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Official Tourism Department Website

Tourism seychelles, byenveni    welcome       bienvenu.

Tourism Seychelles is the Department responsible for spearheading the development and growth of the country’s tourism industry as well as/and marketing the islands as the preferred tourist destination.

Key Tourism Stats

Last updated: 24 June 2022

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News & updates, what's going on in the tourism sector.

Tourism Seychelles Leads the Charge in Sustainability at WTM Africa 2024

The ambience and Colours of Seychelles captured at the Canopy Hilton Seychelles

Tourism Seychelles Successfully Participates in the 27th Edition of BMT Trade Fair in Naples

Our initiatives, key initiatives being led by the tourism department, classification.

The aim is to achieve a greater degree of standardization and professionalism within the tourism industry.

To be featured on the Official Destination website, a business will need to register and create a listing on ParrAPI.com

Sustainable Seychelles

A programme to encourage tourism establishments in Seychelles to mainstream sustainability practices.

The Future Of The Tourism Industry​

We help the youth find a job and kickstart their journey within the tourism industry

The Destination

Experience all that the Seychelles Islands has to offer from our pristine waters, to our exquisite flora and fauna.

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Tourism Department

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Open Daily 8am–4pm

Closed Saturdays, Sundays.

The Tourism Department is mandated to encourage the development of the tourism industry in Seychelles.

Useful Links

• Air Seychelles
• Department of Foreign Affairs
• National Bureau of Statistics
• Seychelles Ports Authority

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A Guide to Vacationing in the Seychelles Islands

If the Seychelles Islands have always been on your list of places to visit, take these travel tips to heart.

Steven Casale is a New York City-based freelance writer and digital strategist. He specializes in food, travel, and lifestyle content for publications like Tasting Table , Travel + Leisure , The Lineup , and amNY.com.

De Agostini / Getty Images

Situated in the Indian Ocean east of Kenya and north of Madagascar is a 115-island archipelago so beautiful early British explorers thought they had stumbled upon the Garden of Eden. While the Seychelles Islands were reportedly first sighted by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1502, little — if anything — was known of them prior.

Though remote, the Seychelles Islands attract visitors who come for the ultimate romantic escape — even Kate Middleton and Prince William came here after exchanging vows. After all, there are few places more isolated than this heavenly cluster of islands.

Of course, there's more to the Seychelles Islands than pristine beaches and water so clear you never lose sight of your feet. In addition to unabashed natural beauty and wildlife, the main island of Mahé, where the capital Victoria is located, boasts beautiful 18th- and 19th-century French and British architecture. And that's to say nothing of the incredible seafood and resorts, or the unparalleled beauty of the North Island .

Before you decide to book a full-day flight to reach this island paradise, consider our definitive guide to planning a perfect Seychelles getaway.

Before You Go

Ever since the Seychelles International Airport opened in 1971, tourism has boomed and is now the leading industry in the Seychelles Islands. While United States passport holders are not required to obtain a visa for a visit of up to 90 days and can be granted a visitor permit upon arrival, you must show proof of return transportation, lodging information, and sufficient funds for the duration of your trip.

What to Pack

The Seychelles Islands have a tropical rainforest climate with substantial humidity that is tempered by cooling ocean breezes. Pack plenty of swimwear, loose-fitting clothes, and open-toe footwear, as much of your time here will be spent on the beach. Hiking is also a popular activity, so consider bringing along some sturdy boots. Keep in mind that the rainy season runs from December through February.

Getty Images / iStockphoto

What to See

Unsurprisingly, beaches are the main draw for this island nation. And since the Seychelles Islands are so far-flung, many of them are virtually untouched and never very crowded. Particularly famous is Anse Lazio beach on the island of Praslin, which is known for its clear blue waters and native takamaka trees.

Away from the beach, also on Praslin island, is the Vallée de Mai Nature Preserve , a UNESCO World Heritage site. While visiting this thick green jungle, home to primitive plant and animal species that have remained isolated since the islands were formed, try to catch a glimpse of the Seychelles black parrot, found nowhere else on Earth.

Nearby, the island of La Digue is known for its lovely Anse Source d’Argent beach, where you’ll find a shoreline framed by picturesque granite boulders. If you need a break from the beach, the capital city of Victoria, located on the main island of Mahé, is home to incredible architecture, open air markets, museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Where to Stay

While budget-friendly lodging is available in Seychelles Islands, the resorts are plentiful so if this is a special trip, be prepared to splurge. Our favorite places to stay include the Six Senses Zil Pasyon , located on the private island of Félicité — all of its 30 villas face the ocean and feature private plunge pools — and the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles on Petite Anse. Its pitch-perfect bathtub may be reason enough alone to make the trek.

What to Know

The Seychelles Islands were not known to be inhabited until the French began colonizing the area in 1768. Over the years, control of the Seychelles passed between the British and French, until the nation gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.

Today, the country remains incredibly multicultural, with most Seychellois tracing their roots back to early French settlers and East Africans who came to the islands later on. There is also a sizable South Indian and Chinese influence on the cultural makeup of the islands. This may be best manifested in the island's cuisine, which is a seafood-heavy homage to the country’s many influences. Specialties include shark chutney — mashed shark seasoned with bilimibi juice — and ladob, a sweet, savory plantain simmered in coconut milk.

How to Get There

Some 300 miles off the coast of mainland Africa, the best way to reach the Seychelles Islands is by plane. Most connecting flights originate from Doha, Dubai, or Nairobi and travel between the islands is typically done on small planes or helicopters. Ferry service between the main islands of Mahé, La Digue, and Praslin is operated by Seychellesbookings.com .

The Top 15 Things to Do in the Seychelles

The beautiful islands of Seychelles are made up of 115 atolls, surrounded by pristine, crystal clear blue water. The Seychelles offers stunning beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and plenty of marine activities and water sports to enjoy. In addition, there are a host of things to do in the Seychelles, from visiting the huge tortoises at nature reserves to exploring the national parks on various islands. Read on for the best things to do in the East African islands of Seychelles.

Trek Through the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

Getty Images/ Rytis Bernotas

Located on Botanical Garden Road in Victoria is the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens , home to vibrant flora and fauna which date back more than a century. In addition to an array of floral arrangements, palms, fruit trees, and spices, visitors can enjoy seeing Seychellois animals such as the giant tortoises and fruit bats surrounding the gardens. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs around $8 for entry.

Relax on La Digue Island

Getty Images/ Sergio Canobbio

As the smallest inhabited island in the Seychelles, La Digue offers a big draw for locals and tourists alike due to its stunning beaches, such as the prolific Anse Source d’Argent. The famed beach is situated on the island’s west coast. It offers pristine clear blue waters, which are popular for snorkeling, beautiful massive granite boulders, and the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. Anse Cocos Beach is also located on La Digue on the east coast, and Anse Bonnet Carré Beach is down south, known for its isolation and tranquil, shallow waters for wading and snorkeling.

Explore Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve

Getty Images/ David C Tomlinson

Located on Praslin Island is the UNESCO World Heritage site Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve. It is home to the famed coco de mer palm and is a must-visit site while vacationing in the Seychelles. It is the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy a host of hiking trails, guided walks to learn about the flora and fauna throughout the reserve, as well as a paradise for bird watchers to spot rare birds like the black parrot and the Seychelles bulbul. Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit Veuve Nature Reserve

Photo courtesy of Bernard Bijoux / @seyparksauthority

Another hotspot for nature lovers to visit in the Seychelles islands is Veuve Nature Reserve , situated on La Digue island. One of the most famous things to see at the reserve is the paradise flycatchers, a bird indigenous to Africa and Asia. The reserve staff can also take you on a guided tour to learn about the enchanting array of birds there and the lush green flora and fauna surrounding the area. Make sure to book your tour in advance if possible, as resources are limited, but the gorgeous birds and scenery are well worth the planned escape.

Shop at Victoria Market

Getty Images/EyesWideOpen

If you are looking for local trinkets and hand goods to take home after visiting the Seychelles, then shopping in Victoria Bazaar on the main island is a must. The historic market, which dates back to the 19th century, features a wide range of local vendors selling items from t-shirts to jewelry to take home to your family and friends or yourself. You can also enjoy local delicacies for lunch or dinner after spending an afternoon shopping there, such as fresh-caught fish and fruit.

Experience Praslin Island

Known for its tranquil beaches is Praslin island, the second largest in the archipelago, situated to the Northeast of Mahe. The most popular beaches are Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, both offering mesmerizing views and tranquil waters. The island also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, Lemuria , where lessons are available with resident golf pros.

Hike the Copolia Trail

Situated in the north of Mahe is the Copolia Trail, a hiking trail that is part of the Seychelles National Parks Authority , which spans through a lush jungle area offering immaculate 360-degree views of Victoria and nearby islands. It takes around 45 minutes to complete the walking trail, full of exquisite flora and fauna to see while zipping through the walking paths. Make sure to wear suitable hiking shoes, bring a backpack for snacks, and a bottle of water to sit and relax while taking in the gorgeous panoramic views.

Discover the Morne Seychellois National Park

Within the confines of Mahe island is the Morne Seychellois National Park , a massive park that covers over 3,000 hectares, which is over 20 percent of the island’s total landmass. It features a mix of mangroves, towering mountains, and lush green tropical jungles. Visitors can enjoy hiking around the park's mix of trails as well as birdwatching to see one of the 12 endemic land birds, such as Seychelles Scops-owl.

See La Misere Exotics Garden Centre

Courtesy of Seychelles News Agency

Located around 15 minutes from Mahe is La Misere Exotics Garden Centre , which is home to over 50,000 flowers and an assortment of almost 300 botanical arrangements. It spans three acres of land, with spiraling trails and walking paths for visitors to hike. After taking in the gorgeous garden, tourists can enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack at the small onsite café. The park is open from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Observe Aride Island Nature Reserve

Getty Images / Massimiliano Finzi

For globetrotters looking to learn and see more of the historical side of the Seychelles, then a visit to the Aride Island Nature Reserve in the north is highly recommended. The protected island is only home to few human inhabitants, including the reserve’s staff, island manager, conservation officers, and rangers. The protected island is home to one of the most significant seabird populations of over 1 million within the Indian Ocean of 10 different species. It is also the only natural home of the fragrant Wright's Gardenia flower of the Seychelles.

Discover the Seychelles Natural History Museum

Courtesy of Seychelles National History Museum 

Situated in Victoria on Mahe Island is the Seychelles National History Museum , home to an array of exhibitions and displays that showcase the Seychelles' geology. It offers visitors a glimpse into the stunning flora, fauna, and conservation efforts currently being taken on the islands to protect the area's natural history. The museum also has worthy resources and a documentation center for those interested in researching additional geographic information about the islands. The entry fee is only 15 Seychelles rupee or around $1 for tourists and is free for elderly visitors.

Go Scuba Diving in the Crystal Blue Waters

For the thrill-seeking visitors to the Seychelles, an island adventure there is incomplete without a bit of scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal blue waters. The sea is full of sumptuous coral reefs, ravines, and colorful sea creatures for scuba divers to view down under. Some of the most famous spots for scuba diving in the Seychelles include Baine Ternay Marine Park near Beau Vallon, Brissare Rocks to the north of Mahe, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aldabra , where you need approval from the Seychelles Island Foundation to dive there.

Island Hop Curieuse, Cousin Island, and St. Pierre

Getty Images / Africanway

The Seychelles is full of stunning islands to enjoy, so why not spend a day island hopping via a small cruise ship? One of the top things to do while in the Seychelles is to take a small cruise from Mahe island to view the breathtaking scenery, relaxing beaches, and lush green vegetation on islands such as Curieuse, Cousin Island, and St. Pierre. Enjoy beautiful sunset cruises or take a small glass-bottom kayak out into the sea to view the marine life.

Taste Delicious Street Food

Getty Images / LRPhotographies

The Seychelles offers a wide variety of delicious street food options for those on the go or relaxing on one of the many islands in paradise. Sample fresh seafood selections like squid and fried fish at local food stales on Mahe, such as Jules Take Away or The Copper Pot, also situated on Mahe. Additional standouts include Gala Takeaway in La Digue or Chez Jules, which serves up delicious fresh red snapper and is also vegetarian friendly.

Uncover Kenwyn House

Courtesy of Kenwyn House

Last but certainly not least on the list is a visit to Kenwyn House , an 18th-century French architectural feat which is one of the most visited monuments in the Seychelles. Situated in Victoria on Francis Rachel Street, the most famed street in the capital. It is home to a public art gallery which features local Seychellois artists from around the islands. The historic house allows visitors to take a peek inside of an old Seychelles house that has been restored. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Sundays.

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Must-see attractions in Seychelles

Anse Lazio, on the northwest tip of the island, is picture-perfect everywhere you look and often turns up in lists of the world's most beautiful beaches…

Anse Maquereau

Quite possibly the world's most beautiful beach, petite Anse Maquereau is flanked by granitic monoliths, backed by palms and caressed by waters of the…

Anse Marron

Perhaps the most stunning natural pool and beach combo on the planet, Anse Marron sits nestled behind Gaudíesque granite boulders at the remote southern…

Vallée de Mai

Gorgeous World Heritage–listed Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where the rare coco de mer palm grows in its natural state (the other…

Anse Source d'Argent

Famed for being one of the most photographed beaches on the planet, Anse Source d'Argent is a sight to behold. Its dazzling white sands are lapped by…

National Museum of History

Housed in Victoria's restored colonial-era Supreme Court building (1885), this terrific museum opened in late 2018. While the architecture itself is worth…

Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market

No trip to Victoria would be complete without a wander through the covered market. It's small by African standards, but it's a bustling, colourful place…

Takamaka Bay

On this popular tour you learn the story behind the island's main distillery and about the rum-making process. The tour runs for between 30 and 45 minutes…

Anse Volbert

This long, gently arching beach is among the most popular strands on the island. It's great for safe swimming and sunbathing, and it's also good for water…

Beau Vallon Beach

A beautiful semi-circle of sand backed by palms and takamaka trees, Beau Vallon beach is Mahé's most popular. The swimming is excellent, but there can be…

Anse Soleil

The idyllic little beach of Anse Soleil is a pocket-sized paradise. You can pause here for lunch – there's a beach restaurant – but beware, you may never…

One of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, Anse Major is only accessible on foot from Danzil – few visitors to the Seychelles make it here. The setting is…

Anse Takamaka

The gently curving Anse Takamaka is a gorgeous strand for walking unfettered on white sand and gaping at sunsets. Facilities include Chez Batista's bar…

Nid d'Aigle

Nid d'Aigle, the highest point on La Digue (333m), commands sensational views out over the island, as well as out to Mahé, Praslin, Curieuse, Félicité,…

This gallery, in a traditional Creole wooden structure built in 1915 and restored in the 1980s, exhibits the work of George Camille, one of the Seychelles…

This wonderfully scenic beach of salt-white sand and turquoise water curves gracefully between distant granitic outcrops. What sets it apart from others…

Morne Seychellois National Park

One of Mahé's highlights, the splendid Morne Seychellois National Park encompasses an impressive 20% of Mahé's land area and contains a wide variety of…

Mission Lodge

Close to the highest point you can reach on Mahé by road, Mission Lodge has a superb lookout with spectacular views of central Mahé and the west coast,…

Petite Anse

This pristine curve of white sand is accessible via the Four Seasons Resort; wait at the gate and a buggy will take you down to the beach. Come late…

Fairyland Beach

Most of the Seychelles' postcard-stunning beaches are on Praslin and La Digue, but Fairyland Beach when seen from the south is a real looker, with a…

Anse La Blague

Head to Anse La Blague on the east coast if you're after a secluded picnic spot. Very few tourists make it to this isolated beach, which feels like the…

Grande Anse

Grande Anse is an immense swathe of sand that glimmers with a fierce but utterly enchanting beauty. No other beach provides the same opportunities for…

Anse Port Launay

Close to the Constance Ephelia, just 50m beyond Port Launay Bus Terminal, this gorgeous circle of sand can feel like paradise with its overhanging trees,…

On the southeast coast is La Digue's longest beach, Grand Anse. It's a stunning place to sun yourself, and while busier than nearby Petite Anse and Anse…

Le Jardin du Roi

Located 2km up in the hills above Anse Royale, this lush spice garden owes its existence to Pierre Poivre, the French spice entrepreneur. There is a self…

This dramatic crescent of bleached white sand sits between Grande Anse and Anse Cocos on La Digue's southeast coast. Although less than a 300m walk (along…

Botanical Gardens

The manicured botanical gardens, full of streams and birdsong, are about a 10-minute walk south of the centre. Star attractions are the coco de mer palms…

SeyTé Tea Factory

At the working tea factory, about 3km above Port Glaud, 20-minute tours take you through the tea-making process. It's best to visit before noon, when you…

L'Union Estate & Copra Factory

At one time, the main industry on La Digue was coconut farming, centred on L'Union Estate coconut plantation south of La Passe. These days L'Union Estate…

Anse Sévère

Easily accessible on the northern outskirts of La Passe, Anse Sévère is a great beach to spend a day on. Set alluringly behind stands of takamaka trees,…

Giant Tortoise Farm

Curieuse is a breeding centre for giant Aldabra tortoises. The wardens at the giant tortoise farm show visitors around the pens, after which you're free…

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

This imposing cathedral is noteworthy for its elegant portal and colonnaded facade – the interior nave is long and airy with some stained-glass windows…

Église Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours

Consecrated in 2009, this graceful church is simplicity itself and is all the better for it. Instead of stained-glass windows, the massive windows are…

Anse Intendance

A top-end resort lines the northern portion of this high-profile beach. The southern end is almost deserted and offers good swimming and snorkelling. The…

Anse Patates

Petite, picture perfect and ideal for a splash or snorkel, this boulder-framed beach sits tucked into the northern tip of the island.

