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12 Most Instagrammable Places in Seychelles (2025): A Photographer’s Guide

Discover the 12 most Instagrammable places in Seychelles for 2025, from the iconic Anse Source d'Argent to hidden gems like Anse Marron. Includes photography tips, best times to visit, and local insights from my six visits to this island paradise.

Why Seychelles is an Instagram Paradise

The first time I visited Seychelles in 2017, I thought I was prepared. I’d seen countless photos of those iconic granite boulders and turquoise waters on Instagram. But when I rounded the bend at Anse Source d’Argent and saw the impossible colors with my own eyes, I actually dropped my camera in the sand (a rookie mistake that cost me dearly). After six visits and thousands of photos later, I’ve learned the secrets to capturing this African island paradise in ways your followers won’t believe are real.

Seychelles isn’t just photogenic – it’s almost unfairly blessed with natural beauty that makes even amateur photographers look like professionals. The unique combination of ancient granite formations, powder-white beaches, and water in shades of blue that don’t seem possible creates a photographer’s playground like nowhere else on Earth.

In this guide, I’ll take you beyond the obvious postcard shots to reveal the 12 most spectacular Instagrammable locations across the islands, along with exact times to visit, photography tips I’ve learned through trial and error, and how to find angles that most visitors miss completely.

Mahé Island: Instagram Hotspots on the Main Island

Mahé is where most visitors begin their Seychelles journey, and while many rush to the outer islands, I’ve discovered that this main island holds some of the archipelago’s most photogenic spots if you know where to look.

1. Beau Vallon Beach

Beau Vallon might be one of the more developed beaches in Seychelles, but its long curve of pristine sand against the backdrop of lush mountains creates an incredible frame for your photos. What I love about Beau Vallon is the contrast – the vibrant energy of locals playing beach football against the tranquil turquoise water.

Best time for photos: Late afternoon around 4-5pm when the light is golden and many tourists have departed. For a different perspective, come at 6am when local fishermen bring in their catch—I’ve taken some of my favorite photos of daily island life during these early morning hours.

Photography tip: Walk to the northern end of the beach where fewer people venture. The granite rocks there create natural frames, and you can capture the entire curve of the bay. If you’re visiting during the northwest monsoon season (October-March), the sunset reflections on wet sand create mirror effects that boost your Instagram engagement dramatically.

“Bonzour” (hello) and “Mersi” (thank you) go a long way when asking locals if you can photograph them or their fishing boats. Seychellois are generally friendly but appreciate the courtesy of being asked.

2. Morne Seychellois National Park Viewpoint

Many visitors never venture into the mountains of Mahé, which is exactly why you should. The viewpoint near the summit of Morne Blanc provides a perspective of Seychelles that few tourists ever see—lush, green mountains cascading down to the turquoise coastline below.

The hike takes about 45-60 minutes up a moderately steep path, but the panoramic view from the top has earned me more “Is this really Earth?” comments than any beach photo. The trail begins at a small parking lot along the Sans Souci road.

Best time for photos: Early morning between 7-9am before the heat builds and when clouds are less likely to obscure the view. I’ve made the mistake of hiking up at midday—not only was the lighting harsh for photos, but I nearly passed out from heat exhaustion.

Photography tip: Bring a polarizing filter if you have one. It will cut through haze and make the colors pop dramatically. Also, include a small human subject (yourself or a travel companion) to demonstrate the epic scale of the landscape.

3. Anse Intendance

Of all Mahé’s beaches, Anse Intendance in the south delivers the most dramatic Instagram opportunities. Unlike the calm waters of the north, here you’ll find powerful waves crashing against granite boulders, creating explosive splashes that make for dynamic photography.

The contrast between the wild ocean, pristine white sand, and dark rocks creates a natural color palette that looks artificially enhanced but isn’t. This is also one of the less developed beaches, with no hotels directly on it, allowing for cleaner landscape shots.

Best time for photos: Mid-morning around 9-10am when the sun is high enough to illuminate the water but not creating harsh shadows. During May-September, the waves are particularly dramatic.

