Mahé Island: Private Tour, Spice Garden & Local Beaches

Summary

Private Mahé drive with Creole food, spice gardens, and quiet coves

You’ll ride around Mahé with a local guide who feels more like a friend than a driver. Expect stops at Victoria’s sights, Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden (with time to taste or eat), quiet beaches for swimming or cocktails, plus plenty of flexibility if you want to linger somewhere or try Creole food along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way Sheena’s brother honked — not impatiently, but like he was greeting half the island as we wound out of Victoria. The air smelled like wet leaves after a quick rain, and honestly, I was still a little jetlagged. We drove past the Hindu temple (the colors are wild) and the old clocktower — our guide pointed out how tiny Victoria is. “You blink, you miss it,” he said. He laughed when I tried to say something in French; pretty sure it came out more like Italian. No one seemed to mind.

I didn’t expect to end up at Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, but I’m glad we did. You can smell cinnamon before you even get through the gate. Our guide snapped off a leaf for us to crush between our fingers — it smelled almost sweet and spicy at once. There were giant tortoises lumbering around outside, and I think I took about twenty photos of nutmeg hanging from the trees. Lunch there is optional but worth it if you’re hungry (I had grilled fish with some sauce I still think about).

We stopped wherever we felt like — Anse Royale for a swim (the water is so clear it looks fake), then Eden Island for coffee and people-watching by the yachts. At Beau Vallon beach, kids were playing soccer barefoot in the sand while someone played old Sega music from a speaker nearby. The whole day felt loose, no rush at all; if you want to add an hour or skip something, they just shrug and say “no problem.”

The best part? It never felt like a checklist. Even when we got caught in a five-minute rain shower near Mission Lodge (the view opens up right after), nobody cared about getting wet — least of all our guide, who just cranked up the Creole radio and kept driving. If you’re looking for a Mahé island tour that actually feels personal, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private island tour around Mahé

• Start private island tour
• Drive through Victoria city
• See Hindu temple and museum
• View Clocktower and Supreme Court
• Visit Eden Island marina
• Take lunch or restroom break
• Tour local rum distillery
• Stop at Anse Royale beach
• Explore Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
• Relax at Summer Beach Bar
• Visit southwest Mahé beach and restaurant
• Walk to Sauzier waterfall
• Stop at Mission Lodge viewpoint
• Enjoy Beau Vallon beach and snacks
• Optional short walk to Mont Signal
• View Eden Island and Victoria panorama
• See Carana Beach granite rocks
• Option for sunset drink on beach

Top questions

How long does the private Mahé island tour last?

The standard tour lasts 5-6 hours but can be extended by paying per extra hour.

Is hotel pickup included in this Mahé island tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Can I choose which places to visit on this tour?

Yes, you can choose your preferred stops or decide as you go during the day trip.

Are meals or drinks included?

No meals are included by default; lunch or drinks are optional and paid separately at local spots.

Is this tour suitable for families or large groups?

Yes, both small families and larger groups (up to 25) can be accommodated with appropriate vehicles.

Is Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden always open?

No, it’s closed on public holidays in Seychelles—check dates before booking if that’s important.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Yes, there are restroom stops at beaches and restaurants along the route.

Can I swim or snorkel during this Mahé island day trip?

Yes—stops like Anse Royale or Beau Vallon offer time for swimming or snorkeling if you wish.

What’s included

Your private Mahé island day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed local guide (Sheena or her brothers), full insurance coverage, flexible itinerary planning on the go, good music—and plenty of chances to stop for lunch or snacks at beachside restaurants before heading back whenever you’re ready.