This ribbon of white sand is the most beautiful beach on Félicité, though shallow waters make swimming difficult. It's also the least visited, simply…

To the north of Anse à la Mouche the coast is a bit less glamorous but appealing nonetheless. If you can find access to Anse Louis, where the superswish…

Worth a look if you're in the area, this lovely vivid garden, overseen by a retired Seychelles diplomat, has all manner of exotic, tropical flowers on…

Anse Marie-Louise

At the island's southern tip, Anse Marie-Louise is a pretty spot. There are no facilities and no parking lot; just pull over at the side of the road and…

Anse Petite Police & Police Bay

From the village of Quatre Bornes, a road leads to Police Bay, a splendid, blissfully isolated spot at the southern tip of the island. Sadly, the currents…

More destinations you need to see

• 1.1 Inner Seychelles
• 1.2 Outer Seychelles
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Tourist information
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By helicopter
• 7.3 By boat
• 12.2 Shopping
• 12.3 Tipping
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 20.1 Embassies and consulates

The Seychelles (Seychellois Creole: Sesel ) is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and east of Kenya. It consists of 115 islands, of which the largest are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. The capital and largest city is Victoria, located on the island of Mahe.

Seychelles is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The economy is largely based on tourism and fishing, and the country has made significant progress in developing its infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.

Regions [ edit ]

Inner seychelles [ edit ].

The vast majority of the Seychelles' population lives on these granite islands, home to the bulk of the country's resorts.

Outer Seychelles [ edit ]

The Outer Seychelles are corralline and mostly uninhabited. Visitors are rare, and will find themselves traveling either by private yacht or between remote airstrips on small local planes.

Cities [ edit ]

• -4.623611 55.454444 1 Victoria – the capital city
• -4.6129 55.431 2 Beau Vallon

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -4.64674 55.42008 1 Morne Seychellois National Park – one of the last few expanses of pristine tropical rainforests

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Maldivian and Arab traders were the first to visit the uninhabited Seychelles. The first European to arrive at the islands was Portuguese Admiral Vasco da Gama who passed through the Amirantes in 1502 and named them after himself (Islands of the Admiral). They became a waypoint on the Cape Route .

The Seychelles were disputed between France and Great Britain during the age of colonialism, with Britain ending up in control in 1814 after the Napoleonic Wars . The islands achieved independence in 1976; however, free elections did not occur until 1993.

The politics of this island group remain in something of a state of flux, although this should not bother the tourist seeking a relaxing beach vacation.

Climate [ edit ]

Seychelles is hot and humid, with an average yearly temperature of 84°F (29°C), and average sea temperature rarely dropping below 81°F (27°C). However, the heat is usually mitigated by refreshing sea breezes, especially by the beaches. The cooler season in Seychelles is during the southeast monsoon season (May to September) and the warmer season is during the northwest monsoon (November to March). April and October are "changeover months" between the two monsoons, when the wind is variable. The northwest monsoon season tends to be warmer with more rain, while the southeast monsoon season is usually drier and cooler.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Seychelles Tourism website

Talk [ edit ]

Languages spoken in the Seychelles are Seychellois Creole , English and French . You'll be able to get around just fine with just a little French. A couple of basic polite words will go a long way to get a smile from the friendly and helpful locals.

Get in [ edit ]

Visas are not required, though all foreigners must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, and must have proof of accommodation bookings before arrival (these may be checked). All foreign travelers must apply for an https://seychelles.govtas.com/ Electronic Border Travel] permit to enter the Seychelles.] An initial entry permit is granted for 1 month but can be extended for up to 3 months at a time to a maximum of 1 year.

By plane [ edit ]

• Seychelles International Airport ( SEZ  IATA ). The only international gateway to the Seychelles near the national capital, Victoria . Air Seychelles is the country's flag carrier and flies from Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Paris, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Antananarivo. International service is also available from Addis Ababa ( Ethiopian Airlines ), Nairobi ( Kenya Airways ), Dubai ( Emirates ), Abu Dhabi ( Etihad ), Istanbul ( Turkish Airlines ), Doha ( Qatar Airways ), and regular charter services from Frankfurt ( Condor ) and Zurich ( Edelweiss)

By boat [ edit ]

The strict controls imposed on cruising yachts in the early 1990s have been gradually lifted and rules and regulations are no longer so complicated. However, some restrictions remain in force, mostly for the sake of environmental protection as most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs near the surface.

Get around [ edit ]

Air Seychelles operates multiple daily flights between Mahe and Praslin. Over two dozen flights vary in frequency from 15-minute to 2-hour intervals, depending on time of day.

Air Seychelles also operates once daily or several times per week between Mahe and the islands of Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches and Alphonse. Assumption Island and Coetivy can be reached by air charter.

By helicopter [ edit ]

Zil Air provides charter helicopter flights to/from most of the inner and outer Seychelles Islands. It is the only scenic flight operator in the Seychelles. Scenic flights can be booked to cover the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the surrounding smaller islands of (among others) Cousine, Félicité, Grande Seour, Curieuse and Bird Island.

Cat Cocos operates catamaran ferries that provide several daily crossings between Mahe and Praslin and a daily crossing extension to La Digue. The sailing normally takes one hour. Non-residents should budget between SCR1,300 and SCR1,820 per person (price at February 2021) for a one way ticket from Mahe to Praslin. Tickets can be purchased from the Cat Cocos office, opposite the pier, on the same day before travel subject to availability.

Similarly, Inter Island Ferry operate a route between Praslin and La Digue with 8 daily departures taking 15 min to cross. Tickets cost around €15 for an adult single (July 2013). The schedule usually allows for onward connections to Mahe with Cat Cocos at Praslin harbour.

It is also possible to take small boats from Mahe direct to La Digue, although departures can be unreliable, there is limited wet weather cover and the journey takes about 3 hours (but that's cheaper than an Indian Ocean Island cruise!)

As of June 2013, online bookings with live seat availability and e-ticketing are possible for Cat Cocos and Inter Island Ferry by Seychellesbookings.com [1] .

By car [ edit ]

Driving in Seychelles is on the left side of the road. The roads on Mahé are low-traffic, mountainous, and narrow, so caution is advised.

That said, renting a car is really a good idea and makes life much more simple. For as little as 100 rupees worth of gas you can see the entire island of Mahe in a couple of hours, including stops at beaches and whatever else catches your eye. There is free parking in 'downtown' Victoria on Mahe, and if you go with a B&B or self-catering option for accommodations its by far the easiest way to pick up groceries. A car will also allow you access to the larger stores where locals do their shopping, which are much cheaper than the convenience stores along the beaches. There is no substitute for running your vacation on your own schedule.

You can only rent on Mahé and Praslin. You can find a small car (e.g., Hyundai Atos) for €35-45 per day, but keep in mind that renters must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have at least three years of driving experience. There are several car hire counters outside the arrivals hall at Mahe international airport, which provide a convenient way to compare prices from different hire companies. Prices can be negotiated, with the better rate available for rental periods of 3 consecutive days or more. The 'excess' payable by the customer in the event of a claim, ranges from €300 to €1000 depending on the company, so choose carefully and ask the right questions.

Taxis are also a popular means of transportation for both short trips and day rental and can be obtained almost anywhere. Taxi prices for non-residents (approx. 20 rupees per km in Sept 2010) on a relatively long trip, can easily exceed the cost of hiring a small car for a day.

By bus [ edit ]

Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) runs daily bus services on the islands of Praslin and Mahe from morning to evening on nearly every available road on the island. The bus usually passes by every 15 minutes. On Mahe you can easily use the SPTC bus to travel to and from the airport so long as you have local currency in small bills.

Although the bus will get you there, the schedules aren't tight and the drivers are a bit bold on the very narrow roads if you're a nervous passenger.

See [ edit ]

• Visit the beaches . Many of the beaches are seemingly untouched by human influence and are refreshingly uncrowded. They offer clear blue skies and a tranquility you will rarely find. A hike along the coastline from Beau Vallon to Anse Major will take about 1.5-2 hours and your reward will be a small deserted beach that's fit for a king. The scenery along the hike is breath-taking. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming depending on the time of year, due to the seasonal winds. Do not ignore warning signs indicating that a beach is hazardous for swimming, no matter how appealing the waters may look.
• Vallée de Mai is a national park and World Heritage Site , home to amazing flora and fauna, including the world's largest seed: the coco de mer. Entrance fee: Free for residents, 315 rupees for foreigners (Sep 2010).
• Aldabra Atoll : The world's largest coral atoll that stretches about 22 mi (35 km) east to west and encloses a huge tidal lagoon. Aldabra is the original home of the giant land tortoise, and tiger sharks and manta rays can also often be seen here.
• Cousin Island is an internationally owned island and belongs to Birdlife International.
• Victoria , the capital on Mahe Island, has several good museums including the Natural History Museum, where you can hold the famed coco-de-mer, and the National Museum of History with good photo displays and a video presentation.

Do [ edit ]

Water sports : The warm Indian Ocean waters make Seychelles the perfect place for water enthusiasts. Explore on the board of a yacht, power boat, catamaran or sailboat. Windsurfing is also popular and the best time for this activity is usually around May and October, at the start and end of the trade winds.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing are also extremely popular and can be done almost anywhere in Seychelles. Baie Ternay is superb and easily accessible by glass bottom boat tour from Beau Vallon beach - leave yourself an empty day and walk the beach for a 'last minute' booking - great deals can be bargained. Snorkeling (provided you have your own gear - some hotels lend masks, snorkels and fins to guests) is free and there are many great spots: off some of the small beaches at Glacis, past Mouse Island at Anse Royale, along the reef at Port Launay (near Ephelia Resort). Often spotted are a wide array of tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays and more!

Land sports : Golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, biking and hiking are some of the recreational activities available on the Seychelles Islands. Bike rentals and walking tours are great ways to sightsee and since distances are relatively short and the scenery is beautiful, walking is probably the best way to see the smaller islands (La Digue, Praslin), while walking along the main road can be quite intimidating as the roads are narrow and local cars/busses drive quite quickly. On Mahe it is not advised to ride bicycles, and there are no rental shops within sight. Bird watching is also popular and the islands are home to many of the world's rarest species of animals. The best place to do so is Cousin Island which although only 1 km (0.6 miles) in diameter, is home to more than 300,000 birds, but many unique species can be found on Mahe.

Seychelles also has numerous markets, art galleries and shops, colonial Creole-style plantation houses, and the main island of Mahé has six museums, a botanical garden, and several national monuments. The market downtown Victoria has a good selection of local produce, and spices for sale that are all grown locally and 100% authentic.

Learn [ edit ]

The University of the Seychelles [dead link] has a medical degree for Americans.

Public education has been free and mandatory for children aged 6-16 since 1980. There is a teacher training college and a polytechnic institute, and as mentioned above, the University of Seychelles - American Institute of Medicine does exist. Because of the absence of higher education facilities, many students study abroad, mostly in the United Kingdom .

Work [ edit ]

Working and doing business in the Seychelles can be difficult due to the humidity and heat. Forget about wearing a suit; rather, opt for a light cotton shirt and pants. The atmosphere in the Seychelles is relaxed and it can take a lot of effort to achieve very little.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy. In fact, about 15 percent of the work force is directly employed in tourism, and employment in banking, transportation, construction, and other activities is closely tied to the tourist industry.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The islands' currency is the Seychellois rupee , denoted by the symbol " SR " or " SRe " (ISO code: SCR ). ATMs usually have the best conversion rates; however, airports and banks also exchange money.

Coins of the Seychelles are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, 1, 5 and 10 rupees. Banknotes of the Seychelles are issued in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 rupees.

There is no longer a black market in currency.

Shopping [ edit ]

The best place for shopping is Victoria, the capital, and more specifically the market at the city centre, Seychelles Buy and Sell . There are also a few outlets on the island, Praslin, but few shopping areas on the other islands. Larger hotels have boutiques but shopping in Seychelles is not one of the major attractions.

While visiting, be sure to buy the classic and traditional Seychelles souvenir, the coco-de-mer, or the 'nut of the sea,' a nut from trees native to the islands in the Seychelles - but this requires an export licence. Other locally made souvenirs, although not as unique, can be purchased like sea shell and pearl jewellery, textiles and straw hats, in addition to needlework and crochet, paintings by local artists and woodwork.

Tipping [ edit ]

Most service providers already include a service charge of 5–10%. Tipping is not obligatory in the Seychelles; however, any extra change is greatly appreciated.

Eat [ edit ]

Seychellois cuisine has been greatly influenced by the islands' rich cultures. Creole cooking, varied seafood dishes, coconuts and curries are the most popular. The main product of the country, fish, is cooked in a variety of ways. The red snapper is very tasty and well known to visitors.

There are restaurants that serve Chinese, Indian and Italian food as well as local cuisine.

Cheapest food: Collect coconuts on the beach and learn how to open them (not the shell, that's easy; they have a thick cover of natural fibres; to open it: hit the coconut very strongly many times on the edges, sooner or later the fibres break up).

Drink [ edit ]

Seychelles offers a fantastic nightlife scene that caters to tourists. The active nightlife is mostly located around the larger hotels and in addition to theatres, cinemas and discos, there are numerous fun and trendy restaurants.

Nightlife : Do not miss most popular nightclub "Lovenut" in the centre of Victoria, 100 metres walk from central taxi station. Also entertaining are "Tequila Boom" at (Bel Ombre) and "Katiolio" (near Anse Royale) night clubs. "Katiolio" was one of the first nightclubs to open on Mahe and is open-air beside the ocean.

If you enjoy a good beer, try the local Seybrew beer; it tastes similar to a light Bavarian-style beer and helps you through those balmy days. You can save yourself a packet buying the beer from stores on the side of the road like the locals do rather than from hotels.

A dark Takamaka rum on the beach under the stars is the best way to end a day on the Seychelles.

Sleep [ edit ]

The Seychelles are not tolerant of backpackers turning up at the airport without accommodation booked. In such a situation, you will likely be taken to a counter where you will have to book & pay for accommodation for the duration of your trip before being allowed through immigration. Visitors need to provide details of their accommodation on their landing card (Hotel Name, address, phone number), and additionally, will be questioned by the immigration officer about their accommodation details ("Is your booking at hotel <x> confirmed?", etc.)

The common perception of Seychelles only offering expensive accommodation is unfortunate as it is possible to find accommodation to fit most budgets. Some establishments will offer you a double room for two people starting at €65. At this price point you can expect a basic room, but you will have the Creole hospitality that has made this island so famous. However, most accommodation is relatively expensive and some islands have only one hotel. In fact, some of the islands aren't even permanently inhabited and accommodation can be found on fewer than 10. Your best bet for a budget bed is renting an apartment or bungalow, which are available at better rates. Also keep in mind that hotel prices greatly increase and accommodation can be hard to find during the peak seasons from December to January and July to August. Holidays such as Easter can also get very busy.

Most resorts can be found on the main islands of Mahe and Praslin . A few (very) high end ones, like the North Island , have their own private islands. Additionally, you will find an array of 'small hotels' which can feel exclusive.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Try to avoid any dark lanes, and always be careful not to leave your bag unattended. Swimming alone on isolated beaches is not advisable. If you sail, avoid bringing valuables; if you have no choice, become adept at finding great hiding places.

There is some sketchy activity along a shady secondary road behind Beau Vallon beach (left from the Boathouse restaurant) on Mahé, but locals mostly seem content to admire their flashy cars and mostly ignore passers-by.

There are tourist police stationed at every beach on Mahé and are easily recognizable by their blue or white golf shirts, with a tourist police badge sewn on. They are very friendly and more than willing to help keep a good eye, even though you may not see them. They are honest and freely offer advice. Potential thieves are obvious (mostly due to lurking and just stand out from the locals) and tend to hide just off the beach or across the narrow streets near more out of the way beaches. Jail terms are stiff and are strictly enforced since the island makes lots of money from tourism.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Chikungunya virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes, and causes flu-like symptoms. It is increasing in concern and although it is rare to die from it, the joint pain it causes can last for months. Insect repellent can help deter mosquitoes but not much else can be done as a precaution. The disease is native to East Africa and occasionally is introduced and quickly eradicated.

Tap water is safe to drink in most areas of the Seychelles, but water quality is variable in undeveloped areas. It is recommended to drink bottled water only and to avoid bodies of fresh water like lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.

Limited medical services are available outside the capital city of Victoria.

Respect [ edit ]

The environment is a treasured aspect of Seychelles and there are more than 1,000 recorded species of fish around the islands and Aldabra, just one of the islands, is home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the world. Do the effort of respecting it and leaving it clean for visitors to come.

Connect [ edit ]

The Seychelles Tourism board is a great point of reference and they will be able to answer any and all questions you might have. Their website is www.seychelles.travel

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies and consulates [ edit ].

There are only six embassies and High Commissions, and another dozen or so consulates. The Chinese embassy is an attraction itself while the multilevel, colonial-era Victoria House on the corner of Francis Rachel & State House Streets is home to several of these consulates.

Go next [ edit ]

• Try Comoros , Mauritius , and Madagascar . Many tourists travel to these alternative destinations because of their similarity and because accommodation and travel are less expensive there.

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Seychelles   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sergio Canobbio | Getty Images

11 Best Things To Do in Seychelles

Updated February 11, 2021

Seychelles's claim to fame is its beaches. The islands' soft, white shorelines — peppered with immense boulders and framed by the warm, clear Indian Ocean — are often seen gracing the fronts of postcards and the covers of magazines. And the best part

• All Things To Do

Anse Volbert (Praslin) Anse Volbert (Praslin) free

Also known as the Côte d'Or ("Golden Coast"), Anse Volbert earns rave reviews from sun-seekers, swimmers and snorkelers for its sugary white sand and crystal clear water. Although it's one of the island's most popular beaches, Anse Volbert's size (approximately 1½ miles long) means it never feels crowded. "It's not a busy beach but for a good experience, try to go to the right to get away from all the boats," one TripAdvisor user suggested.

Although they admit that Anse Volbert isn't the prettiest of Seychelles' beaches, travelers say that the soft sand and shallow water are ideal conditions for those traveling with children. And the abundance of restaurants and bars close by means you can plan to spend the day there without worrying about going hungry or finding a restroom.

