Our most recommended things to do in Mahé

Victoria: St. Anne Marine Park and Cerf Island with Lunch

1. Victoria: St. Anne Marine Park and Cerf Island with Lunch

Depart Eden Island Marina by glass bottom boat to discover the underwater world of this unique and protected tropical coral reef. On this relaxing excursion, you will spend the day experiencing the wonders of the Marine Park with its dazzling turquoise waters, beautiful scenery and a never to forget snorkeling experience where you can observe a large number of fish species in their natural habitats as well as doing a spot of fish feeding by hand. Disembark on Cerf Island to enjoy a delicious creole BBQ. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on Cerf Island. A flora and fauna reserve home to around giant land tortoises.

Praslin: Curieuse and St. Pierre Island Excursion

2. Praslin: Curieuse and St. Pierre Island Excursion

The Curieuse Marine National Park is a sanctuary to a big variety of flora and fauna. On the southern part of the island, you will discover a mangrove swamp that is traversed by a walkway for park visitors. The island is also known for its coco de merpalms, giant takamaka trees, and a large hawksbill turtle rookery. The area is also rich with several bird species, such as the rare Seychelles black parrot Coracopis nigra barklyi, a parrot found only there and on Praslin. St. Pierre Island is a raised reef island west of Providence Atoll and a part of the Farquhar Group, which belongs to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It has a distance of 736 kilmometers southwest of the capital, Victoria, on Mahé Island. St. Pierre is a tiny granite islet with a handful of coconut palm trees. It’s a picture-perfect miniature island in the middle of the ocean. St. Pierre is considered as one of Seychelles best snorkeling locations, providing the opportunity to see a wide variety of colorful fish and sea turtles. The full day tour includes a delicious BBQ Lunch as well as soft drinks. You will have opportunities to snorkel and visit these two beautiful islands, and at the conclusion of your experience you will be returned to Praslin.

Mahé: Customizable Private Tour of Island with Driver

3. Mahé: Customizable Private Tour of Island with Driver

The day will start with the driver picking you up at your hotel, accommodation, port of debarkation, or from the airport. After a brief introduction, you will plan your trip with the driver and head to the sites you desire. Choose from a list of incredible spots that are all must-see locations on the island. You can have a tour around the island and stop anytime at a restaurant or café for lunch or just a quick bite — your tour guide will recommend some great options. Visit the beach and later watch the sunset over the horizon. Or, visit all of the museums in town, go for a tour around the rum distillery, or just ride along while enjoying a cold drink in an air-conditioned vehicle in perfect comfort  Your friendly, helpful drivers can help you to decide the perfect day in paradise and suggest places to visit depending on your interests but you remain in control.   Some of the city highlights include: • Victoria Market • Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple • Historic monuments • Victoria Clock Tower • The Immaculate Conception Cathedral • La Domus • Bel Air Cemetery

From Mahe: Praslin and La Digue Tour with Transfer and Lunch

4. From Mahe: Praslin and La Digue Tour with Transfer and Lunch

Depart Mahe Island, destination Praslin Island. Visit the Vallee De Mai, the heart of Praslin, home to the Coco De Mer Palm and the Black Parrot, also described as the Garden of Eden due to its mystical nature. You will be given a brief explanation of its history and have the chance to take a few souvenir photos before heading out to Anse Lazio. The most famous beach on Praslin and one of the “best in the archipelago” with its fine white sands and gorgeous turquoise water that is so clear you can watch the fish swim around you. Next, We Head To La Digue Island. Experience the laid-back atmosphere of island living. Travelling by bicycle or oxcart is the way to go, but if you prefer to walk, it is a good opportunity to truly get the most out of your visit. First, stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of our local restaurants, and after you have the rest of the afternoon free to explore the Island.

Mahe: St.Anne Marine National Park Reef Safari with Lunch

5. Mahe: St.Anne Marine National Park Reef Safari with Lunch

Explore the wonders of the St. Anne National Marine Park on this exciting full-day excursion that is jam-packed with fun-filled activities like snorkeling. See colorful fish and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch.  Set sail aboard Anahita as you head off to discover Mahé’s inner islands. Next, hop aboard a semi-submersible vessel as you dip below the waves to explore the depths of the Marine Park.  Enjoy feeding the tropical fish surrounding the boat and then get up close and personal with the creatures that inhabit the park’s colorful coral gardens for a refreshing snorkel or swim. Be treated to lunch and musical entertainment before heading ashore to Moyenne Island. Visit the island on foot in search of giant tortoises that freely roam here. Visit old ruins and pirate graves on the island or relax on the island’s private beach.  The day ends with a tropical cocktail and a leisurely cruise around the Marine Park before returning to Mahé.

