Mahe Island Travel Guide - Attractions

Curieuse Marine National Park: take the boat to Curieuse Island where the Marine National Park promises some of the most spectacular flora and fauna imaginable among which are coco-de-mer trees, giant tortoises and hump-head parrotfish. A trail takes visitors from Baie Laraie to Anse Jose passing the ruins of an old leper colony along the way.

Ile Cocos Marine National Park: of all the marine parks available for visiting in the Seychelles archipelago, this is perhaps the most beautiful and is certainly the most popular. Spread across three small islets which are in water shallow enough to allowing walking between them, the park offers an ecosystem rich in vibrantly colourful plant and animal life, with scenes that offer photo opportunities few ever get in their lifetime.

Domaine de Val des Pres: traditional Creole culture is on offer at the craft village known as Domaine de Val des Pres, a popular tourist attraction in its own right and a place where many visitors choose to tie the knot in a Creole ethnic marriage ceremony. There are 12 crafts workshops available for visiting as well as the Maison de Coco, a house built entirely from coconut matter; a 19th century plantation house; and the Vye Marmit restaurant. Domaine de Val des Pres is located on the island of Mahe.

Vallee de Mai: located on Praslin island, this is another of the Seychelles’ popular national parks and among those deemed most important. Coco de mer trees can be found throughout the park a well as jackfruit, pandanus and rare species of palm tree. Fruit bats, geckos and a variety of tropical bird species can also be easily seen.