Beau Vallon (Mahé) Beau Vallon (Mahé) free

Sitting opposite Victoria on Mahé's northwest coast, Beau Vallon is one of the island's most popular beach areas. And for a good reason: The wide shoreline and calm seas make Beau Vallon a great place for both swimming and water sports, including snorkeling, boating, fishing and scuba diving. The area is also surrounded by a wide array of restaurants, hotels and shops, making it a great home base for travelers looking to soak up the rays. Although Beau Vallon exudes a slight resort-area feel, travel experts and recent visitors agree that the beach is worth checking out — especially if you're visiting with kids as there are no strong currents or sharp bits of coral lurking beneath the waves

You won't have to pay to lounge on the sand or hit the waves, but each water sports company features its own rates for equipment rentals and dive excursions. If you're looking to explore beneath the waves, recent visitors recommend diving with Ocean Dream Divers . "I wish to proclaim my deepest gratitude to the fantastic and professional team at Ocean Dream Divers," wrote one TripAdvisor user. "I would define my experience here as VIP diving." The company offers dives that range from around 735 SCR to 1,228 SCR (approximately $60 USD to $100 USD) per person. Equipment rentals will tag an extra few rupees onto your bill.

Anse Lazio (Praslin) Anse Lazio (Praslin) free

Lying along Chevalier Bay on Praslin's north coast, Anse Lazio beach wins visitors over with its ivory sands, cobalt water, giant boulders and restaurants conveniently located nearby. Lazio routinely earns a place among experts' top 10 lists because it feels like a secluded tropical paradise, while the calm waters and abundance of underwater life earn praise from avid snorkelers. Because word has gotten out about Anse Lazio's merits, some recent visitors recommend arrving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Even though Lazio's reputation may have stolen its aura of privacy, travelers still say that this beach is a must-see. "If I would have known about this place in advance, we would have just booked our hotel near this place and wouldn't have need[ed] anything else," said one TripAdvisor user.

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Anse Georgette (Praslin) Anse Georgette (Praslin) free

Despite Seychelles' growing popularity as a tourist destination, Anse Georgette has maintained its sense of seclusion, making it an ideal place for lovebirds seeking some alone time. The beach's white sands are ideal for sunbathing while the calm, clear water draws swimmers and snorkelers alike. But for many visitors, it's Anse Georgette's stunning views that deserve the most admiration. "Anse Georgette is one of the few things in life that left me speechless," wrote one TripAdvisor user. "From my point of view, this is the best beach on the island. It is a must."

To reach Anse Georgette, you'll need to pass through the adjacent Constance Lémuria Resort — an easy feat. Both the resort and the beach can be found on Praslin's northwest coast (about 3 miles north of the Praslin Airport); you can access the beach using the resort's well-maintained path, which also leads to the resort's golf course. You can access the beach at any time, day or night, for no fee, as long as you obtain permission from the resort in advance (only 30 non-guests are allowed on the beach at any given time). For more information, visit the Seychelles Tourism Board's Anse Georgette page or the Constance Lémuria Resort's website .

Anse Intendance (Mahé) Anse Intendance (Mahé) free

Mahé's famous Anse Intendance sprawls across half a mile of the island's southern coast — approximately 20 miles south of Victoria — luring beach bums with the promise of sparkling sands, swaying palms and beautiful views. Though it's one of Seychelles' most popular beaches, Anse Intendance isn't the best place for a dip. The lack of a reef makes for larger, stronger waves that draw surfers in droves. If you'd prefer to swim, head to Beau Vallon (on Mahé's northwest coast) instead.

Although swimming isn't advised, recent visitors highly recommend paying a visit to Anse Intendance all the same. "There are neat granite boulder formations that kids enjoy climbing on and lovely trees everywhere," one TripAdvisor user said. "The water is the color you see on postcards — absolutely perfect." When you tire of lounging shore side, you can grab a drink or a snack at the nearby Banyan Tree Seychelles Resort .

Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue)

If you're looking to spend the day on one of Seychelles' most famous beaches, complete with rustling palms and gigantic boulders, make your way to Anse Source d'Argent. If you feel like you've seen this sandy stretch before, you probably have: Anse Source d'Argent has been used as the backdrop for numerous advertising campaigns for Bacardi Rum, Campari and Bounty Chocolate. You'll find this picturesque strip of shoreline along the southwest coast of La Digue. However, unlike other Seychelles beaches, you'll have to pay to play here. If you're looking to sprawl along Anse Source d'Argent's white sand you'll need to fork over 100 SCR (approximately $8 USD) to L'Union Estate , the plantation that sits adjacent to the beach.

Despite it being one of the only beaches requiring admission, recent visitors say that Anse Source d'Argent is well worth the trip if you're on La Digue. "Anse Source d'Argent is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited," one TripAdvisor user claimed. "I can see why commercials are shot in this location!"

Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden (Mahé) Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden (Mahé)

Today, people flock to Seychelles for the soft white sands, but back in the 18th century, the islands were a hub for the spice trade. For a taste of the islands' history, spend some time touring Le Jardin du Roi. Sitting on the hilly terrain above Anse Royale beach on Mahé's southeast coast, this old spice garden is still steeped in the aromas of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and a variety of other spices. You can enjoy the scents and scenery as you wander the gardens, learn about Seychelles' spice trade at the small onsite museum, get up close to giant tortoises, participate in a guided hike (as long as you notify the garden 24 hours in advance) or enjoy a flavorful lunch at the restaurant. And before you leave, you can pick up some spices to take with you from the spice shop. 

Le Jardin du Roi welcomes visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Though some visitors note that the admission price has increased in recent years (to 110 SCR, which is around $9 USD per person), others say it's worth the money. "If you want to see some history, tropical plants, and giant tortoises, this is well worth the time and money," said one TripAdvisor user.

Victoria (Mahé) Victoria (Mahé) free

There's really no avoiding Victoria. Seychelles' tiny capital acts as the transportation hub for all of Mahé — the airport sits a mere 6 miles southwest of town, while many bus and ferry services originate in Victoria. Plus, the city's numerous transport services make it a convenient layover point for those en route to Praslin or La Digue, as well as to other points of interest on Mahé. But recent visitors and travel experts alike recommend taking a day or two to experience the city. Home to one third of the nation's population, Victoria has an air of hustle and bustle, but not enough to break the city of its provincial ambiance. You can join in the action at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market where vendors have been selling fish and fruit since 1840; or you can brush up on the history and culture of the islands at the National Museum of History (entry is 15 SCR — approximately $1.25 USD — for adults). But for many, the highlight of a visit to Victoria is the time spent at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens .

You won't need anything but your own two feet to get a feel for Victoria. In fact, you can walk from the western edge of the city through downtown to the harbor (a distance of less than a mile) in roughly 15 minutes. While you're wandering, keep your camera handy so you can snap photos of the town's old colonial buildings and beloved clock tower (a replica of a clock that once stood on Victoria Street in London , which former Seychelles governor Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott admired). You'll also find a smattering of local mom and pop restaurants serving up fresh seafood and Creole cuisine.

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Vallée de Mai (Praslin) Vallée de Mai (Praslin)

The 48-acre Vallée de Mai earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its roughly 6,000 coco-de-mer trees. These beautiful trees — once believed to have sprouted from the ocean floor — haven't evolved much since prehistoric times. In fact, Vallée de Mai is so beautiful that it was once rumored to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Today, you can follow the nature reserve's path through the expansive forest to admire the coco-de-mers and the abundance of wildlife (including chameleons and black parrots) they shelter.

Botanists and bird-lovers could spend hours exploring Vallée de Mai, but recent visitors say that the average traveler won't need more than a couple of hours. "[T]here isn't much to see if you are walking around without a guide," one TripAdvisor user attested. "It would be good to do some reading about everything before you get there so that you can appreciate it more."

Seychelles National Botanical Gardens (Mahé) Seychelles National Botanical Gardens (Mahé)

Planted more than 100 years ago, the vibrant flora housed within the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens provides a pop of color to a vacation mostly spent on white sand. Stretching out along 5 acres of Mont Fleuri — on the southern outskirts of Victoria — the botanical gardens offer visitors an up-close look at Seychellois wildlife. In addition to the towering palm, spice and fruit trees found here (not to mention the aromatic blooms found in the orchid house), you're bound to come across animals like giant tortoises and members of the garden's fruit bat colonies.

One previous visitor offers some advice on how to make the most of your visit: "[E]njoy the uniqueness of the place but for goodness sake put loads of bug spray on […] we all got bitten badly."

Curieuse Marine National Park Curieuse Marine National Park

If you have some time to spare, previous visitors recommend spending a few hours roaming Curieuse Island, home to the Curieuse Marine National Park. Sitting just off the northern coast of Praslin, this nearly 2-square-mile island acts as a giant free-range zoo dominated by the national heavyweight — the Seychellois tortoise. As one of the largest types of tortoise on the planet, these giants clock in at 300 to 600 pounds. While visiting Curieuse, you can stroll alongside these mammoth animals as they meander through the park's coco-de-mer trees. Curieuse Marine National Park also features some worthwhile strips of sand, numerous hiking trails and the remains of a former leper colony that now acts as a museum and historic site.

According to one TripAdvisor user, "We loved playing with the giant tortoises and [it] was definitely an experience of a lifetime!" However, not all visitors were as over-the-moon about their experience, noting that the must-see tortoises can be found on more accessible islands, including Praslin and La Digue.

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A Local's Guide to Seychelles

This island nation is a destination of a lifetime with its laid-back vibe and gorgeous beaches that draw thousands to its cerulean shores each year.

I came to Seychelles 40 years ago on vacation, and when I returned two years later, it was for good. This allure says rather a lot about the enchantment of these islands, which are scattered across the vast Indian Ocean.

I was attracted to the Seychelles islands because of its surreal, natural beauty, the laid-back, island living, the family-oriented social scene, and above all, the warm welcome I received. It’s amazing that after all this time these ingredients can still be found, and form the basis of one of the most extraordinary vacations on Earth.

The Seychellois are a fusion of peoples who once arrived here from Europe, India, and Asia. After many decades of intermarriage, the younger generations tend to exhibit a blend of these physical traits as well as the distinct Creole accent.

The Seychelles are a great destination during any season, blessed with a warm, tropical climate all year long and located outside the cyclone belt. A quality that has earned them the nickname, “the land of perpetual summer.”

Morne Seychellois National Park on the main island of Mahé

If you like cooler weather, the period from late May to September during the southeasterly trade winds makes it the ideal season for sailing around the archipelago. These months of brisker winds are also the best time to indulge in a spot of trekking along the many trails that will introduce you to the natural beauty and diversity of its native flora and fauna. On the other hand, if you’re interested in swimming, snorkeling, and diving, the water temperature tends to be colder and the visibility poorer.

April to early May and October to November are prime times for water sports like diving, snorkeling, and swimming. The calm, flat seas make for beautiful views and warm and welcoming temperatures.

There are several ways to digest the beauty of the Seychelles Islands, which have remained relatively untouched through the ages. Traveling by boat arguably gives you the finest perspective of the islands and their spectacular coastlines, hidden coves, and secret beaches. Guided hikes through the mountains are a close second. For example, on the trail to Copolia you will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the islands—from towering, granite peaks to sweeping ocean vistas.

The Seychelles islands are regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches on the planet, and each has its own signature strip of sand and surf. On the main island of Mahé—the heart of the island’s tourist belt— Beau Vallon Bay is one of the most popular beaches. Equally stunning, but offering a greater degree of tranquility, are the Intendance and Takamaka beaches in the south, solitary Grand Anse in the west, and gorgeous Anse Royale in the east. On Praslin, the standout beach is Anse Lazio. On the island of La Digue—one of the world’s most photographed—Anse Source Dárgent is perhaps the most magnificent. For a truly sublime experience of sun, sea, and sand, my personal choice is Bird Island, which lies some 68 miles north of Mahé.

The famous Anse Source d'Argent beach on the island of La Digue

This island paradise is not just about laying on the beach, however. Visitors can indulge in other activities, such as world-class diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, island-hopping, golf, spa retreats, zip lining, and horseback riding. Local destination management companies, such as Mason's Travel , also guide excursions that showcase the very best cultural, land, and marine experiences.

No stay in Seychelles is complete without tasting the delicious Seychellois Creole cuisine—a blend of old French cuisine and piquant Indian and Chinese flavors. While this fusion is best enjoyed in local homes, many restaurants can also introduce you to its amazing flavors and textures. Some of my favorite restaurants on Mahé are the fine dining La Scala and La Perle Noire . For the more budget-conscious, Auberge Dánse Boileau and Anchor Café are great options. On Praslin, my choice eatery is Losean , and on La Digue, Fish Trap Restaurant & Bar .

If you’re looking to relax and unwind to the sounds of live music, try the Boardwalk Bar & Grill , a magnet for weekend revelers. Hardcore partygoers should check out local clubs Katiolo and Tequila Boom . For a one-day getaway of pure relaxation, it’s hard to beat Cerf Island Resort in the marine park. If you’re doing a tour of Mahé, check out the wonderful rustic scene at Baie Lazare’s Sound Garden, where great food and a unique ambiance awaits.

Seychelles is the ideal place to recalibrate mind, body, and soul. The short but steep climb to Morne Blanc overlooking the west coast of Mahé is the ideal place to refresh. Perched on the verdant heights overlooking the ocean, you can’t help but feel like the king of all creation.

Market Street in Victoria, the capital city of the Seychelles

For cultural mavens, the islands also host many events throughout the year. For a real taste of this Creole world, October’s Festival Kreol should not be missed. It encapsulates all aspects of Creole culture from across the world in a colorful weeklong celebration.

More information about the Seychelles can be found on Facebook and their official tourism website . Another great way to learn about the islands is by downloading the free app, Seychelles Travel Guide, from Google Play or the Apple App Store . It can even be used offline to discover a comprehensive range of tourism products and services. Visitors can also tap into the latest happenings via Seychelles This Week –a free online guide to local events, entertainment, and special offers.

Experience Glynn's Favorites in Seychelles:

When someone comes to visit me , the first place I take them is Sans Souci because the views of the island are absolutely amazing. Afterwards, we descend the winding road to Del Place Restaurant on the west coast.

You can see my main town, Victoria, best from the romantic overlooks on the La Misère road.

Locals know to skip the denser tourist zones in the north of Mahé, the main island, and check out the rustic south and west areas of the island.

The area around Victoria market is one of the best places to buy authentic, local souvenirs .

In the past, notable people like Noel Coward and Ian Fleming have called my island home.

My town's best museum is the Natural History Museum because of its collection of artifacts dating back to the earliest days of settlement.

If there’s one thing you should know about getting around my town , it’s that Victoria is walkable in half a day. You can explore its many hidden nooks and crannies, restaurants, and beautiful churches.

The best place to spend time outdoors in my town is the botanical gardens on the outskirts of Victoria.

You can tell if someone is from my island because of their sun-kissed glow and the way they speak English with a singsong accent typical of Creole people.

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For a fancy night out , head to the Boardwalk Restaurant on Eden Island, which also doubles as one of the island’s top night spots. La Scala Restaurant in Bel Ombre offers a great fine dining experience.

Just outside Victoria , you can take a trip into the St. Anne Marine Park , which is comprised of many islands with great swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

News Café near the cathedral is my favorite place to grab breakfast . Although Victoria is seriously lacking in late-night restaurants, Boardwalk Café on Eden is the spot for nighttime eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, check out the informative Seychelles This Week Facebook page.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped , I splurge on simple pleasures like a good, reasonably priced Creole meal from the FISH-OH takeaway in Espace Building.

Bazaar Labrin at Beau Vallon is the best place to see live music on Wednesday evenings, but if you’re in the mood to dance , check out clubs like Tequila Boom and Katiolo.

If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you won’t want to miss excellent horseback riding at Turquoise Horse Trails and zip lining at Ephelia Hotel .

The best book about my city is probably The Fortunate Islands by Bernard Georges because of its charming, anecdotal style and colorful introduction to island living.

Glynn Burridge grew up in Iran, where he worked as an interpreter and translator prior to the fall of the Shah. He moved to Seychelles in 1978. In 2000, he became principal copywriter for Seychelles Tourism, and is also senior tourism consultant to the Seychelles Tourism Board .

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Island Hopping in the Seychelles

Come for the pristine turquoise beaches. stay for the granite boulders, bold curries, wild hiking, and warm-hearted people..

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Anse Source d’Argent, on the island La Digue in the Seychelles, is said to be the one of the word’s most photographed beaches.

Photo by Sarika Bansal

I had my eye on the Seychelles for some time—the archipelago of 115 sun-soaked islands in the Indian Ocean, 1,200 miles off the coast of East Africa. From my native New York, it’s a journey to get there, but from my adopted home in Nairobi, it’s only a three-hour direct flight. And during the pandemic, it ended up being exactly what we needed from a family vacation.

My husband, 1.5-year-old daughter, and I spent almost two weeks exploring the Seychelles’ three main islands. We explored the beaches with their signature granite boulders and clear warm water. We snorkeled alongside neon tropical fish, a stingray, and a needlefish. We hiked through dense jungles, feeling sweaty and serene. The flavorful curries had me eager to buy fresh spices so I could recreate them at home. We met some of the most generous and relaxed people on the planet.

And I will always think of Seychelles as the place that unlocked my daughter’s voice: She sat on the shoreline and started confidently telling stories in toddler babble.

The islands’ physical beauty is undeniable; even if you don’t identify as a beach bum, the Seychelles will turn you into one, by showcasing how diverse this biome can be. Beyond the natural attractions, the country exuded a sense of casual peacefulness, which felt like a salve during this time. I could see why most of our fellow tourists—usually from Europe—were visiting the Seychelles for the 3rd, 7th, or even 12th time.

The country was closed to international visitors for nearly a year, until March 2021; in the meantime, many people lost their jobs and relied on COVID relief from the government. But now, with about 80 percent of the country fully vaccinated and no required quarantine period for visitors, tourism seems to be getting back on its feet. David Germain, regional director of the Seychelles Tourism Board, says the country saw 185,000 visitors in 2021, including 6,000 who visited directly from the United States. (For comparison, the Seychelles had 384,000 visitors in 2019.)

