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Where are the best islands in the Seychelles?
Best Islands in the Seychelles
The Seychelles are made up of 115 tropical islands spread out through the Indian Ocean. Lying just south of the Equator, the Seychelles, offer almost year-round sunshine, but with so many islands to choose from, which has the best beaches? When we look at this question, we need to split our answers out by the fact as to whether the islands are private island or public islands.
Mahe Island
Mahe Island is the largest island of The Seychelles and the main access point for everyone heading off to the pristine white sandy beaches of some of the other islands of the Seychelles. This does not mean Mahe is not worth a stay or visit. Mahe is dominated by a mountainous interior that is covered in dense forest forming a beautiful backdrop to some of the island’s best beaches and coves. Mahe is easy to explore by vehicle, so we suggest hiring a car for a day or two and get out exploring on your own, we are sure you will find the perfect beach or cove. Two of Mahe’s best beaches include Beau Vallon, a long stretch of white sandy beaches and clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing and wind surfing. Another beach worth a visit is Anse Intendance with its powder white beach and palm trees. The water here can get rough with waves, especially during the South-east trade winds.
Aside from the stunning beaches of Mahe, there are plenty other things for you to do including hiking through the Morne Seychellois National Park which covers 20% of the island. The capital city of Victoria is a fun place to explore, especially the Victoria Market where you can get a better idea of local life in the Seychelles.
Mahe is the main access island to neighboring islands including Praslin and La Digue as well as the nearby private islands of North Island, Cousine Island, Denis Island and Desroches Island.
Praslin Island
One of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles, Praslin is the second largest island in the archipelago. Blessed with some of the world’s best beaches, Praslin is your typical tropical island postcard of turquoise waters, palm fringed white sandy beaches and granite boulders. Even though it is one of the more popular islands for a beach holiday in the Seychelles, Praslin feels quieter than it neighbor, Mahe and with plenty coves and beaches to choose from, you can always find a quiet cove to put your towel down. On the northwest of the island is Anse Lazio, considered to be the best beach on Praslin and one of the best beaches in the world, the perfect selfies beach. Getting around the island is easy, either by taxi, bus or you can hire a car and explore on your own. If you are staying on Praslin, it is possible to arrange boat excursions to some of the nearby islands, including La Digue.
La Digue
The smallest of the 3 main islands in the Seychelles, La Digue has retained its off-the-beaten-track feel. The island is small enough that the best way to explore is by bicycle with flat paths and enough refreshment stands along the way to keep you going. There are plenty coves and beaches to choose from, whether you are looking for a quiet beach to relax on or if you are looking for Anse Source d’Argent, renowned as being the most photographed beach in the world. La Digue, really is the lost island where you can easily lose track of time as you explore or relax.
North Island
North Island is the epitome of private island chic with white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, turquoise waters and luxury beach bungalows only steps away from the sand. North Island is where the celebrities come to relax away from any crowds. Rising out of the deep blue ocean are the granite rocks that form North Island creating a gently sloping beach and swaying palm trees. Each of the 11 enormous villas are set amongst the swaying trees, just a few steps from the beach and have everything you need. North Island is a conservation success story. Over the years, the island has been eradicated of all alien vegetation and animals restoring the island back to its natural beauty. Biologists and researchers are resident on the island and are on hand to chat to guests about the work that has been done and is still ongoing, like the reintroduction of key species. With several beaches and plenty of activities to keep you busy, North Island is the ultimate in luxury retreats.
Denis Island
Denis Island is a small private island north of Mahe and is surrounded by coral reefs. The small flat island is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and calm waters thanks to the reef which is teeming with colorful marine life. Denis island is the perfect island to relax and enjoy some beach and snorkeling time while staying in the stylish cottages and villas.
Desroches Island
Sitting out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Desroches Private Island with only one luxury resort situated on it, making it one of the remotest resorts in the Seychelles. 14Kms of white sandy beaches circle the island with calm turquoise waters and coral reefs offshore. The diving and snorkeling here are some of the best in the Seychelles.
