Top 10 Leisure Activities to Do in Seychelles in 2025

Seychelles isn’t just about drool-worthy beaches (though it has plenty). This island nation blends tropical adventure with a rich Creole soul. Whether you’re craving lazy lagoon days or cultural escapades, 2025 is serving up Seychelles at its vibrant best.

Here are ten leisure activities from postcard-perfect sands to spicy street markets that will make you fall head over heels for these isles. Let’s dive in!

1. Paddle a Clear Kayak at Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue)

La Digue’s Anse Source d’Argent is so beautiful it might ruin other beaches for you. Picture powdery white sand, looming granite boulders, and water so clear you’ll spot fish darting around your toes. Now imagine gliding over that aquarium in a 100% transparent kayak  it’s like snorkeling without getting your hair wet. As you paddle between those most-photographed rock formations, you’ll feel like a castaway in a real-life screensaver.

The experience is both tranquil and thrilling. Practical info: To reach the beach, you’ll enter L’Union Estate, a former coconut plantation (entry SCR 150, about $10). A guided clear-kayak tour costs around SCR 550 per person gear and guide included. Go in the early morning for fewer crowds and calmer tides (kayak tours are tide-dependent).

Bonus tip: guides often show you hidden coves and even teach coconut cracking on the deserted Anse Pierrot. It’s a splashy start to your Seychelles adventure, guaranteed to leave you grinning and soaked (with sunshine, that is).

2. Wander the Primal Vallée de Mai (Praslin)

Step into Jurassic Park  minus the dinos. Praslin’s Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO-listed nature reserve often likened to the Garden of Eden. Its prehistoric forest of towering coco de mer palms will make you feel tiny and awestruck. Look up to see fronds fanning 30 meters overhead, and listen for the flutter of the rare black parrot. The star here is the coco de mer’s suggestively shaped fruit the largest seed on earth weighing up to 30 kg. Wandering the Vallée’s shaded trails, you half expect a brachiosaurus to poke its head through the giant ferns. It’s that otherworldly.

Her post perfectly sums up the magic of this UNESCO World Heritage Site: part jungle, part dreamscape, and entirely unforgettable.

Bring your inner botanist (and a camera). Practical info: Entry is SCR 450 (~$35) for adults, which helps fund conservation of this primeval paradise. You can explore on your own with a trail map or hire a guide at the gate (around SCR 1,000 for a group) to uncover hidden critters and endemic plants. The reserve is open 8:30am–4:30pm daily.

Go in the morning for cooler temps and a better chance to spot wildlife the palms provide a cool canopy even at midday. Don’t leave without finding the legendary “love nut” (coco de mer); it’s the ultimate Seychelles souvenir, and yes, certified ones are sold at the exit if you fancy a giant seed to lug home.

3. Hike the Morne Blanc Trail (Mahé)

Time to lace up and sweat a little for an epic panorama. On Mahé’s west coast, the Morne Blanc trail winds upward through misty montane forest to one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints. It’s a steep 45-minute climb past cinnamon trees and tea plants (wave hello to the nearby tea factory on your way up) before you emerge onto a platform above the clouds. Catch your breath as you gaze out at emerald jungle cascading to the turquoise sea far below. You might spot tropicbirds soaring on thermal drafts or even your own resort looking like a toy town. The view is worth every bead of sweat this is Mother Nature’s stairmaster with benefits.

You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to conquer Morne Blanc, but a sense of adventure helps. Practical info:

The trailhead starts near Sans Souci road (look for the sign by the tea factory). Entry is free, and no guide is needed the path is clear but steep, with ropes in some parts to assist. Wear decent shoes and carry water; it’s humid in that jungle. Aim for a morning hike to avoid the midday heat and clouds that often roll in by afternoon. At the summit’s wooden deck, reward yourself with a picnic or simply a moment of zen with that million-rupee view. On the way down, stop by the tea factory for a cup of Seychellois tea you’ve earned it.