We flew from Nairobi to the biggest island, Mahé, home to the international airport. (Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad all fly from New York to Mahé, usually via Dubai or another Middle Eastern stopover.) The archipelago has three main islands: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue; many of the others are uninhabited, home to a single resort, or serve as bases for fishing expeditions.

Our trip lasted 12 glorious days, during which we stayed in three guesthouses. We started our trip on the north side of Mahé, in the town of Beau Vallon. After a few days, we took the ferry to La Digue—via a pit stop in Praslin—and spent five days on this three-mile strip of boulder-studded beaches, shallows, and lush hills. We concluded our trip on the south side of Mahé. It was the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the country, while leaving me a wish list of places to explore on my next visit.

Left: A rare and highly protected coco de mer nut, which has given rise to several legends. Weighing in at over 40 pounds, it is the de facto symbol of the Seychelles. Right: Sunset on Beau Vallon Beach, Mahé’s most popular beach

Photos by Sarika Bansal

Where to stay in the Seychelles

Given how vital tourism is for the economy, Seychelles is full of hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and self-catering holiday homes. We opted for the self-catering option throughout our stay: our favorite, Domaine Les Rochers in La Digue, was a family-run garden oasis minutes from the town center. The bungalow we rented felt cozy in the best sense: The bedding was comfortable and stylish, the wraparound porch was perfect for reading when it rained, and the well-appointed kitchen included some ingredients like oil, spices, and fresh fruit. My daughter spent the early mornings chasing the resident cats and chickens. We felt right at home.

For a more upscale stay in La Digue, Domaine l’Orangeraie has dozens of rooms at various price points, an infinity pool, two restaurants, and a full-service spa on a hilltop. In Mahé and Praslin, the Constance Hotels (Ephelia and Lemuria, respectively) offer similar amenities, and on the north side of Mahé, in Beau Vallon, the Savoy and Story resorts are popular hotel options.

Left: The Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple is located in the heart of Victoria, the country’s capital. Hinduism is the largest non-Christian religion in the Seychelles. Right: A jungle bar selling coconut water near Anse Major

Things to do in Mahé

Mahé is home to about 90 percent of the Seychelles’ approximately 100,000 residents. It’s the largest island in the archipelago—4 miles wide and 16 miles long—and the most developed. Over the coming days, I’d come to appreciate the shift from Nairobi’s urban craze to Mahé’s island speed, the lilting Creole Seychellois accent, and of course, the tropical weather (most days were in the 80s and sunny, though there were a few rainstorms). We spent our days exploring beaches, hiking, and learning about Seychelles’ culture and history. We ate well. We drank rum. And we made friends along the way.

Best beaches on Mahé

Seychelles beaches have the seemingly requisite pristine white sand and turquoise water, but even more striking are the large granite boulders and secret cove-like settings. All of the country’s beaches are public, even ones accessed through hotels, which made our wish list all the more extensive.

Barrier reefs protect many of Seychelles’ shorelines, which means calm water by the shore—perfect for our beach baby—and ample snorkeling. Our last few days in Mahé were dedicated to beach-hopping, armed with our trusty paper map, the thorough website Snorkel Report , and a book, Seychelles 20 Most Beautiful Beaches .

Mahé’s larger beaches offer a unique charm. Fun beach bars and restaurants flank Beau Vallon Beach , likely Mahé’s most famous beach; from here, I witnessed one of the most colorful sunsets of my life, with views of the majestic Silhouette Island . On the other side of the island, the wide expanse of Anse Intendance features large crashing cerulean waves and a mountain backdrop. Great for surfers, less ideal for toddlers.

We enjoyed Port Launay , a half-moon beach close to the five-star resort Constance Ephelia and located within a Marine National Park. Though most of the coral is sadly bleached, the bay is still home to colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. The beach offers silky sand and plenty of shade from indigenous takamaka trees. Anse Soleil is a small, picturesque cove beach on the other side of the island near the Four Seasons Resort (that was harboring a multimillion-dollar yacht when we visited). Anse Gouvernment , Sunset Beach , and Anse Forbans were other favorites—but above all, Anse Major was the star.

Where to hike on Mahé

On our first full day in Mahé, we did a short, moderately difficult hike to Anse Major . The path alternated between climbing exposed rockface, with views of the azure ocean below, and trekking through a jungle. The trail spat us out onto a tiny beach rimmed by palm trees and boulders. The water was warm, someone had hung up a rope from a palm tree to swing on, and a tiny jungle bar sold fresh coconut water. I felt like I was in a movie. We later learned that the trail continued to two other beaches, that people sometimes grill seafood on the third beach, and that you could also arrive at the beach by boat taxi. But we were so enamored by the secret cove beach that we didn’t venture further. (Tip: Drive on the paved road past the official trailhead to where the trail actually begins, close to the hotel Calm Sorento. That will save you about 20 minutes of walking on pavement each way.)

The winding, mountainous San Souci Road is dotted with trailhead markers. We opted to trek Morne Blanc , a steep out-and-back trail to a great viewpoint, from where we could see half the island, neon blue water, and white paradise flycatchers soaring in the sky. Copolia Trail is another popular, and less intense, trail in this area. The website AllTrails is an exhaustive resource for walking enthusiasts. (Note: I wore normal sneakers and didn’t see a need for hiking shoes. We carried our daughter in a baby carrier for most of these hikes. Bring ample water.)

The lunch spread at Le Jardin du Roi

Where to eat on Mahé

Many people visit the Seychelles, stay in a resort, and leave having only had European-style food. In doing so, travelers will miss the complex, rich flavors of Creole cooking, the casual fun of “takeaway” barbecue joints, and the coconut-forward desserts.

My most memorable meal was at Le Jardin du Roi spice garden, on a hilltop in the center of the island. The set lunch menu—much of which was sourced from the garden—included a few appetizers, such as star fruit marinated in olive oil and breadfruit braised in coconut milk. The main course featured fresh fish, flavorful curries, and tenderly cooked lentils. (You can buy packets of its curry powder before leaving.) Entry to the garden comes with a map, which can serve as a guide around the verdant, untamed property. I saw my first coco de mer tree, a highly protected tree that grows a nut that can weigh over 40 pounds and is shaped like a woman’s bottom, as well as my first aldabra giant tortoise.

We had another indulgent meal at Del Place , close to Port Launay Marine Park . It features local artwork on the walls and a seafront view (complete with an island to admire!). We loved the melt-in-your-mouth red snapper, fried eggplant, and sweet potato mash. We further treated ourselves to the “dessert degustation,” a tasting menu of six cakes, tarts, and mousses.

Other restaurants I would recommend on Mahé include Le Perle Noir and La Scala , both upscale Italian restaurants in Beau Vallon; Marie Antoinette , a family-run Creole restaurant; Baobab Pizzeria , a casual pizza eatery with a fabulous view of Beau Vallon Beach; and Kafe Kreol , which offers a mix of cuisines and creative cocktails.

Finally, we had a lovely time at the Takamaka Rum Distillery , a family-run distillery making rum for about 20 years. We toured the medicinal gardens, learned about how rum was produced, and tasted six products—including white, brown, and spiced rums. It was 11 a.m., but the tour guides clearly knew how to start a party anytime. As we sipped the spirits, they gave us recipes for pina coladas, rum raisin ice cream, and mojitos.

Culture and history of Mahé

My travel style is to see fewer places for a longer time, and use that time to get a sense of what it would be like to live there. For example, I checked out Sir Selwyn Clarke Market , a covered food market in the heart of the country’s capital, Victoria. Built in 1840, the market showcases vendors selling produce, specialty foods like giant cinnamon sticks and vanilla essence, and Seychelles souvenirs.

I did feel a bit of culture shock in the market as I watched vendors wrap all the produce in plastic bags (Kenya banned plastic bags in 2020). There was far more single-use plastic throughout the country than I anticipated, particularly bags and water bottles, especially considering that the Seychelles are in the middle of the ocean and boast some of the cleanest beaches in the world. According to Germain from the tourism board, the importation of single-use plastics has been banned as of February 2021, and vendors are using up their supplies. There will be a gradual shift to paper bags and glass bottles over the coming years.

Part of the reason the country has such a small population is that humans didn’t settle on the islands until the late 18th century, when French traders realized that the archipelago occupied a strategic location between Mauritius and India. Though the French formally ceded control of the islands to Britain in 1814, the French influence has remained strong until today, in the Creole language and the cuisine. In 1835, slavery was abolished throughout the British empire, and liberated people were able to get jobs on plantations in exchange for food and wages.

The Seychelles didn’t shy away from discussing its complicated past—in fact, places like Mission Lodge have a statue honoring the children of formerly enslaved people who attended school there. Germain says the country will soon be restarting a program called “A day in the life of a Seychellois,” in which you visit the market and cook a meal together with a local—a chance to better understand Creole identity and history.

The view from the highest point of La Digue, at the summit of Nid d’Aigle, including the neighboring island of Praslin

Things to do in La Digue

What La Digue lacks in size—the island is three miles long and two miles wide—it more than compensates for with relaxed vibes, jungle hikes, and the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever seen. It’s home to only 3,000 full-time residents and a handful of motorized vehicles, making it somehow feel larger.

We spent almost a week on this spit of land, and I would seriously consider renting a house and staying for a month or two. (Luckily, the island has a small hospital, and the more developed island of Praslin is only 15 minutes away by ferry, in case anything were to go wrong.) I have happy memories of cooking fresh eggs for breakfast, setting out on our bicycles with a loose plan, our daughter giggling when we went fast, and discovering something beautiful every day.

Beaches and hiking on La Digue

La Digue has what is believed to be the most photographed beach in the world, Anse Source d’Argent , accessed most easily through L’Union Estate . It was the busiest beach we visited on our whole trip, but we were able to find a quiet spot for reading and napping. The atmosphere is surreal, with massive boulders that look golden at sunset. The water was so clear that you could see giant fish swimming by your ankles. We spent several hours here, and I can’t wait to return and admire this beach again.

We also enjoyed Anse Severe , particularly around sunset—though beware of sea urchins! I wish I had brought water shoes with me. Anse Patates has some of the bluest water I have ever seen, and lots of hidden spots between rocks to lay out a beach towel and read a book. One day, we rode our bicycles to Grand Anse , where the waves were even bigger than the boulders. There are trails from there to sister beaches, but a huge rainstorm had us cycling back to our guesthouse.

We trekked to the highest point on La Digue, Nid d’Aigle , which I would rate as moderate to difficult, as it was steep and slippery in parts. The views made up for the unsure footing: between the viewpoints, we had a 360-degree view of the area, including Praslin and the tiny islets surrounding La Digue. Next time, I’d plan to hike to the beaches Anse Marron and Anse Cocos , though due to the unmarked trails, they are best visited with a guide.

Where to eat on La Digue

My two favorite spots to eat on La Digue were among the more casual: Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway and Chez Jules . Thinking about Rey & Josh makes me smile: the owners were warm, the chef was clearly passionate about good food, and though the atmosphere was simple, it made people feel comfortable. If you’re lucky, you may even learn about “secret menu” items based on what ingredients the chef was able to find. We enjoyed it so much that we returned for a second meal.

Chez Jules is a classic Creole restaurant, an open-air straw hut located opposite Anse Banane on the northeast part of the island. It had an extensive menu, bold flavors, chile sauce that turned my ears hot, and friendly service.

Other favorites include Mimi’s Café , famous for its coconut cheesecake (though I preferred the coconut ice cream); Belle Vue , which offers a set menu paired with a sunset view halfway up the mountain; and Le Repaire for a more upscale Italian experience.

Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin, captured in the rain

Things to do in Praslin

We didn’t stay overnight in Praslin, but took advantage of the few hours we spent here. We visited the Vallée de Mai , named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. The nature park is home to over 1,400 endangered coco de mer trees, called as such because sailors first thought they grew in undersea forests, as well as the rare black parrot. At Pirogue Restaurant and Bar , we enjoyed grilled fish and Creole-style pasta.

Next time, I hope to spend some time at Praslin’s famous beaches, including Anse Lazio , which has been called the most beautiful beach in the world, and Anse Georgette .

How to travel within the Seychelles

There are two main ways to travel between islands: ferry and airplane. The Cat Cocos Ferry links Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. It takes about an hour to travel from Mahé to Praslin, and another 15 minutes to La Digue. Alternatively, Air Seychelles offers flights between the islands, as well as to smaller islands across the archipelago (the flight from Mahé to Praslin takes 20 minutes).

To get a real sense of Mahé and Praslin, I’d recommend renting a car and packing a folding paper map (I know, so retro); Google Maps will work just fine, though. We put stars next to all the beaches and hiking trails we wanted to check out, along with notes from people we met along the way. We cherished the freedom of driving around Mahé’s windy roads and spontaneously stopping at farmers’ markets, beachside cafés, and art galleries. However, if you don’t feel comfortable driving, taxis and public buses are available.

Commuting around La Digue is more fun: The tiny island has few cars, and the best way to get around is by bicycle, which you can rent from a few shops near the ferry. Our daughter loved sitting in the baby seat and zooming down the island’s handful of roads. Alternatively, you can walk or hire a motorized buggy.

For my next visit . . .

I’m already planning my second visit to this unique archipelago. I would spend more time on La Digue. Between the relaxed lifestyle and the wild beaches, the tiny island has a special place in my heart.

I would plan for a few days in Praslin, which feels somewhere in between Mahé and La Digue in terms of development. I’d explore the Vallée de Mai more thoroughly, snorkel at Anse Lazio, and discover hiking trails. Meanwhile, my husband would certainly go scuba diving, either on Praslin or Mahé.

I didn’t get to check out one of the country’s resort islands, such as Denis Island , which—according to every person I met who has been—is otherworldly. I’d also spend some time on Seychelles’ less inhabited tracts, such as Silhouette Island and the islets surrounding La Digue.

And I would return to spend time with the warm-hearted people I met. Perhaps I would assist in a beachside barbecue, learn a few steps of the traditional moutya dance (now recognized by UNESCO as “intangible heritage”), and make daiquiris for everyone—with local Takamaka rum, of course.

Things to know about Seychelles COVID restrictions

Our trip did have a rocky start. International travel is complicated these days, and Seychelles is no exception. Long story short: We didn’t have the required PCR test for our daughter and ended up having to turn around and rebook a flight for two days later. (If you’ve ever been to the airport with a baby, you can appreciate how stressful this was.)

Learn from our experience and have a smoother trip by following these steps:

• Check the Seychelles’ official website for up-to-date travel information.
• Vaccination is not required to enter the Seychelles, but all travelers– including infants –must produce a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to departure.
• As soon as you have your negative test results, complete the Travel Authorization Form . (There is a rush charge for filling it out last minute, as we learned the hard way.)
• Make sure to take plenty of face masks with you–if you’re in public and not wearing one, you could be fined.
• Once you arrive in the Seychelles, you can prebook a PCR test at pcrtest.sc . The process was extraordinarily efficient: Two men in hazmat suits showed up at our guesthouse, where we were lounging in bathing suits. We received our negative results and necessary QR codes by email a few hours later. It felt peak 2022.

>>Next: The Best Underwater Cameras, According to Divers

The Tales of a Traveler

Beautiful Destinations | Luxury Resorts | Travel Tips & Itineraries | Travel Fashion

The Ultimate Seychelles Itinerary & Travel Guide

May 7, 2020

 Looking for a perfect Itinerary to plan your trip to Seychelles? So here’s The Ultimate Seychelles Itinerary & Travel Guide – 10 Days Itinerary.

Have you ever imagined, what are the ingredients of the magic potion for a perfect beach vacation?   Throw in some breathtaking white powdery beaches into turquoise blue water teeming with marine life, punctuated with boulders, virgin forests brimming with diverse flora and fauna, fascinating tales of island life and add some warm and friendly locals. The outcome is a picture-postcard tropical vacation. 

To say every corner of Seychelles is out of Pinterest or Instagram is not an overstatement . Known to be favorite among celebrities, honeymooners for the luxury escapade, this tropical paradise is bound to charm even the most skeptical traveler with ease.

Seychelles is one luxe destination that should be on your bucket list no matter what. Legend has it that the stolen treasure by French pirates is still hidden on the shores of Seychelles and people are still in search of the treasure. Treasure or no treasure, the islands of Seychelles are captivating.

We present to you our itinerary to plan your trip to this beautiful island nation . Obviously, you could spend a lot longer exploring different islands of the archipelago nation based on your preferences. Pick and choose what tickles your fancy and tailor the itinerary that suits your budget and time. Here’s our travel guide to help you plan your trip to Seychelles.

Ultimate Seychelles 10 Days Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Mahe.
• Day 2: Explore the beaches of Mahe/ Sightseeing/ Relax at the resort
• Day 3: Hop on a boat to La Digue
• Day 4: Rent a bike and explore the island.
• Day 5: Island Hopping Tour
• Day  6: Hop on a ferry to Praslin
• Day 7: Explore the island and beaches
• Day 8: Take a flight or ferry back to Mahe
• Day 9: Sightseeing in Mahe and Hiking Trails
• Day 10: Fly back to your home country

Seychelles Itinerary for a week – 7 Days (Recommended)

• Day 1: Arrival to Mahe and take a ferry/ flight to Praslin
• Day 2: Rent a car and explore the beautiful beaches of Praslin
• Day 5: Take a ferry back to Mahe
• Day 6: Explore and do some sightseeing in Victoria
• Day 7: Fly back to your home country

– Explore Mahé & Relax at a Beachfront Resort –

( day 1 & 2 ).

Fly into the capital of the Island nation. If you are short on time, we would recommend you, to either take a ferry/flight to Praslin or La Digue and return back to Mahe towards the end of your vacation.

  A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Jan 23, 2018 at 5:27am PST

Since we were there for 10 days, we stayed in Mahe for a few days and then took a ferry to La Digue.

We would suggest keeping a day or two to explore the island. If time is not a constraint, there are a plethora of activities that Mahé has to offer that can keep you going for weeks — hit the beaches , explore the vibrant local markets & art studios, hike the mountain trails, take in the views from the vantage points, go on a sailing trip, and last but not the least sample the delectable Creole cuisine.

