After a day of lounging at the (nice) hotel, we were ready to explore Mahe island. We booked a private day tour, which brought us around to a number of island attractions. Because we had recently visited tea plantations, spice farms, rum distilleries, and local craft & food markets, we cut out a number of “standard” stops.

Nonetheless, we enjoyed the day, which we spent visiting a number of classic boulder-strewn beaches, scenic driving the island, touring Victoria (perhaps the world’s smallest capital city?), hiking to a waterfall, and—most of all—learning about the island, its people, and its history.

Auto-generated description: A person is relaxing at the edge of a pool, overlooking a scenic ocean view with mountains and palm trees in the background. Auto-generated description: A serene tropical beach scene features large boulders, turquoise waves, and lush green foliage under a partly cloudy sky. Auto-generated description: Two people wearing sunglasses are smiling on a beach with waves and large rocks in the background. Auto-generated description: Waves crash onto a rocky beach shore with trees partially framing the scene. Auto-generated description: A serene beach scene features white sand, calm turquoise water, a few swimmers, and a small island in the distance. Auto-generated description: A scenic view showcases a tranquil turquoise bay with several boats, surrounded by lush, green hills under a partly cloudy sky.

One of the unexpectedly fun stops was at a local perfumery that utilizes the famed coco de mer nut. Famed because it’s only found on Seychelles, grows on an endangered tree, is the largest nut in the world, and the only nut that lacks both oil and sugar. Also, it looks like a booty 🍑

Auto-generated description: A person is holding a large, uniquely-shaped black nut in a display setting.

We got a chance to hike a short trail to a waterfall, which was a great little break during our day tour. I was surprised how mountainous the island was (see below for some aerial shots on the flight in), as well as how lush and rainforesty it felt.

The trail to the waterfall Auto-generated description: A narrow dirt path winds through dense, lush green foliage in a tropical forest setting.

Love the dense jungle here Auto-generated description: A lush, tropical forest features a small, rocky stream surrounded by dense greenery and tall trees.

Sauzier Falls Auto-generated description: A waterfall cascades down a rocky hillside surrounded by lush green foliage.

Here are some of those shots as we flew in, that shows some of the mountainous terrain:

Auto-generated description: Aerial view of a cityscape surrounded by lush green hills and cloudy skies, with a marina filled with boats. Auto-generated description: An aerial view showcases a lush, mountainous landscape with buildings scattered across a valley, under overcast skies. Auto-generated description: An aerial view of a coastal town features lush greenery, houses, and a marina with turquoise waters. Auto-generated description: Aerial view of a coastal town with buildings, lush green hills, and a cloudy sky.

Lunch was right on the water, though we happened to arrive at low tide.

Auto-generated description: A bottle and glass of Seybrew beer are on a table overlooking a tranquil beach with a view of boats and green hills in the background. Auto-generated description: Several fresh fish are displayed on ice, accompanied by seashells and a piece of red coral.

And here’s a shot of one of the (dredged) island development, from a high viewpoint Auto-generated description: A scenic view of a coastal landscape with islands, water, and lush greenery under a cloudy sky.

We spent much of the third day back in the pool, waiting for our evening flight. Our resort had a shower for late departees, which we made good use of before heading to the airport.

All in all, it was a successful and enjoyable visit. We generally saw what we wanted to, and feel good about marking off the country. But it’s probably not a place that would draw us back for a second visit, even as beautiful as it can clearly be. There’s just so much else out there to see, and beyond the honeymoon-focused resorts, it feels very similar to a number of tropical islands we’ve visited. -S 🇸🇨