10 Adventurous things to do in the Seychelles
The Seychelles isn’t just for honeymooning lovers, it’s a sanctuary for conservation, where you can see things you won’t find elsewhere in the world, and a playground for adventurers and adrenaline junkies …
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off East Africa.
It boasts spectacular beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves and rare animals including the giant Aldabra tortoises.
Mahé is the main hub, and is home to the capital Victoria. You can catch a boat ride to the other islands from Mahé. This main island also features the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and beaches, including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
The main languages spoken in the Seychelles are French, English and the local dialect, Seselwa.
Zip lining through forests
Courtesy of Iga Motylska
Rock climbing granite peaks
Scuba diving in marine parks
Courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Board
Deep-sea fishing
Surf’s up
Courtesy of iSurf Seychelles
Although the Seychelles has less swell than other surfing destinations it’s well known among international surfers – since it started gaining popularity in 1967 – for its reef bottom breaks.
That means that even if you’ve never hung 10 on a board before this is the best place to learn and it’s seldom too crowded either.
Island hopping around Praslin
Courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Board
Locals will tell you that God created the Seychelles with the sailor in mind. Take to the waters around Praslin in a catamaran for a day-long island-hopping expedition.
You’ll see the cast of Finding Nemo as you snorkel in the shallows of the coral reefs and hopefully you too will swim among turtles as you sail between Coco, Sister and Felicite islands. Sleep off the fish braai in the sun on the catamaran’s trampoline as you head back to Praslin.
In search of the coco de mer and Black Parrot in Valle De Mai
Courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Board
In the primeval forest of Vallée De Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island you’ll find the male and female plant of the ‘coco de mer’ palm, which are not found elsewhere in the world. Both plants display ‘fruits’ that are evocatively representative of their gender: a double nut with erotic curves and a rather suggestive phallus. It’s for this reason that it’s often called the love nut.
This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, which some myths claim to be the original Garden of Eden, is also home to the very rare Black Parrot and is a must for nature lovers.
Cycle La Digue
The best way to get from one beach to the next on the quaint island of La Digue is by bicycle and you can easily cycle round the entire island in a day. Sometimes you will barely cycle 100 metres before discovering yet another untouched beach, with no one else in sight.
Sail away with me
Dock (or charter) your yacht at Eden Island Marina for a day or longer, as you explore the 115 granitic and coral islands and islets that make up this island nation.
Anchor your yacht in secluded bays of pristine clear waters and white beaches that you can have all to yourself. Overnight mooring around national reserves and marine parks is a highlight.
Indulging in authentic Creole cuisine
Courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Board
Seychellois Creole cuisine is an infusion of African, Chinese, European and Indian flavours: curry from the subcontinent, rice dishes and stir fries from the Far East, garlic and herb blends from France, and exotic coconut milk and banana from East Africa.
Seafood is always on the menu, try the ever popular line-caught shark chutney or the famous octopus curry. If you’re really feeling adventurous you can also buy fresh seafood from the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market or from local fishermen.
Copyright: konstik / 123RF Stock Photo