Things to do
Must do list              Top Beaches            Top Restaurants   Must do list 1. Find a Secluded Beach One of the reasons why visitors flock to Seychelles is it's splendid beaches. With 115 individual islands scattered through the archipelago, it's no surprise that there are hundreds of hidden, islolated and private coves and beaches throughout the islands.  2. Enjoy the Creole cuisine Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient. Grilled fish or octopus basted with a sauce of crushed chillies, ginger and garlic are national favourites as are a variety of delicious curries lovingly prepared with coconut milk and innovative chatinis made from local fruits such as papaya and golden apple. As may be expected, seafood dishes feature predominantly in the local cuisine, appearing alongside the national staple, rice. There are Indian, Cantonese, Thai and offcourse Creole speciality restaurants. Many other restaurants feature popular international specialist dishes. 3. Discover the Vallée de Mai Explore the ancient palm forest of the Vallée de Mai on Praslin once said to be the original "Garden of Eden". This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to six endemic palm species, including the erotic-looking coco de mer. The coco de mer not only has the largest leaves in the palm family, but also the largest nut or seed in the whole plant kingdom, which is suggestively shaped like the rounded pelvis of a woman. Wander past exotic fauna and flora on paths through this pristine forest, keeping an eye out for the rare black parrot that is found nowhere else in the world. 4. Cycle Around La Digue The small island of La Digue appears to have been caught in a Seychellois time warp with only one main road and bicycles being the main mode of public transport, the best way to explore this beautiful island. Discover the small harbour village of La Passe before going in search of one of the many small and secluded coves, complete with soft white sands, clear turquoise water and palm fronds, that dot the coastline of La Digue. 5. Rent a Car and explore Mahé & Praslin Islands at your own pace Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the Islands at your own pace enjoying all the delights the islands have to offer. Driving is on the left unlike in the US and Continental Europe. Road signs are similar, or the same as those in Europe. Speed limits are 40kph in towns and villages, and 65kph outside. 6. Explore Victoria Spend a day exploring Seychelles' capital city of Victoria. It's a wonderful opportunity to interact with the friendly and diverse locals and get to sample a little of their culture. Stroll down the boulevards and explore the colonial architecture, visit the colourful market and fill your senses with the array of spices and exotic fruit on offer. Enjoy the local brew at the meeting point Pirates Arms and pop into O'Trou Lou Lou Boutique just next door. 7.  Go Snorkeling and Scuba diving A mask and flippers, and a T-shirt to guard against sunburn, are all the equipment needed.  Just about anywhere in the Seychelles provides plenty of underwater entertainment, but some sites come especially recommended. Should the idea of getting wet simply not appeal to you, there's always the option of taking a glass-bottom boat out over the reef, admiring the underwater marine vistas from on board. 8. Go Sail boating or Yachting There are sailboats as well as motor yachts that can be rented. They will take you on tours around the islands as well as take you island hopping. There are also liveaboard diving boats available. 9. Enjoy Land sports Water sports are not the only thing that Seychelles offer as there are other land sports as well. Here, get to enjoy some good rounds of tennis or golf. This is surely a fun way to spend a day with your family or loved one. 10. Go Nature Tripping This unique paradise offers some of the rarest flora and fauna in the world : the world's largest tortoise, the heaviest nut (coco de mer), the rarest tree (jellyfish tree), the largest fish (whale shark) and more. Seychelles offers great locations where you can go walking or hiking. Hire a bike on Praslin and La Digue and enjoy the wonderful scenery that the Islands have to offer. There is also bird watching and a variety of birds can be found on all of the islands in particular Bird Island. 11. Go Ziplining and Rock climbing SMAC Adventures has created the next generation in adrenalin pumping excitement to hit the Seychelles – A series of aerial Ziplines, that suspended both within and above the forest that covers the hillside on Ephelia, allows the adventurer the opportunity to experience this pristine environment in breathtaking fashion. Employing a beautiful 18 meter high natural granite rock face within the Resort at Port Launay, SMAC Adventures have developed a rock climbing facility whereby everyone, from beginner to accomplished, can experience the exhilaration of this sport in a safe and comfortable environment.
Sights, sounds and tastes of Victoria...an experience not to be missed!	Ziplining...the next generation in adrenalin pumping excitement to hit the Seychelles

