Imagine spending a week in the Seychelles, where stunning white-sand beaches meet lush jungles and vibrant coral reefs. Beyond its postcard-perfect beauty, this Indian Ocean paradise is also a leader in eco-tourism, offering travelers a chance to explore its unique landscapes while preserving its delicate ecosystems. This 7-day itinerary is crafted for eco-conscious travelers who seek a blend of luxury and adventure. From relaxing in sustainable eco-resorts to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and trekking through tropical jungles, your week in the Seychelles will be both a relaxing escape and an exhilarating journey.

Get ready to explore two of the Seychelles' most breathtaking islands—MahĂ© and Praslin—all while minimizing your carbon footprint.

When to Visit and How to Get Around

The best time to visit the Seychelles is during the dry season, which runs from April to October, offering cooler and more comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. November to March can be more humid with occasional rain, but it’s also a great time for snorkeling due to calmer seas.

In terms of getting around, Mahé has a well-connected road network where hiring a car or eco-friendly electric vehicle is the most convenient option. Praslin is smaller, so exploring by bicycle or local bus is ideal, keeping your environmental impact low. Ferries are the most popular way to travel between the islands, and they offer beautiful views along the way.

Day 1: Arrival in MahĂ© – Sustainable Luxury by the Beach

Welcome to Your Eco-Paradise

You’ve landed in MahĂ©, the largest island of the Seychelles, and the excitement of the week ahead starts to build as you step outside and feel the tropical air. The island’s stunning granite peaks and lush forests greet you as you make your way to your eco-luxury hotel.

  • Check-in: Six Senses Zil Pasyon or Constance Ephelia Resort
    Your eco-conscious journey begins at a luxurious eco-resort. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, located on a private island, is one of the most sustainable resorts in the Seychelles, with a focus on conservation and local community engagement. Alternatively, Constance Ephelia Resort on Mahé offers eco-friendly initiatives, including a conservation program for endangered species and an on-site mangrove restoration project.
  • Afternoon: Relax and Unwind by the Beach
    After settling in, take the afternoon to relax on the pristine beach. Take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean or explore the resort’s sustainable spa, which uses locally sourced products. This is your time to relax and let the island vibe sink in.
  • Evening: Sunset Dinner
    End the day with a farm-to-table dinner at your resort’s eco-friendly restaurant, which focuses on organic, locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy a candle-lit dinner right on the beach, with the sound of the waves as your backdrop.
  • Personal Moment:
    After checking in at our eco-resort, we spent the afternoon on the beach. Watching the sunset from the shoreline, while knowing the resort’s commitment to sustainability, made us feel like we were truly part of nature’s flow. It was the perfect way to start our eco-friendly journey.

Day 2: Explore Mahé's Tropical Jungles and Hidden Waterfalls

Discover the Island’s Wild Side

Start your first full day with an eco-adventure through Mahé’s rich biodiversity. MahĂ© is home to Morne Seychellois National Park, where lush jungles and towering peaks dominate the landscape.

  • Morning: Hike to Morne Blanc
    Begin with a hike up Morne Blanc, one of the island’s most famous trails. It’s a relatively short hike (about an hour up) but steep, so you’ll get your heart pumping. The effort is well worth it when you reach the summit and are rewarded with panoramic views over the western coast of MahĂ© and the endless blue of the Indian Ocean.
  • Alternative Option:
    If you prefer a lighter hike, try the Copolia Trail, which offers equally stunning views without the steep ascent. Along the way, you’ll spot endemic plants such as pitcher plants and wild vanilla orchids.
  • Lunch: CafĂ© Lazare
    After your morning adventure, head down to Café Lazare, an eco-friendly spot on the southern coast of Mahé. Here you can enjoy a locally sourced, sustainable lunch with views of the sea.
  • Afternoon: Discover Secret Waterfalls
    In the afternoon, cool off by exploring one of Mahé’s hidden gems—the Sauzier Waterfall. Nestled in a tranquil jungle setting, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Alternatively, you can visit Port Glaud Waterfall, where the serene atmosphere is complemented by a natural pool perfect for swimming.
  • Personal Moment:
    Hiking through the dense tropical forests of Morne Blanc, with the ocean’s breeze guiding us, felt like stepping into another world. Reaching the summit and seeing the island spread out below us was a moment of pure awe—and one that felt deeply connected to the natural beauty we were striving to protect.
  • Where to Stay:
    Continue your stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon or Constance Ephelia, where sustainable luxury blends seamlessly with Mahé’s natural beauty.
Mahé Island in  Seychelle

