Normally the only hops I like are in my beer, but when it comes to the Seychelles I can make exceptions. No string of islands in the Indian Ocean is better suited to island hopping than the stunning Seychelles.
Cruise into gorgeous azure bays, drop anchor and explore the reefs or laze on the beach while chefs prepare fresh seafood dishes. Is anything more relaxing, more heavenly than an island hop cruise? A private cruise, however, is only one way to get around. A regular network of air and sea transport operating out of the principal island of Mahé will cater for most itineraries. Ferry services, domestic flights and even helicopter transfers are also available on a daily basis to many of the islands.
Mahé is just one of 115 islands in the Seychelles, and it is this variety of islands that sets the Seychelles apart and makes it the ideal destination for island hopping. Each island has its own particular geography, character and history. Visitors can choose a day excursion to one of the many inner granitic islands, or enjoy an extended stay on one of the exotic larger islands.
We recommend splitting your time between the three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and taking day trips from there to the uninhabited islands.
Mahé
A few minutes of looking at Google images of Mahé will be enough for you to cancel your family Christmas on the farm and head straight to this glorious island of perfect bays and porcelain-sand beaches. The island is also home to a range of granite peaks, which add another dimension to this dreamy island.
Mahé is 28 km long and the largest of the 115 Seychelles islands. With almost 72,000 inhabitants (90% of the Seychelles population) it’s also the location of the city of Victoria, the smallest capital city in the world.
The island offers the best vacation and adventure opportunities, such as hiking in the interior to diving the exquisite reefs and swimming with whale sharks. Mahé will be your port of arrival, and that’s a good thing too, it should not be missed.
Praslin
Praslin is 12 km long and 5 km wide and is the second largest island in the Seychelles. The island is often called the “Garden of Eden” due to its overwhelming beauty and its lush reserve, the “Vallée de Mai”. The dense park contains an array of tropical plant species such as the Coco de Mer, a special palm tree on the Seychelles, which is considered the symbol of the islands.
Along with the impressive velvety vegetation, Praslin also contains many of the most beautiful beaches on the Seychelles, such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
La Digue
Head to La Digue for a change of pace and some proper “island vibes”. La Digue is much smaller than the other two islands, encompassing only 9 km², and charms its visitors with its slow and rhythmic pace.
Ox carts and dirt roads mark this rustic enclave where just over 2,000 inhabitants enjoy a typically chilled-out lifestyle. La Digue has one of Seychelles most stunning beaches at Anse Source d’Argent, with its perfect sand and striking granite boulders. For a laid-back break, La Digue is hard to beat and merits a few days on any island-hopping holiday.
Take a look at the photos below to whet your appetite even further.