Mahé: Seychelles Airport and Ferry Transfers

6. Mahé: Seychelles Airport and Ferry Transfers

Enjoy a safe and reliable airport transfer between Seychelles Airport and Mahé Ferry Port or the other way around. Specify the time you want to be picked up, and let the driver take care of the rest. Sit back, relax, and travel in air-conditioned comfort. Save yourself the hassle of having to carry heavy bags, navigating the public transportation system, or waiting in line for a taxi. Whether traveling from the airport or the ferry port, be greeted by your driver, who will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name.

From Mahé: Praslin & La Digue Island-Hopping Tour with Lunch

7. From Mahé: Praslin & La Digue Island-Hopping Tour with Lunch

Discover two of the Seychelles' most breathtaking islands on this island-hopping catamaran cruise from Mahé. Visit Vallée de Mai on Praslin and L'Union Estate on La Digue with tickets and guided tours included. Enjoy a Creole lunch onboard and stroll along some of the Seychelles' most picturesque beaches. After getting picked up from your hotel anywhere on Mahé, hop on the catamaran that will take you to Praslin, the Seychelles' second-largest island. Your first stop is Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place in the world where the sea coconut grows naturally. Enjoy a walk along the paths of this primeval forest, listening to the rare black parrot. See for yourself why the forest is said to be the original Garden of Eden. Pay a visit to the famous Anse Lazio Beach and enjoy a stroll through its postcard-perfect sands before the crossing to La Digue. Spot dolphins and other native sea life along the way. Tuck into a delicious Creole barbeque lunch served onboard. Upon landing on La Digue, hop in a traditional ox-cart for a transfer to L'Union Estate. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate with tickets included and spot giant tortoises as well as the refurbished colonial plantation house, the filming location of "Goodby Emmanuelle." Continue your tour of La Digue in an open-sided truck, stopping at Anse Source d'Argent Beach to see for yourself why this is one of the most photographed beaches on the planet. At the end of the day, hop back on board the catamaran and get transferred back to you hotel in Mahé.

From Praslin: Cocos, Felicite & La Digue Islands Tour

8. From Praslin: Cocos, Felicite & La Digue Islands Tour

Get picked up from your hotel on Praslin Island in the morning, then set off on a speedboat adventure to discover some of the most stunning islands in the Seychelles archipelago. First, arrive at Cocos - an idyllic isle bathed by crystal-clear waters with exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Swim amid turtles and hundreds of fish above a wealth of coral.  Next, head over to Félicité Island - a small, heavily forested granite island that forms part of a protected marine park. Enjoy plenty more opportunities to snorkel and swim here, whilst taking in the breathtaking natural scenery.  Finally, arrive at La Digue which offers the perfect mix of local culture and beautiful white-sand beaches. Admire the old Copra Mill used to produce coconut oil, an old cemetery, and the spectacular beaches. The guest may visit the marvel at the giant granite boulders on the famous white sand beach of Anse Source D’Argent which are truly breathtaking. At the end of your excursion, board the speedboat to return to Praslin where you will be dropped off back at your hotel.

Eden Island: Semi-Submarine Tour in St. Anne Marine Park

9. Eden Island: Semi-Submarine Tour in St. Anne Marine Park

Experience wonder and beauty of the famous Sainte Anne National Marine Park on this semi-submarine tour from Eden Island. Cruise into the heart of the Indian Ocean's oldest marine reserve and witness first-hand the magic of the Seychelles. Meet your guide and board a semi-submarine that is covered with a non-slip material and is equipped with safety handrails. Start your journey above deck where you can take in some sun and enjoy the fresh air as your captain heads towards the reef. Snap some pictures of the Eden Island and the Mahe mountain tops as you sail along. Once at the reef, head below deck to enjoy the spacious air-conditioned underwater observatory. View the underwater wonders of Saint Anne National Park. Have the chance to spot a wide variety of marine life like corals, seaweed, green turtles, dolphins, and colorful schools of fish. Enjoy underwater landscapes of granite rocks and sandy plains before heading back to Eden Island.

From Mahé: La Digue Boat Trip with Bike Rental

10. From Mahé: La Digue Boat Trip with Bike Rental

Whether you are starting off from Mahé or Praslin islands, you will be cruising the crystalline waters on board the island’s community ferries to La Digue, where you will experience some of the most memorable and authentic island living moments. La Digue is yours to explore guide-free and at your own pace for the entirety of the day. Hop onto your bike to begin your adventure, and allow yourself to be open to all the surprises that you may find right around the corner, such as an unbothered land tortoise causing some mid-morning “traffic". You can choose to visit many of the island’s attractions, such as L’Union Estate, home to the cemetery of the original settlers of the island. Attractions include a traditional copra mill, giant land tortoises, an old plantation house, and the picturesque Anse Source D’Argent; famous for its huge granite boulders and clear turquoise water.

