Seychelles in Pictures: 25 Beautiful Places to Photograph

It's virtually impossible to take a bad picture in the Seychelles. Each of the 115 islands that make up this Indian Ocean archipelago is so idyllic, it renders enviably perfect photographs. Towering palm trees cast cooling shadows across pristine sugar-white sand.

At dusk, the setting sun's pink and orange hues caress a horizon of azure waves. Meanwhile, giant granite boulders and lush tropical forests beg the lens to focus on their immense beauty. Whether you're searching for a nirvana of sun, sand, and surf, or dreaming of immersing yourself in a vibrant underwater world, the impeccable Seychelles won't disappoint.

Anse Source D'Argent, La Digue

One of the best beaches in the Seychelles, Anse Source D'Argent also tops the list of the world's most beautiful strands. This idyllic La Digue beach embodies the essence of a bucket-list-worthy beach vacation with inimitable granite rocks highlighted against flawless white sand and dazzlingly turquoise water. No wonder it's been used as a backdrop for so many films and advertising campaigns.

Mahé Island

Welcome to Paradise, or Mahé Island in this case! The largest and most highly populated of the Seychelles archipelago, mountainous Mahé is lined with impressive beaches, secret coves, and quiet bays. It lies in the Indian Ocean, more than 1,000 miles from Africa's east coast and boasts multiple small towns offering a glimpse into Creole culture.

Praslin Island

Ever dreamed of walking out your front door onto the most splendid of beaches? Consider a stay in one of the many top resorts on Praslin Island. The second biggest island in the Seychelles, Praslin is one of the most popular with tourists. You can blame its lush tropical forests, pristine sand, and quiet atmosphere for that.

Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, Mahé

The only Hindu temple in the Seychelles, the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple was built in 1992. The unique building stands in all its colorful glory in Mahé's tiny capital, Victoria. It was named after Ganesh, the Hindu god of prosperity and new beginnings. One of the most famous and well recognized Hindu deities, Ganesh is also known as Vinayaka.

Anse À La Mouche, Mahé

A drooping palm tree offers a slight respite from the heat on this unspoiled beach. An impeccable beauty on the southwest coast of Mahé, the water at Anse à La Mouche is calm and shallow-a great combination for those traveling with kids or craving a quiet snorkel. When the tide rushes in, much of the soft sand is covered, so plan your towel placement accordingly.

Anse Georgette, Praslin

Sunset takes on a whole new meaning when experienced from the quiet shore of Anse Georgette on Praslin Island. The easiest way to reach a good viewing spot at this public beach is through the Constance Lemuria Resort. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your beach visit or be prepared for a parking struggle before hiking your way down to the luxurious sand. Bring your camera and you won't be disappointed.

Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé

Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are the three most popular activities for travelers to Mahé. Those who stick to the ocean, though, are missing one of the island's star attractions-Morne Seychellois Nature Park.

Spanning more than 20 percent of the island, the park is the largest in the Seychelles and features many of the region's most impressive stars-from mangrove forests to Morne Seychellois, the country's highest peak. Each trail brings visitors through captivating scenery, rewarding those who hike up with sweeping vistas of the impeccable coast.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in the Seychelles

Anse Takamaka, Mahé

Ever wondered what it feels like to step into a work of art? Visit Mahé's inspirational Anse Takamaka. A kaleidoscope of colors greet photographers to this beautiful bay, which is named after the region's vibrant green Takamaka tree. Vivid palm leaves pop against an iridescent blue sky, while silvery-white sand complements the shimmering turquoise water.

L'Union Estate, La Digue

Walking through coconut and vanilla plantations, visiting a giant tortoise, and ogling immense granite rocks are a few of the most popular things to do at L'Union Estate. This natural heritage site is located near the south coast of La Digue Island, on the road that leads to Anse Source D'Argent. This is where you'll learn how coconuts are farmed and processed and see a restored Creole house.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Mahé

The oldest marine reserve in the Seychelles, this idyllic spot is named after its largest island, Sainte Anne, which sits peacefully in a picturesque lagoon. Five other islands, including Ile Cachée, Moyenne, Round, Long, and Cerf Islands, also lie in the shallow waters of this magnificent 5.6-square-mile park. They're known as the Seychelles' inner islands and are visited by nearly 40,000 visitors each year.

Anse Lazio, Praslin

Anse Lazio's tall and lush Takamaka trees, vividly turquoise water, and smooth boulders make it one of the most picturesque beaches on both Praslin Island and the entire Seychelles archipelago. While most arrive at the beach late morning, the best moment to visit for photography is before dusk, in time to devour an unforgettable sunset.

