Top 10 Things to do in Seychelles with kids – recommendations by a local.
This stunning little chain of islands in the Indian Ocean sounds like a dream for honeymooners, but have you ever thought of travelling to Seychelles with kids?
I lived in the Seychelles on Mahe Island for six months while my husband was based there for work, and learnt a lot during my stay there. It can be fun and inexpensive if you know where to go and what to do. Below is my highly recommended Top 10 things to do in Seychelles with Kids. I have highlighted here everything for the family as well as my highly recommended hotels that will cater for children.
1: Stay at a Child-friendly Resort Island: Luxurious Eden Island
Option 1: Eden Island Apartments (Self-Catering)
These can be booked directly through booking.com through with the owners of the properties directly. I have posted here photos of my apartment i had during my stay. It has all the modern facilities you would need for a little family plus the beach outside your doorstep in your backyard and private too!
I specifically chose this location because it has an abundance of beach-front and marina-front apartments and villas to choose from. We stayed here during our time and found this was the perfect place for us and our little girl. Tia, our daughter was only six years old at the time so Every apartment or villa has a water view. This is the only exclusive resort island of its kind in Mahe, and most apartments can be found on airbnb or most hotel websites such as booking.com . Eden Island is very popular with families because of the abundance of facilities it has to offer. There is one hotel on the island, Eden Bleu Hotel, should you wish to stay here then that is an option also.
Option 2: Eden Bleu Hotel
The only hotel on the island. This shares facilities with the other residents on the islands but is a fully serviced hotel in front of the main marina.
Option 3: Private Villas
These are private villas available for booking for larger groups or for people who simply want more room. Book here for a Private Villa on Eden Island.
Beaches on the island are:
- Anse Bernik
- Anse Tec Tec
- Anse Bernitier
These are all a short walking distance to each other and easily accessible. All beaches have leaf huts to shelter from the sun if needed. The beaches are all in little coves as this is a man-made island, and so waves are very small and perfect for little children. Be careful of jellyfish during certain seasons. If you are lucky, you might find stingrays too! They are very friendly and show up alot as the beaches are protected.
Health & Gym Facilities
This is attached to the Eden Bleu Hotel and can be easily accessed from another entrance. There is an infinity pool also outside beside the children’s playground and has a stunning view of the marina out front.
Pools
There are three swimming pools in various parts of the island, all available to use at any time by the guests . This is an absolute necessity when travelling to Seychelles with kids. The main pool is beside the playground and gym nearest to the Eden Bleu Hotel, which overlooks the marina.
Children’s Park & Playgrounds
There are multiple playgrounds around the island. There is a main one near the Eden Blue Hotel , however if you are looking for something bigger such as a football field, there is one on the island also.
Restaurants , Bars, Shopping Mall & Supermarket at Eden Plaza
You will find plenty of restaurants to choose from here at Eden Plaza itself.
Restaurants , Cafes & Bars at Eden Plaza
- The Boardwalk Bar & Grill (International Bar/Restaurant)
- Bravo Restaurant & Sushi Bar ( International Restaurant)
- The Maharajas ( Indian Restaurant)
- Chatterbox Cafe (Coffee Shop)
- Yo Love It ( Frozen Yogurt)
- Sey Si Bon ( Juice Bar)
- Cafe Eden ( Coffee Shop)
- Marlin Bleu Restaurant ( International and Seychelles cuisine at Eden Blue Hotel)
- Empereur Terrace ( International Bar food at Eden Bleu Hotel)
Supermarket – SPAR Supermarket at Eden Plaza
This supermarket is amazing as it has almost everything you can possibly need on this island without leaving. There’s fresh fruits and vegetables here. It is a little pricier than the local supermarket however it is handy to have nearby for travelling parents who want healthy options.
Money Exchange – JPL X-Change at Eden Plaza
JPLX-Change is located near the central area of Eden Plaza.
Island tours / Sailing Trips on Eden Island
I highly recommend you use a tour company to travel to the nearby islands . Below is a list of companies nearby on Eden Is that can provide these services.