4. Snorkel in Sainte Anne Marine Park (Mahé)

Slip on your fins and get ready to meet Nemo and friends. Just off Mahé’s coast lies Sainte Anne Marine National Park, an idyllic cluster of six islands surrounded by protected coral reefs.

This is snorkeling heaven:

think shallow lagoons teeming with neon fish, lazy sea turtles gliding by, and coral gardens waving gently in crystal-clear water. Many tours start with a short boat ride from Victoria, then drop anchor at prime snorkel spots where you can hop overboard. Peer through your mask to see parrotfish nibbling on coral, schools of surgeonfish swirling, and maybe a friendly octopus showing off its camouflage. It’s like swimming in a giant tropical aquarium no glass walls in sight.

Even non-swimmers can enjoy the park via glass-bottom boats, but it’s more fun to dive in.

Practical info :

The marine park is accessible only by boat tours (no random drop-ins, since it’s protected). Many half-day tours (~5 hours) include snorkeling gear, a visit to Moyenne Island to see its roaming tortoises, and even a beach BBQ lunch. Prices vary (around $100+ per person for group tours).

Pro tip:

Book your tour in advance during peak season to secure a spot.

And use reef-safe sunscreen  it’s law in Seychelles and keeps those corals happy. The best snorkeling is at mid-morning when the sun lights up the reef. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned mermaid, Sainte Anne’s underwater world will steal your heart (and maybe a few hours of your GoPro footage).

5. Meet Giant Tortoises on Curieuse Island (Praslin)

Ever fed a dinosaur? Here’s your chance (well, almost). Curieuse Island, a quick boat hop from Praslin, is famous for its colony of Aldabra giant tortoises living their best life in the wild. The moment you beach your boat, you’ll spot these wrinkly, slow-moving locals lumbering around like they own the place which, in a way, they do. Some of these gentle giants are over a century old, happy to stretch out their necks if you offer a snack or a chin rub.

Wandering among them feels like stepping back in time. Beyond tortoise meet-and-greets, Curieuse offers a quirky mix of history and nature: check out the ruins of a leper colony and the restored colonial Doctor’s House, then follow the boardwalk through mangroves where baby sharks and crabs zigzag in the clear shallows. It’s an island safari, Seychelles-style.

Wear your swimsuit many tours pair Curieuse with a beach BBQ and snorkeling at nearby St. Pierre islet. Practical info: Curieuse is a national park, so there’s a landing fee of SCR 300 (~€20) for visitors (usually included if you book an excursion).

A half-day trip (with snorkeling) runs about €75–€100 per adult, including park fees and lunch. Boats depart from Praslin (Côte d’Or or Anse Volbert) and take ~20 minutes. Bring sturdy sandals for the easy hike between tortoise bay and the Doctor’s House the trail has scenic viewpoints and boards over the mangroves. And remember, look but don’t harass the tortoises; these old fellas appreciate gentle respect. Nothing beats a selfie with a 150-year-old, shell-on legs influencer, right?

6. Soar on a Jungle Zipline Adventure (Mahé)

Craving an adrenaline rush? Trade the beach towel for a harness and zip-line through Mahé’s tropical treetops. At the lush Constance Ephélia estate, SMAC Adventures runs an 8-line zipline course that will have you flying high like a fruit bat on Red Bull. Clip in, take a deep breath, and step off into thin air you’ll whoosh above palm canopies and granite outcrops with the ocean peeking through the greenery.

Each line zips you from platform to platform, some up to 120 meters long, so you get a real Tarzan experience (yelling “Yahoo!” optional but encouraged). It’s equal parts terrifying and exhilarating seeing the jungle blur under your feet. Safe? Yep friendly guides double-check everything and cheer you on. By the end, your heart’s pounding and you might just want to do it all over again.

