City Guides: Things to do While Boating in the Seychelles
The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse marine life and luxurious attractions. It’s located off the East Coast of Africa, east of Zanzibar. You’ll find opportunities for fishing and sailing, beautiful beaches, the rock formations at Anse Source d’Argent and the white sand and granite boulders of Anse Lazio.
The islands are home to coral reefs and marine life, including turtles, rays, reef sharks and giant Aldabra tortoises. The largest islands in the Seychelles are Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette. Other popular islands include Bird Island, Aldabra Island and Desroches Island.
Vallée de Mai (Praslin)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai prehistoric forest is home to rare black parrots and the coco de mer palm, which produces the world’s largest seed. Visitors can take nature walks through lush rainforests.
Morne Seychellois National Park (Mahé)
Are you searching for an outdoor adventure to visit from a marina or private boat dock rental? Established in 1979, the Morne Seychellois National Park offers lush forests with hiking trails leading to waterfalls and panoramic island views. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing the Seychelles kestrel and blue pigeon, while plant enthusiasts keep an eye out for plants like Seychelles vanilla.
Victoria (Mahé)
The capital city of Victoria is home to the Seychelles National Botanical Garden, a replica of London’s Big Ben (built in 1903) and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, a lively market for fish, spices, crafts and local produce. Founded in 1778, it was named for Queen Victoria and makes a fun and unique day trip from a private boat slip for rent.
L'Union Estate (La Digue)
Explore the vanilla and coconut plantations and Creole architecture at L’Union Estate, a colonial-era house with antiques, artifacts and Colonial-era objects. Explore the tropical gardens, and don’t miss the giant tortoise park. The granite boulders and beautiful sand of Anse Source d’Argent have easy access to the site, making it perfect for history and outdoor enthusiasts to visit from marinas and private boat lift rentals.
Seychelles Tea Factory (Mahé)
Learn about the history of tea production, watch the tea-making process and enjoy a cup with views of rolling hills at the SeyTe Tea Factory. The company focuses on small-scale production using high-quality ingredients and sustainable farming practices. Initially opened in the 19th century, the factory produces black, green and specialty tea blends from the camellia sinensis plant.