Add dates

Things to do in
Mahé

All activities

71 activities found
Sort by:

Immersive experiences

Go beyond Mahé

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Mahé

Insider tips: Explore Mahe like a local

Olly Gaspar is a professional adventure travel photographer and blogger known for his captivating visual storytelling and immersive travel guides. Olly has spent the last five years traveling full-time and posting about his adventures on We Seek Travel.

What should I do on my first trip to Mahé?

Mahé is the largest and most populous Seychelles island, and one of the best things to do for first-time visitors is to visit Morne Seychelles National Park. This lush forested area covers over a fifth of the island and offers many amazing nature hikes where you can spot diverse flora and fauna. Travelers will find some amazing beaches along the coast, like the famous Beau Vallon Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands.

What are some hidden gems to see in Mahé?

One hidden gem you won’t want to miss is the Sainte Anne Marine Park, just a short boat ride from Mahé. This protected marine reserve comprises six small coral-reef-lined islands with some of the best snorkeling in Seychelles — a perfect day trip. A hidden gem on Mahé is the Anse Major trail, which winds through the lush jungle to the secluded Anse Major beach. The hike takes about two hours for the return trip and offers stunning views of the island’s coastline. The beach is amazing, and easily one of the best places to swim and relax in the Seychelles.

How much time should I spend in Mahé?

With plenty to see and do most visitors can comfortably explore Mahé’s major attractions within a week. To make the most of your time on Mahé, you’ll want to do some day trips exploring the islands and take advantage of the laidback atmosphere by relaxing on the beach. Each island area has its unique charm, with highlights including the Morne Seychelles National Park in the north, the city of Victoria and its surrounding areas in the east, and the stunning beaches and far-flung marine reserves of the south. When visiting Seychelles, you should also check out the nearby Praslin and La Digue Islands. Many choose to break up their Seychelles vacation by spending a week in Mahé and two or three days on Praslin or La Digue.

What food is Mahe known for?

As a remote island in the Indian Ocean, Mahé’s food scene has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and it is known for colorful and flavor-packed dishes influenced by African, Indian, and French cooking. One dish particularly beloved on the island is the Seychellois curry, a fragrant and spicy meat or fish dish made with coconut milk and served with rice or lentils and papaya chutney.

What is the best way to get around Mahé?

Many travelers choose to rent a car to explore Mahé and there are rental shops at the airport and in Victoria. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful on the island and convenient for shorter journeys. Travelers on a budget or who want to experience local life can use public buses — a cheap and reliable way to get around most of the island.

What are the best months to visit Mahé?

April and May are the best months to visit Mahé when it's typically warm and sunny with low humidity and less chance of rain. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy the island’s amazing beaches and fun outdoor activities like hiking.

What are the best annual events in Mahé?

The Creole Festival takes place in October and celebrates the vibrant traditional Creole culture through music, dance, and food. Visitors arriving in April can experience the Seychelles Carnival. This national carnival is a vibrant celebration of the islands’ diverse cultures, with music, food, performances, and colorful parades over several days attracting international crowds.

What are the best beaches around Mahé?

As the largest and most popular island in the Seychelles, there are plenty of great places to stay in Mahé. While many choose to stay in Victoria, the best neighborhood to stay in for beaches is Beau Vallon. You’ll find various accommodations, restaurants, and great bays for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports here.

Other Sightseeing Options in Mahé

Want to discover all there is to do in Mahé? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Mahé

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 447 reviews

I booked this trip for my Dad and Mum and i wanted to customize the itinerary based on their interests. I reached out to charles before hand and he was very accommodating. My parents had a lovely time. He professional and very courteous. He took them around Mahe and very patient with them as they elderly. He is very knowledgeable about the area and is great tour guide. I booked another tour for Half day session and it was also a splendid time. Thank You Charles.

We really enjoy the experience. I think it is a great value for your money. The lunch was good with grilled chicken and tuna. The driver pick us up from the hotel on time and was there when we arrived. We didn’t need to wait. In the boat there is not so much space, so don’t bring so much luggage. I recommend bringing you own water shoes and swimming glasses. In General really friendly personal and overall a nice organized tour.

The tour was amazing! Our guide, Dominique, was excellent! He showed us around the island and informed us about the culture in Seychelles as well as giving us information about each spot we were visiting. The vehicle was very comfortable! We were lucky cause the weather was perfect and we have managed to see the amazing views that the tour has to offer. We did enjoy the tour with Dominique!

The guides were very kind and had a great sense for hospitality. Overall a very nice experience.

Great experience, our driver was super and we loved chatting with him.