Seychelles Beyond the Beaches: 5 Close-to-Nature Experiences worth Cherishing

When the idyllic beaches in Seychelles wooed the likes of Bollywood superstars Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, it spiked up from being a quaint Indian Ocean archipelago to a honeymoon hotspot. But if you look closely you’ll see that there’s more to this Indian Ocean gem than its pristine oceanfront settings. So, let’s go beyond its beaches and explore some offbeat things to do in Seychelles. 

Spend a Day with Exotic Species at Curieuse Island

North of the famous Praslin Islands, this natural gem is known for the striking red earth, infamous coco de mer palms and Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Declared as Curieuse Marine National Park, the island and its surrounding waters play host to exotic wildlife and is a nature lover’s sanctuary.

Kick-start your trip at Baie Laraie where a large number of hump headed parrotfishes await to welcome you at the shallow waters. Take a hike through the mangrove forest to reach Doctor’s House and who knows, maybe you’d be lucky enough to watch sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach in front! Lookout for the takamaka trees (yes! that’s what the Indian-laurel is known here) and the Seychelles black parrot – the National Bird of Seychelles, while hiking through the island. Also, don’t forget to check out the endangered hawksbill turtle rookery.

#MMTQuickTip: The coco de mer palms is the National Fruit and any sort of disregard for this infamous gem is not tolerated, so be on your guards!

Perk It up with Some Diving Diversion

When 43 inner islands and surrounding waters are your playground, get into a shorty wetsuit is to relish a taste of adventure. Stage a dive at the terraced walls of Aldabra or amidst corals and sponges at Cosmoledo atoll – you’ll have your own ZNMD moment for sure! You can also earn a diving certification with a fully planned operational course here.

#MMTTravellerTrivia: Plan a December trip to participate in the Seychelles Ocean Festival.

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Beach Hopping in Seychelles

Enjoy Fishing in the Indian Ocean

The Seychelles government promotes this ancient practice with the aid of its rich aquatic life rendering an offbeat recreational tourism boost for the Outer Islands. Choose from bottom fishing for landing a good haul to salt-water fly fishing to challenge your skills – get ready to explore 1.4 million square kilometers of fishing areas at Seychelles.

Stroll through the Garden of Eden – Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Yes! One of the last remains of the supercontinent Gondwana, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve today stands as a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, but was considered to be the Garden of Eden by early British explorers. Home to troves of exotic plants and trees and housing the flagship species of global significance – coco de mer, this reserve also has five other endemic species of plants. Keep your camera handy for a glimpse of the tiger chameleon or the Seychelles tree frogs or the numerous other exotic crustaceans and invertebrates in the park.

Read More: A Romantic Holiday in Seychelles is Just What Cupid Ordered

Tie Your Shoe Laces Tight for the Morne Blanc trails

Commanding swoon-worthy views of the azure ocean and crystal clear beaches from atop Morne Seychellois National Park, Morne Blanc stands mighty at 2188 ft. Power up with a scenic hike amid lush green tea plantations and soak in the natural flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Choose a sunny morning to avoid trekking through the clouds and stamping on wolf snakes!

Say yes to create your own Seychelles memories. Pack up and head out now!

Book Your Flight to Seychelles