Cousine Island
Sitting not far from Praslin Island is the private Cousine Island where giant tortoise roam and turtles nest. This small private island and reserve has a stunning beach which drops off to coral reefs and deeper channels. Guests staying at Cousine Island get the whole island to themselves ensuring the utmost in exclusivity and privacy.
Alphonse Island
400kms south of Mahe lies Alphonse Island, a small private island in the middle of the big blue Indian Ocean. Reachable by 1 hour flight from Mahe, you really get the feeling of isolation out here in the outer islands. Surrounded by flat coral reefs, Alphonse Island offers incredible snorkeling and diving. Offshore as the reefs drop off into the deep blue, manta rays and sailfish patrol, giving guests some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Seychelles. On the island, Alphonse has reintroduced Aldabra tortoises and the beaches are nesting grounds for turtles. There is plenty to do on Alphonse Island that guests are kept busy throughout their stay.
Cosmoledo Atoll
Cosmoledo Atoll is pristine, untouched island surrounded by large sandflats, smaller islands as well as a beautiful lagoon. Located over 1,000km from Mahe, Cosmoledo is as far away from civilization that you can get. Being so far from anywhere else has made Cosmoledo a stopping off point and nesting site for marine bird species including red-footed Boobies. This isolation also means the coral reefs and other marine are unaffected by man, making this one of the best dive sites in the world. With just 1 small eco-camp on the island, guests here are truly experiencing something special and completely off the grid.
Astove Atoll
Located over 1,000kms from Mahe, the islands of Astove form part of the Seychelles outer islands. The island forms a circle around a large inner lagoon and is surrounded by white sandy beaches. The island is home to a myriad of birds and fish species, but the real wow factor here is the “Astove Wall” which drops off into the deep blue ocean beyond. On the island giant Aldabra tortoises roam, while turtles nest on the beaches. Being so far from civilization, Astove’s pristine coral reefs are virtually untouched by man, making the diving here some of the best in the world. If you are looking to get as far away from anything as possible, but still retain the comforts of a luxury resort, topped with conservation efforts and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, then the Outer Islands, including Astove Atoll are the perfect place for you.
The Seychelles are made up of 115 tropical islands spread out through the Indian Ocean. Lying just south of the Equator, the Seychelles, offer almost year-round sunshine, but with so many islands to choose from, which has the best beaches? When we look at this question, we need to split our answers out by the fact as to whether the islands are private island or public islands.
Mahe Island
Mahe Island is the largest island of The Seychelles and the main access point for everyone heading off to the pristine white sandy beaches of some of the other islands of the Seychelles. This does not mean Mahe is not worth a stay or visit. Mahe is dominated by a mountainous interior that is covered in dense forest forming a beautiful backdrop to some of the island’s best beaches and coves. Mahe is easy to explore by vehicle, so we suggest hiring a car for a day or two and get out exploring on your own, we are sure you will find the perfect beach or cove. Two of Mahe’s best beaches include Beau Vallon, a long stretch of white sandy beaches and clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing and wind surfing. Another beach worth a visit is Anse Intendance with its powder white beach and palm trees. The water here can get rough with waves, especially during the South-east trade winds.
Aside from the stunning beaches of Mahe, there are plenty other things for you to do including hiking through the Morne Seychellois National Park which covers 20% of the island. The capital city of Victoria is a fun place to explore, especially the Victoria Market where you can get a better idea of local life in the Seychelles.
Mahe is the main access island to neighboring islands including Praslin and La Digue as well as the nearby private islands of North Island, Cousine Island, Denis Island and Desroches Island.
Praslin Island
One of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles, Praslin is the second largest island in the archipelago. Blessed with some of the world’s best beaches, Praslin is your typical tropical island postcard of turquoise waters, palm fringed white sandy beaches and granite boulders. Even though it is one of the more popular islands for a beach holiday in the Seychelles, Praslin feels quieter than it neighbor, Mahe and with plenty coves and beaches to choose from, you can always find a quiet cove to put your towel down. On the northwest of the island is Anse Lazio, considered to be the best beach on Praslin and one of the best beaches in the world, the perfect selfies beach. Getting around the island is easy, either by taxi, bus or you can hire a car and explore on your own. If you are staying on Praslin, it is possible to arrange boat excursions to some of the nearby islands, including La Digue.
