When Seychelles is on our minds, white sandy beaches, blue waters, and high-end resorts are the first things that come to our minds. But beyond the famous Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue islands, there are numerous off-the-beaten-path treasures to be discovered. For the 2025 adventurer, these off-the-beaten-path locations provide virgin beauty, remoteness, and unspoiled Creole culture. Let's uncover the top 10 Seychelles best-kept secrets that will be an experience to last a lifetime.
1. Silhouette Island – A Paradise Wild and Untamed by Time
Silhouette Island is Seychelles' third largest island but one that has, to a great degree, escaped the full force of mass tourism. The island is cloaked in dense rainforest that conceals endemic flora and fauna species, among them the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, which is on the brink of extinction. Nature trekkers will enjoy the rocky paths of Mont Dauban rainforest. The pristine beaches, such as Anse Mondon, can be reached by foot or boat alone, enhancing the mystique of the island.
2. Curieuse Island – Mangrove and Giant Tortoises Marvel
Curieuse is a national park on Praslin's northern coastline and is renowned for its Aldabra giant tortoises. While the surrounding islands are beige, Curieuse boasts a red-earth landscape and an unbeatable mangrove forest section that is perfect for sea kayaking. Explore the restored colonial villa residence of the "Doctor's House," which is now used as a museum, and learn hands-on conservation work on this island.
3. Île Cocos Marine National Park – A Snorkeler's Haven
Near La Digue lies the Île Cocos Marine National Park, a snorkeler's haven of coral reef filled with diverse marine life. A group of small granite islands is ideal for snorkeling with its crystal-clear waters showing parrotfish, butterflyfish, and turtles. It can only be accessed by sea, so it's ideal for an adrenaline-fueled daytrip full of under-sea exploration.
4. Anse Georgette – Praslin's Secret
Off the tourist trail from Anse Lazio in general, Anse Georgette is probably the most beautiful and serene of Seychelles' beaches. Limited by the Constance Lemuria Resort, access is restricted and by appointment only, ensuring few tourist visitors. Ringed by granite outcrops and tropical forest, it boasts white sandy beaches and some of the Indian Ocean's clearest water.
5. Grande Soeur Island – Tropical Island Retreat
Grande Soeur, or "Big Sister Island," is a privately owned Soeur Island to which access is only available for day excursions. There are two beautiful beaches, lagoons that are crystal clear, and colorful coral reefs that offer a wedding paradise environment for honeymooners and snorkeling enthusiasts alike. Individuals can trek across the island and get scenic top views of the surrounding seascape. Ecological conservation and selectivity result from restricted access.
6. Moyenne Island – Haunted History and Ecological Balance
Located in Ste. Anne Marine Park, Moyenne Island packs history and diversity into a paltry 0.09 square kilometers. The island was previously inhabited by pirates, and island legend says that it is also haunted, which adds to its mystique. Brendon Grimshaw purchased and preserved the island, which is now a nature reserve home to more than 2,000 flora and more than 100 roaming giant tortoises. A stroll along its trails treats one to ruins of yesteryears and a secret chapel.
7. Anse Marron – Nature's Secret Sculpture Garden
A protected beach accessible on foot only from guided hiking expeditions, La Digue's best-kept secret is Anse Marron. The path there is a major part of the adventure by way of jungle pathways, rock tunnels, and tidal pools, so the actual place is just as enjoyable as the journey there. With rocky outcroppings, ocean-side salt pools, and pure isolation, the photography opportunities for Anse Marron are just dreamy enough.
8. Île aux Fouquets (Beacon Island) – Lighthouse Ruins and Ocean Panorama
Off the eastern coast of Mahé is Île aux Fouquets, or Beacon Island. It's a rocky islet that contains the remains of Seychelles' oldest lighthouse, erected in 1864. Small though it may be, it has ocean views perfect for drone fanatics and history buffs who love adventure. Private boat trips are generally the way one gets there, which is precisely what makes it that off-the-beaten-path place.
9. Cap Ternay – Virgin Underwater Paradise
Cap Ternay, north west coast of Mahé, is Seychelles' best off-grid snorkeling and diving location. It is a headland on the ocean and part of the Baie Ternay Marine National Park. The location includes coral gardens and abundant sea life. The fact that it is not crowded with resorts translates into fewer individuals, much sea life, and live interaction with nature.
10. Denis Island – Conservation Meets Eco-Luxury
Denis Island is a small, resort-sized island providing eco-luxury and dedicated conservation activities. It is home to threatened species like Seychelles fody and magpie robin, hence bird spotters' heaven. Denis' coral reefs are ideal for diving, while tourists engage in eco-activities like turtle patrol and organic gardening. Its no-TV, no-internet policy promises a high-tech paradise holiday.
Final Thoughts: Uncover the Off-the-Map Seychelles
Seychelles' off-the-beaten-path destinations have more to offer than cocktail and sun worshipping. They advocate immersion, remoteness, and responsibility, all packaged under the tropics. Adventurous travelers in 2025 will find that these off-the-map sites offer a larger, truer sense of belonging to Seychelles' culture and nature heritage. These sites are not on a map—they're moments that redefine what island travel itself is.