 

Top Beaches

Please check with your hotel Reception before proceeding to any beaches for safety notifications. Praslin Anse Lazio, Praslin North Anse Georgette, Praslin South Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or), Praslin North Anse Petit Cour (Curieuse Marine National Park), Praslin North La Digue Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue Anse Patates, La Digue Anse Cocos, La Digue (strong currents at certain times especially June - September) Mahe Beau Vallon Beach, Mahé North Anse Royale, Mahé East Anse Intendence, Mahé South  (attention : strong currents during some seasons) Port Launay, Mahé West Sunset Beach, Mahé North L'Ilot Beach Glacis, Mahé North Anse Soleil, Mahé South West in no particular order as they are all unique. And many more...  IMPORTANT : Please take note of No Swimming signs on any beaches in Seychelles which may be unsafe for swimming due to strong currents, especially during the south-east tradewinds

Get closer to nature than you ever thought possible... a beach on Bird Island

 

Top Restaurants (independent)
Praslin Laurier Guesthouse & Restaurant, Cote d'Or, Praslin (buffet) : Tel. +248 4232 241 Bon Bon Plume, Anse Lazio, Praslin (beach restaurant, à la carte) : Tel. +248 4232 136 Tante Mimi, Cote d'Or, Praslin (à la carte) * : Tel. +248 4232 500 La Digue Loutier Koko, Grand Anse, La Digue  (beach restaurant, buffet lunch only) : Tel. +248 2514 762 Lanbousir, Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue (beach restaurant, à la carte lunch, buffet on request min 10 pax) : Tel. +248 2518308 Chez Marston, La Passe, La Digue (à la carte, wide selection) : Tel. +248 4234 023 Mahé La Scala, Bel Ombre Mahé North (evenings only, à la carte) * : Tel. +248 4247 535 La Perle Noire, Beau Vallon Mahé North (evenings only, à la carte) * : Tel. +248 4620 220 Corsaire, Bel Ombre Mahé North (evenings only, à la carte) * : Tel. +248 4247 171 (Closed until further notice) Boat House, Beau Vallon, Mahé North  (buffet dinner, best for affordable birthday celebrations) : Tel. +248 4247 898 Chez Plume, Anse Boileau Mahé West  (à la carte) * : Tel. +248 4355 050 Chez Baptista, Anse Takamaka Mahé South (lunch and dinner, beach restaurant à la carte and sunday Creole buffet) : Tel. +248 4366 300 Mahek Indian Restaurant, Coral Strand Hotel, Beau Vallon, Mahé North (speciality cuisine) * : Tel. +248 4621 000 (Closed for renovation June 2011-till further notice) Lounge 8, Vista do Mar Mahé North (new) : Tel. +248 2746 808 Baobab Pizzeria, Mahé North (cheap and open til late last serving 9.30pm) : Tel. +248 4247 167 Bravo, Mahé Eden Island (Italian Restaurant/Pizzeria, popular meeting spot, TV screens, live entertainment) : Tel. +248 4346 020 Marie-Antoinette, Mahé (Creole speciality) Creole architecture, creole cuisine and giant tortoises. An experience for the whole family. Tel. +248 426 6622 The above information is intended as a guideline only of what's popular with visitors and locals alike and what's new too. Restaurants are quite individual and therefore not all of our choices above may be shared by everyone. Dinner is served from 7.30pm to 9pm in general. Last serving by 8.45pm. Reservations are required at the restaurants indicated with an asterix *. Long trousers are also required to be worn by gentlemen, with collared t-shirt/shirt (no tie!) after 7pm at these restaurants. The remaining restaurants are less formal and shorts can be worn during the evenings as well.
Feet in sand ... Chez Batista renowned beach restaurant specialises in Creole cuisine	Desert at Bird Island Lodge