17-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide to the Seychelles Islands
Embarking on a 17-day epic journey across the Seychelles offers families a rare chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. This itinerary focuses on the three main islands—Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue—prioritizing comfortable inter-island transit and activities that cater to both toddlers in strollers and energetic older children. From the gentle shallows of Beau Vallon to the prehistoric palm forests of Vallée de Mai, your family will experience the best of the Indian Ocean at a manageable, relaxed pace.
We have designed this route to minimize stress, focusing on 'slow travel' principles. By spending multiple nights in each location, you avoid the fatigue of constant packing, allowing the kids to feel at home in their tropical surroundings. With an average daily budget of USD 91.67, we emphasize local self-catering options and public parks, ensuring a high-quality experience that remains financially accessible for families.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria, Seychelles - Arrival & Island Settling
Arrival at Seychelles International Airport
Touch down on the main island of Mahé. After clearing customs, collect your luggage and prepare for your tropical adventure.
Transfer to Accommodation
Check into your family-friendly guesthouse in Victoria or near Beau Vallon. Take a short nap to recover from the flight.
Stroll through Victoria Market
Visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. It's stroller-accessible and vibrant, offering a great introduction to local fruits and spices.
Casual Dinner at Victoria Clocktower
Enjoy a simple meal near the famous landmark, a replica of the clocktower outside Victoria Station in London.
Day 2: Victoria, Seychelles - Botanical Beauty
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
A must for families. The paths are wide and mostly flat, perfect for strollers. The highlight is the giant Aldabra tortoise pen where kids can feed the residents.
Picnic Lunch in the Gardens
Enjoy local fruits and sandwiches under the shade of exotic palm trees.
Natural History Museum
A small, air-conditioned space in Victoria that provides insights into the islands' unique flora and fauna.
Evening Waterfront Walk
Walk along the pier to see the local fishing boats coming in with the day's catch.
Day 3: Beau Vallon, Seychelles - Beach Play & Shallows
Beau Vallon Beach
This is the most family-friendly beach on Mahé. The water is shallow, the waves are minimal, and there are plenty of trees for shade.
Lunch at a Beachside Takeaway
Try 'Takeaway' food—a Seychelles staple. It is affordable, delicious, and easy to eat on a beach towel with kids.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
View the coral reefs without getting wet—perfect for toddlers and non-swimmers.
Sunset Viewing
Watch the sun dip below the horizon while the children play in the soft sand.
Day 4: Mahé, Seychelles - Exploring the West Coast
Port Launay Coastal Drive
Take a scenic drive to the west coast. The roads are winding but offer breathtaking views of the ocean.
Port Launay Marine National Park
The waters here are exceptionally calm, making it a giant natural swimming pool for kids.
Sauzier Waterfall
A short, easy walk from the road leads to this picturesque waterfall where you can dip your toes in fresh water.
Tea Factory Visit
A quick stop to see how Seychelles tea is made and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Day 5: Eden Island, Seychelles - Modern Comforts
Eden Plaza Exploration
This man-made island offers high-end shopping and stroller-friendly boardwalks with views of luxury yachts.
Marina Side Lunch
Choose from several international restaurants that are very accommodating to families with high chairs.
Eden Island Aquarium
A small but engaging aquarium that showcases the marine life found in the surrounding reefs.
Kids' Playground Time
Let the children burn off some energy at the dedicated play areas within the plaza.
Day 6: Mahé, Seychelles - Southern Seclusion
Anse Royale Beach
A protected bay on the southeast coast, ideal for snorkeling with older children or splashing in the shallows.
Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
Explore this historic plantation. The paths can be a bit steep, but the fruit trees and vanilla vines are fascinating.
Craft Village (Domaine de Val des Près)
See traditional Creole houses and buy locally made wooden toys or coconut crafts.
Farewell Mahé Dinner
Enjoy a seafood platter at a local restaurant before preparing for tomorrow's island hop.
Day 7: Praslin, Seychelles - Crossing the Sea
Ferry to Praslin
Board the Cat Cocos ferry for a one-hour trip. The views of the islands are spectacular.
Check-in at Côte d'Or
Settle into your new base on Praslin's most popular family beach, Anse Volbert.
Beach Discovery at Anse Volbert
The water here stays shallow for hundreds of yards, making it incredibly safe for little ones.
Village Walk
Explore the small shops and gelato stands in the Côte d'Or village area.
Day 8: Praslin, Seychelles - The Coco de Mer
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage site. The main paths are flat and manageable with a sturdy stroller. Look for the world's largest nut, the Coco de Mer.
Visitor Center Cafe
A convenient spot for a quick lunch before heading back to the coast.
Anse Possession
A quiet, shaded beach perfect for a nap under the trees while the kids play with sand buckets.
Sunset at the Jetty
Watch the inter-island boats come and go from the Baie Ste Anne jetty.
Day 9: Praslin, Seychelles - Anse Lazio Adventure
Anse Lazio Beach
Often cited as one of the world's best beaches. Go early to find a spot under the Takamaka trees for natural shade.
Lunch at Bonbon Plume
A restaurant located right on the beach, allowing the kids to keep playing in the sand while you wait for food.
