The Seychellois islands keep long, sometimes surprising traces of past lives — old plantation houses, colonial outposts and church foundations tucked between beaches and forest. These ruins are small windows into local history and make for interesting day trips when combined with hiking or boat routes.
There are 10 Ruins in Seychelles, ranging from Anse Major Plantation Ruins to Mission Lodge Ruins. The list is organized by Island,Coordinates,Condition and access, which you’ll find below.
Can I visit these ruins on my own?
Many ruins are reachable without a guide, but access varies — some sit on marked trails, others on private land or within protected sites. Check the Condition and access notes in the table, respect closures, bring water and sturdy shoes, and confirm any boat transfers in advance.
How can I use the Island, Coordinates and Condition details to plan a trip?
Use the Island and Coordinates to map distances and cluster sites by location, then use Condition and access to judge difficulty and time needed; that lets you combine nearby ruins with beaches or hikes and pick sites suitable for your fitness and transport options.
Ruins in Seychelles
| Name | Island | Coordinates | Condition and access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Lodge Ruins | Mahé | -4.66, 55.45 | Stone foundations visible. Publicly accessible historic site with entry fee and viewing platform. |
| Leper Colony Ruins | Curieuse | -4.28, 55.73 | Several ruined stone buildings. Accessible via boat tours as part of a national park. |
| L’Union Estate Copra Mill | La Digue | -4.36, 55.83 | Partially ruined industrial structure. Accessible within L’Union Estate park with an entrance fee. |
| Dauban Plantation Ruins | Silhouette | -4.48, 55.24 | Foundations and some walls remain. Accessible to island resort guests and on guided hikes. |
| Bel Ombre Pirate Ruins | Mahé | -4.61, 55.41 | Low stone walls and foundations. Publicly accessible on a short trail near Bel Ombre beach. |
| Anse Major Plantation Ruins | Mahé | -4.62, 55.39 | Overgrown stone foundations and walls. Visible along the public Anse Major hiking trail. |
| Cap Ternay Old Military Camp | Mahé | -4.62, 55.38 | Multiple abandoned concrete buildings. Accessible via a coastal road, but entry to buildings is unsafe. |
| Glen Sannox Shipwreck | Aldabra (Outer Islands) | -9.41, 46.33 | Rusted hull and machinery visible at low tide. Access requires a highly restricted permit for Aldabra. |
| Coëtivy Penal Colony Ruins | Coëtivy (Outer Islands) | -7.15, 56.26 | Various abandoned structures in decay. Access is forbidden as it’s an active prison. |
| La Plaine St. André Old Distillery | Mahé | -4.73, 55.52 | Preserved stone ruin walls integrated into a modern complex. Publicly accessible at the Takamaka Rum Distillery. |
Images and Descriptions
Mission Lodge Ruins
Explore the 19th-century stone ruins of Venn’s Town, a school for liberated slave children. Located high in the Morne Seychellois National Park, this historic site offers stunning coastal views from its famous covered viewpoint, once favored by Queen Elizabeth II.
Leper Colony Ruins
Wander through the remnants of a 19th-century leprosarium, including the restored doctor’s house which is now a small museum. These historic ruins are a key feature of the Curieuse Marine National Park, also famous for its giant tortoises.
L’Union Estate Copra Mill
Witness a piece of industrial heritage at this traditional ox-powered copra mill and kiln. While no longer fully operational, its weathered structure and machinery offer a glimpse into La Digue’s historic 19th-century coconut industry and plantation life.
Dauban Plantation Ruins
Discover the remains of the Dauban family’s grand 19th-century plantation at La Passe. Key features include the historic Dauban Mausoleum, old stone walls, and remnants of various agricultural and residential buildings, telling the story of the island’s former owners.
Bel Ombre Pirate Ruins
Shrouded in legend, these simple stone foundations are linked to the famous pirate Olivier Levasseur and his supposed treasure. While unproven, the ruins offer a mysterious and evocative glimpse into Mahé’s past, set against a backdrop of lush vegetation.
Anse Major Plantation Ruins
Located along the scenic coastal trail from Bel Ombre to Anse Major beach, these are the forgotten ruins of a small colonial-era vanilla and cinnamon plantation. The stone structures are now slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest.
Cap Ternay Old Military Camp
The abandoned Royal Marines training camp from the 1970s sits in a state of decay. These modern ruins, with their empty barracks and overgrown facilities, offer a stark, eerie sight within the Baie Ternay Marine National Park.
Glen Sannox Shipwreck
The wreck of the SS Glen Sannox, a tanker that ran aground in 1929, lies on the reef flat of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its skeletal remains are a dramatic, isolated feature on the pristine coastline, accessible only to researchers.
Coëtivy Penal Colony Ruins
This remote outer island holds the remains of a former penal colony and youth rehabilitation center. The abandoned administrative buildings and cells are a stark reminder of its isolated past, though the island is strictly off-limits to the public.
La Plaine St. André Old Distillery
The original walls of the 18th-century plantation distillery have been preserved as historic ruins within the grounds of the modern Takamaka Rum Distillery. Visitors can see the old stone structures while touring the active facility and learning about its history.