Day 3: Snorkeling in Mahé's Coral Reefs

Discover the Vibrant Underwater World

The Seychelles is renowned for its incredible coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Today, you’ll dive into this underwater paradise while ensuring you’re practicing eco-friendly snorkeling techniques to protect these fragile ecosystems.

  • Morning: Snorkeling at Baie Ternay Marine Park
    Start your day with a snorkeling excursion to Baie Ternay Marine National Park, one of Mahé’s most beautiful and protected snorkeling spots. The waters here are calm, making it ideal for spotting a variety of marine life such as parrotfish, clownfish, and even sea turtles. You’ll also see healthy coral reefs that have been carefully preserved through local conservation efforts.
  • Alternative Option:
    If you’re in the mood for a more private snorkeling experience, head to the Anse Major beach, which is accessible by boat or a short hike. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens make it a secluded paradise for couples.
  • Lunch: Picnic by the Beach
    After your morning snorkeling adventure, enjoy a sustainable picnic lunch on one of Mahé’s quieter beaches, like Anse Intendance. Pack local, eco-friendly snacks from your resort and spend time soaking up the sun.
  • Afternoon: Eco-Kayaking in the Mangroves
    In the afternoon, explore Mahé’s mangrove forests by kayak. These unique ecosystems play a crucial role in protecting the coastline and supporting biodiversity. Glide silently through the waterways, keeping an eye out for herons, crabs, and fish that thrive in the mangroves. Many eco-resorts, including Constance Ephelia, offer guided eco-kayak tours where you’ll learn about the importance of mangrove conservation.
  • Personal Moment:
    Snorkeling in Baie Ternay felt like stepping into an entirely new world—swimming alongside schools of colorful fish and spotting a sea turtle casually gliding by was surreal. Knowing we were in a marine protected area made it all the more special, as we could see firsthand the positive effects of conservation.

Day 4: Ferry to Praslin – An Eco-Adventurer's Paradise

Welcome to the Island of Pristine Nature

Say goodbye to MahĂ© and take the morning ferry to Praslin, a smaller island known for its relaxed vibe and unspoiled natural beauty. Praslin offers a perfect balance between luxury and eco-adventure, and it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

  • Morning: Check into an Eco-Lodge
    Once you arrive in Praslin, check into an eco-friendly lodge like Raffles Seychelles, which is committed to sustainability through energy-saving initiatives, water conservation, and support for local communities. Alternatively, stay at the Dhevatara Beach Hotel, which operates on environmentally responsible principles, focusing on waste reduction and energy efficiency.
  • Afternoon: Explore the VallĂ©e de Mai
    After settling in, visit the VallĂ©e de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seychelles’ most iconic attractions. This ancient forest is home to the rare Coco de Mer palm, as well as several endemic species like the Seychelles black parrot. Walk through the forest trails, listen to the sounds of nature, and immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
  • Personal Moment:
    Walking through the VallĂ©e de Mai felt like stepping into a prehistoric world—towering palm trees, dense ferns, and the echo of exotic birds all around us. We found a quiet spot on one of the trails to simply sit and take it all in, realizing how lucky we were to be in such a pristine place.
  • Where to Stay:
    Continue your eco-luxury experience at Raffles Seychelles or Dhevatara Beach Hotel, where you can enjoy a peaceful night in harmony with the island’s natural surroundings.

Day 5: Island Hopping and Snorkeling Around Praslin

Explore Nearby Islands and Pristine Reefs

Today’s adventure takes you beyond Praslin to explore some of the Seychelles’ smaller islands and their thriving marine ecosystems.

