10 Best Things to Do in Seychelles in 2026: 10 Experiences Worth Flying Across the Ocean For

It does not take very long to realise that Seychelles is not just beautiful, it is the kind of place that entirely changes your idea of what an island escape should feel like. 

The beauty of Seychelles is not something you simply admire from a distance, it is something you also experience. Every island here invites you to explore a little more, stay a little longer and experience something distinct. Once you begin exploring Seychelles, you would realise that relaxing by the beach is only a small part of the experience. From island- hopping and nature walks to underwater adventures and wildlife encounters, there are just so many things to do in Seychelles that make everyday feel very different from the previous one. 

Quick Guide to the Best Things to Do in Seychelles 

Seychelles has a lot of amazing experiences for every kind of visitor. While some experiences are good for slowing down and soaking in the scenery, others let you explore the islands from an entirely different perspective. 

Before you dive into the details, here is a quick glance of the experiences you simply should not be missing out on. 

Experiences	Best For	Time Needed
Island hopping to La Digue & Praslin	First - time visitors	Full day
Relaxing at Anse Lazio Beach	Couples and families	2-4 hours
Hiking Morne Seychellois National Park	Nature lovers	Half- day
Snorkelling at Sainte Anne Marine Park	Marine life Enthusiast	Half - Day
Scuba Diving	Adventure seekers	Half - Day
Meeting Giant Aldabara Tortoises	Families and Wildlife lovers	1-2 hours
Visiting Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve	Nature and Photography	2-3 hours
Sunset Cruise	Couples	2-3 hours
Exploring Victoria Market	Culture and local experiences	1-2 hours
Kayaking or paddleboarding	Leisure travel	1-2 hours

1. Island Hopping to La Digue and Praslin 

It is incredibly exciting to watch one island disappear into the horizon while another slowly comes into view. In Seychelles, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. A short ferry ride takes you from Mahe to Praslin and before long you will be cycling through the lanes of La Digue, where the pace of life is refreshingly slow. Instead of just spending your entire day in one place, island hopping lets you experience the many sides of Seychelles in a single trip. 

La Digue offers an intimate experience, with very few cars on the island, mostly people exploring by bicycle, passing through colorful Creole houses, quiet village roads and coconut plantations before reaching the iconic Anse Source d’Argent. It is famous for its granite rocks and shallow waters, which makes it one of the most photographed places to visit in Seychelles. 

Praslin is home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, where you will walk beneath towering coco de mer palms that are not found anywhere else in the world. It is also where you will find Anse Lazio that is also ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, here, you can swim or just sit beside admiring the beauty. 

• Average Cost: ₹5,000–₹12,000 per person
• Best Time: April - May and October - November 
• Recommended Duration: An entire Day 

2. Relax at Anse Lazio Beach 

Anse Lazio is tucked away on the northwestern coast of Praslin Island and has a way of making you forget about your plans. The water stays calm for most of the year, the soft white sand stretches for hundreds of metres and the iconic granite boulders create very scenic corners that are never overcrowded. 

Unlike many tropical beaches that are solely meant for swimming or sunbathing, Anse Lazio encourages you to pause. You can take a leisurely walk along the shoreline, snorkel around the rocky ends where colorful fish gather, enjoy seafood at one of the beachside restaurants or simply find a quiet spot beneath the tamaka trees with a nice book. 

If you are coming here as a couple, this is also one of the most romantic places to watch the sun dip below the horizon, that is also one of the most relaxing things to do for couples in Seychelles. 

• Average Cost: 
  • Beach access is free
  • Snorekelling rentals: ₹800–₹1,500 
  • Meals at nearby restaurants: ₹1,500 and ₹3,000 pp 
• Best Time: April - October 
• Recommended Duration: 3-4 hours 

3. Hike through Morne Seychellois National Park 

For a lot of travellers, Seychelles begins and ends at the beach. But step into Morne Seychellois National Park, and you will discover a very different landscape here. This is a protected rainforest that covers around a fifth of the Mahe island, with nature trails, towering endemic trees and viewpoints that open up to panoramic views of the coastline. 

The park has very scenic hiking routes for every fitness level. If you are looking for a relaxed walk there are shorter forest trails where you can spot some rare birds, colorful plans and quiet streams. 

If you are up for some challenge you can also hike to Morne Seychellois, which is the highest peak in the country. From the summit, you can enjoy the views stretching across Mahe, the Indian Ocean and neighboring islands. 

It is very much magical during the early mornings with cooler temperatures and mist drifting through the hills. It is a nice alternative to beaches and among the most amazing things to see in Seychelles, especially if you enjoy nature or photography. 

• Average Cost: Free (Guided hikes can cost around ₹3,500–₹7,000 pp)
• Best Time: May - September 
• Recommended Duration: 3- 5 hours 

4. Snorkel at Sainte Anne Marine National Park 

A trip to Seychelles feels a little incomplete if you never venture beneath its turquoise waters. While the beaches are unquestionably beautiful, an entirely different world lies just below the surface. You can take a short boat ride from Mahe to reach Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Here, you can expect to see vibrant marine biodiversity. 

