The largest island of the Seychelles archipelago, home to the capital Victoria and the country’s main port and airport. Mountain ridges run along its spine, covered with rainforest that drops steeply toward a narrow coastal plain and bays with fine white sand. The western coast faces the open Indian Ocean with scenic beaches, while the eastern side holds marinas, small islands and protected lagoons inside the reef belt.
A protected marine area northeast of Mahé that encompasses several small granitic islands - St Anne, Moyenne, Long, Round and Cerf -surrounded by shallow turquoise water and coral gardens. Established in 1973 as the first national marine park of the Seychelles, it serves as a conservation zone for fish, turtles and seagrass beds. The area is used for controlled snorkeling, day anchorage and limited shore visits, while overnight mooring requires special permits.
A marine protected area north of La Digue that includes the granite islands of Cocos, Félicité and the Sisters. Established to preserve reef ecosystems, it offers some of the clearest snorkeling water in the Seychelles with coral slopes, sea turtles and colorful fish in shallow lagoons. The park is accessible only by boat during the day, with anchoring and diving regulated under the Seychelles National Parks Authority.
A small granite island east of Praslin, known for its slow rhythm, bicycle roads and some of the most photographed beaches in the world, including Anse Source d’Argent. The coastline alternates between sculpted boulder coves and shallow lagoons with coral sand, while the interior holds coconut groves and small villages. The island is connected by short ferry routes to Praslin and Mahé and remains a symbol of traditional island life in the Seychelles.
A small granitic island west of Praslin designated as a nature reserve managed by Nature Seychelles. It serves as a critical breeding site for seabirds, including noddies, terns and tropicbirds, and as a protected habitat for giant tortoises and rare endemic land birds such as the Seychelles magpie-robin. Surrounded by shallow coral reefs, the island is open only for guided visits during limited hours to minimize environmental impact.
A coastal district and natural bay on the eastern side of Praslin, serving as the island’s main harbor and ferry terminal. The bay forms a calm anchorage protected from ocean swell, surrounded by low hills, village houses, and coconut trees. It functions as a logistic hub for transport to Mahé, La Digue, and the surrounding marine parks, while retaining a relaxed island atmosphere with small local shops and guesthouses along the road.
A privately owned granite island north of La Digue, part of the Sisters Islands group together with Petite Soeur. It features two wide beaches on opposite coasts divided by a forested ridge, and surrounding reefs that provide clear snorkeling and diving water. The island is protected under the Cocos Marine National Park and access is limited to day visits arranged through licensed operators.
A granitic island north of Praslin, part of the Curieuse Marine National Park, known for its free-roaming giant tortoises and the remains of a former leper colony. The coastline combines red granite formations with mangrove forests and shallow turquoise bays, while inland trails link the visitor area at Baie Laraie to the Doctor’s House museum and turtle nursery. The island is uninhabited and accessible only by day boats under park regulations.
A small sheltered bay on the northeast coast of Praslin near the Curieuse Marine Park. The beach is bordered by granite boulders and calm turquoise water protected by a reef, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling in almost any season. A few resort piers and mooring spots lie just offshore, and the view opens toward Curieuse Island across the channel.
A tiny granite islet off the northwest coast of Praslin, surrounded by turquoise water and coral reef shallows. Recognized for its leaning palms and sculpted rocks, it’s one of the signature postcard views of the Seychelles and a classic snorkeling stop on routes from Praslin to Curieuse. The island is uninhabited, and boat visits are limited to short swim sessions in calm weather.
The main beach and resort area on the northeast coast of Praslin, stretching along a wide curve of white sand and calm shallow water. The lagoon is protected by an outer reef, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and family outings year-round, suitable for day anchorage in settled weather. The shore hosts small hotels, beach cafés, and dive centers. The seabed is sandy with gradual depth, and the shoreline forms an open, sunlit view backed by low granite hills and coconut trees.
A wide, west-facing bay on the northern tip of Praslin, framed by granite boulders and palm trees. The water is clear and deep close to shore, with firm sandy bottom and mild swell through most of the year. The open shape gives good holding for day anchorage in settled weather. In 2016, CNN listed Anse Lazio among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.
A small secluded bay on the northwest coast of Mahé, reachable by sea or a hiking trail from Bel Ombre. The beach lies between steep granite slopes and clear water that turns deep just a few meters from shore. Anchoring is possible in calm conditions, and the setting feels remote despite being only a short run from the main island’s marinas.
A mountainous granitic island northwest of Mahé, forming part of a marine national park and known for its steep forested slopes rising straight from the sea. The island is surrounded by coral shelves and deep channels, with anchorage possible off La Passe on the eastern side in calm weather. Silhouette is the third-largest island of the Seychelles and a refuge for giant tortoises, endemic snails, and the rare sheath-tailed bat found nowhere else in the world.
A wide bay on the northwest coast of Mahé, known for its long arc of sand and steady calm water protected by offshore reefs. The seabed is sandy with good holding, making it one of the most common anchorage spots for visiting yachts. Gentle surf allows easy landing by tender, and the bay faces west, offering open sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
A modern deep-water marina on the east coast of Mahé, located within the reclaimed Eden Island complex near the capital Victoria. It provides full-service berths for sailing and motor yachts up to 115 m with direct access to the main channel and full protection from swell. Facilities include fuel dock, maintenance yards, customs office, provisioning services, and waterfront residences. The marina serves as one of the main departure bases for charters across the Seychelles archipelago.