This adventure proves Seychelles isn’t all lazy days. Practical info: The zipline park is located at Constance Ephélia Resort (northwest Mahé). It’s open to non-guests; just call ahead for a booking. The full 8-zip course costs about SCR 1,150 per person (~$80) and takes around 1.5 hours. All gear is provided, and even kids as young as 4 can participate (family bonding at 60 km/h, anyone?).

Wear sneakers or secure sandals (flip-flops will go flying into the jungle, trust me) and comfortable clothes you can move in. Lockers are available for your stuff. Go in the morning or late afternoon for cooler weather. By the time you unclip, you’ll have a goofy grin, shaky legs, and bragging rights that you ziplined in paradise. High-fives all around.

7. Sail into the Sunset on a Catamaran Cruise

There’s no better way to toast a day in paradise than on a boat with the sun melting into the Indian Ocean. Sunset cruises are a Seychelles specialty picture yourself lounging on the deck of a sleek catamaran, sea breeze in your hair, a cold Seybrew beer or tropical cocktail in hand.

As the sky ignites in hues of orange, pink, and purple, you’ll glide past palm-fringed shores and granite silhouettes. You might catch sight of flying foxes heading out for their evening forage or dolphins playing in the golden wake. Many cruises amp up the vibes with Creole music or even live drumming on board. It’s romantic, it’s relaxing, and yes, it’s 100% Instagrammable.

Whether you’re honeymooners or a family, this is a crowd-pleaser. Practical info: Sunset cruises depart from various points on Mahé (Eden Island Marina or Beau Vallon) and sometimes Praslin. Options range from group party cruises to private charters.

Prices start around SCR 500–700 per person (~$35–50) for a group trip with drinks and snacks (some luxury hotel cruises cost more, of course). Most run 5pm–7pm, aligning with nature’s nightly show.

What to bring:

A light jacket (sea breeze can surprise you), camera for those flawless horizon shots, and your best “cheers” attitude. Keep an eye out for special events too occasionally there are themed sunset DJ parties afloat. But honestly, a simple sunset, a gentle sway, and good company are all you really need. It’s pure island zen.

8. Eat Like a Local at Bazar Labrin (Mahé)

Follow your nose on Wednesday evenings to Beau Vallon Beach, where the weekly Bazar Labrin night market turns the sand into a foodie fiesta. From 4pm, dozens of stalls pop up grilling fresh fish and skewering octopus, stirring giant pots of chicken curry and ladling bowls of shark chutney. The aroma of BBQ smoke, cinnamon, and chili will lure you in long before you see the crowds.

Join locals and tourists chowing down on affordable Seychellois dishes like tuna steaks slathered in ginger and garlic, crispy banana fritters, and breadfruit chips. There’s often live séga music or moutya drums, so you might find yourself dancing barefoot with a plate of grilled snapper in hand no judgment here. It’s a cultural extravaganza of food, music, and crafts under the stars, and easily the most fun you can have on a Wednesday night in Seychelles.

Bring cash (rupees) and come hungry.

Practical info: Bazar Labrin runs every Wednesday at Beau Vallon (north Mahé) roughly 4pm–9pm.

It’s free to enter; you just pay for whatever tasty things you want to eat or souvenirs you fancy (most dishes are SCR 50–150 range, i.e. a few bucks).

Arrive by 6pm for the full vibe you’ll catch sunset on the beach and first dibs on sizzling tuna kebabs. If you’re looking for a keepsake, browse the stands selling handcrafted coco de mer trinkets, pareo sarongs, and spices. And if Wednesday doesn’t fit your schedule, fear not: by day you can immerse in local flavors at Victoria’s Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (open Mon-Sat mornings).

There you’ll find fishmongers with their catch of parrotfish and red snapper, stalls overflowing with mangoes, passionfruit and spices, plus aunties cooking up samosas and curries in little take-away boxes. It’s chaotic, colorful, and a must for a true taste of Seychelles life.

