After soaking in the diverse things to do in Mahé, from its lush mountain trails to pristine beaches, day trips from Mahé allow you to discover the Seychelles’ hidden treasures. These excursions extend your adventure to nearby islands, unveiling unique ecosystems, rare wildlife, and secluded spots beyond the main island’s shores.
Venturing from Mahé, you’re introduced to the broader allure of things to do in the Seychelles, where each island offers its own slice of paradise, from the giant tortoises of Curieuse Island to the bird sanctuaries of Cousin Island. These day trips enrich your experience with insights into the archipelago’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty.
Deciding where to stay in Mahé is crucial for travelers aiming to seamlessly blend exploration with relaxation. A strategic location offers not only breathtaking ocean views but also convenient access to boat launches and excursions, ensuring your stay is as adventurous as it is tranquil.
Discover Best Day Trips from Mahé, Seychelles
1. Praslin Island, Seychelles
Praslin Island, known for the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the famous Coco de Mer palm trees and rare bird species like the Seychelles Black Parrot. The island also boasts beautiful beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
Distance: Approximately 44 km (by ferry)
Travel Time: A ferry from Mahé to Praslin takes approximately 1 hour
Transportation: Ferry
Main Attractions: Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve: $25
- Anse Lazio: Free
- Anse Georgette: Free
Budget: Approximately $60-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio Beach, Anse Georgette Beach
Travel Tip: Spend time exploring both the nature reserve and the beaches. Renting a car on Praslin can be a convenient way to see the island at your own pace.
2. La Digue Island, Seychelles
La Digue, famous for its traditional atmosphere and stunning beaches such as Anse Source d’Argent, offers a more laid-back experience. The island is best explored by bicycle, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
Distance: Approximately 50 km (by ferry)
Travel Time: Travel involves a ferry to Praslin (1 hour) and then a short ferry transfer to La Digue (15 minutes)
Transportation: Ferry
Main Attractions: Anse Source d’Argent, L’Union Estate, Grand Anse
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Anse Source d’Argent: $10
- L’Union Estate: $10
- Grand Anse: Free
Budget: Approximately $50-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Anse Source d’Argent Beach, L’Union Estate, Grand Anse Beach
Travel Tip: Rent a bike to explore the island’s beaches and don’t miss the L’Union Estate for a glimpse into traditional Creole life.
3. Silhouette Island, Seychelles
Silhouette Island, known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic mountainous landscapes, is ideal for nature lovers and hikers. The island has several trails through its lush forests and offers a chance to spot unique flora and fauna.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: The island is accessible by a 45-minute boat ride from Mahé
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Hiking trails, biodiversity, mountainous landscapes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Entry to the island is generally free, but certain guided activities may have fees
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Mont Dauban, Anse Mondon, Grande Barbe
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water if you plan to explore the island’s trails.
4. Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Seychelles
Sainte Anne Marine National Park encompasses six islands off the coast of Mahé, offering fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities in crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for seeing a wide array of marine life.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Travel Time: A short boat ride of about 15-20 minutes from Mahé
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Snorkeling, diving, marine life
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Marine Park Entry: $15
- Snorkeling Gear Rental: $10 (optional)
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Sainte Anne Island, Cerf Island, Moyenne Island
Travel Tip: Bring your snorkeling gear or rent it on the island, and don’t forget an underwater camera to capture the vibrant marine life.
5. Cousin Island, Seychelles
Cousin Island is a nature reserve primarily known for its birdlife, including the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie-robin. It’s a sanctuary for many endemic and rare species, and conservation efforts can be observed firsthand here.
Distance: Approximately 45 km (via Praslin)
Travel Time: The trip involves a 1-hour ferry to Praslin, followed by a short boat ride to Cousin Island
Transportation: Ferry and boat
Main Attractions: Birdwatching, conservation efforts, nature reserve
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Guided Tour: $25
- Conservation Fee: $10
Budget: Approximately $60-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Bird sanctuaries, nature trails, beaches
Travel Tip: Visit with a guided tour to learn about the island’s conservation efforts and the best spots to view wildlife.