Photography tip: Climb the small hill at the north end of the beach for an elevated perspective that captures the entire curve of the bay. Use a faster shutter speed (at least 1/500) to freeze the wave action. For a more unique shot, wade into the water (carefully!) and photograph back toward the beach to capture the transparency of the waves with the granite mountains behind.

Insider money-saving tip: Instead of taking an expensive taxi (around 700 SCR/~$50 from Victoria), use the SPTC public bus for just 12 SCR (less than $1). Bus #10 goes to the junction near Anse Intendance, though you’ll have a 15-minute walk to the beach from the stop. Not only will you save significantly, but you’ll also meet locals and see parts of Mahé that most tourists miss.

La Digue Island: The Photography Paradise

La Digue is, without question, home to the most photographed beaches in Seychelles. This small island with minimal vehicles is a photographer’s dream, offering the iconic shots that have come to define Seychelles in the world’s imagination.

4. Anse Source d’Argent

No Seychelles Instagram guide would be complete without Anse Source d’Argent, possibly the most photographed beach in the world. The otherworldly granite formations, shallow turquoise water, and pink-tinged sand create compositions that seem designed specifically for photographers.

What many visitors don’t realize is that this beach is actually a series of small coves, each with distinct characteristics. I’ve spent entire days moving between these mini-beaches, each offering different lighting and compositions throughout the day.

Best time for photos: Early morning (before 9am) and late afternoon (after 3:30pm). You’ll need to pay the L’Union Estate entrance fee (115 SCR for foreigners in 2025), but it’s absolutely worth it. In 2023, I made the rookie mistake of arriving at noon only to find harsh shadows and hordes of day-trippers from Praslin and Mahé.

Photography tip: Most tourists stop at the first couple of beach sections. Keep walking all the way to the end for secluded spots with equally impressive formations but no people in your shots. Wade into the shallow water for reflection shots of the boulders. Also, bring a wide-angle lens—the boulders are much larger than they appear in photos, and you’ll want to capture their full scale.

Remember that this beach often has very shallow water, especially at low tide. Check the tide schedules before your visit. I prefer photographing at mid-tide when there’s enough water for reflections but the iconic rocks aren’t submerged.

When visiting L’Union Estate to access Anse Source d’Argent, slow down and photograph the historic copra factory and giant tortoise enclosure too. These add cultural and wildlife elements to your Instagram story that provide context beyond just beaches.

5. Anse Marron

The journey to Anse Marron is challenging, but the reward is perhaps the most dramatic natural swimming pool in Seychelles. Hidden at the southern tip of La Digue, this secret cove features a protected natural pool formed by granite boulders, with waves crashing dramatically on the outer rocks.

I cannot emphasize enough—do not attempt to find Anse Marron without a guide. On my second visit to Seychelles, I arrogantly thought I could navigate there myself using online directions. The result? I got completely lost in the coastal rock formations, narrowly avoided being stranded by the rising tide, and ruined an expensive camera when I slipped on wet rocks. Learn from my mistake and hire a local guide (around 600-800 SCR per person).

Best time for photos: Morning between 9-11am, when the light illuminates the natural pool but before the midday sun creates harsh reflections on the water. Guides typically depart from the main village around 8:30am.

Photography tip: The natural rock pool is the money shot here. Position yourself on the elevated rocks above the pool and shoot down to capture the perfect turquoise circle surrounded by granite. A drone would be ideal, but they’re increasingly restricted in Seychelles (I’ll cover the latest drone regulations later in this article).

Insider money-saving tip: Instead of booking a guide through your hotel (where they often add a 30-40% commission), head to the jetty area in La Digue town and negotiate directly with local guides. Mention that you’re specifically interested in photography, not just visiting, and ask if they can time the tour to hit the key spots during optimal light conditions. I’ve found many guides are photography enthusiasts themselves and will adjust the itinerary if asked directly.

6. Grand Anse, Petite Anse, and Anse Cocos

This trio of beaches on La Digue’s eastern coast offers a completely different aesthetic than the more famous western beaches. Here, powerful waves crash onto long stretches of undeveloped sand, with dramatic granite headlands separating each beach.