Tropical Rainforest

When most people dream of visiting the Seychelles, it's visions of sugar-white sand that dance in their heads. They're expecting to see the region's signature iridescent azure waters and towering palms. While these attributes are remarkable, the lush rainforests that constitute each island's inner core are just as extraordinary. It's here that you'll find ironwood, redwood, and medusagyne (a.k.a. jellyfish) trees. The forests are also home to the Seychelles' famed Coco de Mer tree, which produces the largest seed of any plant on the globe.

Silhouette Island

Just over 12 miles northwest of Mahé lies Silhouette Island, the third largest, and many would say the most beautiful, island of the archipelago. Like Mahé, Silhouette's interior is mountainous and lush with rainforest. The coast consists of pristine beaches peppered with photo-worthy granite rocks. Silhouette is home to the luxurious Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, as well as a tiny fishing village called La Passe.

Curieuse Island

Lying off the north coast of Praslin, Curieuse Island is best known for its perfect beaches strewn with massive jagged rocks and red soil. It's also one of the only islands that features Coco de Mer trees. This tiny (less than two miles in size) island was originally named Ile Rouge, after its red soil, but was later renamed after the sailing schooner, La Curieuse.

St. Pierre Island

A tiny reef island sitting about 1.5 miles off Praslin's famed Cote d'Or beach, this unique spot is a popular destination for snorkeling tours. Its most impressive feature can be found along its jagged granite coast, under the translucent waves. The only way to get to the island is by boat, and it's a popular place to watch the sun set.

Ile Cocos Marine National Park

Ile Cocos Marine National Park consists of three small islands, each of which lies in shallow water speckled with effervescent coral reefs. There's not much sand to relax on at this deserted island paradise, but people flock here in search of what lies below the waves, not above. This is a snorkeler's dream spot, and the only way to reach it is by boat from bigger islands like Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue. If you are interested in underwater photography, this is the place to come.

Copolia Trail, Mahé

One of the Seychelles' best hiking locales, the Copolia Trail in north Mahé takes about two hours to complete. From the top, visitors can see well across the Indian Ocean to the east coast of Mahé and neighboring islands while getting a perfect view of the capital, Victoria. Hikers are also rewarded by an incredible sighting of the country's highest mountain, Morne Seychellois.

Félicité Island

Félicité Island lies just over two miles from popular La Digue. This private island is spectacular. In addition to its pristine beaches, granite boulders, and translucent waters, Félicité boasts the uber luxurious Six Senses Zil Payson. One of the best resorts in the Seychelles, guests receive top-of-the-line service in addition to extravagantly modern villas and unbeatable food at this lavish establishment.

Snorkeling in the Seychelles

This 115-island archipelago provides some of the world's best snorkeling. With healthy, vibrant coral reefs and calm, warm waters, visitors will be hard-pressed to find a more captivating underwater world. Giant manta rays, colorful parrot fish, elegant turtles, and eels are only a few of the captivating marine species that call this area home.

Giant Tortoise on Bird Island

Get back to the basics, and up close and personal with giant tortoises, at Bird Island. With no phones, televisions, or Wi-Fi, this private island sanctuary is the epitome of paradise. The beaches here are utterly pristine, and the coral cay provides a stunning environment for snorkeling. With only one small hotel and thousands of tropical birds on the island, this is one of the most tranquil, untouched settings in the country.

The Anse Major Trail, Mahé

The Anse Major Trail leads from Bel Ombre to the captivating Anse Major. This scenic coastal trail will take about just over an hour to complete and is best hiked during the morning, as there's little shade. It can get rocky in parts, so good shoes are a must. A quick jump into the bay will help cool you down at the end, and if you're not up for walking all the way back, you can hire a water taxi.

Vallée de Mai, Praslin

The Seychelles' most well-known nut can be found in the Vallee de Mai on Praslin. Uniquely shaped like a human's bottom, it is the world's largest plant seed and can be found on most touristy kitsch (including necklaces, shirts, and postcards). At a mere 19.5 hectares, this tiny UNESCO World Heritage Site has been dubbed the "true Garden of Eden."

Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, Mahé

Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is a haven for plant lovers. Set serenely above Anse Royale on Mahé, this scenic orchard/forest/plantation houses a museum, hiking trails, a gift shop, and stunning views. In addition to aromatic spices, you'll also spy giant tortoises and historic gardens. Wear good hiking shoes, and save time for a tasty meal at the on-site restaurant.

Nid d'Aigle, La Digue

Those who enjoy adventure with their beach holiday will love a hike up Nid d'Aigle. The highest mountain on La Digue, its stunning trail ends with an unbeatable view of the neighboring islands from 333 meters high. There's little shade, so pack water, a hat, and good shoes. You'll find the trail behind the Belle Vue snack bar.

The Aldabra Atoll

The Aldabra Atoll is famous for two main reasons: First, it is the second largest raised atoll reef on the planet. Second, it is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises. More than 100,000 live on this spectacular isle, which was formed by four large coral islands encircling a lagoon. As if that wasn't enough to drool over, this is also a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.