Mahé Holidays

Hiking, shopping, bird-watching, snorkelling – there’s a variety of fun to be had on a trip to Mahé. And, while it would be easy to kick back and relax on the beach every day, there are so many interesting activities here that it seems a shame to miss out.

Exploring the gin-clear waters and pristine coral reefs of the Indian Ocean with a snorkel and flippers is a must-do on a holiday to Mahé. It’s safe and easy, with lots of professional dive centres dotted around the island offering top-quality equipment, lessons and excursions. Beau Vallon is perhaps the most well-known spot for snorkelling, not least because it has an excellent array of eateries nearby for a bite to eat afterwards.

For breathtaking views of Mahé, you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere better than Mission Lodge, one of the most culturally and historically significant spots in the Seychelles. Once the site of a missionary school, all that remains today are the scattered ruins that were inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.

Covering a total surface area of more than 3,000 hectares, Morne Seychellois National Park encompasses a striking and diverse range of flora and fauna, with tree-dotted mountains, coastal mangroves and innumerable native birds. There are also little pockets of historically significant sites along the way, including old cinnamon distilleries and crumbling schools.

Without a doubt, the best way to discover the area is to take advantage of the myriad walking trails within the national park. Offering varying degrees of difficulty, these winding routes are clearly marked and will quickly make you feel as though you have left the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind you.

Guided tours are another popular way of exploring the park, as you’ll be able to see all the best bits and get back in time to enjoy an evening cocktail before the sun goes down. The guides also know the best vantage points for admiring the spectacular views.

Victoria is the thriving hub of the Seychelles, showcasing a tantalising array of culture, cuisine, history and shopping. Although the majority of your time will likely be divided between lounging on the beach and exploring Mahé’s lush jungle interior, it’s certainly worth spending a day or two wandering around the Creole capital.

The Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market is a great place to pick up a souvenir, like a traditional sarong. Plus, it’s one of the best places to see Seychellois culture on full display. Colourful stalls and busy shoppers make for a wonderful spectacle, giving you a glimpse into everyday life on the island.

When the temperature rises and the streets become stifling, escaping to the cool shade of the National Botanical Gardens is a great source of relief. While you’re there, make sure to check out the giant land tortoise enclosure.

Due to the Seychelles’ tropical climate, temperatures in Mahé are fairly constant, hovering between 24°C and 32°C throughout the year. As an island boasting some of the Indian Ocean’s finest beaches, there’s never a bad time to visit Mahé – but if sunbathing is your main plan of action, you should avoid the west season between December and March.

April, May, October or November is the best time to go if you’d like to explore Mahé beyond the beaches, as this is when the island is typically calm and windless. You’ll have ideal conditions for venturing into the heart of the Morne Seychellois National Park, where you can spend long days hiking. Equally, it’s warm and sunny enough at this time of year for snorkelling, diving and lazy beach days.

July to early September sees cooler, drier weather, but this is also the busiest time to visit the Seychelles, as it coincides with the northern hemisphere’s school holidays.