  A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Feb 7, 2017 at 12:54pm PST

If you want a secluded honeymoon experience then stay in the south of the island at Kempinski Seychelles or Four Seasons, these resorts are an ideal choice for a secluded vacation. If you want to stay right next to the beach, market, restaurants, and water sports activities, Savoy Resort & Spa  is a great choice or you could stay in any of the resorts in and around  Beau Vallon Beach. 

Paragliding, Snorkeling and diving trips are quite popular and there are numerous kiosks to book your choice of activities. Wednesday market at Beau Vallon Beach is also quite popular both with locals and tourists. 

Victoria market is close to the pier so you can plan your itinerary accordingly. 

Things To Do / Places To Visit In Mahe 

  Hiking Trails – Morne Blanc, Copolia Trail  (Victoria)

  Beaches – Beau Vallon Beach, Petite Anse, Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka Beach, Baie Lazare Beach

  Sightseeing at Victoria – Victoria Market, Clock Tower, Seychelles National Botanical Gardens,   Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden

  Moyenne Island

  Moraine National Park

  Port Glaud Waterfall

  Takamaka Distillery

Day Trips from Mahé –  Praslin (if you are short on time), La Digue (if you are short on time), Silhouette Island, Bird Island, Moyenne Island, Cerf Island, St Anne National Marine Park

  A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Jan 16, 2018 at 5:19pm PST

Getting Around: Renting a car is the wisest thing to do in Seychelles. Not just it gives you the luxury to explore places on your own but you can also save tons of money. Taxis are super expensive in Seychelles . You can rent a car from the airport itself or at the pier and drop location can also be at Pier or airport whichever is convenient for you.

( Read a detailed post on – Things To Do In Mahe )

– Explore  La Digue –

( day 3, 4, 5 ).

La Digue is one of the prettiest islands we’ve ever visited. We highly recommend staying on this island rather than going for a day trip . We had booked our stay at Chalets D’Anse Reunion via Agoda, unfortunately, they canceled it at the last minute and we had to end up staying at another hotel. 

The best thing about the island is there are very few cars.  La Digue is a heaven for nature lovers and those seeking a glimpse of traditional island life. The beaches dotted just to the north are calmer as compared to the ones in the east. Beaches like  Anse Severe ,  Anse Patates in the north are easy to reach and are a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. 

Other stunning beaches you must visit are —  Grand Anse , next to it is  Petite Anse which is only accessible by foot and next to it is the most isolated beach —  Anse Coco.  La Digue is way too amazing to be just a day trip in your ultimate Seychelles itinerary. 

For luxury seekers, La Domaine De L’Orangeri is one of the finest resorts on the island.  You can check here  and compare prices.

Things To Do In La Digue 

  Beaches – Anse Source D’Argent, Anse Cocos, Anse Union, Anse Banane & Anse Formis, Petite Anse, Grande Anse, Anse Severe, Anse Gaulettes & Anse Grosse Roche, Anse Patates   Snorkeling & Diving Trips    Island Hopping   Trekking

Grande Anse ,  Anse Severe  or any of the beaches on the east of the island may be taxing due to the steep hills. Anse Severe &  Anse Source D’Argent are closer to town. L’Union Estate which is next to Anse Source D’Argent has numerous giant tortoises and farm animals.

Getting Around:

By Bike, electric  golf buggy, or on foot. There are very few cars on the island. Bicycles are usually provided free by the hotel.

( Read a detailed post on – Things To Do In La Digue  )

– beach hopping in praslin –.

( Day 6, 7 & 8 )

After having an amazing time at La Digue we headed to the neighboring island and the second largest island in Seychelles — Praslin. A short plane ride from the capital city of Mahe or a ferry ride will get you to this incredible island in no time. Praslin is known for its stunning beaches across the world.

Unfortunately, when we were there, it was cloudy and gloomy. We rented a car and had so much fun hopping from one beach to another in the rain. The drive is scenic.

In Praslin, you can while away your days lazing on the calm beaches or you can just strap your goggles and snorkel discovering the amazing marine world. Eat, swim, dive, and relax – these are the four major ways to pass the time here. Our Airbnb host was super sweet and cooked us a lavish dinner on our very first day. The beaches of Praslin are very pretty but the famous ones are a bit crowded.

If you’re planning to stay in Luxury – Raffles Praslin and Constance Lemuria are the best. But there are also plenty of budget options too. You can check Booking.com for more hotels and also compare the prices of hotels HERE.

We stayed at an Airbnb  which was close to the beach near Constance Lemuria and also visited the gorgeous and the best beach in Praslin – Anse Georgette during our stay. The beach is stunning and is secluded most of the time.

Things To Do In Praslin 

  Visit Unesco-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

  Hop over to Curieuse Island which is just a 20-minute boat ride and is famous for 500 Aldabra giant tortoises.

 Day trip to Cousin Island and Aride Island

  Stunning beaches – Anse Lazio Beach,  Cote D’or Beach, Grand Anse

 George Camille Art Gallery

  If you love gaming, head to Casino des Iles

( Read a detailed post on – Things To Do In Praslin  )

– Other Attractions –

 For Private Island Experience 

• Silhouette Island ( Stay at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa )
• Denis Island ( Stay at  Denis Private Island Seychelles  )
• Round Island ( Stay at  Enchanted Island Resort )
• Bird Island ( Stay at Bird Island Seychelles )
• Cerf Island ( Stay at  L’Habitation Hotel )

For Ultimate Luxury –

• North Island ( Stay at North Island Resort )
• Felicite Island ( Stay at  Six Senses Zil Pasyon )

  Official name : Seychelles 

  Capital : Victoria (sometimes called Port Victoria ) 

    Official language : French, English, Seselwa 

    Currency :  Seychelles Rupee (SCR) 

  International dialing code :  +248 

  Credit Cards :  Many vendors prefer cash. Most credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. 

  Climate : Seychelles has two seasons: the cool southeast monsoon (May–September), and the hot northwest monsoon (October–April). High season- August, and Christmas to New Year time. 

Getting Around & Planning 

  The islands are interconnected via ferry.

Air Seychelles flies regularly connecting Praslin to Mahe and vice versa.

Air Zil chopper connects to most of the islands from Mahe.  Check out their  website for more info and details.

Sample Itinerary 1:

Fly to Mahe then take a ferry to La Digue stay for a couple of days and then take a 15-minute fast ferry to Praslin. From Praslin, you can either fly back to Mahe or take a ferry back.

La Digue -> Praslin -> Mahe

Sample Itinerary 2:

Fly to Mahe then take a ferry to Praslin stay for a couple of days and then take a 15-minute fast ferry to La Digue. And then from La Digue, take a ferry back to Mahe.

Praslin -> La Digue -> Mahe

What to Shop 

Seychelles is not a shoppers paradise. There are small shops selling locally produced stuff like soap, perfumes, oils, and artifacts.

Since most of the products are imported, the prices are exorbitantly high. But don’t forget to bring back home a few souvenirs like Coco De Mer Jewellery ,  Fridge magnets, Coconut oil, soap, perfumes, and artifacts.

What to Pack 

 You can easily survive in Seychelles packing light, just pack a few bikinis and sarongs and you are done, as most of the time, you will be on the beach or in the water. But there are few essentials that you should pack that can make your life easy whilst your time in Seychelles.

Check out our detailed post on packing for Seychelles. We have tried to cover almost everything.

( Read: Packing for Seychelles )

– GETTING THERE –

Air Seychelles has direct flights from all major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, and New Delhi to Seychelles. And if booked well in advance you can easily get a bargain.

( Read: Tourist Visa Seychelles )

Handy Tips:

• While planning your trip to Seychelles, try to keep Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue as a base to stay and explore all the tiny islands around these three islands. Plan at least 2 – 3 days on each island to explore in a more relaxed way, stopping by each and every beach.
• Make sure you pack your snorkel gear and a good book to retire quietly to the beach, swim and get the perfect tan.
• Pack plenty of food and water while exploring the islands. Keep yourself hydrated whilst exploring the island.
• Island hopping tour starts at 9:00 am and can be booked easily at the pier or by the resort/homestays itself. Depending on the tours, pick up & drop can also be arranged from the hotel.
• Renting a car is one of the best options in Mahe and Praslin.
• Add Silhouette island, Dennis island, or North island to your ultimate Seychelles itinerary for more secluded and private escapades.
• We would highly recommend renting a car from the airport/port itself as renting a taxi can create a dent in your wallet if you are on a budget. And moreover, driving has its own charm in this stunning country.
• Last but not least all the beaches of Seychelles are open to the public, so enjoy, relax and discover your piece of paradise.

RELATED POSTS:

Packing for Seychelles

Kempinski Resort & Spa, Seychelles

Four Seasons Resort & Spa, Seychelles

20 Photos to Inspire you to visit Seychelles

Tourist Visa Seychelles

Seychelles on Budget

Special thanks to  CSIA Mumbai and Air Seychelles for making this trip possible. We hope this post on Seychelles helps you in building your ultimate itinerary for your vacation in Seychelles.

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March 19, 2016 at 1:24 am

Such a lot to see and experience. You have done well collecting up all points here. And the scenes and colors are mesmerizing!!!

March 19, 2016 at 7:48 am

It is indeed a beautiful and you must plan a visit as we know you will enjoy it a lot. The direct flights from BLR are not too expensive.

March 19, 2016 at 2:02 am

The pictures are simply alluring… and I love the format of your post… food for thought for my travel blog 😉 thanks for sharing dear… tweeting it… 🙂

Cheers, Archana – http://www.travelwitharchie.com

March 19, 2016 at 7:47 am

Thank you so much Archie for sharing our post. We have been experimenting with the content, presentation and theme of the post. Glad to have heard the feedback and its nice to know that you liked it. Cheers. 🙂 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 2:17 am

Can we rent a boat on self drive and go around?

March 19, 2016 at 7:45 am

Yes of course!!! You just need to have a sailing license. Do invite us as well, when you plan to do so. 😀 😀

March 19, 2016 at 4:29 am

Now this is a place I would love to visit!!!

March 19, 2016 at 4:50 am

Extremely good presentation and useful information! Loved it guys – keep it going!

March 19, 2016 at 7:43 am

Thank you Desh for your kind words, we are trying to learn and improve. 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 10:29 am

OH! This post with your amazing captures has made us fall in love with Seychelles… All we dream about is visiting this place now! Very helpful tips guys, bookmarking this one! 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 10:55 am

Thank you so much darlings 🙂 Glad you liked the post and I am sure you are gonna fall in love with Seychelles 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 11:46 am

Great informative post 🙂 Beautiful pics.

March 19, 2016 at 11:55 am

Thank you so much rupam 🙂 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 5:11 pm

That swing is calling out to me! Such a gorgeous place and a nice informative post.

March 19, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Thanks a lot Chaitali

Seychelles is a stunning country, you must definitely visit and the best part is that you have direct flights from Mumbai 🙂

March 21, 2016 at 12:44 pm

Awesome is the Word 🙂

April 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

Thanks Pooja for the kind words.

March 22, 2016 at 8:37 am

This is perfect! I am sharing this and will bookmark for a trip that we make to the beautiful Seychelles.

Thank you Swati 🙂

Thanks Puru, appreciate the gesture. 🙂

April 2, 2016 at 5:10 pm

Hey both, beautifully captured. The beaches are so lovely and clean. By the way, could you let me know the budget for your 8 day trip. I am looking to go to Seychelles at the end of this year.

April 4, 2016 at 2:25 pm

Thank you for your kind words. Do drop us an email and we would be happy to help.

July 8, 2016 at 11:12 am

This is a wonderful post, I completely enjoyed reading it, thanks for sharing such wonderful information. I come from a place called Manipal and you have some of the best hotels in Manipal. I think what makes a hotel awesome is not just the way it was built, but the kind of place it is surrounded by.

July 15, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Thanks a lot 🙂

July 16, 2016 at 10:59 am

nice blog!!!

Queensland Wedding Photographers | http://www.davidlynnephotography.com

July 16, 2016 at 11:02 am

January 11, 2017 at 2:44 pm

Wow, what to say… Who didnt hear of Seychelles yet? And to be honest – you could just have put these fabulous photos here to envy every visitor 🙂 Really great, this is exactly the kind of paradise I would imagine for a honeymoon (if I would not have been to Hawaii 😉 ) Cool that you suggest to rent a car, thats usually also my favorite way to explore new places.

January 11, 2017 at 2:50 pm

It certainly looks like a gorgeous place to visit! I love the tidbit that Victoria is the smallest capital in the world. I always give the kids information on destinations and they love stuff like that, too!

January 11, 2017 at 3:43 pm

French treasure? Treasure hunters, it sounds like the movie, ‘Into the blue’. I had to look on the map to see where these Islands are! It’s another country to visit, they are never ending. Thanks to your tips I have an idea what to do here!

January 11, 2017 at 3:47 pm

Such a lovely and helpful guide. I have not been to the Seychelles but would love to go there when an affordable airfare surfaces. I appreciated that you described some of the islands and what there is to do there. This is a post so worthy of bookmarking for future reference.

January 11, 2017 at 7:38 pm

This is a paradise! Thank you for such an inspirational and informative post. La Digue would definitely be our choice for a perfect vacation.

January 12, 2017 at 7:19 am

We wonder why we dont get to read much about Seychelles, its a paradise. Those white shimmering sandy beaches and the hues of blue waters are stunning enough to plan a trip soon.

January 12, 2017 at 12:44 pm

I would love to get to the Seychelles. The beaches look incredibly inviting and just the ticket to relieve stress. Your guide gives prospective visitors such important information to plan the ideal escape from every day life.

January 14, 2017 at 5:38 am

What a great guide to the Seychelles! I absolutely love your photo of the swing on La Digue. Great tips at the end. I really need to get over to that part of the world. Thanks for sharing

February 13, 2017 at 1:07 pm

Heaven on earth indeed! The Seychelles is on my list of wants and by the pictures and the write up it wont fail to impress. The photos are stunning! I had no idea there were loads of islands that made up the Seychelles and there is a community too! Very detailed and informative! Thanks for this

February 13, 2017 at 2:19 pm

La Digue looks absolutely incredible! Sri Lankan Air just started offering flights to the Seychelles from Colombo so I’m definitely looking into a trip soon. Pinning this for later 🙂

February 14, 2017 at 6:17 pm

The Seychelles is definitely on my list. Your photos make me want to visit sooner. Great tip about renting a car to save money.

February 18, 2017 at 1:11 pm

Such beautiful photographs! I love the blues of the water. Seychelles really does look like paradise. I will have to start saving pennies to go there, I have to admit it wasn’t on my list of places to go until now!

February 18, 2017 at 5:18 pm

The pics are amazing. And I love that treasure-hunt story, it always adds to the atmosphere of the place. What can I say about Seychelles, except that I cannot wait to go! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

February 19, 2017 at 2:01 pm

Such a great itinerary, I have always wanted to go to the Seychelles and hopefully in the next couples of years I will make it there! I didn’t know there was so much to see and do there so will definitely bookmarking this for when I do visit!

February 19, 2017 at 8:01 pm

This is incredibly detailed! I love how you’ve formatted all your points and how much information you’ve gathered. I’d love to be able to helicopter myself around the islands one day! That’ll be the dream, I reckon. La Digue looks like an absolute dream. I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave!

My dad’s always said that Seychelles was his favourite place on earth, I can see why he says that!

February 19, 2017 at 9:50 pm

This is an incredible guide! So detailed. La Digue sounds like the perfect place to disconnect and literally do nothing. Sounds just like what the doctor ordered for me :). I’ll definitely be saving this post for future reference.

February 19, 2017 at 11:20 pm

I have to say I am not a beach person, but these beach pictures are so scenic and this water is so blue I wouldn’t mind chilling on those bitches ! As i am French, I should really go 😉

March 23, 2017 at 5:14 pm

I’m moving to Dar es Salaam which has cheap flights to the Seychelles so I’m very excited to go there! I’ve saved this post for later as you really give a great overview of all the main places to visit.

March 25, 2017 at 11:32 pm

It seams like there is a lot to do here! Those beaches look outstanding. Where is Seychelles, exactly?

March 26, 2017 at 4:32 am

You are absolutely right: This is picture perfect. I hope that one day my wallet will allow me to spend some worryless days on the Seychelles 🙂

Happy continued travels! C

March 26, 2017 at 5:32 am

Beautiful pictures. I have been to n number of Beach destinations but never been to Seychelles. Maybe some time soon 🙂

March 26, 2017 at 6:19 pm

You have convinced me to visit Seychelles. The pictures are so exotic and now I am definitely looping it in my countries to visit.

March 26, 2017 at 8:37 pm

I would love to look for the French pirate’s treasure as who knows how much it would be worth. If you don’t find it you won’t be that disappointed as you are in a place with incredible scenery. Renting a car seems like the way to go.

March 27, 2017 at 4:35 pm

Don’t mind me, just adding La Digue to my list of places to go! Wow, first off did you ride that swing? And love places where cars are banned, it allows for the picture taker in me to not worry about getting hit by a car! Thanks for sharing.

March 27, 2017 at 4:36 pm

I’ve never been to Seychelles but I’ve heard so much about it and your pictures are gorgeous. Of course the pirate’s treasure would be a nice bonus as well!

March 27, 2017 at 4:39 pm

I’m yet to visit the Seychelles but the photographs here looking incredible. I like your tip about hiring a car, I think that is the right approach as you get so much more freedom.

March 27, 2017 at 4:50 pm

This is another paradise to add in my bucket list! The sand is so white, and it’s lovely! I like the thought of kayaking as well, as I love water adventures! Great post. Thanks for introducing this place!

March 27, 2017 at 4:57 pm

Seychelles tooks totally amazing and can’t wait to get out there. Currently at the top of Norway so looking at photos of Sun, Sea and Sand really wants me to get there as soon as possible.

March 27, 2017 at 5:14 pm

I’ve always wanted to go to the Seychelles, but was deterred by the length and the price of the flight from NYC. Thanks for your comprehensive guide to the different islands! I think La Digue looks like my speed, and that swing looks like a lot of fun!