When you slip beneath the surface, you will find yourself surrounded by colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles and even rays gliding across the seabed. The visibility is clear and allows you to appreciate the vibrant marine life without having to venture too deep.  Many tours also combine snorkelling with island visits, beach time and a traditional Creole lunch, turning it into a complete day out rather than just a water activity.

If you want to try some adventure activities in Seychelles that do not need a period experience, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to discover what is beneath the Indian Ocean. 

• Average Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 pp
• Best Time: April - May and October - November 
• Recommended Duration: Half day – full day 

5. Scuba Diving in Seychelles 

If snorkelling gives you a glimpse of Seychelles underwater world, scuba diving lets you become a part of it. The waters surrounding the islands are home to vibrant coral reefs, dramatic underwater rock formations and an incredible variety of marine life, making Seychelles one of the most loved diving destinations in the Indian Ocean. 

If it is your first dive or fiftieth, there is a diving site that just goes well with your skills. If you are a beginner you can start with calm and shallow reefs under the guidance of certified instructors, while if you are an experienced diver you can explore deeper sites where reef sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles and even whale sharks are spotted during the season. Every dive feels different with changing marine life, colorful corals and excellent visibility making each descent an unforgettable experience.

For many travellers, this is not just another activity, it is one of those moments that completely changes the way they see the ocean. If you want to add some must-do activities in Seychelles to your itinerary, scuba diving deserves a place right at the top of your list. 

• Average Cost: ₹6,500–₹12,000 pp 
• Best Time: March - May and September - November
• Recommended Duration: Half Day 

6. Meet the Giant Aldabra Tortoises

Standing beside an Aldabra giant tortoise is again one of the unique things to do in Seychelles. These gentle giants can live for well over a century, with some even crossing the 150- year mark.  Watching them slowly wander through nature reserves, completely unbothered by the word around them is a reminder that Seychelles is as much about its wildlife as it is about the beaches. 

You can meet these creatures at places like Curieuse Island and the Aldabra Atoll. Many island - hopping tours also include a stop at Curieuse , giving you the chance to observe them up close, learn about their habitat and explore the island’s mangrove forests and scenic walking trails. 

If you are visiting with family or you are a wildlife enthusiast, this is one of the most remarkable things to see in Seychelles. After all, it is not everyday that you get face to face with an animal that is older than the generation of your own family. 

• Average cost: ₹6,000–₹12,000 pp
• Best Time: Year- round 
• Recommended Duration: Half - day 

7. Explore Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve 

Walking into Vallee de Mai feels like stepping into a very lively forest. You can see sunlight filtering through towering palmleaves and birds calling from the tree top. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient forest is among the very few places where Coco de Mer palm grows naturally. 

The reserve is not about rushing from one viewpoint to another. It is a place to slow down and appreciate nature at its purest. As you stroll along well-marked trails, you will come across enormous Coco de Mer fruits, endemic plants found nowhere else in the world and, if you are lucky, the rare Seychelles Black Parrot gliding through the canopy. Guided walks with fascinating stories of the forest’s ecosystem makes the visit even more meaningful.

If you wish to visit places with a story to tell, Vallee de Mai is one of the best things to see in Seychelles. 

• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹2,800  pp
• Best Time: Year round
• Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours 

8. Sail on a Sunset Cruise 

There are numerous ways to watch the sun go down in Seychelles, but nothing compares to seeing it form the middle of the Indian Ocean. As your catamaran gently sails away from the shore, the islands slowly transform under the evening golden hues. The granite cliffs glow in warm hues, the sea becomes almost mirror- like and the sky changes from brilliant shades of orange to soft pinks and purples. 

Many sunset cruises are not limited to the views. Depending on the experience you choose, you can enjoy live music, freshly prepared Creole snacks, tropical cocktails or even barbecue dinner on boards. Some cruises sail past pristine beaches and very small inhabited islands, while others pause just long enough for you to absorb the peaceful surroundings, before heading back to the marina. 

This is among those things to do in Seychelles that you will remember long after the trip. 

• Average Cost: ₹2,000–₹2,800 pp
• Best time: Year-round 
• Recommended Duration: 2- 3 hours 

9. Explore Sir Selwyn- Clarke Market 

A destination truly begins to feel real when you step into the places where locals go about their everyday lives, and there is no better place for that than Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria. It`s colourful, lively and filled with the aromas of fresh spices, tropical fruits and Creole delicacies that instantly pull you in.

You can walk through the narrow aisles and you will find fishermen displaying their fresh catch, vendors selling handmade souvenirs and locally grown vanilla, cinnamon or tea. Here, you can engage in conversation with the locals, try the authentic creole snacks or pick up some gifts. 

This market gives you a glimpse into the everyday routine of the island life. If you are looking beyond beaches or want to experience the cultural side of the country, this is undoubtedly, undoubtedly one of the most authentic things to see in Seychelles.

