The Coco de Mer Quest: Chasing Nature’s Curviest Secret

Seychelles is home to a botanical oddball: the coco de mer, a coconut so big and so cheekily shaped that 19th-century explorers assumed it grew underwater.

This legendary “love nut” holds the title of world’s largest (and heaviest) seed, often weighing 15-30 kg, and its suggestive form has inspired myths and smirks alike.

To find one in the wild, you’ll need to island-hop the coco de mer grows naturally on only two of Seychelles’ 115 islands (Praslin and Curieuse) and nowhere else on Earth. In other words, get ready for a tropical treasure hunt like no other.

Feeling adventurous (or just nuts)? Here’s your step-by-step insider guide to chasing down the coco de mer in 2025. From primordial forests to beachside bars, we’ve rounded up the best places and experiences to encounter Seychelles’ strangest seed in all its glory. Pack your curiosity (and maybe a sense of humor), and let’s track down this naughty natural icon no pirate map required.

1. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin Island

Deep in Praslin’s lush interior lies Vallée de Mai a prehistoric palm jungle so enchanting that General Charles Gordon famously declared it the real “Garden of Eden”sif.sc.

Wander under towering palms where sunlight barely peeks through giant fronds, and you’ll spot coco de mer clusters overhead in their last stronghold on Earth. The forest feels like a set from Jurassic Park, complete with endemic black parrots swooping by and dappled emerald light. It’s humid, mystic, and a little bit sensual much like the curvy coco de mer itself.

This hilarious snap by @divergenttravelers perfectly captures the playful spirit of Vallée de Mai where travelers can’t resist striking cheeky poses with Seychelles’ most infamous nut. Their post sums it up best: this UNESCO forest isn’t just ancient, it’s alive with stories, rare palms, and plenty of giggles courtesy of the legendary Coco de Mer.

Don’t rush through this UNESCO World Heritage Site  take the 2km circular trail at a leisurely pace (guide optional, but worth it for the insider tales).

Entry costs SCR 450 (about $35) for non-residents, which helps fund conservation of this ancient valley. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and bug spray; the trek is gentle but steamy under the giant leaves.