Main Seychelles Islands

Overview

This itinerary covers the main inhabited islands of the Seychelles and is designed for travelers who value nature, tranquility, and flexibility over rushed sightseeing.

The route is structured by islands, with suggested time ranges rather than a strict day-by-day plan. You can shorten or extend each part depending on your total trip length, budget, and preferred pace.

Islands covered:

• Mahé
• Cerf Island (optional side stay from Mahé)
• Praslin
• La Digue

This itinerary does not include private resort islands (such as Frégate Island or Silhouette Island). While beautiful, they are relatively small and expensive, and are better visited in addition to the main islands, which offer far more variety in landscapes, activities, and independent exploration.

📷 Photo albums

Mahé, Praslin, La Digue Cerf Island

Mahé Island

Recommended stay: 3–6 days

Mahé is the largest island and the main gateway to the Seychelles. It is home to the international airport, the capital city, and a surprisingly diverse landscape — from granite mountains to long white-sand beaches.

Highlights

• Beaches:
  • Port Launay, Anse Soleil — excellent for snorkeling
  • Anse Intendance, Petite Anse, Police Bay, Grand Anse — wild and photogenic beaches
  • Anse Royale, Beau Vallon — good for swimming, more infrastructure
• Hiking & viewpoints:
  • Morne Blanc Trail, Copolia Trail — short hikes with panoramic views
• Victoria:
  • Small but lively capital with markets, colonial architecture, and the main bus and ferry terminals

Getting around

• Rental car – the most flexible option, especially for beaches and viewpoints
• Public buses – very affordable and scenic, though slow (check updated timetables)

Side trips from Mahé

• Cerf Island (possible as a day trip or a multi-day stay)
• St. Anne Marine Park for snorkeling and boat excursions

Mahé works well both as a base island and as a destination in its own right.

Cerf Island

Recommended stay: 1–3 days (optional)

Often overlooked in classic itineraries, Cerf Island is a quiet escape just a 10-minute boat ride from Mahé. It is ideal if Mahé’s beaches feel too busy — here you can take a kayak and easily find a beach entirely to yourself.

Why include Cerf

• Calm atmosphere and practically empty beaches
• Excellent snorkeling directly from the shore
• Small enough to explore on foot or by kayak

Highlights

• Coral reefs with rich marine life
• Secluded beaches accessible by kayak
• Quiet evenings and minimal infrastructure

How to get there

• Boat transfers from Mahé, usually arranged by hotels

Note: Cerf is not a budget destination, but it is well worth a few nights for a slow and tranquil Seychelles experience.

Praslin Island

Recommended stay: 2–4 days

Praslin combines iconic beaches with unique inland nature and feels more compact and relaxed than Mahé.

Highlights

• Vallée de Mai (UNESCO) — home of the legendary Coco de Mer palms
• Beaches: Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette — among the most photographed beaches in the world
• Gentle coastal scenery and calm swimming spots

Getting around

• Rental car – the fastest way to reach beaches and viewpoints
• Public buses – generally easier to use than on Mahé

How to get there

• Ferry from Mahé (most common option)
• Domestic flight (faster and more expensive, but offers scenic views)

Side trips

• Boat excursions to Curieuse Island (giant tortoises and coastal walks)

La Digue Island

Recommended stay: 1–4 days (depending on total trip duration)

La Digue is small, quiet, and visually iconic. Many travelers rush through it, but it rewards those who stay longer with a deep sense of calm.

Highlights

• Anse Source d’Argent — granite boulders and shallow turquoise waters
• Giant tortoise enclosures
• Wild southern beaches (some require hiking): Grand Anse, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos, Anse Caiman, Anse Marron
• Quiet east-coast beaches with strong tides — ideal for relaxation rather than swimming

Getting around

• Bicycles – the primary and most enjoyable mode of transport
• Very limited car traffic and a relaxed island rhythm

How to get there

• Ferry from Praslin
• Direct ferries from Mahé (less frequent)
• Helicopter from Mahé — significantly more expensive

While one day is enough for the main highlights and many people visit La Digue as a day trip from Mahé or Praslin, 3–4 days allow you to discover its quieter corners and experience what is often considered the most “classic Seychelles” atmosphere.

Who this itinerary is for

• Travelers seeking quiet, scenic islands rather than nightlife
• Snorkeling, beaches, light hiking, and nature photography
• Romantic and slow-paced trips

This route can be comfortably adapted to trips ranging from 7–8 days to 2+ weeks, depending on how much time and budget you allocate to each island.