What makes these beaches special for Instagram is their wild, untamed beauty. Unlike the calm, shallow waters of Anse Source d’Argent, these beaches showcase the raw power of the Indian Ocean. They’re connected by a scenic trail, allowing you to photograph three distinct beaches in a single outing.

Best time for photos: Late afternoon around 3-5pm provides dramatic side lighting that emphasizes the texture of the granite and creates sparkles on the wave crests. The walk from Grand Anse to Anse Cocos takes about 45 minutes, so plan accordingly.

Photography tip: The viewpoint between Petite Anse and Grand Anse offers the perfect elevated perspective. Climb up the small hill on the connecting path for a panoramic shot showing both beaches simultaneously. For Anse Cocos, head to the northern end where a small natural pool forms—it’s much safer for swimming photos than the main beach with its dangerous currents.

A note on safety: These beaches have strong currents and are often not safe for swimming. Focus on landscape photography here rather than swim shots. The sound of the crashing waves adds a powerful sensory element that I still hear in my dreams—it’s unlike the gentle lapping at the more protected beaches.

Praslin Island: The Perfect Middle Ground

Praslin offers a blend of accessibility and seclusion, with some of Seychelles’ most unique photo opportunities including the famous Coco de Mer palms.

7. Anse Lazio

Consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches, Anse Lazio delivers the quintessential tropical beach aesthetic: perfectly curved palm trees, boulder-framed crystal water, and soft white sand. What makes this beach special for photography is its perfect proportions—the bay is just the right size to fit into a single frame while still capturing all its elements.

Unlike some beaches that photograph well but disappoint in person, Anse Lazio actually looks better in real life than in photos—a rare quality that I’ve only found in a handful of places worldwide.

Best time for photos: The golden hour before sunset (around 5-6pm) bathes the beach in warm light that makes the granite boulders glow. Most day-trippers have left by this time, giving you cleaner shots. Morning light is also beautiful but typically more crowded.

Photography tip: For the classic Anse Lazio shot, climb the rocks at the northern end of the beach for an elevated perspective. To create depth in your images, include the foreground granite rocks, mid-ground beach, and background ocean layered into your composition. If you’re comfortable in water, swim out about 20 meters for a perspective showing the perfect bay curve with the mountains behind.

After a long photography session, stop at Bonbon Plume restaurant right on the beach. Their grilled fish is excellent, if pricey (around 350 SCR), but you’re paying for the prime location. Ask for a table right on the sand for sunset photos while dining.

8. Vallée de Mai

The UNESCO World Heritage Vallée de Mai offers a completely different photography experience from Seychelles’ beaches. This prehistoric forest is home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm, which produces the world’s largest seed with its distinctly suggestive shape.

The forest interior creates mystical light conditions as sunbeams filter through the giant palm fronds, offering moody, atmospheric shots that contrast beautifully with bright beach content in your Instagram feed.

Best time for photos: Mid-morning around 10am when enough light penetrates the canopy to illuminate the forest floor without harsh contrasts. The entrance fee is 350 SCR for adults in 2025.

Photography tip: This is one location where a tripod is essential—the forest interior is much darker than it appears to the eye. Look for compositions where sunlight creates natural spotlights on the forest floor or illuminates the distinctive Coco de Mer leaves from behind. A 24-70mm versatile zoom lens works best here.

Insider money-saving tip: Instead of taking the expensive guided tour (around 200 SCR extra), download the Seychelles Travel Guide app which includes detailed information about the flora and fauna of Vallée de Mai. The main paths are well-marked, and the app provides enough context to appreciate what you’re seeing while saving significantly.

When photographing the Coco de Mer nuts, remember that you’ll only see them in the visitor center (as they’re protected from removal). For the most authentic forest photos, look for young palms and fallen leaves which are more accessible at eye level.

9. Anse Georgette

Anse Georgette presents one of the most exclusive photo opportunities in Seychelles, partly because access is limited. This pristine beach sits on the grounds of the Constance Lemuria resort, but non-guests can visit with prior permission. The effort to arrange access is rewarded with what I consider the most perfectly proportioned beach in Seychelles.

