Hidden gems of the Seychelles
The Seychelles is primarily known for its three main islands – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue – but many more wonders exist beyond these shores. With 115 isles in total, visitors to the country are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, hikes, snorkelling and diving. As island-hopping and ecotourism trips boom, there has never been a better time for your clients to dip their toes into the Seychelles’ hidden gems.
Silhouette Island
At just under eight square miles, Silhouette Island is the third largest in the Seychelles, yet remains one of the most secluded. More than 90% of the island is a national park, protecting its diverse beach, rainforest and reef ecosystems, which visitors can explore on nature tours and underwater excursions. The breadth and beauty of the biodiversity found here mean it is being considered for Unesco World Heritage Site status.
Félicité Island
The waters around Félicité Island are considered some of the most breathtaking in the Seychelles. Situated only a 20-minute boat ride from La Digue, the reefs that encircle Félicité – while damaged – are a popular site for snorkelling, with visitors spying colourful reef fish, spotted eagle rays and hawksbill turtles with relative ease. Guests can stay on the island at eco-luxury resort Six Senses Zil Pasyon.
Moyenne Island
At just 22 acres, Moyenne Island holds the title of the world’s smallest national park. Despite its diminutive size, Moyenne is home to 40 endemic plant species and a protected giant tortoise colony. To conservation enthusiasts, the island is a fascinating living laboratory. Little else resides here, save for the rustic Jolly Roger Bar & Restaurant, which serves a Creole barbecue buffet.
Cousin Island
A haven for Seychellois wildlife, Cousin Island was originally made a special reserve to protect the last remaining population of the Seychelles warbler. With numerous native bird species now living undisturbed, travellers can get closer to them here than anywhere else. Situated near Curieuse Island, visitors to the small isle can expect a thriving indigenous forest, turtle monitoring and the world’s first large‑scale reef restoration project.
St Pierre Island
Adjacent to Curieuse Island, St Pierre Island is a go-to for quintessential Seychellois scenery – think idyllic palm trees, unique rock formations and dreamy turquoise seas. The island is part of Curieuse Marine National Park and, while visitors cannot disembark, this is another popular spot for underwater photography during snorkelling and diving trips.
Curieuse Island
The Curieuse Marine National Park, and the island that sits at its centre, is one of the Seychelles’ key wildlife protection hubs. Curieuse is one of only two islands in the archipelago that is home to the iconic coco de mer (pictured) palms, alongside a sizeable giant tortoise population. Day visitors can embark on scenic nature trails, followed by relaxing beachside barbecues.
Aride Island
Only six miles from Praslin, Aride Island is an accessible ecotourism site and is especially popular with birdwatchers. The island is home to a treasured seabird population of more than a million, with more breeding pairs than any other Seychellois destination. Visitors could spot rare species including the roseate tern (pictured), noddy tern, brush warbler, Seychelles magpie robin, frigatebird and red-tailed tropicbird, before watching the sunset on the beach.
Cocos Islands
Just a 10-minute boat ride from La Digue, the 27 tiny islands comprising the Cocos – formed in a ring around the site of an extinct volcano – have an idyllic desert island feel, and are a picture perfect snorkelling hotspot. The crystal-clear waters are home to eels, rays, sea turtles and sometimes even whale sharks. Visitors can stop off for authentic Creole cuisine on the inhabited West and Home islands.
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