March 27, 2017 at 10:22 pm

The Seychelles look beautiful! La Digue sounds like a perfect escape from the rest of the world. I need to put this on my list for sure!

March 29, 2017 at 11:54 am

What I would really love about the Seychelles, is the fact that you can have a peace of tropical beach all by yourself. It is like your own little paradise. Would definitely use this guide if we travel to the Seychelles.

March 29, 2017 at 11:57 am

Love the fact that you can have your own peace of tropical paradise at the Seychelles. No crowed remote beaches, but just pearl white sand and aqua blue sea. Would definitely use your guide when we travel to this beautiful destination.

September 6, 2017 at 3:09 pm

The Seychelles have been on my dream-list since like, forever. I totally agree with you that every corner is Insta-worthy (well, based on everyone’s Instagram pics of the place). Your itinerary is so thorough, I can’t believe how easy it is! I’m bookmarking this post for the future when I can make it to paradise!

September 6, 2017 at 5:31 pm

Great Post! Love your style of writing! This place is so beautiful.. would love to visit some day. Saved the page to my favourites. The pictures are simply breathtaking!! Thanks for sharing this amazing experience. 🙂

September 6, 2017 at 7:52 pm

Wow, I can see why the Seychelles are such a sought-after beach destination, with those white white sands, blue and turquoise waters and shoreline palms and rocks. Glorious photos, somewhere on the list to visit!

May 29, 2018 at 11:09 am

nice information… i love the quality of your photos….

August 18, 2018 at 5:43 pm

1. I am planning to visit Seychelles in Jan or Feb, is it good time to visit? As I heard at that time the raining will be there.. 2. Like cars can we able to take bike on rent what it will be cost? 3. As am planning in budget, self cooked villa is it best option? How it far from beach area? And there cost?

July 25, 2020 at 10:18 am

Beautiful Places i would live to visit some day. what is the good time to visit and please share the budget?

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Seychelles Travel Guide

Seychelles is a tropical paradise with plenty of wilderness and a profusion of wildlife. Snorkeling is a must for every visitor and diving is considered world class, around Mahé are Ste Anne, Anse Soleil, Petite Anse and Île Souris. The Seychelles is the most famous of all the Indian Ocean islands for Créole cuisine and the sombre moutia, the typical dance of the Seychelles.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Visiting the Seychelles: The Ultimate 1 Week Seychelles Itinerary

Last updated: February 20, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 102 Comments

The Seychelles are a small island nation around a thousand miles off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean. For a long time, these islands were also my home, and I’m proud to be half Seychellois! I spent a lot of my youth in the islands, but hadn’t visited with Jess – something we changed on a recent trip.

On that trip, Jess and I spent some time exploring the islands. I was excited to show her all my favourite beaches, eat my favourite Seychelles dishes, and of course do a lot of sight-seeing. From this trip, and my previous experience living in the Seychelles, we’re going to be sharing a number of posts to help you plan your own visit to the Seychelles, starting off with our guide to how to spend 1 week in the Seychelles.

We think 1 week in the Seychelles is about the minimum amount of time  to visit the islands for, as it will let you see a number of different islands, and see a fair few sights.

If you have time and budget, we’ll also be putting together a two week itinerary which will cover a bit more, and let you spend more time exploring the islands.

As well as a 1 week Seychelles itinerary, this post will also cover a number of practicalities, including when to visit the Seychelles, how to get around the Seychelles, tips for your time on the islands, and much more! Let’s get started.

1 Week in the Seychelles

In our opinion, 1 week will give you time to take in three of the main islands in the Seychelles – Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. These are all a bit different with unique offerings, and I always encourage first time visitors to the islands to try and visit a few islands to get a feel for the place.

First stop on your trip will be the island of Mahe, and our itinerary has you spending four nights on Mahe, two nights on Praslin and one night on La Digue. Of course, one of the main attractions of the islands are the spectacular beaches, and you are welcome to focus on visiting those on your trip if you prefer.

You’re also more than welcome to chill out by your hotel pool! But, for those of you looking to get a bit of local flavour, this itinerary includes some of the sights and activities that we think a visitor to the Seychelles will really enjoy. But don’t worry, there are plenty of beaches in here too – although we also recommend checking out our guide to the best Seychelles beaches for more inspiration.

This 1 week Seychelles itinerary assumes you have a rental car but you can also get around by taxi, public bus, or join a tour to see almost all these sites – see the section on transportation after the itinerary for more information on getting around, as well as the section on tours for specific tours we suggest.

Day 1 – Mahe

Mahe is the most populated island in the Seychelles, and also the largest granitic island in the Seychelles archipelago. The Seychelles islands are unique in that they are the only oceanic granitic islands in the world.

They were formed when the Seychelles plateau sank, so the islands that exist today are in fact 70 million year old mountain tops. In some places, the land sank just below the sea, and here coral islands have formed, which are totally flat.

Anyway, back to Mahe. As the largest and most populous island in the Seychelles, with around 80,000 Seychellois calling it home, Mahe is the island you will arrive on as all international flights to and from the Seychelles arrive here.

The island isn’t that big, at around 17 miles long, but we think that scheduling three nights / four days here at the start of your Seychelles trip will give you time to see a great many of the islands attractions and beautiful beaches.

For your first day, much will of course depend on your arrival time, but we think that you shouldn’t try and do too much as you’ll need to acclimate to the temperature and humidity.

So we’d suggest heading to your accommodation and relaxing a bit, picking up your hire car (if you booked one), and maybe heading to one of the island’s beaches to start your holiday in style.

Of course, which beach you head to will depend on where you are, but we’d recommend Anse Intendance or Anse Louis if you’re on the south end of the island, or Beau Vallon if you’re on the north end of the island. Beau Vallon is also a good location for sunset, and for swimming if you have kids, as the water is most calm.

Day 2 – Mahe

On your second day on Mahe we recommend you take a bit of your day to explore the capital of the Seychelles – Victoria. This is the smallest capital in the world, so it won’t take you too long to explore.

Highlights include the colourful central market and the clock tower in the centre of town. There’s also a small but very interesting natural history museum, if you want to learn a bit about how the islands formed and their unique flora and fauna.

From Victoria, we suggest taking the mountain road known as Sans Souci, which will give you a different perspective of the island. This road leads high up into the mountains, and there are a number of attractions along the way. Those of you who love hiking will appreciate the fairly strenuous hike known as Capolia, which takes 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your fitness.

This is a fairly steep hike up onto the giant granite boulders behind Victoria, which will reward you with spectacular views of the east coast of Mahe, as well as across the St. Anne Marine National Park. On a clear day you’ll also be able to see Praslin and the islands around Praslin.

Parking is available by the road side here, and the path is marked with a large sign at the start, although be sure not to leave any valuables in your car if you are driving yourself.

Further along the Sans Souci road you will come to the Mission Lodge, which was the site of a school for liberated African slaves on the islands. There is not a lot left to see of the school, but the scenery is beautiful as are the views.

From the Mission Lodge the road starts to wind down the other side of the hill, and you’ll pass through the Seychelles Tea Plantation. When we visited in 2018, this was undergoing renovation, however it is due to re-open to visitors soon. There is also a nearby hiking path if you want to explore some of the unique fauna of this area.

Once you’re done with the Sans Souci road, you will find yourself on the west coast, where no doubt it’ll be time for a swim and the beach. There are a number of beaches along this part of the coast that are worth visiting, including Grand Anse, Port Launay and Baie Ternay.

The latter does require a short 10 minute walk, although the drive to the beach also reveals a few quite secluded beach spots that you might have all to yourself!

Day 3 – Mahe

For your third day on Mahe, we think you should explore the south of the island, which is one of my favourite parts of Mahe. This part of the island, being a little further away from the capital, is a little less developed, but has many attractions to explore. In terms of geography, generally the south can be thought of as being anywhere south of the airport.

First stop on our tour is the “Craft Village”. This, found on a former plantation (you can still tour the plantation home for free), is a village where local craftspeople create all kinds of products for sale.

These are very reasonably priced, and you’ll find a range of items here from t-shirts to candles to hand carved fridge magnets. I’d suggest that this is an excellent place to go souvenir shopping, as you are pretty much guaranteed an authentic, locally made product, and that the money will go straight into the hands of the crafter.

This is also a good opportunity to chat with the local people about their lovely islands, and learn a bit more about what it’s like to actually live here.

From the Craft Village, the next stop is another former plantation, just two minutes drive away. Found at the “Plaine St. Andre” is the Takamaka Rum Distillery, which produces the islands famous rum product – Takamaka rum. By your third day in the Seychelles, we’re sure you will have seen plenty of advertising about this rum, and you’ve probably even tried some.

Well, now’s your chance to learn all about how it’s made! Takamaka rum is the only rum made on the island with locally grown sugar cane, and it comes in a variety of flavours.

Tours are run twice-daily (although the times seem to vary, so do call to check when these are running) and are relatively inexpensive, plus they include a tasting of all the varieties of rum!

You’ll also learn a bit about the history of the plantation as well as slavery in the Seychelles, making this, all in all, a worthwhile location for a visit. Naturally, you can also buy some rum to take with you as well.

From the Takamaka rum distillery it’s time to head even further south, and explore more of this wonderful part of Mahe. We highly recommend going right to the far south of the island, down the Grand Police road, past Anse Intendance, and exploring one or more of the three beaches down here – Anse Bazarca, Anse Petit Police and Anse Grand Police.

Their far flung location means they get very few visitors (except for locals on the weekends!), and here you can really live the dream of having your own white sand paradise beach location to yourself. Just heed the warning signs regarding the currents as it can be dangerous to swim here at certain times of the year.

You can also wind around the south of the island to some of the other beautiful beaches in the area, including Anse Soleil, and Petit Anse.

Petit Anse is now the location of the Seychelles Four Seasons, but the beach is open to non-guests of the hotel although they do limit the number of visitors. You just need to sign in at the security gate and then park and walk down from the parking area.

Other pretty beaches in this area include Anse Takamaka, Baie Lazare and Anse Louis. In terms of food in this part of the world, popular and recommended stops include Surfers Cafe and the Anchor Cafe.

Day 4 – Praslin

On the morning of your fourth day, we suggest you take the early morning ferry across to Praslin (the main ferry provider is Cat Cocos ) . This takes around an hour, and leaves from the Inter Island ferry port in Victoria.

There are also loads of other ways you could visit Praslin or divide your time. If you prefer, you could also take the afternoon ferry on Day 3 and spend an extra night on Praslin, it’s entirely up to you.

If you want to reach Praslin faster, you could take 15-minute flight from Mahe with Air Seychelles, or there’s also the option to charter a helicopter of course. And, if you’d prefer to do everything from Mahe, you can also visit Praslin as a day trip from Mahe as well.

With one full day on Praslin, our suggestion is to take in the fantastic Vallee de Mai , and visit one of the world’s best beaches. A hire car on Praslin will make getting around easier, but public transport also serves the major stops around the island. You can also take a day tour like this .

We’re going to start with the Vallee de Mai on Praslin. This is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the major tourist attraction on the island. Here, one of the Seychelles most unique endemic plants grows – the giant Coco de Mer palm.

These trees, which grow as either a male or a female, have the world’s largest nut. Inside the nut you can find the world’s largest seed – which takes up to seven years to germinate!

The name, which translates as Coconut of the Sea, came about because for many years these nuts would wash up on foreign shores. With no idea where they were coming from, they were given the name that suggested they came “from the sea”.

Of course, when the Seychelles islands were finally discovered, the source of the mysterious nuts was also found – but the name stuck.

Today, the majority of the world’s Coco de Mer palm trees grow in the Vallee du Mai, and a walk through this beautiful and peaceful valley of giant trees is a must for your visit to Praslin.

Note that the nuts are fully protected, so don’t try to take one home with you – this is possible, but you need to go through the official channels and paperwork! Whilst you’re here, keep an eye out for the Seychelles black parrot also, which is commonly found in the valley.

Once you are done with the Vallee du Mai, it’s time to visit some of Praslin’s spectacular beaches. One of the most famous of these is Anse Lazio, which regularly tops lists of the best beaches in the world.

To be honest, whilst Anse Lazio is indeed stunning and worth a visit, there are multiple gorgeous beaches in the Seychelles – many of which are a lot quieter as they are not so famous! But still, Anse Lazio is beautiful, and there is an excellent seafood restaurant here (Bonbon Plume) where you can have some lunch as well.

You can either stay here for the rest of the day, or work your way back around the island’s other beaches – it’s up to you.

Day 5 – Praslin / Curieuse Day Trip

For your fifth day in the Seychelles, we recommend taking a boat tour of some of the islands around Praslin (you can also do similar boat tours from Mahe as well). The Seychelles archipelago has over 100 islands, each of which is unique, so we think that exploring some of the smaller ones is an essential part of any trip to the Seychelles.

There are a number of boat tours that operate from Praslin which visit a number of the islands around Praslin. The itineraries vary slightly, as do the islands visited, but most of them are a full day trip, such as this one, that includes lunch, soft drinks and transfers from your hotel to the jetty at Baie St. Anne.

Generally, most boat excursions include 2 or 3 of the following islands: Curieuse, Cousin, Felicité, Coco, Sister, and/or the small island of St. Pierre – the latter of which is just a small granite outcrop that is good to snorkel around (you don’t actually land on it).

An appealing island for many visitors is Curieuse as this is the best place to meet the Aldabra Giant Land Tortoise. This is a massive tortoise species, endemic to the Seychelles, which can grow to an excess of 600lb and 200 years in age.

Curieuse is probably the best place to see them on this itinerary as they are not fenced in and can roam freely. Fans of wildlife, and in particular bird lovers, may also want to visit Cousine, as this is an excellent place to see a number of the birds of Seychelles, including the Seychelles Magpie Robin, Fairy terns, white tailed tropic birds, and more.

There are a number of tour options, including this option by glass bottom boat and this speedboat option .

Whichever operator you use, make sure to bring swimming clothes, sunscreen and plenty of insect repellant!

Day 6 – La Digue

For your sixth day in the Seychelles we suggest you take the morning ferry across to La Digue. This is a fifteen minute ride and there are two companies offering regular service – Cat Cocos , and the Inter Island Ferry .

La Digue has a very different vibe than the other islands you will have visited so far. There are very few cars, and most visitors get around by bike or on foot. The island isn’t very big, taking around 30 minutes to cycle from one end to the other, but it has a number of attractions that make it worth visiting.

First, and at the top of most visitors lists, is a visit to Anse Source D’Argent. This is a beach at the south end of the island, with out of this world granite rock formations surrounded by palm trees, turquoise waters and pale white sands.

It really has to be seen to be believed, and whilst it does get busy here as the day progresses, is very much worth visiting. It’s also an excellent spot for watching the sunset. Do be aware that you do have to pay to visit the beach as access is through the L’Union Estate, which is privately owned.

If you don’t mind a bit of a cycle, it’s worth taking the road to the east side of the island to visit Grand Anse, another spectacular beach. It can be a bit busy here, but you can escape the crowds by heading to Petit Anse instead, one cove along.

Alternatively, head around the north end of the island, there’s a road which leads past numerous beaches, one of which we’re sure will take your fancy.

Finally, while you’re on La Digue you should try to catch a glimpse of the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher. This endemic bird is critically endangered and native to La Digue. The best place to spot one is in the Veuve Reserve, a tract of wilderness that is set aside for the protection of these beautiful birds.

Note that if you’d prefer to stay on Praslin, you can explore La Digue as a day trip too. You can either do this on your own, by taking the ferry over, or you can take a 1 day tour of La Digue from Praslin.

Day 7 – La Digue & return to Mahe

For Day 7, our suggestion is to return to Mahe – you can take the ferry directly from La Digue to the connecting Praslin service, with a total journey time of around an hour an a half.

Of course, it’s up to you if you leave in the morning or afternoon, and this will depend on things like how much you want to see on La Digue, if you choose to stay on Praslin, and of course your flight time.

Our suggestion though is to return to Mahe and stay the night, so whatever time your flight is you’ll have no trouble getting to the airport. Once back on Mahe you can spend your last day and night finishing off any souvenir shopping, visiting a favourite beach, exploring a museum or garden, or just lounging by the hotel pool!

1 Week Seychelles Itinerary Overview

Here’s an overview of our Seychelles itinerary broken down day by day:

• Day 1: Mahe. Arrive, check-in, acclimatise and hit the beach
• Day 2: Mahe. Explore Victoria, drive Sans Souci
• Day 3: Mahe. Explore the south of the island
• Day 4: Praslin. Ferry from Mahe to Praslin, visit the Vallee du Mai
• Day 5: Praslin. Day trip to the islands around Praslin
• Day 6: La Digue. Explore the island
• Day 7: La Digue / Mahe. Return to Mahe, relax!

When is the Best Time to Visit Seychelles?

Traditionally, the best time to visit Seychelles for the hottest and driest weather has been around April, however, changing global climates mean that this is not as predictable as it used to be. Rain is possible at any time of year, especially on Mahe, where even in the dry season you might expect to get a passing rain shower in the afternoon. However it is unusual for rain to set in, and most rain will clear up fairly quickly.

The Seychelles islands are situated around 200 miles south of the equator, and as a result of this, they do not have the four seasons that more northern or southern countries experience. There are two main seasons in the Seychelles, the “North West” and the “South East”. These seasons refer to the directions that the wind is blowing from.

The North West runs from around the end of November through to March, and this time of year is particularly hot and humid. It’s also more likely to rain during this time, particular in the months of December through to February. This is the so-called “rainy season”.

The South East season runs for the rest of the year, with the driest part of the year typically from June through to September. The south east is a stronger wind, which means that it feels cooler on the islands, however this also means that the oceans are more disturbed, so the seas are a bit rougher, the water visibility for snorkelling and diving is reduced, and seaweed can wash up on the beaches as well.

Seaweed in the Seychelles

One of the most common questions I get from readers planning a trip to the Seychelles, is which beaches in the Seychelles get seaweed, and where to stay in the Seychelles to avoid seaweed.

