Private Mahé Island Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

You sit in the same gazebo where Queen Elizabeth II took tea, looking out over Mahé's west coast.

A four-hour private tour of Mahé with hotel pickup covers the Botanical Garden, Mission Lodge with its west-coast views, the working Seyte tea factory, Sauzier Waterfall and a protected marine beach. The route is customizable: swap in Victoria, Mirante La Misere viewpoint, spice gardens, rum distillery or other sites to match your interests. Air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water included. Admission fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mahe Island's nature and culture

• Visit Seychelles native flora and fauna
• Enjoy views at Mission Lodge gazebo
• Tour Seyte tea factory in Morne Blanc
• Walk to Sauzier Waterfall and swim
• Relax and snorkel at beautiful beach
• Customize route with optional local attractions

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and moves through Mahé's interior and coast in a private vehicle. The Botanical Garden introduces the island's endemic species (Coco De Mer palms and native birds) before the route climbs to Mission Lodge, perched just below Sans Soucis summit. The gazebo there is the real draw: it's where Queen Elizabeth II sat for tea, and the view across the west coast justifies the stop alone.

From the highlands, the day descends to the Seyte tea factory in Morne Blanc, a working operation that produces most of the tea consumed in Seychelles. It sits inside Morne Seychellois National Park, three kilometres from Port Glaud. Next is Sauzier Waterfall on the Rivière L'Isletta. A five-minute nature trail walk from Port Glaud village leads to a pool formed by the waterfall's flow, where swimming is possible. The final stop is a protected marine beach where snorkeling and diving are options in the bay.

If any of these stops don't fit your plan, the route is yours to reshape. Victoria Walking Tour, Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden, Takamaka Bay Rum Distillery, Rochon Dam, Eden Island, Domaine de Val des Prés craft village, or beaches like Anse Intendance, Anse Royal or Beau Vallon can replace or supplement the standard itinerary. Note that the Botanical Garden and Victoria close on Sundays and public holidays, but the operator replaces them with other venues on those days.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• access to the Botanical Garden, Mission Lodge, Seyte tea factory, Sauzier Waterfall and a protected marine beach with optional snorkeling.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by CAT Tours and Transfer

Is this one for you?The tour covers four hours on foot and by vehicle with a short five-minute nature walk to the waterfall, so it suits a moderate pace. If you want to skip the walking or prefer to stay on beaches, customize the stops when you book.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim at Sauzier Waterfall?

Yes. Sauzier Waterfall forms a pool below the rocks where the water flows, and swimming is a common activity there. A five-minute nature trail walk from Port Glaud village gets you to the waterfall.

Is snorkeling included in the tour, or do I need to arrange it separately?

The tour includes a stop at a protected marine beach where snorkeling and diving are possible in the bay. Equipment rental or instruction is not mentioned in the tour details.

What happens if I visit on a Sunday when the Botanical Garden is closed?

The Botanical Garden and Victoria both close on Sundays and public holidays. The operator replaces them with other venues on those days, so your tour still covers four hours of island highlights.

Can I customize the route to skip certain stops?

Yes. The tour is tailored to you, and you can customize the route to fit your interests. Alternatives include Victoria, Mirante La Misere viewpoint, Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden, Takamaka Bay Rum Distillery, Rochon Dam, Eden Island, Domaine de Val des Prés craft village, and several beaches.