Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, renowned for pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and unique granite rock formations. Exceptional territory for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and luxury travelers alike.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
La Digue Island
La Digue is the smallest of the three main inhabited islands and the one where cars are barely used - bicycles and ox-carts still cover most trips. It is worth the day for Anse Source d'Argent, a granite-boulder beach that shows up in more Seychelles photography than any other single spot in the country, and for the slower pace that comes from an island with no real town centre. Most of the day is spent cycling between beaches rather than sightseeing in the conventional sense.
Highlights: Anse Source d'Argent - world's most photographed beach · L'Union Estate with giant tortoises · Cycling the entire island in a day · Cafe des Arts Creole lunch · Grand Anse dramatic wild beach scenery
Curieuse Island
Curieuse is a former leper colony turned nature reserve, known specifically for its population of Aldabra giant tortoises that roam free near the ranger station rather than being kept in an enclosure. The island also has a rare stand of coco de mer palms, the tree that produces the world's largest seed, growing in its natural habitat rather than a botanical garden setting. It's a half-day nature stop rather than a beach day, usually combined with other Praslin-area boat trips.
Highlights: Giant Aldabra tortoises roaming freely on the beach · Mangrove forest boardwalk · Snorkeling in the marine national park · BBQ beach lunch included in tours · Ruins of former leper colony and doctor's house
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
This is a cluster of six small islands just off Victoria, set aside as Seychelles' first marine national park, and it functions as the easiest reef and snorkelling day trip from Mahe since no long ferry crossing is involved. The appeal is entirely underwater and on the water - glass-bottom boat views of coral, snorkelling stops, and a beach lunch on one of the islets - rather than anything to walk around on land.
Highlights: Snorkeling over pristine coral reefs with abundant tropical fish · Sea turtle sightings in protected waters · Glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers and families · Lunch on Cerf Island beaches · Moyenne Island pirate graves and free-roaming tortoises
Praslin Island Full Day
Praslin is Seychelles' second-largest island and the only place on earth where the Vallee de Mai palm forest grows wild, home to the coco de mer in its native habitat and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond the forest, Praslin has two of the country's most photographed beaches, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, both reachable within a single day. It suits a traveller who wants forest, beach, and a slower island pace all in one trip without needing multiple boat transfers.
Highlights: Vallee de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site and coco de mer forest · Anse Lazio world-class beach consistently ranked globally · Black Parrot spotting in ancient palm forest · Bon Bon Plume for authentic Creole lunch · Cote d'Or beach for afternoon swimming and snorkeling
Silhouette Island
Silhouette is Seychelles' third-largest island but almost entirely undeveloped, with most of its interior protected as a national park and covered in dense, mountainous rainforest rather than the flatter granite terrain typical of Mahe and Praslin. It draws far fewer day-trippers than La Digue or Praslin because there's essentially one resort and one small settlement, Anse Lascars/La Passe, and the rest is hiking trail. It suits travellers who want a forest walk and a quiet beach over shopping or restaurants.
Highlights: Third largest Seychelles island almost entirely national park · Mont Dauban peak hike with panoramic views · Exceptional snorkeling and diving with pristine coral · Very few tourists - wild and pristine beaches · Giant land tortoise encounters in the rainforest
Mahe South Coast Self-Drive
The south of Mahe is where the island's coast road narrows into a winding, hilly route past smaller fishing villages, tea plantations, and beaches that see far fewer visitors than the northwest coast around Beau Vallon. This is a self-drive route rather than a single destination, and its value is in the drive itself - repeated climbs and descents with sea views - combined with stops that would each be minor on their own but add up to a full day.
Highlights: Anse Intendance dramatic wild beach · Takamaka Rum Distillery tour and tasting · Jardin du Roi historic spice garden · Anse Soleil sheltered cove and beachside restaurant · Mission Lodge panoramic viewpoint · Anse Royale village and local restaurants
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day trips from $65-120 per person including all boat transfers and usually lunch. Mason's Travel and beach operators at Beau Vallon and Côte d'Or Praslin are reliable.
- Private
- Private boat charter from $400-800/day depending on vessel size. Allows custom itineraries to less-visited islands and beaches inaccessible to group tours.
- Public
- Cat Cocos and Cat Roses ferries serve Mahé-Praslin-La Digue routes at $50-60 one-way per adult. Public buses on Mahé serve major towns at SCR 6 flat fare.
- Rental
- Car rental on Mahé from $40-70/day for self-drive exploration of the island's beaches, viewpoints, and attractions. Drive on the left side.
Multi-day tours from Seychelles
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from SeychellesWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Take the earliest ferry (6-7 AM from Mahé) to La Digue or Praslin to maximize your day on the smaller islands before the afternoon crowds arrive
Book Curieuse Island and Sainte Anne Marine Park tours through your hotel or beach operators the day before - some have limited capacity and may sell out on busy days
For Mahé south coast self-drive, do it Monday-Friday to ensure Takamaka Distillery and Jardin du Roi are both open
Bring cash for day trips - smaller islands and boat operators often don't accept cards