You may think of the Seychelles as a picturesque, tropical beach destination. Whilst it is known for its incredible white sands and turquoise warm waters, it is also home to much more. Discover our top things to do in the Seychelles, other than relaxing on the beach. 

Being the island archipelago that it is, the Seychelles is naturally known for its high quality seafood. There are multiple locations to taste the local cuisine, such as the Bazar Labrin. This local food market features a traditional Creole BBQ on the beach where you can enjoy local grilled fish, with the backdrop of the setting sun.

One of the best restaurants in the Seychelles is Marie Antoinette, a local favorite with an iconic 50 year history of serving authentic Creole food. A few must-try dishes are the parrotfish, fish stew and the pumpkin chutney, all of which have been created with local produce. 

The Seychelles is home to many exotic species, including green sea turtles, the endangered Hawksbill sea turtles and of course, gigantic tortoises. Take a boat trip to Bird Island, where you may catch a glimpse of the rare sea turtles swimming in the shallows. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may also be lucky enough to witness a turtle hatching.

Meander through the Botanical Garden on Mahe Island and come face-to-face with a giant tortoise. These tortoises are amongst the largest in the world, and are typically over 150 years in age.

Image courtesy of: Curieuse Is, Seychelles Tourism Board

Immerse yourself in a new culture on your trip to the Seychelles and visit the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple. The Hindu temple is fitting of the picturesque Seychelles scenery; with its multicolored façade, it is often described as one of the most beautiful temples in the world.

Image courtesy of: Vanessa, Seychelles Tourism Board

Take a boat trip to the spectacular island of Praslin, which is worth visiting if just for its palm-fringed beaches and giant granite boulders that feature in most Seychelles imagery.

A trip to the UNESCO world heritage site of Vallee de Mai is essential when visiting the island. This nature reserve is the best place to find the largest nut in the world - the Coco de Mer. After you’ve explored the reserve, take an extra hike to Praslin Waterfall. The waterfall is hidden in the depths of the rainforest, making it feel like a secret slice of paradise. 

The popular Seychelles island of La Digue is home to the most famous beach in the Seychelles, Anse Source D’Argent.

Visitors can take the ferry over to the island and rent a bike to cycle around. As well as admiring the picturesque beach scenes, you can explore L’Union Estate, see a traditional copra mill and kilm, as well as visit the island’s plantation house – all on two wheels.

Discover the true beauty of the Seychelles from above and zip-line through the rainforest of Mahe Island. There are multiple lines to brave, each entwining through and above the luscious rainforest canopy.

Look out for local wildlife as you zip through the treetops, with incredible views spanning the entire island and beyond. The walk to the start of the zip-line is just as picturesque, with outlooks of the bay at Port Launay.

One way to explore the Seychelles is by horseback riding around one of the islands. Take a day trip around Mahe Island with Turquoise Horse Trails, who are known for operating multiple trails designed for all kinds of riders, from beginner to novice.

Sit back and relax as you meander through exotic forest trails and trot along tropical beaches. Some of the tours also include picnic pit stops with a view, swimming and wilderness exploring.

Image courtesy of: Josefina Fontana, Seychelles Tourism Board

When you vacation in an island archipelago, water sports are an obvious way to spend your days by the beach. Although, you may not have known that there is a vast array of things to do around this picturesque Seychelles coastline.

Book a luxurious boat cruise at sunset, kayak between the mangrove forests, take a parasailing flight above the ocean or jet-ski on the clear blue waters. Hire a yacht and sail around the archipelago, surf on the exposed reef break in La Digue, spot marine life as you paddle board through the ocean or fly fish on Aphonse Island. 

Take a day to admire the works of local artist, George Camille at the George Camille Gallery on the oceanfront. Camille captures the essence of the Seychelles in his artwork, drawing on inspiration from natural elements of the island archipelago. Visitors can take home a sample of his work as a special memento of their time in the Seychelles.

Visit the Eden Art Gallery for a look in the largest international contemporary gallery on the island. The space is packed with works from local artists as well as renowned international pieces. Browse through various photographic works, oil paintings, canvas art and more.

Images courtesy of: Seychelles Tourism Board. For more information visit seychelles.travel