With 115 islands making up this idyllic part of the world it can be hard to know where to start. Do you visit the Seychelles' main island Mahé, home to the capital city, where tropical forests cascade down luscious mountainsides to more than 60 picture-perfect beaches, or do you spend time on smaller and more laid back islands, such as Praslin or La Digue, where you'll see fishermen wandering the meandering roads with wooden poles hung with a variety of fish and rustic shacks selling local rum amongst the white sands of the beach? A spot of island hopping is the best way to cover them all!
The island of Praslin is the ideal starting spot for island hopping, with many of the other islands situated nearby. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting rare species such as the Black Parrot in the UNESCO protected Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, while crystal clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and shoals of vividly coloured tropical fish will bring beach lovers back again and again. The islands reflect the Seychelles' vast diversity, with each offering something unique, and an island hopping adventure is the best way to explore all that the Seychelles can offer.
Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, the islands of the Seychelles were uninhabited until the late 18th-century, creating the perfect conditions and environments for unique species of plants and animals that can still be seen today. Head to the Seychelles to walk amongst living fossils, the Aldabra giant tortoises, and keep an eye out for the rare coco de mer palm tree, which produces nuts that weigh up to 65 pounds! Snorkelling and diving excursions reveal an impressive underwater world, but even a wade through shallow waters can uncover a marine jungle with angel fish, clown fish, and more! Visit the Seychelles between October and January and you might be lucky enough to spot rare hawksbill or green turtle as they come to nest on the white sand shores.
The Seychelles is also home to a host of private islands, each boasting tranquillity and natural beauty. Head to the magnificent Desroches Island and enjoy your own private tropical paradise, where couples and families alike can revel in utter privacy and seclusion. Intimate yet luxurious, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the perfect place to detach from the outside world. Utterly paradisiacal, expect 14km of unspoilt white sands and crystal-clear waters, boundless activities, and unforgettable dining. Alternatively, head to the private island of Félicité, home to
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a private island paradise home to just 30 pool villas and three and four-bedroom private residences. Hidden within 600 acres of exotic vegetation, this exclusive paradise treats travellers to the wonders of the Seychelles through an abundance of dreamy experiences, all just steps from your retreat.