La Digue
The smallest of the 3 main islands in the Seychelles, La Digue has retained its off-the-beaten-track feel. The island is small enough that the best way to explore is by bicycle with flat paths and enough refreshment stands along the way to keep you going. There are plenty coves and beaches to choose from, whether you are looking for a quiet beach to relax on or if you are looking for Anse Source d’Argent, renowned as being the most photographed beach in the world. La Digue, really is the lost island where you can easily lose track of time as you explore or relax.
North Island
North Island is the epitome of private island chic with white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, turquoise waters and luxury beach bungalows only steps away from the sand. North Island is where the celebrities come to relax away from any crowds. Rising out of the deep blue ocean are the granite rocks that form North Island creating a gently sloping beach and swaying palm trees. Each of the 11 enormous villas are set amongst the swaying trees, just a few steps from the beach and have everything you need. North Island is a conservation success story. Over the years, the island has been eradicated of all alien vegetation and animals restoring the island back to its natural beauty. Biologists and researchers are resident on the island and are on hand to chat to guests about the work that has been done and is still ongoing, like the reintroduction of key species. With several beaches and plenty of activities to keep you busy, North Island is the ultimate in luxury retreats.
Denis Island
Denis Island is a small private island north of Mahe and is surrounded by coral reefs. The small flat island is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and calm waters thanks to the reef which is teeming with colorful marine life. Denis island is the perfect island to relax and enjoy some beach and snorkeling time while staying in the stylish cottages and villas.
Desroches Island
Sitting out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Desroches Private Island with only one luxury resort situated on it, making it one of the remotest resorts in the Seychelles. 14Kms of white sandy beaches circle the island with calm turquoise waters and coral reefs offshore. The diving and snorkeling here are some of the best in the Seychelles.
Cousine Island
Sitting not far from Praslin Island is the private Cousine Island where giant tortoise roam and turtles nest. This small private island and reserve has a stunning beach which drops off to coral reefs and deeper channels. Guests staying at Cousine Island get the whole island to themselves ensuring the utmost in exclusivity and privacy.
Alphonse Island
400kms south of Mahe lies Alphonse Island, a small private island in the middle of the big blue Indian Ocean. Reachable by 1 hour flight from Mahe, you really get the feeling of isolation out here in the outer islands. Surrounded by flat coral reefs, Alphonse Island offers incredible snorkeling and diving. Offshore as the reefs drop off into the deep blue, manta rays and sailfish patrol, giving guests some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Seychelles. On the island, Alphonse has reintroduced Aldabra tortoises and the beaches are nesting grounds for turtles. There is plenty to do on Alphonse Island that guests are kept busy throughout their stay.
Cosmoledo Atoll
Cosmoledo Atoll is pristine, untouched island surrounded by large sandflats, smaller islands as well as a beautiful lagoon. Located over 1,000km from Mahe, Cosmoledo is as far away from civilization that you can get. Being so far from anywhere else has made Cosmoledo a stopping off point and nesting site for marine bird species including red-footed Boobies. This isolation also means the coral reefs and other marine are unaffected by man, making this one of the best dive sites in the world. With just 1 small eco-camp on the island, guests here are truly experiencing something special and completely off the grid.
Astove Atoll
Located over 1,000kms from Mahe, the islands of Astove form part of the Seychelles outer islands. The island forms a circle around a large inner lagoon and is surrounded by white sandy beaches. The island is home to a myriad of birds and fish species, but the real wow factor here is the “Astove Wall” which drops off into the deep blue ocean beyond. On the island giant Aldabra tortoises roam, while turtles nest on the beaches. Being so far from civilization, Astove’s pristine coral reefs are virtually untouched by man, making the diving here some of the best in the world. If you are looking to get as far away from anything as possible, but still retain the comforts of a luxury resort, topped with conservation efforts and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, then the Outer Islands, including Astove Atoll are the perfect place for you.
