Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, over 1000 km from the East African coast, the Seychelles are spread out over 115 islands full of incredible natural wonders.
The Seychelles
It is an archipelado of granite and coral islands, reefs and atolls, which is blessed with a sublime tropical climate, and a rich biodiversity.
Thousands of years of evolutionary isolation have created this treasure map of miniature worlds in the Seychelles, each with its own unique biosphere found nowhere else on the planet.
With two UNESCO World Heritage sites, six marine national parks and countless areas of outstanding natural beauty it could be argued that the entire archipelago is a natural wonder.
Here is our list of 5 natural wonders of the Seychelles
On top of any list of natural wonders of the Seychelles must come this collection of stunning coral islands set around a shallow lagoon and surrounded by a rich, vibrant reef. One of the largest atolls in the world, its location in a remote area of the Seychelles has assured that the Aldabra Atoll has remained largely untouched, a fact now protected by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a rich, largely endemic, biodiversity and the highest population of giant tortoises in the world – the famous Aldabra tortoise.
2. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
The second UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seychelles is the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin. Once believed to be the original Garden of Eden, this primeval palm forest is home to many rare, endemic palms including the famous coco de mer. Wildlife includes the endemic black parrot, Seychelles kestrel, sunbird, Seychelles house snake, green and bronze geckos and six species of caecilian.
3. Grand Anse, La Digue
There are so many beautiful beaches in the Seychelles that it is difficult to pick one above the others. The Grand Anse beach on La Digue (a short boat ride from Praslin) does, however, epitomise what visitors are looking for when they come to a Seychellois beach. With its perfect white, powder sand, softly shaded granite boulders and clear, shallow waters it looks as if an artist has created a vision of a perfect beach and brought it to life. La Digue itself has many beautiful and rare species including the paradise flycatcher or ‘veuve’, swiftlets and sea turtles.
Port Launay National Marine Park
4. Port Launay National Marine Park
This stunning reef and natural seascape is the only marine park in the Seychelles accessible by both land and sea. Including 8 stunning beaches on the island of Mahé, the Port Launay Marine Park offers fabulous snorkelling opportunities as well as the chance to spot whale sharks as they pass through the waters attracted by the rich plankton which accumulates here. Constance Ephelia overlooks the marine park.
5. Aride Island Nature Reserve
Home to one million breeding seabirds from more than 10 species, including the endemic magpie robins, fodies, brush warblers and blue pigeon, Aride Island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Protected from human influence since 1973, Aride is the largest nature reserve of the granitic Seychelles islands and the only natural home of Wright’s Gardenia. It also has a rich population of reptiles and nesting turtles.
Where to stay in the Seychelles
- Visit our website for information on staying in the Seychelles at Constance Ephélia or Constance Lémuria, or to make a booking
- For more ideas read 13 things to do in the Seychelles
- Discover the top views in Mahé.
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