  • Morning: Island Hopping to Curieuse and St. Pierre
    Start with a short boat ride to Curieuse Island, famous for its giant tortoises. The island is home to a tortoise conservation project, where you can observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Spend some time walking along the nature trails, which offer beautiful views of the coast and opportunities to spot endemic plant species.
  • Next, head to St. Pierre Island, a tiny, uninhabited island surrounded by some of the Seychelles’ best snorkeling spots. The waters here are rich with marine life, including vibrant corals, rays, and small reef sharks. This eco-friendly island-hopping tour is designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing your experience of the Seychelles’ unique biodiversity.
  • Lunch: Beach BBQ on Curieuse
    Enjoy a sustainable seafood BBQ lunch on the beach, prepared with fresh, locally caught fish and ingredients sourced from nearby islands.
  • Afternoon: Relax on Anse Lazio
    After your island-hopping tour, head back to Praslin and spend the afternoon relaxing on Anse Lazio, often ranked as one of the world’s best beaches. Its powder-soft sand and turquoise waters make it the perfect spot to unwind. This beach is protected as part of the Seychelles' conservation efforts, ensuring that its natural beauty remains unspoiled.
  • Personal Moment:
    Sharing the beach with giant tortoises on Curieuse was an unforgettable experience. Watching these ancient creatures move slowly across the sand was both humbling and awe-inspiring. We felt truly connected to the natural world, in a way that’s hard to describe.
Praslin Island a Real Hidden Gem

Day 6: Praslin's Hidden Gems – Hike and Snorkel in Secluded Spots

Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Today, you’ll venture off the beaten path to explore some of Praslin’s lesser-known gems.

  • Morning: Hike to Anse Georgette
    Start your day with a hike to Anse Georgette, a hidden beach that’s just as beautiful as Anse Lazio but far less crowded. The trail takes you through lush forests before opening up to a secluded beach, where the water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Since it’s located near Constance Lemuria Resort, the beach remains well-preserved and pristine.
  • Lunch: Local CafĂ© in Grand Anse
    After your hike, stop by a local café in Grand Anse for a light lunch. Choose eco-friendly dishes featuring locally sourced seafood and produce.
  • Afternoon: Snorkeling in Anse Volbert
    Spend the afternoon snorkeling in Anse Volbert (Cote d’Or). The waters are calm and clear, offering fantastic opportunities to see colorful fish and coral reefs. Many eco-conscious tour companies offer guided snorkeling tours that emphasize reef protection and marine conservation.
  • Personal Moment:
    Hiking to Anse Georgette felt like uncovering a hidden paradise. When we finally reached the beach, it was completely deserted, and we had the entire stretch of white sand to ourselves. We spent the afternoon snorkeling and swimming in the clear water, feeling like we had found our own private escape.

Day 7: Return to MahĂ© – One Last Taste of Luxury

Say Farewell to the Seychelles in Style

On your last day in the Seychelles, it’s time to return to MahĂ©. Catch the morning ferry and spend your final day indulging in the island’s eco-luxury before heading back home.

  • Morning: Relax at Beau Vallon Beach
    After arriving back in MahĂ©, head to Beau Vallon Beach for one last dip in the Indian Ocean. The beach’s long stretch of soft sand and gentle waves make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the sun.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tea Factory
    Before leaving MahĂ©, stop by the Seychelles Tea Factory, located in the mountains. Here, you can take a tour of the factory to learn about the sustainable process of producing tea, one of the island’s oldest traditions. Don’t forget to pick up some locally grown tea as a memento of your eco-friendly journey.
  • Final Dinner: Eden Island Marina
    For your last evening in the Seychelles, dine at Bravo Restaurant in the Eden Island Marina. This eco-conscious restaurant serves a variety of fresh, locally sourced dishes, and the marina views are the perfect setting for your farewell dinner.
  • Personal Moment:
    Our final evening was spent strolling along Beau Vallon Beach, reflecting on the week’s adventures. With the warm breeze and the sound of the waves, it felt like the perfect end to an unforgettable journey.

A week in the Seychelles offers the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and eco-conscious travel. From staying in sustainable resorts to exploring protected marine parks and hiking through pristine jungles, this itinerary showcases the best of what these islands have to offer, all while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

Posted 
Sep 17, 2024
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