6. Moyenne Island, Seychelles
Moyenne Island, part of Sainte Anne Marine National Park, is a small island known for its nature trails, historical ruins, and large population of giant tortoises. It’s an ideal destination for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Travel Time: A 20-minute boat ride from Mahé
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Nature trails, historical ruins, giant tortoises
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Island Entry: $12
- Nature Trail: Free
- Picnic Areas: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Giant tortoise habitats, beaches, nature trails
Travel Tip: Bring good walking shoes for exploring the island’s trails and enjoy a picnic on one of its secluded beaches.
7. Curieuse Island, Seychelles
Curieuse Island is home to a large colony of Aldabra giant tortoises and offers a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle giants. The island also features the Doctor’s House museum, showcasing the island’s history.
Distance: Approximately 45 km (via Praslin)
Travel Time: Access to Curieuse is typically via a boat tour from Praslin, which takes about 20 minutes from Praslin (plus the 1-hour ferry from Mahé to Praslin)
Transportation: Ferry and boat
Main Attractions: Aldabra giant tortoises, Doctor’s House museum, mangrove forests
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Island Entry: $15
- Doctor’s House Museum: $5
- Mangrove Walk: Free
Budget: Approximately $50-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Mangrove forests, beaches, tortoise habitats
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the guided walk through the mangrove forests, and remember to keep a respectful distance from the tortoises.
8. Aride Island, Seychelles
Aride Island, a nature reserve, is one of the most important seabird habitats in the Indian Ocean, with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers and conservation enthusiasts.
Distance: Approximately 50 km (via Praslin)
Travel Time: Reachable by a boat trip from Praslin, which is about a 30-minute ride (plus the 1-hour ferry from Mahé to Praslin)
Transportation: Ferry and boat
Main Attractions: Seabird habitats, nature reserve, conservation
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Guided Tour: $25
- Conservation Fee: $10
Budget: Approximately $60-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Birdwatching sites, nature trails, beaches
Travel Tip: Visit between October and April for the best birdwatching opportunities, and bring binoculars for a closer look at the island’s avian inhabitants.
Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners
🚗 Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
🏨 Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
🌟 Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
📶 Stay Connected with Airalo.com
FAQ About Best Day Trips from Mahé, Seychelles
What are some must-visit places on a day trip from Mahé?
Must-visit places on a day trip from Mahé include Praslin Island, especially Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, La Digue Island for its stunning beaches like Anse Source D’Argent, and snorkeling or diving trips to Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
Is it worth visiting Praslin Island from Mahé?
Absolutely! Praslin Island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Vallée de Mai, where the rare Coco de Mer palms grow. It’s a stunning natural paradise perfect for nature lovers.
Can I do a day trip to La Digue from Mahé?
Yes, La Digue is accessible by ferry from Mahé and is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, traditional architecture, and relaxed pace of life. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the quintessential beauty of the Seychelles.
Are there guided tours to Sainte Anne Marine National Park?
Yes, several guided tours offer snorkeling and diving excursions to Sainte Anne Marine National Park, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and a diverse range of marine life.
What activities are available on Curieuse Island?
Curieuse Island offers a unique opportunity to see giant Aldabra tortoises in their natural habitat, walk through mangrove forests, and learn about the island’s conservation efforts at the Marine National Park.
Is a boat trip to the surrounding islands recommended?
Definitely! A boat trip to the surrounding islands from Mahé allows you to discover secluded beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Seychelles archipelago.
Can I explore Morne Seychellois National Park on a day trip?
Yes, Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé offers hiking trails through lush tropical forests, leading to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean and the island’s rugged interior.
Are there any cultural tours available in Mahé?
Mahé hosts several cultural tours that explore Creole heritage, including visits to historic sites, Creole houses, and local art galleries, offering a deeper understanding of the Seychelles’ rich culture and history.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/mahe-l1014?activity_type=dayTrip
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.
