TRAVEL

An Island-Hopping Adventure in the Seychelles

Join National Geographic Explorer and photographer Filipe DeAndrade as he adventures across the Seychelles in search of breathtaking views, wildlife, and wow-worthy moments.

National Geographic Explorer and photographer Filipe DeAndrade explores Anse Lazio beach on Praslin Island in the Seychelles with OtterBox's Defender Series Pro phone case in hand.

Photographs byFilipe DeAndrade

Published August 25, 2026

National Geographic Explorer and photographer Filipe DeAndrade's passion for the planet knows no bounds. Currently residing in the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa, DeAndrade travels the world telling stories that inspire conservation and teach future generations about the importance of protecting our natural world.

In collaboration with OtterBox, we recently sent DeAndrade on assignment to say "yes" to adventure across the islands, from snorkeling with wildlife to exploring the coastline and hiking misty mountains in search of panoramic vistas.

DeAndrade is drawn to the Seychelles for its remarkable variety of landscapes and ecosystems. On any given day, he can experience everything from towering granite cliffs and lush valleys to sandy beaches and shallow-water reefs.

"Everywhere you go, every single corner you turn, ends up being a different and more beautiful view," DeAndrade says. "There are no bad frames in the Seychelles. No matter what’s happening, there’s always a beautiful photo to be taken."

Read on to follow DeAndrade as he explores some of the Seychelles' most captivating islands and landscapes.

Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island

Established in 1973, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is the oldest protected marine area in the Indian Ocean, encompassing coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and six islands that support a rich diversity of marine life.

Wildlife reigns supreme here. The islands are sparsely populated, with Cerf Island hosting the area's primary human community of approximately 100 residents.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park surrounds Moyenne Island in the foreground, Round Island at right, and Long Island and Cerf Island behind. In the distance, some three miles (five kilometers) from the marine park, is Mahé Island. From this aerial vantage point, reefs and seagrass meadows are visible beneath the surface.

Island hopping in the Seychelles — Sainte Anne Marine National Park can be reached via a short 10-20 minute boat ride from Mahé. To explore the park, DeAndrade used the OtterBox wrist strap and Frē Series case, which has a built-in screen protector and waterproof protection.
Benjamin Tambara

DeAndrade (left) and Sophie Walsh (right), national record holder for freediving in Seychelles, snorkel in Sainte Anne Marine National Park surrounded by scissortail sergeant fish. Over 150 species of fish call the marine park home, along with multiple species of rays, sharks, and sea turtles.

Moyenne Island is home to dramatic rock formations and 360-degree views of the surrounding reefs. Click through the gallery to see DeAndrade's view.

Mahé Island

Mahé is the vibrant heart of the Seychelles. The archipelago's largest island, it is home to the capital city of Victoria and approximately 105,000 residents. Granite mountains rise from the interior, and over 60 sandy beaches line its coastline.

E-foiling in Beau Vallon Bay — Mahé's crescent-shaped Beau Vallon Bay is a hub for watersports like e-foiling. The bay adjoins one of the island's longest stretches of sandy beach.
Benjamin Tambara

DeAndrade used the Frē Series case to capture all the adrenaline-pumping moments of e-foiling in Beau Vallon, from cruising above the water at high speeds to (inevitably) losing his balance and falling in.
Benjamin Tambara

A network of hiking trails crisscrosses Mahé, traversing steep granite peaks, misty cloud forests, and sculpted boulders.

Winding for just shy of a mile (1.4 kilometers) through Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé's Copolia Trail culminates at a black granite plateau featuring panoramic views of the island's eastern shore. DeAndrade began his hike in the early morning for a sunrise summit. He used the OtterBox wrist strap and Defender Series Pro case to safeguard his phone against bumps and slips while tackling the trail's steep ascents in the pre-dawn hours.
Alana Nunn (Bottom) (Right)

Copolia Trail summit view — Winding for just shy of a mile (1.4 kilometers) through Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé's Copolia Trail culminates at a black granite plateau featuring panoramic views of the island's eastern shore. DeAndrade began his hike in the early morning for a sunrise summit. He used the OtterBox wrist strap and Defender Series Pro case to safeguard his phone against bumps and slips while tackling the trail's steep ascents in the pre-dawn hours.
Alana Nunn (Bottom) (Right)

A white-tailed tropicbird, one of several bird species that can be spotted in Morne Seychellois National Park on the Copolia Trail, flies over treetops.

The Anse Major Nature Trail, spanning 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) along Mahé’s northwestern coast, showcases the island's diverse microclimates. The path shifts between wide-open granite cliffs, shaded riverbeds, and a seaside marsh, bringing noticeable changes in temperature, wind, and surrounding plant life. Click through the gallery to see the different weather patterns DeAndrade experienced on his hike.

Alana Nunn

A view from the Anse Major Nature Trail looks out over lush vegetation toward the Indian Ocean. Shot on iPhone 17 Pro with the Defender Series Pro case.

Mahé's hiking trails and vantage points showcase the Seychelles' ever-changing palette of colors.

Praslin Island

Praslin holds a special place in DeAndrade's heart. Located a short flight or ferry ride from Mahé, the island is celebrated for its picturesque beaches and the Vallée de Mai Nature Preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Boats anchor in a bay off Praslin. Pristine sandy beaches, weathered boulders, and turquoise water draw visitors to the island.

For DeAndrade, walking into the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve feels like stepping back in time. This ancient palm forest, which has remained virtually unchanged due to millions of years of island isolation, features a dense canopy of overlapping fronds that blocks out direct sunlight. The natural roof dampens sound and filters the tropical sun into dappled, glowing light that dances across walking paths.

Alana Nunn

Distinctive pinkish-brown boulders frame Anse Lazio beach. Anse Lazio is frequently cited as one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Sunset at Anse Lazio beach — DeAndrade watches the sun set from Anse Lazio beach, Defender Series Pro case in hand.
Alana Nunn

For DeAndrade, embracing new experiences, taking the path less traveled, and living in the moment are essential to his work as a photographer and explorer.

"Seychelles is the gift that keeps on giving. No day is ever the same," DeAndrade says. "This is why you say yes to adventure."

About the Photographer

Brazilian-born and Ohio-raised, Filipe DeAndrade is a dedicated filmmaker, photographer, and wildlife conservationist. DeAndrade graduated from the University of Florida and co-founded Comfort Theory, a production house, along with Worth More Alive, an NGO dedicated to preserving wildlife. DeAndrade is a National Geographic Explorer, 15x Emmy Award winner, Panthera and U.N. Jaguar Ambassador, Danny Faure Foundation Wildlife Photographer, BAFTA and Cannes winner, and has produced and filmed over 100 hours of programming for premier networks. From surviving the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to now traveling the world with a camera, DeAndrade describes photography as his savior and nature his soulmate. His favorite animal is a jaguar or dolphin, depending on the day.