazare

The alluring curve of glittering sand at Beau Vallon, on Mahé's northwest

Address: Beau Vallon Beach Rd, Beau Vallon, Mahé

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Beau Vallon

4. Morne Seychellois National Park

Morne Seychellois National Park David Stanley / photo modified

The largest national park in the Seychelles, Morne Seychellois National

5. Ste Anne National Marine Park

Ste Anne National Marine Park Fabio Achilli / photo modified

Official site: http://www.snpa.sc/marine-parks/st-anne

Accommodation: Where to Stay on Ste Anne Island

Overlooking the square, St Paul's Cathedral is built on the site of the

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Victoria

On the northeast coast of Praslin, Anse Volbert (also known as Côte

Accommodation: Where to Stay near Anse Volbert

8. Vallée de Mai National Park

Vallée de Mai National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai National Park preserves

Official site: http://www.sif.sc/

Accommodation: Where to Stay near Vallée de Mai National Park

Established in 1968, Cousin Island is a nature reserve primarily for the

Official site: www.natureseychelles.org

10. Aride Island Nature Reserve

Aride Island Nature Reserve

The northernmost of the Granitic Seychelles, Aride Island Nature

Official site: http://www.arideisland.com/

11. Curieuse Island

Official site: http://www.snpa.sc/marine-parks/curieuse

12. Anse Lazio

Accommodation: Where to Stay near Anse Lazio

13. La Digue Island

The fourth largest island in the archipelago, La Digue is a haven for

Official site: http://www.ladigue.sc/

Accommodation: Where to Stay on La Digue Island

14. Silhouette Island

Silhouette Island Fabio Achilli / photo modified

In a marine park, 30 km off Mahé's west coast, mountainous Silhouette

Official site: http://www.snpa.sc/marine-parks/silhouette

Accommodation: Where to Stay on Silhouette Island

15. Bird Island

Accommodation: Where to Stay on Mahe

16. Aldabra Atoll

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is the world's largest raised

Official site: http://www.sif.sc/

Beaches® Family Resorts - Black Friday

Where to Stay in the

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