For Mahe, the north side of the island tends to be more seaweed prone from November – March, which is during the “north-west” trade winds season. So if you visit during this time of year, you will want to stay on the south or east side of the island.

However, in general Mahe doesn’t get so affected by seaweed at this time of year, it’s Praslin that has more issues. If you are visiting Praslin between November and March, seaweed is common on the beaches on the north and west of the island. So head to the south and east coasts for a better experience.

The south east trade winds blow from around April through to October. At this time of year, beaches on the south and east of Mahe and Praslin are more likely to be affected by seaweed, so you will want to stay on the north and west side of the islands.

How to Get Around the Seychelles

There are two things to consider when visiting the Seychelles – how to get between the islands, and how to get around the islands. We’ll start with getting around each island first.

Getting around the islands

On the larger islands in this itinerary, like Mahe and Praslin, you will find your trip a lot easier if you hire a car. There are lots of car hire companies to choose from, with prices in the region of $50 – $80 USD a day.

A hire car will make getting to all the sights and attractions on the islands at your own pace much more pleasurable. Car hire can be booked in advance, at rental counters at the airport, or many hotels and guesthouses will also offer car hire.

On Mahe and Praslin, there is also a regular public bus service which runs all around the island and covers the majority of destinations. This costs around 7 rupees per journey and is definitely going to be the cheapest way to get around, although it will take longer, and you are at the mercy of the bus service timetable of course. More remote locations, such as those off the beaten path beaches, might be harder to get a bus to.

Of course, there are also taxis available, which can be picked up at taxi stands or booked through your accommodation. You can also hire a private driver to drive you around for a half day or day, which may be a good deal if are traveling as a family or group.  These will usually be the most expensive way to get around, but if you want speed and convenience, and don’t want to drive yourself, this is a good option.

There are also a number of tours if you’d rather not drive yourself. For example:

• This is a small group full day tour of Mahe
• This full day Mahe tour focuses on some of the best beaches in the Seychelles
• This is a fully customisable private tour of Mahe
• This full day tour of Praslin includes the Vallee du Mai and Anse Lazio beach

On La Digue, there aren’t many cars, and most visitors opt to rent a bike to get around. These can be hired at the jetty on arrival, or your guesthouse / hotel will likely have bikes for hire.

Expect to pay around 100 rupees a day for bike hire. There are also some golf carts operated by hotels, which offer transfer services.

Getting between the Seychelles Islands

There are two main ways to get between the islands in the Seychelles – you can fly, or you can take a boat.

For the islands in this itinerary, there are regularly scheduled flights between Mahe and Praslin operated by Air Seychelles, with a flight time of around fifteen minutes.

There is also a helicopter charter service operating between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue by ZilAir, although this is of course more expensive.

The other option for travelling between the islands is to take a boat, with a fast ferry service (Cat Cocos) operating between Mahe and Praslin (about 1 hour journey time), and Praslin and La Digue (15 minute journey time).

This is the most cost effective way to travel between the islands on our itinerary, and unless you are in a particular rush, is the option we recommend.

You can see prices and book in advance online for the boat here , flights here , and helicopter here .

Practicalities for the Seychelles

Currency in the seychelles.

The currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee, which comes in note and coin form. Rupees can be widely withdrawn from ATM’s around the country, and most locations will also accept credit cards. In some locations, especially higher end hotels, prices may be listed in USD or Euros, and these establishments will also usually accept payment in these currencies as well.

Electricity in the Seychelles

Seychelles uses a 240v standard, like Europe. Plugs are the same three pin plug as you find in the UK, so travellers from continental Europe and the US, as well as other countries that don’t use the three pin system will need an adaptor such as this one .

Travellers from countries which use a 110v system, such as the USA, will need to check that their equipment is compatible with 240v. In our experience, electrical items like camera chargers and laptops are compatible, but higher power items like hair dryers, hair straighteners, and kettles are not.

Always check your appliance before plugging it in – supported voltages should be clearly marked on the plug or adaptor. You are looking for either 220-240v, or 110-240v.

Internet in the Seychelles

Internet in the Seychelles is a relatively expensive commodity. That said, all the properties that we stayed at in the Seychelles included free Wi-Fi, which varied in speed from relatively slow to quite fast.

It’s also possible to pick up a SIM card if you have an unlocked device, and get data through one of the providers in the Seychelles. For an up to date list of prices and packages, check out this page which lists the best data sim packages for the Seychelles.

Safety in the Seychelles

The Seychelles are a relatively safe destination to visit, with violent crime being uncommon. In recent years there has been a rise in petty thefts however, and visitors need to be mindful of their belongings.

This is especially the case when visiting beaches or leaving your car unattended. Don’t leave any valuables unattended on beaches, or visible in cars. If you are renting an apartment or house, be sure to keep doors and windows locked when you are out.

A number of popular beaches on Mahe in particular have police officers in attendance, and we were often advised not to leave bags alone on the beach when going for a swim. Our advice would be not to take valuables to the beach if you can help it – leave them in your accommodation. Many rooms include a safe where you can store valuables.

Drinking Water in the Seychelles

The tap water on the three islands in this itinerary, Mahe, La Digue and Praslin, is treated and safe to drink. On La Digue the water is quite hard and has quite a “hard” taste, however it is safe to drink.

We drank tap water during our whole stay on the islands and had no problem. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available.

Note that on many of the other islands, the water is not drinkable. Tour operators will generally provide you with drinking water and other soft drinks, or of course you can bring your own.

Vaccinations & Health in the Seychelles

Unlike many African nations, the Seychelles has no tropical diseases to worry about like Malaria or Yellow Fever. If you are visiting from a country which suffers from certain diseases, or have recently travelled through these nations, you might need to show proof of vaccinations. This is particularly the case with Yellow Fever.

The main risk facing most visitors is dehydration and sunburn – being near to the equator means that the sun is especially strong, and many visitors get a bit of sunburn. We advise drinking plenty of fluids during your visit to minimise the risk of dehydration, and reading up on the signs of dehydration so you can recognise it.

We also highly recommend travelling with a packet of oral rehydration tablets and taking one a day to keep your salt levels up as you lose a lot of salt through sweat.

To prevent sunburn, we suggest packing the most protective sunscreen you can find (high SPF rating) and applying it liberally before you go in the sun, and also to re-apply after swimming or exercise. We’d also recommend wearing a hat and advise trying to minimize your exposure to the sun during the hottest hours, between 11am and 2pm.

Food in the Seychelles

Food in the Seychelles is a detailed topic that deserves its own post, which is why I created a guide to the best food in the Seychelles to help you out – this also includes some restaurant recommendations.

In general though, food in the Seychelles is a mix of Creole and Indian flavours, and heavily features fresh seafood, as well as chicken and pork. Naturally ther are also lots of fruits and fresh fruit juices to try, with availability depending on the season you visit.

If you can, we definitely recommend trying the bananas, mangos and papayas if you can, as well as the fresh lime juice.

Driving in the Seychelles

Vehicles in the Seychelles drive on the left, and the majority of vehicles use a manual transmission, although automatic vehicles can be rented if you specify this. The speed limits are fairly slow, but distances are not too great, so it won’t take you too long to drive anywhere.

The exception to this rule is during rush hour, which tends to be from 7am – 9am in the mornings, and 3.30pm – 5.30pm in the evenings. This is mainly on Mahe, with traffic around Victoria and the airport often moving slowly as people travel to and from work.

Most of the roads are one lane each way with limited passing options, so the traffic during rush hour ends up going very slowly. We’d advise avoiding driving too much around Victoria and the airport at this time if you can!

Where to Stay in the Seychelles

There is a huge range of options when it comes to accommodation in the Seychelles, although this tends to fall into the midrange through to luxury category. Camping is illegal, and there are no hostel style accommodation options.

There are however lots of options, including various self catering options that are well priced in the budget to mid-range category, and there are some excellent high end properties on the islands.

Here are some options to consider for the three islands in this post, across a range of budgets.

Where to Stay on Mahe

Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles, and there are a lot of options for accommodation around the island. These range from guesthouses through to mid-range and luxury hotels.

Some options we suggest you check out include the following. These are ordered approximately by price, from lowest to highest.

• Calypha Guest House – this is a great value and well rated guesthouse in the north part of Mahe. Rooms are en-suite and there’s a restaurant on-site serving Creole food
• Maison D’Aaryan – just a few minutes from the airport and 550 yards from Anse aux Pins beach, this well reviewed budget guesthouse offers en-suite family rooms and apartments
• Ocean View Guesthouse – a highly rated and great value guesthouse option a few moments walk from Beau Vallon Bay beach
• Villa Vanilla – a well rated and good value mid-range option near Port Glaud, just 650 yards from the beach. All rooms are en-suite, with some offering sea views
• Coral Strand – a well reviewed mid-range option on the ever popular Beau Vallon Bay beach
• Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove – found at the end of Beau Vallon Bay this is a good high end property with pool, spa, on-site restaurants and bars.
• Constance Ephelia – a wonderful luxury property with two stunning beaches, a range of bars, pools and restaurants
• Four Seasons – found on the south end of the island on one of my favourite beaches on the island, this is a wonderful luxury property.
• MAIA Luxury Resort and Spa – if money is no object, check out this resort. Each all-inclusive room comes with its own butler, private infinity pool, gazebo and kitchenette. Definitely a stay you will not forget.

Where to Stay on Praslin

Praslin is the second largest of the islands in the Seychelles, but the population is much lower than Mahe – around 7,500 people, versus almost 80,000 on Mahe. As such, there are fewer hotels to choose from.

Here are some options to consider for accommodation on Praslin. Again, these are across a wide range of budgets, from least to most expensive.

• Chez Muriel – five minutes walk from Cote D’or beach, this great value guesthouse offers self catering double rooms with shared bathroom facilities
• Pirogue Lodge – found on Cote D’or beach, this property has superb reviews. Rooms have en-suite facilities and bathrooms, and there’s an on-site restaurant
• Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse – Found on Anse Lazio beach, one of the best beaches in the Seychelles, this is an excellent mid-range option with en-suite rooms and an on-site restaurant
• Bliss Hotel – Found on Grand Anse beach, this is a popular mid-range option near the airport. Rooms have garden views and en-suite facilities
• Acajou Beach Resort – A well rated four star resort on the Cote D’Or beach. Two on site bars and restaurants as well as a pool. Room are en-suite, apartments with kitchens are also available.
• Raffles Seychelles – a five star luxury property on Praslin, just a short distance from Anse Lazio beach. Each villa comes with its own pool, and there’s a spa as well as 6 restaurants to choose from
• Constance Lemuria – offering five star luxury and spectacular beaches, as well as its own golf course, spa, restaurants and pools, this is an excellent luxury option with a range of suites and villas.

Where to Stay on La Digue

Despite it’s relatively small size compared to Praslin and Mahe, La Digue is very popular as a holiday destination and as such as a great many accommodation options.

The majority of these are in the budget to mid-range category, with a lot of self-catering and guesthouse style accommodation on offer. However, there are also some mid and high end properties to choose from as well.

Here are some accommodation options on La Digue to consider, again sorted approximately from least to most expensive.

• Villa Hortensia – Found in the hills, this is a popular hotel with good reviews. Rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities.
• Chez Marston – offering adults only accommodation, this is a well rated great value hotel with en-suite rooms
• Patatran Village Hotel – found just moments from a stunning beach at the north end of La Digue, this is a well rated mid-range property with rooms offering sea-views and en-suite rooms. Breakfast is included and there’s a restaurant on site.
• Hotel Chateau St Cloud – a well reviewed mid-range hotel in the foothills of the island, offering peaceful accommodations. Rooms are all en-suite and there’s a restaurant and pool on site.
• La Digue Island Lodge – I remember going to this lodge when I visited La Digue in my teens – it’s a staple of the island. It has aged well though, and is still one of the better mid-range properties on the island. It’s a great option if you want to dive as it has its own diving center. It has an on-site restaurant, pool with swim up bar and a variety of accommodation options including chalets.
• Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa – This four star hotel has two on-site restaurants, and spa as well as pool. It’s two minutes from Anse Severe beach, and all rooms are villa style with private bathrooms and balconies. One of the best higher end properties on the island.

Of course, there are lots of options when it comes to accommodation in the Seychelles. We usually advise looking on booking.com, as we find they have the best prices, most options, and they have everything from hotels through to apartments.

You can see all their Seychelles options here , which you can then filter depending on the style and budget of accommodation you are after.

Note that the government are clamping down on unlicensed vacation rental properties, and you’ll be asked for the address of your accommodation when you arrive at the airport. We were even asked for a phone number to verify where we were staying.

So do make sure when you book a property that it’s a licensed operator. You should be able to check this in the description or by messaging the property directly.

Where We Stayed in the Seychelles

We’ve stayed at a mix of hotels and self-catering properties during our visits to the Seychelles.

On our first trip to the Seychelles when Jess and I travelled together, we stayed at three different properties, one on Mahe, one on Praslin and one on La Digue.

On Mahe, we spent a week at Villa Kordia , which is a nice self catering property located at Pointe Au Sel, around ten minutes from the airport and fifty metres from the beach. They helped us to arrange our hire car, and they also offered meals, which is a fantastic way to sample the local Seychellois cuisine.

On Praslin, we stayed at the Palm Beach Hotel , right on the beach and with wonderful sunset views. This is only a five minute drive from the Vallee du Mai, the main visitor attraction on the island.

Finally, on La Digue, we stayed at Oceane Self Catering . This was five minutes walk from the jetty, and we had a lovely big room with self catering facilities. They also offered meals in the evening, and the Creole food on offer here was excellent value and very authentic.

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, then you might consider the Four Seasons on Mahe, which is located on Petite Anse – one of my favourite beaches on the islands. Visitors to Praslin will likely want to consider the Raffles Hotel , whilst those heading to La Digue should consider Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa .

Tours in the Seychelles

Other than the day trip to the “other islands” such as Curieuse, all the activities in our itinerary can be planned and done on your own.

However, if you prefer to take a tour, and leave the hassle of driving and planning to someone else, then there are a few tours that we suggest that line up well with our itinerary. The ones we have chosen include hotel pickups and generally last a full day.

• A full day boat tour of the islands around Praslin , usually including Curieuse and St. Pierre islands, including hotel pickup and lunch

Tours definitely need to be booked in advance.

Further Reading for Visiting the Seychelles

Well, that pretty much sums up our guide to spending one week in the Seychelles! Hopefully you’ve found it useful. We’re in the process of putting together more content to help you plan the perfect Seychelles trip, but in the meantime, you might find the following useful:

• Our guide to the traditional foods of the Seychelles
• Our guide to the best beaches in the Seychelles
• A guide to staying hydrated when travelling
• A Seychelles travel guide

And that’s it! We hope you enjoyed our guide to visiting the Seychelles for a week, and as always, if you have any questions or feedback for us, just let us know in the comments below!

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Saurabh says

6th September 2023 at 9:53 am

very well explained! great detailing, my sincere compliments to you. we will be visiting from 28/10 till 3/11 this year for our 25th wedding anniversary. 2n in praslin at acajou hotel, 1 night at LA digue Island Lodge and 3 nights at savoy at Mahe and will try to cover as per your itinerary. in Praslin and Mahe we will take car on rent but wanted to check what is the best way to transfer at La digue ferry point to LA digue Island Lodge as we will be having luggage. further are credit cards acceptable at eateries or we need to have euro in cash. any other suggestion to make the trip more enjoyable will be helpful. thanks

Laurence Norah says

6th September 2023 at 3:11 pm

Hi Saurabh,

Thanks very much!

So La Digue Island Lodge should be able to provide luggage transport services, I would reach out to them to ask. There are golf carts and similar modes of transport which should be able to meet you at the ferry for sure.

For payment, it is definitely worth having some cash on you, but the majority of establishments should accept credit cards now. It’s only the smaller locations where credit cards might not be accepted.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Lidiya says

1st February 2023 at 10:01 am

Excellent write-up! I would like to know about wedding photograph idea if you know

9th February 2023 at 9:10 am

So this is not a personal area of expertise, but if it was me I’d pick one of the beaches. There are some stunning beaches in the Seychelles, (I list my favourite Seychelles beaches here ), so that would probably be a starting point personally.

Have a great time in the Seychelles!

2nd October 2022 at 2:10 am

I’m planning a trip for January for 7 nights leaving on the eighth day in the evening.. and your trip seems nearly perfect except people are mentioning different islands and I’m starting to get curious. My question is if I rented a car would I only rent it for the few days I am on Mahe? Is there a trip coordinator that you know that could drive me and coordinate all of these comings and going’s? I am alone. Thank you for any suggestions.

3rd October 2022 at 2:43 pm

Thanks for your comment! So obviously there are many islands in the Seychelles, although not all of them can be visited. With 7 or 8 days though our recommendation is not to spread the trip too thin as you will spend more time jumping between the islands rather than seeing them. So of course you could switch out some of the islands, but I think seeing more than 3 islands in a week might be stretching things a bit. For car rental, yes, you would need to do seperate rentals for the different islands. Only Mahe and Praslin really need a car though, most people get around La Digue by bicycle and the other islands like Denis are too small to need anything other than feet!

In terms of trip co-ordination, there are various tour operators that will likely be able to help, but honestly it is likely just going to be as easy to do it yourself if you are planning a custom itinerary.

Have a great time, let me know if you have any more questions!

27th September 2022 at 9:37 pm

hey thanks for the detailed information. just a quick question though , can you share any information regarding the new year celebration in seychelles. I happen to be visiting seychelles along with my wife during this year end , i understand from your write up that it might rain , however just wanted to know are there any parties etc that happen during new year

1st October 2022 at 5:40 pm

So New Years Eve is definitely celebrated in the Seychelles, there are a lot of parties to choose from. Most hotels will have some sort of party or event that you can go to and then there are also others to choose from. I don’t have a specific one to recommend but I am sure you will find something!

Shania says

2nd July 2022 at 2:42 pm

Hi Laurence,

Thank you for such a helpful article. We are booked to stay in Mahe for 6 nights in July. We have also booked flights to Praslin and back on the same day – do you think it will be too rushed to visit Praslin and La Digue on the same day and get back to Praslin airport for our 6.15pm flight back to Mahe?

