SeAlthough the white sand beaches are the crown jewels of this island, the emerald green jungles and pristine waters of the Indian Ocean are home to a thriving ecosystem and Seychelles holiday resorts. Seychelles' marine and terrestrial national parks are renowned for their natural beauty. Tourists travel from all over the world to come face to face with tropical animals and to be in the midst of nature's abode. Story Seychelles hotel, recommends these reserves as a must-visit if you wish to have a remarkable experience of island life.
Morne Seychellois National Park
The Morne Seychellois National Park is Seychelles' largest wildlife reserve, spanning three varied terrains of mangrove swamps, tropical jungles, and mountain ranges. This national park, which was established in 1979 and encompasses about 20% of the largest island in the archipelago, is situated on the north shore of Mahé. This park is just a few minutes away from the best Seychelles resorts.
The primary goal of the reserve is to provide an unspoiled environment for some of the world's rarest species of flora and wildlife, which draws nature lovers from all over the globe. All of the major attractions are connected by a 15-kilometer walking track that runs throughout the area.
It is located on the northern shore of Mahe in Grand Anse Village, west of the capital Victoria, and encompasses the Seychelles' tallest peak, Morne Seychellois.
Making it a holy land for bird watchers, the Morne Seychellois National Park is home to seven endemic bird species, including the rare Seychelles scops-owl and the common breeds of Blue Pigeon, Sunbird, Bulbul, and Seychelles Krestel. You might be able to spot a member of the Sooglossidae frog family in the forest if you're fortunate. Additionally, it is very accessible from most Seychelles hotels and resorts.
Since these frogs are the tiniest frogs on the planet, you'll need a keen eye, to see one of them. The Seychelles wolf snake, which is native to the island of Mahe and has been classified as endangered, dwells in the reserve's unspoiled environment. Almost every trail is lined with brightly colored pitcher plants that grow in the forests.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is Seychelles' oldest marine reserve, dating back to 1973. It attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, with over 40,000 tourists each year because of its crystal clear waters flourishing with abundant species. The Marine Park Authority oversees the approved activities and guarantees that tourism has no negative impact on the natural ecology of the species that live beneath the ocean's surface.
This marine park is located on Mahé's northeast coast, 5 kilometers from Victoria. Ste. Anne, Cerf, Île Cachée, Round Island, Long Island, and Moyenne are among the six islands that make up the island chain.
This marine reserve's turquoise waters hide a variety of wonders, beginning with brilliant coral reefs that cover nearly the whole area. Bottlenose dolphins leaping in the oceans can be seen by those who are fortunate. It's entertaining to watch sea turtles and Hawksbill turtles feast on the vast seagrass beds. During their underwater adventures, divers can also see eagle rays and spot fish.
Numerous water sports are available in the park. Every day, glass-bottomed boat cruises are planned to provide tourists a closer look at the neighboring islands and a glimpse into Seychelles' aquatic life. Go swimming or windsurfing after evaluating the tides.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities for tourists who want to dive into the seas and get a quick glimpse at the underwater environment. The Sainte Anne Channel, which runs from Sainte Anne to Ile Moyenne, is regarded as the ideal stretch for snorkeling due to its stunning views, despite the fact that you can see the coral reef from virtually anywhere. Fishing and water skiing are restricted by the authorities in order to maintain sustainable tourism.
Praslin National Park
The Praslin National Park, Seychelles' second largest terrestrial park, is located at a high altitude of 367 meters and covers an area of 324 hectares. The panoramic grandeur that looks to come straight out of an artist's painting is enhanced by the high elevation and unexploited palm forests that form canopies. There are also waterfalls and caverns. Deep highland gorges, thick jungles, and protected wetlands make up the park, which is home to a diverse range of endemic species.
This national park is located on Praslin, the archipelago's second-largest island, as its name suggests. The Vallée de Mai natural reserve, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is also located within the park.
The reserve is home to a variety of birds, insects, and reptiles, including the great Coco de Mer, which is one of Seychelles' six indigenous palm species. The Black Parrot, Praslin's signature bird, can be heard in these woods from time to time. Seychelles Kestrels, Sunbirds, Blue Pigeons, and Bulbuls are among the other native birds that nest here. On the beaches, you can see hawksbill and green turtles. Some of the reptiles found in this area are the Seychelles Islands tree frog, snake, and geckos.
Silhouette Marine National Park
The Silhouette Marine National Park was established on October 26, 1987, and is the largest of the seven marine reserves. This Marine Park features one of the most gorgeous seascapes and an incredible assortment of aquatic species, with blue waves of the Indian Ocean lapping against glossy granite boulders. Ask the reception in the hotel in Mahe, Seychelles where you are staying on how to go to the island and they will gladly help you.
The island is located in the waters surrounding Silhouette Island, Seychelles' third largest granitic island. It is 20 kilometers off Mahé's northwestern coast.
The Marine Park of Silhouette, which has a diverse range of aquatic flora and amphibians, is home to Seychelles giant tortoises that roam the pristine beaches. Blue-spotted rays and white-tip sharks are also common sightings for divers. Gray Snapper fish can also be seen swimming in the water, devouring zooplankton and seagrass with their enormous mouths.
This reserve's tranquil waters are ideal for deep-sea diving. On the beaches of Anse Lascar and Anse La Passe, you may also swim with Hawksbill turtles.
Port Launay
The Port Launay Marine National Park is shaped like a horseshoe, and it covers the white powdered beaches and transparent waters of Port Launay Bay. This cove, which is surrounded by magnificent granite hills and lush trees, is also home to a coral colony and some beach villas in Seychelles.
This reserve, which is located in the Indian Ocean off the northwest coast of Mahé, can be reached by water or land. It takes half an hour to get here from Victoria, and those traveling by water can take regular boat transfers from Baie Ternay Marine Park.
You'll be greeted with whale sharks swimming in the ocean, as the area is known for when you visit this reserve. During boat journeys, you may also come across shoals of floating indigenous fish.
Every day, glass-bottomed boat cruises are planned to give tourists a closer look at the nearby islands and the colorful coral reef that runs the length of both sides of the harbor. On the beaches, you can relax in the sun or have a picnic in the shade of the Takama trees. From here, you may also see some of the most romantic sunsets. A boat can be rented for fishing, while snorkeling and diving equipment are easily accessible along the shorelines.
These are just a few of the many national parks to explore in the Seychelles. To learn more about the things to do in the Seychelles and current Story Seychelles Offers, visit our site and read the rest of our blogs.
Also read, How do you enjoy a trip by yourself in Seychelles ?