- Creole Odyssea Boat Charter
- Catamarans Seychelles Nesi
- Sunsail Mooring
- Windward Islands Seychelles
- Elegant Yachting
- Northwest Yacht JPL
- Luxury Charter Group
- Coco Charters
- Rocco Locco Tours
- Starfish Odeza Catamaran – Learn more here. Very family friendly and highly recommended.
Transport
Each apartment / villa comes with its very own golf buggy. No cars are allowed on the island. There is a communal car park where you can keep your car, however, everything can only be transported around the island itself on golf buggies. This is perfect if you are travelling with kids too because it is a lot safer to explore the island.
Other Child-friendly Resorts on Mah’e Island.
Option 1: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
You will need to book a driver for this as it is a long journey from town, or stay the night to finish your holiday off as the beach there is stunning, not forgetting the amazing facilities the resort has to offer.
We recommend our best rated company here – Click here to book via Trip Advisor
Child-friendly Facilities Checklist :
- Kids Club
- Babysitting Services
- Diving
- Private Beach
- Snorkelling
- Evening entertainment
- Table tennis
- Board games / puzzles
- Video game console
- Children’s playground
- Children’s television networks
- Indoor play area for children
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
- Kids pool
- Kids’ outdoor play equipment
- Highchairs available
- Airport transportation
- Car hire
- Picnic area
- Baby safety gates
- Kids’ outdoor play equipment
- Board games/puzzles
- Walking Tours
Option 2: Kempinski Seychelles Resort
This resort is also located far out of town so will need a car or some form of transport in getting here. They do offer airport shuttle and free parking for guests too should you wish to hire a car and park there.
Child-friendly Facilities Checklist :
- Kids Club
- Babysitting Services.
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
- Entertainment Staff
- Canoeing
- Tennis Court
- Beach
- Pool
- Car Hire
- Taxi Service
Option 3: DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles- Allamanda Resort
This resort is also located far out of town so will need a car or some form of transport in getting here. They do offer airport shuttle and free parking for guests too should you wish to hire a car and park there.
Child-friendly Facilities Checklist :
- Babysitting Services
- Free parking
- Pool
- Beach
- Canoeing
- Airport transportation
- Parking
- Wifi
- Pool / beach towels
- Infinity pool
- Snorkelling
- Car hire
- Currency exchange
- Non-smoking hotel
- Shops
Option 4: Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa
This resort is very central right in the heart of Beau Vallon Beach so ideally there is no need for a car if you are staying here. The beach, is right outside your doorstep as well as other restaurants to try outside of the hotel.
Child-friendly Facilities Checklist :
- Live music/performance Additional charge
- Bike tours Additional charge
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Beach
- Kids Pool
- Tennis equipment
- Kids’ club
- Snorkelling Off-site Additional charge
- Cycling Off-site
- Hiking
- Canoeing Off-site Additional charge
- Games room
- Tennis court
- Packed lunches
- Soundproof rooms
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Barber/beauty shop
- Airport shuttle
2. Boat Trip to the nearby islands.
These stunning islands are only a short boat ride away from Eden Island, and perfect for snorkelling or a sun-downer cruise with the family. My personal favourite spot is the reef just off Moyenne Island.
Snorkelling in the reef around Moyenne Island is an amazing experience for the whole family. The island is situated just off Eden Island, and is home to a vibrant coral reef system that is teeming with marine life. The crystal clear waters make it easy to see the colourful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life that call the reef home. The reef is also home to a variety of hard and soft corals, which provide shelter and food for the marine life. Snorkelling around Moyenne Island is a great way to explore the underwater world and discover the beauty of the coral reef ecosystem. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, as well as for those who like to see wild life and enjoy the marine biodiversity.
Islands to explore and Places to Stay:
Ile au Cerf ( Snorkeling and Tortoises)
- Cerf Island Resort – If you want somewhere to stay right beside this sorkling spot.
- Cerf Tropical Villa Seascape
- L’Habitation Cerf Island
- South Point Villas Cerf Island
JA Enchanted Island (Snorkelling)
- JA Enchanted Waterfront
Moyenne Island ( Snorkeling and Tortoises)
- This is the World’s only Island National Park.
