At leisure to relax on the pristine beach of your lodge on Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles, and enjoy swimming, snorkelling and kayaking in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Diving, deep sea game fishing and horse riding are also available.
Mahe island is home to the capital town of Victoria, where you can visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens which has indigenous giant tortoises that live for over 200 years - longer than any other creature on our planet. You can explore the island on an optional day tour that visits the fresh produce market with its wonderful array of spices and fresh fish, walk past 'Big Ben' and drive along the scenic San Soucis Road to the ruins of the missionary school at Mission Lodge (originally called Venn's Town), with wonderful views over the island.
An optional full day snorkelling excursion is available to Sainte Anne Marine Park. Tropical fish inhabit these coral reefs, where dolphins are sometimes seen, as well as sperm whale (July/August) and whale sharks (August to October). Leatherback and endangered hawksbill turtles nest on some of the beaches in December and January, with hatchlings emerging in March and April.
You can also take an easy 1.5-hour guided hike through beautiful Morne Seychelles National Park, ending at Anse Major Bay. From here cruise by boat to secluded Baie Ternay Marine Park for some swimming and snorkelling. There are many other wonderful walks around this island, ranging from the easy trail to Glacis Trois Freres, to the much tougher hike to Mare aux Cochons.
Full day optional island hopping excursion are available, travelling by ferry to neighbouring Praslin and La Digue islands. Praslin is home to the Vallee de Mai reserve, where the unique Coco de Mer palm tree is found, and where you can swim and snorkel on beautiful Anse Lazio beach. Small car-free La Digue has a quaint harbour and famous Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its huge granitic boulders and clear turquoise waters.