Island hopping is by far the best way to see the often overlooked diversity of the Seychelles islands. Home to idyllic beaches, marine parks and national parks, as well as the varied and unique nature, including many endemic species. Scattered in the Indian Ocean just south of the equator, 115 islands form the Seychelles archipelago, but it is the core inner islands where the main population and tourism activity is focused. Embark on a twin island or even three-island hopping adventure, whether for a Seychelles honeymoon or a special vacation.
Start with Mahé Island
International flights arrive on the main island of Mahé – making it a great starting point for your Seychelles experience and and a fantastic base for exploring nearby islands. You will discover your personal travel style with a diversity of accommodation options, from charming boutique hotels like Carana Beach Hotel to luxurious retreats like Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas.
Alternatively, head to the north coast for a stay near the popular Beau Vallon Bay with its choice of restaurants, bars and water sports. From here, it's easy to visit Victoria – the world's smallest capital city including a trip to see the botanical gardens. Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and the gateway to the other islands.
Expert Insight: If you want to travel to another island, you will often have to travel back to Mahé Island first. This does impact the cost and time it takes to move between islands, so is important to consider when planning your Seychelles island hopping itinerary.
Take Day Trips
Mahé serves as a great springboard for exploring nearby islands through day trips. This way you can experience more of the diversity of the Seychelles islands without having to stay overnight.
Praslin Island
Experience the pristine white sands and clear water of Anse Lazio beach and be sure to visit the Vallee de Mai – a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tropical forest is where the Coco de Mer nut (the worlds largest seed) grows. You can either take a short 20 minute flight to Praslin or enjoy a scenic 1 hour 15 minutes ferry. Being the second largest island, if you feel a day trip isn’t enough time to explore, you could stay at Raffles Praslin Seychelles ideally located for discovering the best sights on Praslin or Constance Lemuria Seychelles home to the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles.
La Digue Island
Experience unhurried Seychelles island living as it should be. Bicycle is the favored mode of transport on La Digue – perfect for a leisurely cycle to Anse Source dArgent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. The ferry ride to La Digue takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, and this includes a short stopover of 15-30 minutes in Praslin. So if you’re staying on Praslin you could also take a day trip to La Digue. If you want to stay on La Digue, we’d recommend Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie, a picturesque boutique hotel set in gorgeous tropical gardens.
Felicite Island
From the unique wildlife and nature experiences to the wide variety of water activities, there are many reasons to visit Felicite Island. Just 20-minutes by helicopter from Mahé Island, or a short speedboat ride from neighboring Praslin and La Digue islands. If you’d like to experience an exclusive and private island stay, spend a few nights at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, the only resort on the beautiful island.
Planning day trips can be a bit overwhelming as there are a lot of things to take into consideration, so let Mahlatini's travel experts craft a personalized itinerary to maximize your island hopping experience and eliminate the stress of planning day trips yourself.
Stay at one of the Private Islands
From Mahé you can then travel to any of the other Seychelles islands.
Round Island
Only 10 minutes by speedboat from the main island of Mahé, this small island is home to the JA Enchanted Resort with its 10 Creole-style private villas, each with a private pool. A few days here combined with another island makes a great Seychelles vacation.
Denis Private Island
For a real castaway experience, visit Denis Private Island, a small coral atoll with just 25 beachside cottages tucked between swaying palms, but only steps from the sparkling ocean. Just a 30 minute flight from Mahé, the moment you see the island and its tiny grass runway, you know you are in for a unique holiday. Diving and fishing are excellent here, but if you prefer to be less active, relax on the beach or take a spa treatment while you prepare for the next amazing culinary choice prepared by the island's chefs.
Platte Island
If you’re looking for private island luxury, just 20 minutes by light aircraft from the main island of Mahé, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is a pristine sanctuary with lavish facilities and a variety of water activities.
North Island
If money really is no object, the exotic North Island one of the world's most exclusive and secluded getaways, represents the ultimate location for a luxury Seychelles vacation.
Island hopping in the Seychelles is an adventure you won't forget. Whether you want to explore the vibrant hub of Mahé, enjoy the beauty of day trips to neighboring islands, or the ultimate indulgence of a private island stay, design your dream island hopping itinerary with Mahlatini. So, pack your bags, embrace your adventurous spirit, and get ready to set sail on an island hopping adventure unlike any other.