Joanna James
The archipelago of 155 islands in the Western Indian Ocean that make up the Seychelles is brimming with plenty of adventure. Despite being the smallest and least populated country in Africa, there are plenty of natural wonders to marvel at, from picturesque beaches to abundant wildlife both on land and underwater. If you are planning to have your next island adventure in Seychelles, here are some of the best offbeat attractions to visit in this idyllic archipelago.
This national park is a key highlight of Praslin Island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves a pre-historic forest that has been home to several endemic species of plants and animals including plants like the giant Coco de Mur fruit palm and vanilla orchids, and bird species such as the Seychelles Bulbul, fruit pigeon and the black parrot which is the national bird of Seychelles. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers, a visit to this National Park is one of the best things to do in Praslin.
This is yet another World Heritage Site and is the largest raised coral atoll in the world. The island is also home to several birds and animals including the white-throated Aldabra rail which is the island’s only flightless bird, and giant land tortoises. The waters around this island are also teeming with various species including manta rays and tiger sharks. So whether you decide to explore the island on land or underwater, there’s plenty to observe and marvel at.
As its name suggests, this island is a prime spot for bird watching, featuring several species including ground doves, crested terns, cardinals, fairy terns and more. However, you’ll also find other animals including Giant land tortoises. You can also go for a spell of scuba diving to witness the dugongs that inhabit the island’s surrounding waters.
This island is home to a large population of Giant Tortoises that roam about freely and also features around 16,000 plants and trees including mahogany, palm and mango. The island also bears cultural and historical significance with a church of saints from where you can buy various artefacts. The island was only ever inhabited by a single individual, a Yorkshire editor who purchased it in the late 1960s and stayed there until his death in 2012.
This is a mountainous island that features the stunning 731-metre-high Mount Dauban, as well as a rich biodiversity with a variety of bird species, turtles, and chameleons. It also has many caves that many visitors enjoy exploring. Silhouette Island is the third largest island in Seychelles and features a granite structure. It is named after the minister Étienne de Silhouette and has a Dauban mausoleum within the forest that bears evidence of the family’s legacy on the island. The interior of the island also holds a national park where many of the birds and reptiles reside.
This is a known boutique island, famous for the large boulders that stand along its beaches. It is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway where the only modes of transport are bicycles and traditional ox-carts, and the overall atmosphere is slow-paced and relaxing. You can organise and enjoy a full-day excursion to the calm island if you are staying on any of the nearby villas like the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
