Seychelles with kids: 6 places to visit – A vacation in a tropical paradise

Located close to the equator, on the east side of Kenya, Seychelles is an archipelago that comprises 115 islands. A bigger portion of the archipelago is protected, and most of the attractions therein are enclosed within sanctuaries. The islands offer a myriad of things to do and see. The lush mountain trails are inviting to hikers, beachgoers love the charming beaches, the beautiful flora and fauna draw photographers, and the gourmets are here to sample the delicious food. Travellers are comfortably accommodated at villas in Seychelles; an example of Seychelles accommodation would be Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas.

The archipelago's fourth-largest island, La Digue Island, is ideal for nature lovers. Your kids will fall in love with the natural attractions here. The island also offers insight into traditional island life; oxcarts and bicycles are the main methods of travel. Families are drawn to the white sandy beaches with granite outcrops strewn all over. Anse Source D'Argent is one of the most visited beaches. There's an admission fee, but it includes a tour through the vanilla plantation and the old copra factory.

Known for its tortoise breeding programme, Curieuse Island is another place in Seychelles that you should visit with kids. The island has a variety of trees, including casuarina trees and takamaka trees, but the most noteworthy is the mass of coco de mer palm trees; the island is the only place on earth where these trees grow naturally. Curieuse Island was a leper colony in the past; you can still see the leprosarium along with the doctor's house.

The nature lovers adore Morne Seychellois National Park. Covering around 1/4th of Mahe, this national park stands to be the largest of its kind in the archipelago. The park shelters a diverse range of bird species including, sunbird, bulbul and scops-owl. It is covered in lush vegetation, and the plant species include pitcher plants, ferns, pandanus and a variety of endemic plants. Hiking trails might be too steep for the kids, but you will love all of them. These trails ascend from the park to Danzil, a village, through tea plantations, and they all offer spectacular views of the beaches.

Occupying six islands, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a 20-minute boat ride from Mahe. The park is the first park of its kind to have been established in the Indian Ocean. Visitors are offered various aquatic pursuits, including diving, snorkelling, and boat excursions. The glass-bottom boat excursions are the best as they unveil the diverse marine life of the island. Several day trips are offered from Mahe, allowing tourists to explore the islands.

The dazzling sand of the beach and the bright blue waters of the sea attract both locals and tourists. The beach is outlined by Silhouette Island that looks over the sea, creating a picturesque image. The place is the perfect spot for families with kids. People come here on the weekend for BBQ picnics and to enjoy the delicious food served at the eateries and cafes. You can also enjoy a range of watersports here on the beach, including water skiing, jet skiing and paddle boarding. There are lifeguards patrolling the beach, making it a safe place for small children.

Another place ideal for families, Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve offers a respite from beach activities. The park is known for the coco de mer fruit palm, which totals up to approximately 4,000 trees. The UNESCO listed site is studded with hiking trails and endemic species.