Mahé Island Group Tour: Spice Garden, Rum & Beaches

Summary

Explore Mahé’s Top Sights & Local Flavors in One Day

You’ll get to see Mahé’s best spots—spice gardens, rum distillery, famous beaches, and hidden gems—with local guides who know all the shortcuts and stories. Flexible stops, real Creole food, and plenty of time to swim or just soak up island life. Perfect if you want to experience Seychelles beyond the postcards.

What’s the experience like?

Rain or shine, the day starts with a quick hello from our guide—always with a big grin and a bit of Creole music humming from the van’s speakers. The air smells faintly of sea salt and frangipani as we set off, windows down, catching the first glimpses of Victoria. It’s tiny for a capital, just a handful of streets, but you’ll spot the silver clock tower, the colorful Hindu temple, and the old Supreme Court building in a blink. We didn’t linger long, but I did snap a photo of a fisherman unloading his catch by the marina—felt like a real slice of local life.

Next up, Takamaka Rum Distillery. If you’re into local spirits, this is a must. The tour’s casual, not pushy—our guide, Marie, explained how they use local sugarcane, and you can actually smell the molasses in the air. Tasting is optional (and not included), but I couldn’t resist a sip of the coconut rum. Just a heads-up: they’re closed on weekends and public holidays, so check ahead if that’s a dealbreaker.

We rolled south to Anse Royale, where the sand squeaks under your feet and the water looks almost unreal. There’s a beachside café—Chez Batista, I think—where I grabbed a cold Seybrew and watched kids chasing crabs. Toilets and an outdoor shower are handy if you want a dip. The vibe here is easygoing; nobody’s rushing you.

Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is something else. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla hits you before you even see the old plantation house. Our guide pointed out wild pepper vines and nutmeg trees, and I learned more about local herbs than I ever expected. Lunch at their restaurant is optional, but honestly, the grilled fish with garden spices is worth it. If you’re into plants or food, you’ll love wandering here—just check if it’s a public holiday, since they close then.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped at a tiny beach bar—Summer Beach Bar, I think—where the bartender mixed up a passionfruit mojito that tasted like summer in a glass. We had about an hour to swim, snorkel, or just laze around. I ended up chatting with a local who told me about the best snorkeling spots (hint: near the rocks on the left).

Mission Lodge is a quick stop but the view over Mahé’s west coast is wild—clouds drifting low, jungle all around. Great spot for photos. Then we hit Beau Vallon, probably the most famous beach here. It’s lively—vendors selling fresh coconut, families picnicking, and the smell of grilled fish in the air. If you’re lucky with timing, you might catch the sunset. There’s also Beach Shak Bar for a cold drink or mocktail.

Eden Island was a surprise—modern marina, lots of yachts, and a few shops for souvenirs. Good spot for a bathroom break or a snack if you need it. Later, we found ourselves at a quiet bay in the southwest—giant tortoises lumbering around, a Creole restaurant right on the sand. The octopus curry here is something I still think about.

Before heading back, we took a short walk (about 15 minutes) through shady forest to Sauzier Waterfall. The water’s cold but refreshing—bring a towel if you want to jump in. It’s not crowded, just the sound of water and birds. Our guide always checked if we wanted to linger or move on—super flexible.

Throughout the day, there’s plenty of music, stories, and laughs. If you’ve got special requests or want to see something off the usual route, just ask. The guides are locals—licensed and insured—so you’re in good hands. And if you’re traveling with a big group, they’ll sort out private buses and extra guides without any fuss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mahé Island Group Tour Highlights

• Group island tour around Mahé
• Pass Victoria sights briefly
• Visit Takamaka Rum Distillery
• Stop at Anse Royale beach
• Explore Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
• Relax at Summer Beach Bar
• Visit Mission Lodge viewpoint
• Enjoy Beau Vallon beach
• See Eden Island marina
• Lunch at southwest Mahé beach
• Walk to Sauzier Waterfall
• Visit small beach with Creole restaurant
• Enjoy Creole music and good mood

Top questions

Is this tour private or will there be other people?

This is a group tour with other travelers. If you have a large group and prefer privacy, just let us know—we can arrange a private tour at no extra charge.

Can I choose which places we visit?

Absolutely! The itinerary is flexible. Let us know your must-sees in advance or on the day—we’ll do our best to fit them in.

Are entrance fees or tastings included?

The tour price covers transport and guiding. Some activities like rum tasting or lunch are optional and paid separately if you choose to join.

What languages do the guides speak?

Our guides speak English, French, and German. Just let us know your preference when booking.

Is this suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels. Most stops are easy access. If you have specific needs, let us know so we can accommodate you.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, licensed local guides (certified and insured), good vibes with Creole music, and flexible stops. We cover all logistics so you can focus on exploring. Meals, drinks, and optional tastings are not included but there are plenty of chances to try local flavors along the way.