Revive your family’s spirit of adventure during a family holiday in the Seychelles with activities from searching for lost pirate treasure to feeding giant tortoises. Here’s our guide to the best family adventures in the Seychelles.
1. Search for the legendary pirates’ treasure on a trip to Moyenne Island
A short boat ride from Victoria, Mahé, is the National Park of Moyenne Island, a Robinson Crusoe-style desert island with no human inhabitants and over 100 giant tortoises. Parents will enjoy the rare biodiversity of the island while kids will adore the legend that says the two graves belong to pirates who also buried their treasure somewhere on the small island.
2. Experience a thrilling zip line ride through the jungle canopy on Mahé
Based at Constance Ephélia, SMAC Adventures offer adventure sports including zip lining, rock climbing and abseiling for adults and children over 4. See the beautiful forests and mountains of Mahé in a new and exhilarating way on eight different zip lines up to 120m long. Or try scaling the island’s natural granite crags with climbing for beginners through to advanced. Check out the fun on SMAC’s Facebook page.
3. Try some traditional local crafts at Domaine de Val des Près
Based around the Gran Kaz Plantation House on Mahé this National Heritage Site not only celebrates local crafts and culture but gives you the chance to get involved with a series of craft workshops for the whole family.
4. Explore the ocean on Teddy’s Glass Bottom Boat
Board the boat from Beau Vallon Bay, Mahé and discover the jewels of the Indian Ocean with your family. See the vibrant corals and the rainbow colours of lush marine life that live on and around the reefs from the safety of the glass bottom boat. Then jump into the water for some snorkelling and the chance to get a closer look. The excursion then takes you to a secluded beach for a bbq and swim before heading home.
5. Meet giant tortoises in their natural environment on Curieuse Island
A short boat ride from Praslin is Curieuse, home to a colony of hundreds of Aldabra Giant Tortoises which walk freely around the island. Tourists are encouraged to interact with these regal creatures feeding them snacks of greens and watermelon. There is even a tortoise ‘nursery’ on the island where they care for young tortoises from birth to five years. Of course, being the Seychelles there are also glorious, deserted beaches for the kids to enjoy too following a 30 minute nature walk across the island.
6. Discover the interior of Mahé with a wildlife walk to Sauzier Waterfalls
Setting off from Port Glaud this beautiful forest walk will take you past traditional Creole homes and the guide’s own farm where groups can stop off to meet the resident bats and farm animals. The short walk is perfect for families – kids and (brave) adults are then rewarded at the end with a refreshing dip in the crystal pools at the foot of the beautiful waterfall.
7. Spend the day swimming and hanging out at Beau Vallon Beach
While the Seychelles has a plethora of beautiful, deserted beaches sometimes it’s fun to hang out amidst the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists. Beau Vallon Beach on the North Coast of Mahé is a beautiful white sand beach with restaurants, bars, craft shops and cafés lining its shores. Water sports abound and the cafés have a great selection of ice creams and smoothies to keep the kids happy. The best time to visit is on a Wednesday when the evening Bazar Labrin market brings fresh food stalls, live music and an authentically local vibe to the beach.
8. Explore the unique biodiversity of the UNESCO World Heritage site Vallée de Mai
Famous for its unique coco de mer seeds, legend has it that this Nature Reserve on Praslin island was the site of the original Garden of Eden. Kids will love exploring the nature trails through the national park and discovering the rare endemic plants and wildlife here. Set them a challenge to catch sight of the rare, endangered Black Parrot.
9. Horse riding in the Seychelles
Available on most of the islands, horse riding is a thrilling way to explore the local area. Whether you’ve done it before and want to gallop down a white sand beach or if you’re just trying it for the first time and want a gentle nature trek, local guides will ensure the experience is unforgettable. Riding in the Seychelles is popular so it is worth contacting your hotel before you arrive so that they can book the excursion for you.
10. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
The National Botanical Gardens is a perfect way to spend the afternoon in Victoria, Mahé, with all the family, particularly if you want to see one of the islands’ giant tortoises. Meet the tortoises and check out the colony of fruit bats feeding and roosting in the trees, then while away the afternoon exploring the beautiful tropical gardens.
Get the lowdown
- Find out why family travel bloggers Bethaney and Lee think the Seychelles is the perfect location for a family holiday
- Luxury holiday kids’ clubs at Constance
- Find out more about Constance Ephelia and Constance Lemuria, Seychelles
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