The complete absence of development, perfectly clear water, and dramatic granite bookends make this beach a photographer’s dream—it doesn’t look real even when you’re standing on it.

Best time for photos: Late afternoon provides the best light, but access timing depends on the resort’s approval. You must call Constance Lemuria at least one day in advance to secure permission.

Photography tip: Unlike many Seychelles beaches that look best from elevated viewpoints, Anse Georgette’s magic is best captured at eye level from the center of the beach. The way the granite frames the perfect arc of sand and the gradient of blues creates a natural composition. If you can get permission to visit in the late afternoon (around 4:30pm), position yourself so the lowering sun illuminates the face of the western granite rocks with a golden glow.

Insider money-saving tip: Rather than booking an expensive taxi, take the Praslin public bus to the Mont Plaisir junction and walk approximately 30 minutes to the Constance Lemuria entrance. At the gate, show your permission email (which you must arrange in advance by calling +248 4 281 281). If you’re visiting other beaches on the same day, combine Anse Georgette with nearby Anse Lazio to save on transportation costs.

Outer Islands: The Ultimate Seychelles Experience

For those willing to venture beyond the main islands, the outer islands of Seychelles offer truly unique photography opportunities with far fewer visitors.

10. Bird Island

A haven for wildlife photographers, Bird Island is home to over one million sooty terns during nesting season (May-October), creating one of the most spectacular bird colonies in the world.

Beyond birds, the island offers pristine beaches where you can photograph giant tortoises against white sand and turquoise water—a uniquely Seychellois combination that performs exceptionally well on Instagram.

Best time for photos: May-July offers the best combination of bird activity and weather conditions. The island has only one small lodge (Bird Island Lodge), so you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance.

Photography tip: Bring a telephoto lens (at least 200mm, ideally 400mm) for bird photography. For the nesting sooty terns, a wide-angle lens captures the impressive scale of the colony. When photographing the giant tortoises, get low to the ground for eye-level shots that create more compelling portraits. Early morning light (6-8am) creates a magical glow on the eastern beaches.

Bird Island represents a significant investment—expect to pay around $500-700 per night for accommodation, plus the return flight from Mahé (approximately $350). However, the photographic opportunities here are truly unique and will set your Instagram feed apart from typical Seychelles content.

11. Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island offers a fascinating combination of wildlife, historical, and landscape photography opportunities. This small island near Praslin is home to approximately 300 Aldabra giant tortoises roaming freely, historic buildings including a former leper colony, and striking red soil that contrasts dramatically with the turquoise water.

What makes Curieuse particularly special is the ability to photograph these ancient tortoises in their natural environment against stunning beach backgrounds—a combination that creates uniquely Seychellois images.

Best time for photos: Morning boat tours from Praslin arrive around 9am, so you’ll have the best light and fewest people if you arrange a private boat to arrive at 7:30-8am. The entrance fee to the island is 200 SCR.

Photography tip: The boardwalk through the mangrove forest provides excellent framing opportunities. Position a companion at the far end of a straight section to create a sense of scale and leading lines. For tortoise photography, use a wide-angle lens and get very low to the ground—almost at eye level with the tortoise—with the beach in the background. This perspective transforms these prehistoric creatures into the giants they truly are.

Island Best Photography Feature Ideal Time Special Tip
Mahé Mountain landscapes Early morning Combine beaches with elevated viewpoints
Praslin Perfect beaches + Coco de Mer Late afternoon Contrast forest and beach photos
La Digue Iconic granite formations 9am or 4pm Focus on reflections in shallow water
Curieuse Giant tortoises on beaches Early morning Use wide-angle from ground level
Bird Island Million-bird colony May-July Bring telephoto + wide-angle lenses

12. Félicité Island and Six Senses Zil Pasyon

For luxury travel photographers, Félicité Island—specifically the Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort—offers some of the most dramatic infinity pool shots in the world. The resort’s pools appear to merge seamlessly with the Indian Ocean, with views toward La Digue and surrounding islands.

Even if you’re not staying at the resort (where villas start at $1,500 per night), you can visit for lunch and gain access to some areas for photography. The granite landscape of Félicité itself is among the most dramatic in Seychelles, with massive boulders creating otherworldly scenes.