Tortoise Feeding at Anse Lazio
There is a small tortoise enclosure right at the entrance of the beach for a quick educational moment.
Evening Swim
One last dip in the turquoise waters before heading back to the hotel.
Day 10: Praslin, Seychelles - Curieuse Island Boat Trip
Boat Trip to Curieuse Island
A short boat ride away. Most tours include a BBQ lunch and are very welcoming to children.
Wild Tortoise Encounter
Over 200 giant tortoises roam free here. It is an unforgettable experience for children to see them in their natural habitat.
Creole BBQ Lunch
Enjoy grilled fish and fruit on the beach, prepared by your boat crew.
Snorkeling at St. Pierre Islet
On the way back, stop at this tiny rock island for some of the best snorkeling in the area (life jackets provided for kids).
Day 11: Praslin, Seychelles - Fond Ferdinand
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
A more rugged alternative to Vallée de Mai. While steeper, the views from the top are incredible. Best for families with older children or those using baby carriers.
Local Flavors Lunch
Try a local 'curry coco' at a small eatery near Baie Ste Anne.
Anse La Blague Exploration
A secluded beach at the end of a coastal road, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Grocery Shopping
Visit the local supermarket to stock up on snacks and breakfast items for the next leg of the trip.
Day 12: Praslin, Seychelles - Leisure & Prep
Lazy Morning at Anse Volbert
Spend the morning enjoying the resort pool or the calm ocean waves.
Farewell Praslin Lunch
Enjoy a meal at a beachside cafe while the kids hunt for seashells.
Packing & Relaxation
A low-key afternoon to prepare for the short ferry crossing to La Digue tomorrow.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some local vanilla essence or artwork from the Côte d'Or boutiques.
Day 13: La Digue, Seychelles - Island of Bicycles
Short Ferry to La Digue
A quick 15-minute hop from Praslin. La Digue is a car-free island where life moves even slower.
Bicycle Rental
Rent bikes with child seats or a 'tag-along' for the older kids. This is the primary mode of transport here.
L'Union Estate Park
Explore the old coconut oil mill, visit the tortoise pen, and see the giant granite monolith.
Anse Reunion Beach
A great spot near the main village for a quick swim before dinner.
Day 14: La Digue, Seychelles - The Iconic Beach
Anse Source d'Argent
One of the most photographed beaches in the world. Its shallow, crystal-clear pools are perfect for toddlers.
Fruit Smoothie Break
Visit the small fruit stands at the beach entrance for fresh mango and pineapple smoothies.
Vanilla Plantation Walk
Walk through the fragrant vanilla vines within the L'Union Estate on your way back from the beach.
Dinner at Fish Trap
A family-friendly restaurant in the village with great views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 15: La Digue, Seychelles - Cross-Island Adventure
Cycling to Grand Anse
The ride involves a few hills, but the road is paved and through beautiful forest. Grand Anse is stunning, but the currents are too strong for swimming—stick to the sand.
Lunch at Loutier Coco
A rustic buffet restaurant at Grand Anse where you can eat with your feet in the sand.
Veuve Nature Reserve
Try to spot the rare Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher bird in this quiet, shady woodland.
Village Life
Watch the locals play football at the island's central field as the sun sets.
Day 16: La Digue, Seychelles - Local Life & Slow Pace
Northern Island Cycle
Ride towards Anse Patates. The road is flat and hugs the coastline, offering amazing sea views.
Lunch in La Passe
Try a local bakery for fresh snacks and pastries—a hit with the kids.
Beachcombing at Anse Severe
A popular spot for families with plenty of shade and very calm water.
Final Island Dinner
Celebrate your last night on La Digue with a traditional Creole feast.
Day 17: Mahé, Seychelles - Farewell to Paradise
Ferry back to Mahé
Take the early ferry from La Digue, connecting through Praslin, back to the main island.
Final Souvenir Hunt in Victoria
A last chance to buy any gifts or snacks for the journey home.
Relaxed Lunch near Airport
Find a quiet spot for a final Seychellois meal before heading to the terminal.
Departure from Seychelles International
Check in for your flight home, filled with memories of giant tortoises and turquoise seas.
Best Time to Visit Seychelles
The best time to visit Seychelles for a family trip is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November. During these months, the winds are calm, the water is clear for snorkeling, and the humidity is manageable for young children. If you prefer cooler weather, June to August is pleasant, though the southeast trade winds can make the sea a bit choppier and bring more seaweed to certain beaches.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). While many hotels and larger restaurants accept major credit cards and even Euros or US Dollars, you will need Rupees for local 'takeaways,' markets, and small shops. Tipping is not strictly required as a service charge is usually included, but rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service. ATMs are widely available in Victoria, Beau Vallon, and the main villages of Praslin and La Digue.
Getting Around Seychelles
Inter-city travel in Seychelles means island hopping! The most common way to travel between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue is by the Cat Cocos or Inter Island Ferry services. For those prone to seasickness, Air Seychelles operates short 15-minute 'puddle-jumper' flights between Mahé and Praslin. On Mahé and Praslin, renting a car is the most comfortable option for families. On La Digue, bicycles are the primary mode of transport, and many come equipped with child seats or trailers.