Long Island (Snorkelling)
Saint-Anne Marine National Park) (Snorkelling).
Book with the following tour companies for the best sea experience with your family:
- Full-Day Reef Safari to Saint-Anne Marine National Park – Learn more here.
- Day Trip to Praslin & La Digue Islands – Learn more here (Books out fast)
- Cat Cocos – Ferry Trip to Praslin – Lean more here.
- Three Islands & Swimming with Sea Turtles – Lean more here (Books out fast)
- Elegant Yachting
- Rocco Locco Tours
- Semi-Submarine Tour – Learn more here ( Books out fast)
- Starfish Odezir Catamaran – Learn more here. Very family friendly and highly recommended.
3. World’s largest ‘Giant Tortoise’ Feeding & Victoria Botanical Gardens.
Aldabra Tortoises – This is a must see for the children because it is here that you will also find the famous Seychelles Coco de mer palm and one of the world’s largest tortoise; the ‘Aldabra tortoises’ . These tortoises are endemic to the Aldabra atoll and were originally found on many of the islands in Seychelles but eventually became extinct due to being exploited by sailors. They can live up to 120 years old! There are certain times for feeding sessions so it’s worth looking into it when you arrive. You will need to purchase the food ( mainly flowering plants and grass) from the Tortoise centre and feed as instructed by the caretaker in charge.
Coco de mer Nut – The native nut endemic to Seychelles only can be found here in the gardens. It is strictly forbidden to pick the nuts as it is endangered but there is no harm in looking at the fallen nuts if they are on the ground. As long as you do not take them out of the garden, you are fine.
4. Drive around the island in a day and visit beaches.
The island of Mahe is very small, and so driving around the island can be done in a day. The roads are quite narrow, so renting a little car is the best option based on my experience. It is the islands so you will need to have patience when driving as there is only one road around the island.
I recommend packing your car with beach clothes and towels, and see where it takes you. There are a lot of stunning beaches along the way that are all free to access and visible from the road.
I recommend stopping the following beaches:
- Anse Soleil – This is an insider’s little gem hidden away from the main road. The closest resort to this beach is the Anse Soleil Beachcomber.This is a self-catering resort on the beach and is a good location point on the map if you are driving.
- Anse Forbans – This is another secret spot that not a lot of people know about.
Need tour guide? We recommend you use one of ours here with our Trip Advisor partner. – Book here.
Picnic – Remember, you will need to plan in advance. There is a supermarket on Eden Island, should you need to get food supplies for your picnic. Travelling with kids is easy if you always have snacks around.
Book a tour-guide – Book a tour-guide to take you around for the day to save you the hassle of thinking ahead and planning where to go and what to do. Tour guides usually take you to the places below.
- Jardin du Roi spice garden (150 rupees)
- Takamaka Rum Distillery Tour (150 rupees)
- Mission Lodge (100 rupees)
- Sauzier Waterfall (50 rupees)
- Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
- Sauzier Waterfall
- Mission Lodge Lookout
5. Rent a Catamaran for a day sail.
Take a sail around the island for the day with the children. When travelling with kids, being by the sea or on water is always good. Children are always happy so you can never go wrong with sailing. There are a lot of companies to choose from below. We went with one that was already on Eden island so it was very convenient for us.
We recommend:
- Windward Islands Seychelles
- Elegant Yachting
- Starfish Odeza Catamaran – Learn more here. Very family friendly and highly recommended via Trip Advisor.
6. Visit Beau Vallon Beach for swimming and dining.
Beau Vallon Beach is a perfect location for a family vacation. The beach is known for its safe and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for children to swim and play. The beach also offers a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, snorkelling and scuba diving, which can be enjoyed by the whole family. The beach also provides a wide variety of accommodation options, including family-friendly hotels and resorts, many of which offer children’s activities and childcare services. This makes Beau Vallon an ideal destination for travelling families with kids. Not only is it safe for swimming and water activities, it is also a great spot for sunset, as the sun sets on the Indian ocean, it creates a beautiful and romantic ambiance. The beach is also home to a wide selection of dining options, from casual beachside restaurants to upscale eateries, which offer a variety of local and international cuisine. This allows families to enjoy delicious meals together while taking in the stunning views of the ocean. With its safe swimming, sunsets, and wide variety of activities, accommodation and dining options, Beau Vallon Beach is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun, romantic and relaxing vacation.