Best time for photos: Arrange lunch at the resort around 1pm, then stay for afternoon photos. The sunset views from the western side of the island are spectacular around 5:30-6pm.

Photography tip: For non-guests, focus on the main areas you’re allowed to access—primarily the restaurants and main pool. Ask permission before photographing specific areas. If staying at the resort, the spa area built into the granite boulders provides incredible architectural shots unlike anywhere else in Seychelles. The drone shots here are spectacular if you can get permission from the resort.

Money-saving alternative: Instead of staying at Six Senses, you can arrange a day visit by contacting them in advance. Book lunch at their restaurant (expect to pay around 600-800 SCR per person) and request permission to tour some of the property. While you won’t have access to all areas, you can still capture some impressive photos of the main facilities and beaches.

Best Times to Photograph in Seychelles

Having visited Seychelles during different seasons, I’ve learned that timing significantly impacts your photography results beyond just the time of day.

Seasonal Considerations

  • May-June and September-October: These shoulder seasons offer the best combination of weather, light, and fewer tourists. The water is typically at its clearest during these months, particularly on the western sides of the islands.
  • July-August: The southeast trade winds can create rougher seas on eastern beaches but provide dramatic wave action for dynamic shots. Western beaches remain relatively calm.
  • November-March: The northwest monsoon season occasionally brings short rain showers but also the most dramatic cloud formations and sunsets. Water visibility can be slightly reduced but still excellent by global standards.

Time of Day for Different Locations

The granite islands of Seychelles create unique lighting situations that vary by location:

  • East-facing beaches (like Anse Royale on Mahé): Best photographed at sunrise and early morning (5:30-9am)
  • West-facing beaches (like Beau Vallon on Mahé): Best for sunset shots (5-6:30pm)
  • Anse Source d’Argent: Despite being west-facing, the high granite rocks create shade by mid-afternoon. Ideal times are 8-10am and 3:30-5pm.
  • Mountain viewpoints: Early morning (7-9am) before heat haze reduces visibility
  • Underwater photography: Mid-morning (9-11am) when the sun is high enough to penetrate the water but not creating excessive surface reflections

Important Photography Equipment for Seychelles

After repeatedly damaging equipment in the challenging beach environment, I’ve refined my gear recommendations:

  • Essential: Polarizing filter (reduces glare on water and enhances colors)
  • Protective gear: Silica gel packets, dry bags, and rain covers (humidity and sudden showers are common)
  • Versatile lens selection: A 16-35mm wide-angle (for landscapes), 24-70mm standard zoom (for general use), and 70-200mm telephoto (for wildlife and compressed landscape shots)
  • For smartphones: Waterproof case and clip-on wide-angle lens
  • Drone considerations: As of 2025, drone permits are required and strictly enforced. Apply through the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority at least 14 days before arrival. Permits cost approximately 500 SCR and restrictions apply near protected areas and resorts.

One of my costliest mistakes was not properly protecting my camera from the combination of salt spray, sand, and humidity. Now I bring a daily change of silica gel packets and store equipment in airtight containers when not in use.

Your Seychelles Photography Action Plan

After six visits and countless photography sessions across the islands, I’ve developed a foolproof approach to capturing Seychelles’ magic. Here’s your 5-step action plan to come away with truly spectacular images:

  1. Schedule strategically: Plan your island itinerary based on light conditions, not convenience. Start with 3-4 days on Mahé, followed by 2-3 days on Praslin, and ending with at least 3 days on La Digue for the iconic shots when you’ve refined your technique.
  2. Prepare for each location: The evening before each photography session, check tide times, weather forecasts, and sunrise/sunset hours. Pack appropriate filters and lenses for the specific location.
  3. Capture multiple perspectives: At each location, systematically photograph wide establishing shots, medium detail shots, and close-up texture images to tell a complete visual story.
  4. Add human elements thoughtfully: Include a person in roughly 30% of your landscapes to add scale and relatable emotion, but keep them small in the frame to emphasize the grandeur of the landscapes.
  5. Revisit key locations: Schedule a return visit to your favorite spot in different lighting. My most successful images of Anse Source d’Argent came on my third visit to the same exact boulder formation, simply because I understood the light better.

