Seychelles – Family holiday guide

The archipelago of 115 little islands just a few degrees south of the equator has always been known to romantics. But now several luxury resorts have exceptional kids’ clubs, activity programmes, carefully thought out mini-menus and even their own giant turtles, on occasion.

Spacious lodges, villas, charming guesthouses and hotels all over the main islands are made for families and unusually affordable for this exotic part of the world.

Incredible beaches, clear waters and year-round sunshine make a natural adventure playground. And there are few places where kids can enjoy as much freedom as the warm, friendly and welcoming Seychelles.

• Cousin Island Reserve
  Over 300,000 nesting seabirds, more lizards than anywhere else in the world and a protected habitat for Hawksbill turtles, this is an amazing island hop from Mahé for over 12s.
• Vallée de Mai, Preslin
  A primeval forest of 6000 Coco-de-Mer palms – Coco-de-Mer nuts are the world’s largest and kids are enchanted by this marvel in the heart of Praslin.
• Esplanade Craft Kiosks, Mahé
  An enchanting parade of stalls and pretty huts where local craftspeople sell their work along the waterfront in Mahé.
• L’Union Estate, La Digue
  A working copra mill and plantation house overlooking Source d’Argent beach, visitors can horse ride here too.
• Aride Island
  This conservation island is where to see the most astonishing birds and plants up close – if you’re quiet – said to be one of the loveliest spots in the Seychelles.

• Morne Seychellois National Park
  Taking up more than 20% of Mahé, this 3045ha park has 12 well-marked trails with varying degrees of difficulty and there are several excellent guided tours.
• Bubble Maker
  Kids from 8 to 11 will love an easy introduction to scuba diving with the safe and fun Bubble Maker.
• Glass Bottom Boats tours
  See the marine life and underwater world around Marine Park St. Anne, without getting wet.
• Hire a bike on La Digue
  There are places to rent bikes for a few hours, a day or several weeks on La Digue and the roads are quiet, safe and easy for kids.
• Island walking trails
  Walking the forests, hills and valleys in glorious weather could fill up an entire family holiday on any one of the main islands.

Educational value for kids

From sailing, swimming, diving and snorkelling to visiting conservation islands, watching turtles hatch, adventuring around marine parks and world heritage sites to picking up a few lilting Creole phrases, there are opportunities for kids to learn something new every minute in the Seychelles.

• Entirely uninhabited until the 18th century, the country still has a fascinating history, start the discovery at Mahé National Museum.
• La Digue has some delightful historic plantations filled with fascinating activities for curious kids.

• The waters round the Seychelles are perfect for first sailing lessons.
• Several resort hotels have inventive kids’ clubs where children can learn everything from cooking to local arts and crafts.
• Choose an expert local guide and learn the mysteries of the island’s beaches, wildlife, national parks, botanic gardens and colonial history.
• Discover Praslin’s pirate legacy on Côte d’Argent beach.
• Visit local studios and galleries in Mahé where kids can often see artists and craftspeople at work.

Getting around with kids in the Seychelles

Cycling on La Digue and round Mahé and Praslin’s flat, easy coastal roads is a good way to travel with older kids. You can hire a car, but the islands have excellent local buses and a ferry service operates from early morning to evening all year round. Private water taxis are also available and, naturally, you can charter boats almost anywhere.