Book a Snorkelling Tour here with out recommended partner via Trip Advisor.
Places to Eat
- Boat House ( Local and international mix ) – This is my personal favourite because it offers local options for the adventurous to try.
- La Plage ( Seafood ) – Located right on the beach literally. Amazing food and view.
- Beach Shak (Cocktail Bar & Food) – Great for an evening snack and drinks for mum and dad.
- Creollo House Restaurant ( Creole Cuisine)
- Gecko Bar ( Beach Bar at the Savoy Hotel)
- Mahek ( Indian fine dinning at the Savoy Hotel)
- Ocean Deck Bar ( Bar food overlooking the sea at the Savoy Hotel)
- Traders Vic’s ( In Bel Ombre) – Just a short drive off the beach. Perfect for a Polynesian-Asian inspired meal in a Tiki-inspired restaurant. This is a personal favourite of mine so I am biassed. I try to go to one in every country I visit.
- Seyshima ( Japanese ) – on Bel Ombre beach, which is a short walk away.
7. Learn Sun Printing.
Crafting with your kids can be a great way to bond and spend quality time together. Not only does it allow for creativity and self-expression, but it also helps to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, crafting can be a great way to teach children about different cultures and traditions.
If you’re planning a trip to Seychelles with kids, you could explore the local crafts and incorporate them into your crafting time together. One of the popular local forms of art is Sun Printing. Sun printing, also known as cyanotype, is a photographic printing process that uses the sun’s UV rays to create a blue print on paper or fabric. It’s a historical technique that was invented in the 19th century. In Seychelles, sun printing is a popular craft and art form, where the natural beauty of the island is used as inspiration to create unique and beautiful prints. Artists and crafters use a variety of materials such as leaves, flowers, shells and even sand to create interesting designs and patterns on the paper or fabric. The prints are then left to dry in the sun, creating a beautiful and unique piece of art. Sun printing is a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it can be a great way to capture the beauty of Seychelles in a unique and lasting way.
This can be a fun and educational way to introduce your children to the culture of Seychelles and to create lasting memories of your trip. Overall, crafting with your kids can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your children.
To learn more about Sun printing in Seychelles, click here.
8. Hike to Anse Major Nature Trail
This is not suitable for smaller children if you are planning on doing the full hike. We took Tia when she was six years old, however we didn’t do the full hike as some parts of the trail were far too dangerous to go with her to walk. It’s ideal for an 8 year old really. There are a few companies offering private tour-guides I have listed below. Tours cover for pickup and drop off at your hotel of choice and some include meals if you selected. Tours take about five hours on average and you get a tour guide included in the tip.
Private Tours – Based in Beau Vallon –Book here with our recommended tour operator.
For large groups of up to 25 people – Book here with our recommended tour operator.
9. Visit the Kot-nan Ya Exotic Flower Garden and the Jardin du Roi Spice Garden.
If you are a plant lover, then visiting the Kot-nan Ya Exotic Flower Garden this is the perfect spot for you. This is the private residence of a retired ambassador to the UN . Guided tours are usually done by the owner himself; Mark , who has a deep passion for plants and his tortoises. He has a vast variety of beautiful and exotic flowering plants growing in his private garden.
The Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is very similar to the Kota-nan Ya garden. To learn more and book, click here.
10. Have a Photoshoot with your family.
Why not end your holiday with a photoshoot done by a professional photographer to capture the memories. Bookings are for up to four people per 30 mins slots. There are quite a lot of highly-recommended photographers available on booking.com .
Check individual photographer’s review first before booking.
Our recommendation – Take a look HERE.
I hope you have found this information useful as much as i have enjoyed putting it together. Please feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions about travelling to Seychelles with kids . I know it can be overwhelming if you are not sure of what to do and where to go if this is your first time.
Please also share this if you know someone who might find this useful.
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