9. Master Creole Cooking in a Class

Why just eat Seychelles’ mouthwatering Creole cuisine when you can learn to cook it yourself?

Taking a Creole cooking class is a delicious way to spend a day and you’ll bring home skills far better than any souvenir. Under the guidance of a local chef, you might pound chilies and spices for a fragrant curry or grate fresh coconut for ladob (a traditional sweet potato and coconut dessert). Many classes start with a market visit to pick out just-caught fish, tropical veggies, and herbs.

Then it’s aprons on, knives out: time to chop, stir and sauté signature dishes like spicy fish curry, zesty octopus salad, and tangy coconut chutney. You’ll learn the secrets of balancing Indian, African, and French flavors that make Seychellois food so unique and quite likely hear a few grandma stories and Creole proverbs in the kitchen too. Best of all, you feast on your creations at the end, usually with an ocean view. Cooking in paradise? Oui, s’il vous plaît!

It’s a fun, hands-on break from beach bumming. Practical info: Classes are offered by certain resorts and local tour operators. For instance, upscale hotels like Raffles and Four Seasons have Creole cooking experiences (often pricey but polished), while independent hosts on Mahé or Praslin offer more intimate home-style workshops.

Expect to pay anywhere from SCR 1,000–2,000 ($75–150) per person depending on group size and fanciness this usually includes all ingredients, instruction, and of course the meal you cook. Most classes last 3–4 hours. If available, opt for one that includes a market tour; haggling for fresh tuna or selecting curry leaves alongside a chef is half the fun.

Vegetarians are usually welcomed (plenty of veggie curries in Creole cuisine). Come with an empty stomach and open mind; you’ll leave with a full belly and maybe a few secret recipes to impress folks back home.

10. Catch the Views at Mission Lodge (Mahé)

For a leisurely dose of history served with a panoramic view, head up into Mahé’s mountains to Mission Lodge. Perched high on Sans Souci Road, this peaceful spot was once a 19th-century school for children of freed slaves (back then it was called Venn’s Town).

Today, it’s an atmospheric ruin with stone arches and mossy walls and one killer lookout. A short path leads you to a gazebo on the edge of the forest, where you’ll be greeted by a jaw-dropping vista of Mahé’s lush hills rolling down to the sea. It’s arguably the most famous viewpoint in Seychelles, and for good reason.

Fun fact: Queen Elizabeth II sipped tea right here in 1972, and honestly, you couldn’t design a better tea room if you tried. The combination of cool mountain air, birdsong, and that endless ocean view will give you a serene, slightly awestruck feeling a bit like Seychelles itself.

It’s an easy stop when exploring Mahé by car.

Practical info: Mission Lodge (also known as Venn’s Town) is about a 20-minute drive from Victoria.

As of recently, non-residents pay SCR 100 (≈ $7) to enter, which goes towards site upkeep. It’s open daily, roughly 9am–5pm. There’s a parking area right by the entrance and a short uphill walk (5 minutes) to the viewpoint flip-flops are fine. Along the path, informational signs share the site’s history, adding context to the crumbling dormitory walls you’ll see.

Take your time at the top: bring a cold drink or snack and enjoy the shade of the gazebo while soaking in views of Mahé’s western coast and verdant mountains. Weather tip: if it’s a clear afternoon, the lighting is fantastic for photos; if clouds are low, you may literally be in a fog (still cool, but maybe skip). Mission Lodge is a gentle reminder that Seychelles’ story is as layered as its scenery – a perfect finale to your island adventures.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a foodie, or a beach bum at heart, you’ll find your bliss in this Indian Ocean paradise. So pack your swimsuit and your sense of adventure, and get ready to collect memories (and perhaps a bit of sand in your suitcase) from the ultimate tropical playground. As the Seychellois say, “Bon voyage e bon eksperyans!” have a great trip and a good experience.

See you at the beach bar – sunset’s on me.