Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
The Seychelles, a paradise archipelago in the Indian Ocean, offers much more than white sand beaches and turquoise waters. This small island nation is a true playground for sports and outdoor activity enthusiasts. Whether you’re an expatriate or just a visitor, you’ll find numerous options to stay active and fit while enjoying the idyllic setting of these islands. Let’s explore together the most popular sports to practice in the Seychelles, how to access them, and what budget to plan for pursuing your sporting passion in this little corner of paradise.
Water Sports Reign Supreme
As one might expect in an island nation, water sports are particularly popular in the Seychelles. The Indian Ocean, with its warm and crystal-clear waters, provides an ideal playground for numerous activities.
Scuba diving is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports. The seabeds of the Seychelles are filled with exceptional sites, such as the Sainte-Anne Marine National Park or Mahé Island, offering unforgettable experiences for divers of all levels. The coral reefs host extraordinarily diverse marine life, with brightly colored tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even harmless reef sharks.
Snorkeling is also highly appreciated, allowing observation of underwater life without requiring complex equipment or special training. Many beaches, such as Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island or Beau Vallon on Mahé, offer ideal conditions for this activity.
Thrill-seekers are not left out with kitesurfing and windsurfing. The constant winds blowing on certain beaches, particularly at Anse à la Mouche or Anse Royale on Mahé, make them renowned spots for these board sports.
Sport fishing also attracts many enthusiasts. The fish-rich waters of the Seychelles are teeming with prized species like marlin, swordfish, or tuna. Deep-sea excursions are regularly organized for big game fishing enthusiasts.
Good to know:
The best time to practice water sports in the Seychelles extends from April to October, when weather conditions are most favorable and underwater visibility is optimal.
Land Sports: Between Lush Nature and Modern Facilities
While water sports dominate, land activities are not lacking in the Seychelles. The archipelago offers an exceptional natural setting for practicing many outdoor sports.
Hiking is particularly popular, with many marked trails crossing national parks and nature reserves. The Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé offers varied routes, ranging from simple walks to more demanding treks. The ascent of Morne Blanc or the discovery of the Port Launay mangrove are must-do experiences for nature lovers.
Cycling is an excellent way to discover the islands, especially on La Digue where cars are rare. Many routes allow exploration of beaches, picturesque villages, and vanilla and copra plantations.
For enthusiasts of more classic sports, the Seychelles have modern facilities. Soccer is very popular, with a national championship and several stadiums spread across the main islands. The Linité Stadium in Victoria regularly hosts international matches.
Tennis also benefits from quality facilities, notably at the Roche Caïman sports complex on Mahé. Several luxury hotels offer courts to their guests.
Golf, although less widespread, is not left out with the magnificent 18-hole course at the Constance Lemuria Resort on Praslin, offering spectacular ocean views.
Good to know:
Land sports can be practiced year-round in the Seychelles, but it’s preferable to avoid the rainiest months (December to February) for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.
How to Practice Your Favorite Sport in the Seychelles: Options for All Tastes
Whether you’re an expatriate settled in the Seychelles or a passing visitor, numerous options are available to practice your favorite sport.
For water sports, many diving centers and water sports schools are present on the main islands. These establishments offer courses, equipment rental, and guided excursions. For example, the Underwater Centre at Beau Vallon on Mahé is renowned for its PADI diving courses and sea outings.
Enthusiasts of fitness and weight training will find their happiness in modern gyms present in major cities and hotel complexes. The Fitness Club Seychelles in Victoria offers state-of-the-art equipment and varied group classes.
For team sports, several clubs and sports associations welcome expatriates. The Seychelles Football Federation regularly organizes amateur tournaments, while the Seychelles Tennis Association offers courses and competitions for all levels.
Outdoor sports like hiking or cycling can be practiced freely, but it’s recommended to use local guides to discover the best routes and benefit from their knowledge of local flora and fauna. Companies like Seychelles Travels organize customized guided excursions.
For golfers, the Constance Lemuria Resort on Praslin not only offers a world-class 18-hole course but also a golf academy with lessons given by professionals.
Good to know:
Many hotels and resorts in the Seychelles offer sports activities included in their packages, ranging from beach yoga to diving and tennis. This is an excellent option for visitors wishing to combine relaxation and sports activities.
Budget to Plan for a Sports-Loving Expatriate in the Seychelles: Between Luxury and Affordable Options
The cost of practicing sports in the Seychelles can vary considerably depending on the chosen activity and desired service level. Here’s an overview of budgets to plan for the most popular sports:
- Diving: 80-100 euros for an outing with two dives, equipment included
- Snorkeling: 30-50 euros for a half-day guided excursion
- Kitesurfing equipment rental: 50-70 euros per day
- Big game fishing: 500-800 euros for a day at sea with equipment
- Monthly gym membership: 85-100 euros
- Bike rental: 15-25 euros per day
- Green fee for 18 holes at Constance Lemuria: 150-200 euros
- Private tennis lesson: 50-70 euros per hour
It’s important to note that these prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the season and chosen provider. Expatriates residing long-term in the Seychelles can often benefit from preferential rates or advantageous subscriptions from local sports clubs and associations.
- Invest in your own equipment for regularly practiced sports
- Opt for group activities rather than private lessons
- Take advantage of promotional offers during the off-tourist season
- Join local clubs rather than only using luxury resort facilities
Good to know:
The cost of living in the Seychelles is generally high, but expatriates can find affordable options to practice their favorite sport by integrating into the local community and favoring local providers over high-end tourist services.
Conclusion: The Seychelles, a Paradise for Sports-Loving Expatriates
The Seychelles offer an exceptional setting for practicing numerous sports, combining the natural beauty of the archipelago with modern facilities. Whether you’re passionate about water sports, a hiking enthusiast, or a fitness devotee, you’ll find ways to satisfy your sporting desires while enjoying an idyllic living environment.
Although some activities may seem expensive, particularly in high-end establishments, there are many more affordable options for expatriates wishing to regularly practice their favorite sport. Integration into the local community and participation in sports clubs and associations are effective ways to reduce costs while enriching your expatriation experience.
The diversity of sports that can be practiced, combined with the natural beauty of the islands and the warmth of the Seychellois welcome, makes the Seychelles a destination of choice for sports-loving expatriates seeking a balance between professional life and personal fulfillment.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