• Average Cost: Free Entry (₹1,500–₹4,000 for shopping)
• Best Time: Monday to Saturday
• Recommended Duration: 1–2 Hours

10. Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Lagoons

Some parts of Seychelles are best explored slowly and a kayak or paddleboard lets you do exactly that. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you can just calmly glide across lagoons, weave between dramatic granite formations and discover quiet stretches of coastline that are inaccessible by road. 

With nothing but the sound of your paddle cutting through the water, it is an incredibly peaceful experience. There are popular spots like Anse Lazio, Baie Ternay Marine National Park and Port Launay; these have waters that are suitable for beginners, while experienced paddlers can venture a little ahead to explore hidden snorkelling spots. Along the way you might spot colorful fish beneath your board, sea birds or sea turtles nearby. 

It is one of those rare experiences that combines relaxation with exploring. If you are searching for some adventure activities in Seychelles, kayaking and paddleboarding are just perfect. 

• Average cost: ₹1,500–₹3,500 pp
• Best time: April to October 
• Recommended Duration: 1- 2 hours 

Best Adventure Activities in Seychelles

Seychelles is associated with beaches and resorts, but you can also experience a more adventurous side to the islands that many people miss out on. Beyond relaxing, you get opportunities to hike through tropical forests, dive into corals, paddle across clear lagoons and even sail between two very untouched islands. 

Here are some of the best adventure activities you can include in your Seychelles itinerary:

Adventure Activity	Average Cost	Best Time
Scuba Diving	₹6,500–₹12,000	March- May, September- November
Snorkelling	₹5,000–₹9,000	April- May, October- November
Kayaking and Paddleboarding	₹1,500–₹3,500	April- October
Deep- sea fishing	₹8,000–₹20,000	October- May
Parasailing	₹4,000–₹7,000	May- October
Hiking Morne Seychellois	Free (Guided: ₹3,500+ )	May–September
Ziplining at Constance Ephelia	₹5,000–₹7,500	Year-round
Surfing	₹2,500–₹5,000	May–September

How Much Do Activities Cost in Seychelles?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Seychelles is that every experience comes with a luxurious price tag. There are premium excursions, but many of the highlights are surprisingly affordable. Beaches, nature trails and local markets cost little to nothing to explore, while activities like snorkelling, kayaking and hiking fit comfortably into most travel budgets. 

Here is an easy estimate to help you plan your activity budget. 

Activity	Average Cost
Island Hopping	₹5,000–₹12,000
Anse Lazio Beach	Free
Morne Seychellois Hike	Free
Snorkelling	₹5,000–₹9,000
Scuba Diving	₹6,500–₹12,000
Giant Tortoise Tour	₹6,000–₹12,000
Valle De mai	₹2,000–₹2,800
Sunset Cruise	₹5,500–₹11,000
Victoria Market	Free
Kayaking/ Paddleboarding	₹1,500–₹3,500

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

A few tips can make your Seychelles holiday even more enjoyable. Here are a few practical tips before you go:

• Do not just stay on one island, if your schedule allows. Exploring more than one gives you a better perspective of the destination. 
• Book island- hopping tours, sunset cruise and scuba diving experiences in advance. Especially when visiting during the peak time. 
• You must carry reef- safe sunscreen to protect the fragile marine ecosystem, while being under the water. 
• You should pack light clothes, but also bring comfortable walking shoes for hiking and exploring nature reserves. 
• Rough seas can affect ferry timings, so plan accordingly. 
• Carry cash for local markets, taxis and small cafes. 
• Consider choosing a Seychelles tour package that can be more cost effective than booking every activity separately. This can also help you lower your overall Seychelles trip cost. 
• Before you finalise your plans, consider going through an extensive Seychelles travel guide, looking for the best time to visit Seychelles and more. 

Conclusion

Seychelles has a wonderful way of surprising you. It may be famous for its fine beaches, but it is the experiences beyond the shoreline that truly makes the island worth remembering. One day you are cycling through La Digue, another you are hiking to panoramic viewpoints, sailing between islands or looking for an underwater world filled with colorful marine life. 

If your idea of a perfect holiday is filled with adventure, quiet moments in nature or just exploration at an easy pace, there is no shortage of things to do in Seychelles. You must plan your days well, leaving some space for on the spot plans, and you will come back with the best memories that will also make you want to visit Seychelles again. 

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Seychelles?

Some of the best things to do in Seychelles are island visits to Praslin and La Digue, relaxing at Anse Lazio Beach, snorkelling at Sainte Anne Marine National Park, scuba diving, hiking and enjoying sunset cruise. 

How many days are enough to explore Seychelles?

A 6-8 days trip is ideal for experiencing Seychelles comfortably. It gives you enough time to explore multiple islands, enjoy water activities and visit some of the most popular places to visit in Seychelles. 

Is Seychelles only known for its beaches?

Not at all. Seychelles is also loved for its hiking trails, marine parks, wildlife reserves, island visiting tours and other exciting adventure activities. 

What is the best time to visit Seychelles for outdoor activities?

The best time to visit Seychelles for adventure activities is April, May, October and November. 

Where should I stay in Seychelles?

The best hotels in Seychelles are spread across Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.