Five Best Islands to Visit in the Seychelles
12 November 2024 | Seychelles & Tanzania
The Seychelles, sometimes affectionately referred to as the “Land of Perpetual Summer”, is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, nearly 800 nautical miles east of mainland Africa. This country-archipelago is comprised of 115 islands, with each offering a unique set of experiences and postcard-perfect landscapes – from primeval forests to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the Seychelles’ islands are also home to some of the world’s rarest and most intriguing flora and fauna. In some islands, massive crustaceans roam the beaches, cracking open coconuts with their powerful claws. In others, it’s the coconuts that are enormous, towering over their would-be predators.
Traveling aboard our Seychelles cruise, guests will have the opportunity to explore these islands and uncover their hidden secrets. As a sneak peek, here’s five of them that we’ll be visiting during our voyage.
Praslin
Just north of Seychelles’ capital of Victoria lies Praslin, the second-largest island in the archipelago. This enchanting granitic island is part of the Seychelles’ inner group, boasting a rich history as a refuge for pirates and Arabic merchants. Today, Praslin’s claim to fame are its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and its biodiverse sanctuaries.
Deep in the heart of Praslin is one of its most notable attractions – the famed Vallée de Mai Forest. For centuries, this ancient forest has captured the imagination of its visitors, inspiring numerous legends and myths. Among the most famous accounts is that of the British General, Charles Gordon who, after a visit in 1881, declared the Vallée de Mai to be the ‘Garden of Eden’. Captivated by the forest’s exotic plant life, such as the Coco De Mer palm, he theorized that they must have biblical origins. While this might be an exaggeration, the Coco De Mer is still one of a kind, bearing the world’s largest seed which could weigh up to an impressive 40 pounds. Alongside its endemic plants, the Vallée de Mai Forest also shelters a variety of rare wildlife, such as the Seychelles’ national bird – the Black parrot.
Other than the Vallée de Mai, Praslin also features beautiful beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Both of these beaches, in particular, have been consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, courtesy of their natural beauty.
Aldabra
The second of Seychelles’ locales classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is an incredible coral atoll that showcases one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. This remote paradise is home to the largest population of giant tortoises, with over 100,000 of these gentle giants freely roaming the pristine beaches of the atoll’s four islands, along with humongous coconut crabs.
Taking a page out of the Seychelles giant tortoise’s book, having a leisurely walk-through Aldabra presents the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of the atoll’s lagoon and mangrove forests. Along the way, there might even be an encounter with some of the region’s iconic bird species, such as the Red-footed booby. Fascinatingly, the White-throated rail – an extinct bird species that was recently rediscovered – could also be found on Aldabra, where it stands as the last flightless species of bird in the Indian Ocean.
Being surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean and enclosing an immense lagoon that’s larger than the Seychelles’ capital, Aldabra’s waters are packed to the brim with aquatic life. From shoals of tropical fish, to pods of sharks and even elusive sting rays, there’s a whole new world waiting to be discovered underwater. Aldabra’s mangroves are no exception, and recently, even sightings of dugongs have been recorded.
Astove
If we’re on the topic of remarkable diving and snorkeling sites, then it would be remiss to leave out Astove – a raised coral atoll located in the Coralline Seychelles (otherwise known as the Seychelles’ outer islands). Here, we find its most famous feature, the Astove Wall, which is often likened to an underwater Grand Canyon. This stunning four-mile-long wall adorned with corals hosts a diverse range of marine life common to the Indian Ocean, including sharks, rays and green turtles.
For avid anglers and underwater enthusiasts alike, Astove offers an unforgettable experience. With crystal-clear waters providing near perfect visibility, snorkelers and divers may witness vibrant coral reefs abundant with colorful fish and unique marine creatures. To those wishing to break their fishing records, massive Milkfish, Triggerfish and even Barracudas could be reeled in.
On land, the atoll’s rugged beauty includes sandy beaches and dunes, with rocky outcrops providing a striking contrast to its underwater scenery. As an important breeding ground for a variety of seabird species, including the red-footed booby, tern, and white-tailed tropicbird, birdwatchers on the island might have the opportunity to spot them nesting on the island.
Remire
Located 152 miles southwest of the capital, Remire is a small but endearing coralline island with a colorful history as a presidential retreat and a mining settlement for guano – a potent fertilizer made from accumulated bird and bat excrement. Although it has a modest size of only 0.12 square miles, Remire offers a rich abundance of wildlife, from sea birds such as the lesser noddy, to tropical fish. Relatively recent, is also the introduction of a population of peacocks to the island.
The island’s proximity to the Remire Reef makes it a prime spot for underwater exploration, featuring vistas such as vibrant coral gardens sheltering the occasional ray and sea turtle. Under the shade of casuarina trees, a stroll through the island reveals one of Seychelles’ truly hidden gems, fit for the traveler seeking tranquility and a reprieve from the crowd.
Farquhar
One of the stops on our Seychelles cruise, the Farquhar Atoll is in the southernmost region of the Seychelles. Named in honor of an influential British merchant, the island has had an eventful history, reflecting the country’s journey as a former British colony.
The atoll, notable for its sand dunes, is actually made out of a group of islets, and occupies a combined area of 65.8 square miles. The islands themselves have been designated as an Important Bird Area, with the island Goëlettes being considered as the crown jewel. Each season, it hosts an impressive colony of 300,000 pairs of sooty terns and 10,000 pairs of brown noddies. Red-footed boobies are also noted to have been making regular appearances. In addition to the constant influx of avian activity, Farquhar’s waters are also plentiful, filled with colorful fish and coral formations, making it an ideal fishing and diving destination.
The Seychelles is a treasure trove of stunning islands, each with their own unique charm and allure. Whether you’re drawn to the mystique of Praslin’s ancient forest, the diverse ecosystems of Aldabra, or the tranquil beaches of Remire, a cruise to Seychelles promises an unforgettable experience.
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