Mahé: This is the largest of the islands, and hosts the international airport, the port and the capital Victoria.  It is an island with at least 70 powder white beaches and lush vegetation with forested peaks that allow unparalleled views of neighboring islands.  Excursions can be made from Victoria to nearby St Anne Marine National Park, which encloses the islands of St Anne, Beacon (classified as a nature reserve), Cerf (offering accommodation in chalets), Long (closed to the public), Round and Moyenne (privately owned, but open to tourists).

Other excursions on Mahé include the market, the Botanical Gardens (with coco-de-mer, giant tortoises and orchids), and a replica of London's Vauxhall Bridge Tower in Victoria.

The nightlife is much livelier on Mahé than the neighboring islands, there are two casinos, one in Beau Vallon Bay and one at the Plantation Club in the south of the island.  The restaurants offer fantastic cuisine with a variety of international and local delicacies, each has its own identity. Most of the hotels have entertainment in the evenings by local singers and bands and there are some night clubs in and around Victoria for those who want to dance until the early hours.