This methodical approach has consistently resulted in images that stand out from typical tourist photos, especially when applied to iconic locations that might otherwise appear clichéd.

Remember that manze dousman (“eat slowly” in Seychellois Creole) applies to photography too—resist the urge to rush from spot to spot. Some of my most compelling images emerged after sitting in one location for an hour or more, observing how the light changes and waiting for the perfect moment.

Sustainable photography tip: The coral reefs in Seychelles are under pressure from climate change and tourism. Never stand on coral for a photo opportunity, avoid using sunscreen when snorkeling (use a rashguard instead), and consider donating to local marine conservation efforts like Marine Conservation Society Seychelles. Your small contribution helps preserve these stunning ecosystems for future photographers.

FAQ: Photographing Seychelles

Is it worth bringing a professional camera to Seychelles, or is a smartphone sufficient?

While modern smartphones capture beautiful images in Seychelles’ perfect light, a dedicated camera offers significant advantages. The extreme contrast between bright white sand and dark granite rocks often exceeds a smartphone’s dynamic range. I’ve found that a mid-range mirrorless camera with a polarizing filter captures the true translucent quality of the water that smartphones typically miss. That said, if you only have a smartphone, focus on early morning and late afternoon shots when the contrast is lower, and consider a clip-on polarizer attachment.

What’s the current drone policy in Seychelles in 2025?

As of 2025, recreational drone use requires pre-approval through the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority. Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival, with a fee of approximately 500 SCR. Even with approval, drones are prohibited in national parks (including Vallée de Mai), near airports, and over many private resorts. I’ve had success getting permission for specific beaches on Mahé and Praslin, but La Digue remains more restricted. Remember that regulations change frequently—check the latest requirements before your trip.

How do I handle the harsh midday sun for photography?

The tropical sun in Seychelles creates challenging lighting conditions between 10am-3pm. Rather than fighting it, I’ve learned to use this time for different types of photography. Consider underwater photography (the overhead sun provides excellent water penetration), detail shots of textures and patterns, or forest interiors like Vallée de Mai where filtered light works in your favor. If you must shoot beaches midday, a circular polarizer is essential, and look for compositions where you can use the shadows of palm trees or granite rocks creatively.

Which island has the best photography opportunities for a short trip?

If you only have 3-4 days, focus exclusively on La Digue. The island offers the highest concentration of iconic viewpoints in the smallest area, all accessible by bicycle. You’ll capture the famous Anse Source d’Argent, Grand Anse, and several other photogenic beaches without dealing with long transit times. For a 5-7 day trip, combine La Digue (3 days) with Praslin (2-3 days) to add variety with Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio. Only with 8+ days would I recommend including Mahé, despite having some spectacular locations, as they’re more spread out and time-consuming to reach.

How accessible are the photography locations for someone with limited mobility?

Seychelles presents significant challenges for photographers with mobility limitations, but options exist. On Mahé, the viewpoint at Mission Lodge is fully accessible with a paved path and offers spectacular vistas. Beau Vallon beach has firm sand and relatively easy access. On Praslin, parts of Anse Lazio can be reached with minimal walking. The most challenging island is La Digue, where even Anse Source d’Argent requires a 10-minute walk on uneven terrain. If mobility is a concern, consider hiring a private guide who can arrange appropriate transportation and help navigate difficult access points.

Is it possible to photograph Seychelles on a budget?

While Seychelles is expensive, photography doesn’t require luxury accommodations. I’ve captured some of my best images while staying at guesthouses for 60-90€ per night. Focus your budget on transportation between islands (ferries cost approximately 60€ each way) and strategic car rentals (around 45€ daily) only on days you’re photographing distant locations. Self-catering accommodations allow you to prepare simple meals, saving significantly over restaurants. For La Digue, rent a bicycle (10€ daily) instead of hiring taxis. Public buses on Mahé and Praslin cost under 1€ per ride and reach most major beaches, though they require additional walking and planning.

References

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