(Seychelles News Agency) - Lying in the sun and bathing in the sea at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches have the making of a perfect holiday getaway for visitors to Seychelles. But the appeal of soaking in fresh water after a nice trek up a hill is a great second option.

The waterfalls in Seychelles are known to the locals and a few have been advertised as a ‘must-see’ when visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago. When you visit the islands, go see these natural beauties:

1.    Port Launay waterfall

In sheer size and volume the waterfall of Port Launay, on the west coast of the main island of Mahe, easily takes the first place amongst these natural wonders in Seychelles.

The water is inviting even from afar as it glistens downhill out of a glacis that has been turned into contours by the pounding water. Tour guide Gemma Jessie says ‘this is amongst the most impressive waterfalls in Seychelles’, noting that it is best to go with a small group.

“You can climb up and get lovely photos depending on the time of day and the water is so refreshing,” adds Jessie. “It is difficult not to jump in. It is so inviting, you feel like a child all over again”.

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2.     Grand Anse Mahe waterfall

See the decadence of a step-like cascade that dips into a pool. Located off the road of Grand Anse on the west side of the main island of Mahe, the source of water for this fall is a valley sandwiched between the hills of Bernica and Cephal, coming all the way down from Salazie in the Morne Seychellois National Park.

Want to visit? After manoeuvring over slippery granite boulders, the viewing spot is both dangerous and inviting.

The viewing spot is perched over a deep pond into which a group of youngsters was somersaulting on a recent day. The trip is definitely not for the fainthearted but the spot makes a great photo opportunity! 

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3.     Vallee de Mai, Praslin Waterfall

Whilst previously mentioned waterfalls cascade downhill, the waterfall of Vallee de Mai, the UNESCO World Heritage site on Praslin, the second-most populated island of Seychelles, is a real plunger. 

Ironically, getting a dip into this waterfall is unlikely as the water plunges from over two metres high into slippery rocks.

“This is a one-of-a-kind natural site in Seychelles. As compared to other places, this one defines the word waterfall as water falls from small streams and rivers into a precipice creating this formidable sight,” says Jessie.

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Other Seychelles’ Waterfalls

Seychelles has a few other falls: Cascade River, east of Mahe off the hill of Mont Sebert, with an aerial view of the Seychelles international airport. Waterfalls can also be found at Bel Ombre and Le Niole in north Mahe,  Sans Soucis in the hills of Bel Air on the outskirt of the capital Victoria, and  La Misere.  

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