The Seychelles have the well-earned nickname of “The Land of Perpetual Summer.”
The sun shines down on their 115 islands all year round, with temperatures ranging from 26-32°C and balmy weather from January through to December.
With the Indian Ocean lapping at their shores, the islands are overflowing with soft, white beaches, luscious jungles, tall peaks, and rocky coasts.
Though they’re known as a relaxing and luxurious vacation destination, all of these aspects come together to make an adventure travel destination like no other.
It’s been said many times and of many places, but only in the Seychelles can you truly adventure in paradise.
Walking on Clouds
The largest island of the Seychelles, Mahé, is just 16 miles long, which doesn’t seem like the ideal size for a hiking holiday.
What it lacks in area however, Mahé makes up for in its diversity of landscape and wildlife.
With more than a dozen trails winding their way through jungles, up and over mountains, across beaches and through colourful towns, you could spend your whole holiday just hiking on Mahé.
Some of the most spectacular hikes include the 1.6km Morne Blanc trail through the Seychellois National Park and the longer 9.6km Mare aux Cochons trail.
The Morne Blanc route will guide you through the best of Seychellois wildlife, starting in an area of dense forest where you will have the chance to see many species endemic to the islands, like the Seychelles kestrel, Seychelles wolf snake and maybe even the elusive Seychelles scops owl.
Afterwards, the trail takes on a steep ascent into the clouds for the best view of the archipelago. The Mare aux Cochons is a longer route through the northern part of the island that will lead you from town to beach to mountain. It’s a wonderful way to sample the amazing diversity of the archipelago in just half a day.
On some of the smaller islands, La Digue and Praslin, there are wonderful hikes that will deliver you to and from the world’s most stunning beaches.
On La Digue, you can take on the challenging 6.5km Anse Marron route which has one of the greatest effort to reward ratios of any hike on earth. The small, elysian beach waiting for you at the end is perhaps as close to heaven as you’ll find on earth.
Equally, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Vallée de Mai on Praslin via one of its many shorter trails is like wandering through the Garden of Eden, as it bursts with rare plants and wildlife that you can only see on the Seychelles, including the world’s largest and heaviest nut, the Coco de Mer, and the adorable giant bronze gecko.
Reach the Peaks
The granite geology of the Seychelles makes it an ideal place to stretch your climbing and abseiling muscles. The good weather and calm winds makes it a year round climbing destination and there are crags and rocks on many islands suitable for all levels.
There are also a number of tour operators who can help you hone your technique in a safe and controlled environment. The views from the top are simply unbeatable.
Some notable climbs include Morne Blanc on Mahé, the boulders on Anse Lazio, Praslin, Petite Anse on La Digue, and Grande Montagne on Silhouette island.
Ride into the Sunset
From December to March the islands can get pretty hot, so cycling is a great way to take a load off and let the breeze flow through your hair.
La Digue, one of the main islands, is perfect for cycling and it is a very popular mode of transport there. Many accommodations will rent bikes to guests or there are independent cycle rentals in the main town of La Passe.
One of the best routes takes you to the isolated beach of Grand Anse. Not only are its golden beaches simply gorgeous, its south-eastern location means it is often very quiet. There are interesting rock formations at one end to explore and 450m of pristine white sand to lay on and soak up the sun after a swim.
The climb to get there is gentle but noticeable so make sure you pack lots of water, suncream, and sun protection.
Another great route is through L’Union Estate Park in the southwest of the island. It’s a lovely coastal route full of resplendent flowers and plants.
The historic Plantation House stands regally near the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach where you could also spot a Seychelles giant tortoise.
If you’d rather four legs instead of two wheels, back on the island of Mahé you have the chance to ride a stunning Appaloosa horse along the beach and live your movie star fantasies.
Rides also make their way through the jungle which will give you a whole new perspective on the diverse wildlife of the Seychelles.
Sea to Shining Sea
When you picture the Seychelles, it’s probably an image of turquoise waters, schools of colourful, strange fish and gorgeous powder beaches. However good the picture in your head is, the reality is even better, and it would be a waste of a trip if you didn’t take the time to explore these magical coastal waters.
Diving is the best way to meet the 800 species of marine life that call the Seychelles home. With so many islands and beaches where you can dive from the shore, nowhere becomes too crowded.
There is also the option to dive from a boat, or even live on one for a whole holiday of exploring the populated reefs. Underwater arches and wrecks make for interesting diving and the local reef sharks, giant rays, moray eels, and whale sharks are wonderful to watch as they go about their daily business.
If you can’t scuba yet, you can take advantage of one of the archipelago’s many internationally accredited dive schools or have just as much fun snorkelling.
There are a number of snorkelling trails to follow at Cerf Island, Meridian Fisherman’s Cove Hotel, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, and the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.
They will float you through the best features and habitats of the Indian Ocean. With 12 hours of sunlight a day and famously temperate waters, the Seychelles is an ideal location for an aquatic adventure.
Start planning your adventure in paradise at www.seychelles.com.