The sunny Seychelles are a paradise of lush jungle, clear water, and tropical birds, and the island of Mahé lies at the heart of all that beauty. Home to the capital city of Victoria and the majority of the island’s population, Mahé is a popular option for visitors. Things to do on Mahé include exploring the outdoor markets to learn about local ingredients and recipes, snorkeling off the white-sand beaches, and hiking through Morne Seychelles National Park, perfumed with the scent of rare orchids and dense greenery.
The small islands of the Seychelles experience two monsoon seasons: the wet, northwest monsoon, which runs from December to March, and the southeast monsoon, which ushers in dry—albeit windy and cool—weather to the Seychelles from May to September. Instead, visit during the dry seasons between April–May and October–November; this is when the temperatures rise and the water visibility improves, making it a perfect time of year for snorkeling, diving, and fun in the sun.
As the largest island of the Seychelles, Mahé is easy to explore. Public transit on the island is convenient (although the bus schedule can be unreliable), so make sure you leave plenty of time for transit. Renting a car is an excellent option if you’d rather not leave your day trips up to chance, and it lets you visit some of the more remote areas on the island with ease. Taxis are another option, but they tend to be quite expensive.
One of the highlights of Mahé is the colorful Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market, where you will find spices like cinnamon, cloves, saffron, and cardamom, as well as perfectly ripe pineapples and mangoes. The fish market is full of fresh catches, and upstairs you’ll find clothes and art—perfect souvenirs to take home. It’s located in the center of Victoria and gives you a sense of what everyday life looks like in the Seychelles.