Thanks for your help. Shania

2nd July 2022 at 3:31 pm

My pleasure! So I would say that yes, a day is going to be a bit rushed to see both Praslin and La Digue. You have to consider that to get from Praslin to La Digue you first have to drive from the airport on Praslin to the ferry terminal, which is a 20 – 30 minute drive. Then there’s a 15-20 minute ferry ride from Praslin to La Digue. So that’s over an hour of your time just transferring. I’d suggest focusing on Praslin, or considering an overnight stay on La Digue, rather than trying to fit it all in. Of course, it is possible, but you probably won’t see as much as you would like.

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!

2nd July 2022 at 3:58 pm

Thank you for such a prompt reply Laurence! I’ll start looking for accommodation on Praslin or La Digue.

2nd July 2022 at 3:59 pm

My pleasure! Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Oliver Dollard says

18th November 2021 at 7:29 pm

Hi Laurence!

Superb work on all of your blogs I’ve learned so so much and you made it all very clear for us, a huge thank you! I am flying tonight to Mahe, my girlfriend and I are staying for one month in total, with a week on Silhouette island. Of course we plan to visit all the main islands and do the typical activities and beaches. But we are looking for a very chilled and remote stay, we are more interested in the small shack type bars or a man cooking fish on the side of the beach than the resorts or restaurants. Do you have any advice on spots or how to avoid busy areas? And a few other questions, sorry! I would like to do some fishing, but preferably not paying for a boat to take me out. Do you need a rod license? Can you just cast off on the rocks? Do you have any recommendations on who to use for scuba diving? Also, I would like to try and see a whale shark if possible, I read they are around for a couple more weeks. Can you share any more wisdom?

Any help at all would be brilliant. Thank you so much. Where do your two live now btw? Or do you just travel!?

Thanks again, can’t wait to get there and explore.

18th November 2021 at 10:16 pm

Thanks very much 😀 Sounds like you have an amazing trip planned! So to be honest, the Seychelles islands as you will quickly discover are not that huge, so the sort of setup you are describing is harder to find. That said, honestly the islands generally aren’t that busy anyway! So some of the beaches are definitely a bit busier than others, say Beau Vallon on Mahe is going to busier than some of the beaches around the south like Anse Intendance. And La Digue tends to be busier in general as it has more budget accommodation options. But it’s still possible to find quieter beaches, the key really is just to go a bit further than others are willing to go, and avoid the most popular options. But I think you’ll quickly see that even a “busy” beach in the Seychelles is quite a distance from a busy beach anywhere else in the world.

For fishing, as far as I know you don’t need a license for recreational fishing from the beach. So as long as you have a rod and some bait, you’re good to go!

For whale sharks, I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen one. I don’t dive, so it’s not really an area of expertise.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more specific help for some of your questions, but I hope you have an amazing month in the Seychelles and do let me know if you have any more questions! Enjoy!

7th August 2021 at 6:40 pm

What is the situation with the seaweed in August? We’re heading to Mahe in a week and we are staying near Anse Royal. Never heard of that issue for Seychelles. We had a really bad experience with the seaweeds in Mexico a few years ago. We plan to rent a car and browse most of the beaches you recommended here.

Also which are the best places to exchange money?

8th August 2021 at 12:29 pm

So the south east would be when the beaches on the south and east of the island are more affected by seaweed, which will include Anse Royale. Unfortunately I can’t tell you exactly how it will be, because it varies each year, but certainly there is a good chance that there will be some seaweed. However, if you have a car then it is a short drive to the other side of the island which should be seaweed free.

I’ve also reached out to my family members who live near Anse Royale for an up to date report, if they get back to me I’ll let you know!

8th August 2021 at 2:23 pm

Just to update my previous comment, my cousin drove past Anse Royale beach a few minutes ago and said there currently isn’t any seaweed. However, it’s worth being aware that with the wind on that side of the island the water will be a bit choppy.

Enjoy your holiday!

ETI BITON says

17th April 2021 at 8:22 am

HII Laurence, thank you so much for your great 1-week itenerary. It was very helpful to us in planning our week in the Seychelles. – I would like to consult with you. My husband and I plan to travel at the end of September for a week. And I would like to know which side of Mahe and La Digue better in terms of clean beaches without seaweed and calm water on the end of September. Thank you, Eti

17th April 2021 at 11:16 am

My pleasure. So September is the South-East, which means the wind blows from the south east, and beaches on the south east of the islands will be more affected. So on Mahe you would want to stay in the north west or west side. La Digue does not get too affected, and the hotels are mostly on the west anyway 🙂

I hope this helps – have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

18th April 2021 at 8:16 am

Hi Laurence, Thank you very much. It was very helpful to me. Eti.

23rd April 2021 at 5:07 pm

Hi Laurence, Asks for your opinion on the division of days based on your recommendation for one week in the Seychelles.

We land in Maha and from there fly straight to Praslin. Landing in Praslin at 19:00. We would like to get straight to La Digue that evening, but do not think there will be a ferry there at such an hour. Is it possible to find a cruise to La Digue from Praslin in the evening?

Option number one – to spend the first night in Praslin near the port and at the next morning to sail to La Digue for two days. Return to Praslin for another two days and on the third day morning we have a flight at 10:40 to Mahe. Disadvantage – 3 hotels in a short time – one night in Praslin + 2 nights in La Digue + and again Praslin for 2 nights.

Option number two – stay in Praslin after landing for another 2 days and then sail to La Digue for two days. On the third day early in the morning, sail from La Digue to Praslin, to get the fligh to Maha at 10:40. Disadvantage – afraid that we will not be able to get to the flight at 10:40 in the morning when we have to get there from La Digue.

In Maha we will be 3 days.

Which of the two options do you think is better? I would love to have your opinion. Thank’s, ETI

24th April 2021 at 1:09 pm

You are correct – the last ferry currently from Praslin to la Digue is at around 2.30pm. So getting straight to La Digue on your arrival day isn’t going to be possible. I’m not aware of any other transport options either, so you would be better off staying on Praslin and then going to La Digue. My suggestion would be to spend two nights on Praslin, then go to La Digue. You shouldn’t have a problem making the 10.40 flight from Praslin as you can get a ferry from La Digue at 7.30 which gets you to Praslin at 7.45, more than enough time to get across the island. My only query is that it would probably be easier and faster to just get the ferry from Praslin to Mahe. It only takes 75 minutes, and connects with the La Digue ferry.

Of course, if you already have the flight tickets booked and can’t cancel them that would still work. I’d definitely go with Option two though 🙂

4th December 2020 at 11:10 am

What about the other side of the Island—near Anse Royale? Given the season, would the sea be calmer and more clear on that side? Though I note there are not many hotels on that side. Thank you again!

4th December 2020 at 11:47 am

So there are two main types of beach in Seychelles – those behind a reef, and those that are clear water. The Anse Royale side of the island is mostly behind a large reef, which means the water can be very shallow and full of coral. It’s not good for swimming and this is why there aren’t many hotels on that side of the island. If you are looking for good swimming in clear water then I wouldn’t recommend it,

4th December 2020 at 7:54 am

Hi Laurence, Sorry to bother you again, but you are the most knowledgeable person I have found about this issue. You mentioned the seaweed issue, but what about strong currents in North of Mahe vs. South in January? Someone mentioned that in the north ( Northholme area) of the island it could be very strong currents and almost on swimmable. Is that accurate? Thank you for your help. And would it be the same in south west side?

Thank you again

4th December 2020 at 11:45 am

No worries. So some beaches in Seychelles can have currents. I’m not familiar with the Northholme beach – it’s very small and not one most people would visit unless staying in the hotel. However from there you are very close to the Beau Vallon beach which is regarded as one of the safest beaches for swimming. So maybe you might instead consider a hotel on Beau Vallon. Port Launay is also a safe beach for swimming 🙂

elan zivotofsky says

2nd December 2020 at 1:13 pm

Laurence, thank you so much for your great 1-week itenerary. I wanted to ask your views on a couple of things. Your answers will be most appreciated and helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 1 week trip in early January. I am aware it is the rainy season, but it is okay with us. We are considering doing the first 3 nights on Denis Island, which looks amazing. We are focused on outdoors (beaches, snorkeling, water sports, etc). But, that will limit the time we have for other islands. We would then only have 4 days left, which I was thinking of staying on Mahe, and maybe a 1-day quick trip to La Digue? Is this a mistake? Should I do La Digue instead of Denis? would love any thoughts you have.

Regarding Mahe-I was considering The Northolme Hilton which looks really nice and I have heard good things about. BUT, in January, would you suggest not staying up on that part of the island? Is Constance Ephelia a little better from that perspective. And, in the south, anywhere high end you would reccomend other then Four Seasons (which is pricey)? thank you So much for your help.

2nd December 2020 at 1:47 pm

It’s my pleasure and I am of course happy to help!

So in this itinerary as you’ll have noticed I didn’t include the islands like Bird or Denis, just for time reasons. However, they are definitely beautiful. I am a little biased as I lived on Bird Island for many years, but I believe the hotel is being renovated at the moment. It’s also quite a rustic experience, wheras I think Denis is a bit more up to date. That said, I’ve not actually visited Denis since the mid 90s, although my brother has been in the past few years and said it was lovely.

Personally I would pick Denis over La Digue. It’s going to be a much quieter and relaxing experience. La Digue is lovely, but it is quite a popular destination and also has many more budget accommodation options, so can become quite busy. Although that’s probably not the case at the moment.

I think your plan of Denis / Mahe + 1 day to La Digue is definitely do-able. For Mahe, the north side of the island tends to be more seaweed prone from November – March, which is during the “north-west” trade winds season. However Mahe doesn’t get so affected honestly at this time of year, it’s Praslin that has more issues. The seaweed on Mahe tends to be more in the South-East trade winds, and on the south side of the island. It is of course possible depending on the conditions that there will be some seaweed, but it shouldn’t be a lot. However, if you’d rather not risk it, then Constance Ephelia is nice. The beach there is also spectacular and great for snorkelling, and I also really love the drive over Sans Souci.

The Four Seasons is expensive but deservedly so, it’s on one of my favourite beaches and the resort is gorgeous. You might instead try the nearby Kempinski which I believe is more reasonably priced although the beach is not so spectacular in my opinion. I would probably go for the Constance if it was me. There was also the Banyan Tree on Anse Intendance, but it’s closed for a couple of years for renovations at the moment unfortuantely.

I hope this helps, happy to provide more information if required! Otherwise I hope you have a wonderful trip, I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts when you return 🙂

2nd December 2020 at 2:01 pm

Laurence, Your answer is extremely helpful. I am considering the Four Seasons — just not sure I am ready to pay up that much. Constance Ephelia looks like a great location, but I am just a bit concerned as it is a very BIG resort with likely a lot of people as compared to the Northolme Hilton. Can you just compare those locations if you know the Hilton at all? thank you so much for your help!.

Also, I am happy to hear you think 1-day go and return to La Digue is doable. would likely fly over to Praslin and head to La Digue. Would be a long day, but sounds like you think it can be done. Elan

2nd December 2020 at 2:16 pm

So it depends a little on what you want from a hotel in terms of location. I’ve not stayed at or visited the Hilton, but I do know based on its location that there isn’t really a great beach on site. There is a small beach, but it’s quite a cosy affair. Constance has access to two beaches, one of which (Port Launay) is regarded by many as one of the best beaches on the island.

I’d also add that I haven’t stayed at either resort so I can’t comment specifically on staying at them.

For La Digue, as well as flying I’d recommend investigating taking the Cat Cocos boat. Whilst the flight time from Mahe -> Praslin is quicker, once you factor in waiting at the airport, and then having to get to the other side of the island to the port where the Praslin -> La Digue boat goes from, you might find it’s easier to take the Cat Cocos from Mahe – Praslin (1 hour) and then directly transfer to the Praslin -> La Digue boat (the schedules are usually well aligned to make this easy).

Either way, you’ll want to confirm the timetables to make sure it’s all possible in a day.

Harris says

16th December 2019 at 10:47 pm

It was an interesting and full of useful information blog, however, I’m confused with the stay on your 4th/5th/6th day. Did you stay at different island everyday? Could you please describe a little about the accommodation arrangement as well (booked online or can book once reach there)? Also, I’m travelling with my wife next month. Which part of Seychelles you will suggest us to stay?

Thanks in advance!

17th December 2019 at 9:19 pm

The itinerary has you spending three nights on Mahe, then two nights on Praslin and one or two on La Digue. So yes you have to change islands, and the instructions for how to do this are in the post. For the hotels, I generally recommend booking in advance so you know where you are going and can arrange transportation. We always book online in advance of our travels these days so we don’t have to worry about finding somewhere when we arrive, and also because places can book up in advance at busier times of year.

In terms of where to stay, the main concern visitors usually have is over the seaweed, which can affect different beaches at different times of year. January is the North West season, so the winds blows from the north west, meaning it’s best to avoid beaches and accommodation on the north west of the islands as they are more likely to have sea weed. So if you look at a map of the island, I’d suggest avoiding say Beau Vallon on the north west of Mahe, and instead heading to the south east.

Of course, this is just a suggestion, and the beaches are not always affected by seaweed 🙂

Have a great trip!

Rizwana says

3rd December 2019 at 6:24 am

Excellent blog – to the point and so many invaluable tips. We are a young family of 5 based in Abu Dhabi – Boys aged 7, 5 and our princess aged one year old. Just one thing – is halal food available easily especially at decent hotels – we are planning: 1) March 27 to 30 (3 nights as per your suggestion)- Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove in Mahe – We have only taken breakfast option as I assume Mahe should have easy food options 2) March 30 to April 2 – (3 nights on half board – although having read your article maybe I need to reduce and no need to go half board): Constance Lemuria Hotel – I have been told its an excellent option although very expensive 3) April 2 to 4 – (2 nights as 1 night maybe too little with small kids) – Maybe stay at Oceane Self Catering – since the booking is non-refundable, just need to maybe wait a bit closer to date before booking it.

Many thanks again for your invaluable advice

3rd December 2019 at 6:08 pm

Hi Rizwana,

Thank you very much, I am delighted to have been able to help. It sounds like you have a wonderful plan.

I am often asked about hotels and where to stay in the Seychelles, so I have gone through and updated the accommodation section with some detailed recommendations.

In terms of your accommodation options I think you have made some great choices 🙂 For Mahe, you will definitely not have any problems finding places to eat, especially from the Fisherman’s Cove as Beau Vallon has quite a few options to choose from. Fun fact, my Dad actually used to be the assistant manager at the Fisherman’s Cove… but that was quite a long time ago!

Constance Lemuria is a fantastic property. We haven’t stayed there (we did just stay at a Constance property in Mauritius though which was lovely), but we have visited, and the beaches on the property are some of my favourite in the islands. I don’t think you will be disappointed. I will say that if you don’t plan on eating at the hotel you might want a hire car, as the hotel does not have a lot of restaurants nearby. So you might find half board an easier option.

We really enjoyed Oceane Self Catering, although it is obviously a bit more of a budget option that Lemuria! However the rooms were very nice and the staff were really friendly. This is a great place to try some local food. However, if you did want something a bit less budget focused, you might consider some of the other options I’ve added to the post. La Digue is very small and easy to get around, so you definitely don’t need full or half board here, and there are quite a few dining options.

Have an amazing trip!

shailesh jani says

23rd November 2019 at 6:09 am

We , friends are planning to visit Seychelles by January End or February start, Please guide how would be the weather there in this two months ? Looking forward your Reply on our mail id please.

23rd November 2019 at 6:36 am

Hi Shailesh,

It’s hard to give precise weather information as the weather in Seychelles is variable. January / February is at the end of the rainy season, but this just means that it is more likely it will rain from time to time rather than rain all day. Traditionally February is one of the hotter times in Seychelles, so you should have good weather and calm seas, and it should be good for snorkelling as well. On the larger islands, it will rain most days, but in isolated locations and only for short periods.

I hope this helps!

SHAILESH JANI says

23rd November 2019 at 11:23 am

Dear Laurence

Thank you so much for the guidance. It looks from your Reply instead of January we should visit in Mid February right, so weather is clean and sea is calm as well and we can enjoy Sunset and Sunrise and cruising and boating also in Feb.

Thanks so much once again dear for your prompt reply. I will be in touch with you now and even after arriving at your beautiful Island.

With Warm Regards Shailesh Jani

24th November 2019 at 9:17 am

My pleasure. Yes, I would say February would be an excellent month to visit 🙂 Have a wonderful trip!

Jagadish says

3rd November 2019 at 7:33 pm

Excellent write-up. Very useful. One stop solution capturing everything one needs to know before touring Seychelles!!!! Truly appreciate it.

5th November 2019 at 10:11 am

PRADEEP says

14th October 2019 at 11:48 am

Can you suggest me best boat tour service provider in praslin apart from the one you mentioned in this blog

14th October 2019 at 8:37 pm

Hi Pradeep,

There are a number of companies out there, however we haven’t used them personally, so any recommendation would just be based on my Googling reviews from other traveller, so would not be a genuine personal recommendation. I wouldn’t want to recommend something that we don’t know personally, so the best option might be to take a look at what is available, and see if there are recent reviews from other travellers that might let you know if it’s a good company or not,

3rd October 2019 at 12:54 am

Wonderful article. Are there opportunities to sail, either chartered with a captain, or rented for us to pilot ourselves. Powerboat rentals would be interesting as well.

4th October 2019 at 7:36 pm

It is absolutely possible to hire a yacht in the Seychelles, either with a skipper or without. However, I have to be honest and say that I have not done this myself, and so I would not be able to personally recommend a service as we haven’t tried one. However, it is definitely possible. I’m not sure about power boat rentals however,

22nd September 2019 at 2:24 pm

Hi! Thanks for great article, it is very helpful. I noted several questions regarding the weather, so i won’t nudge again about it, though I’d love to get your opinion on a visit at early March. I am though trying to understand the Trade wind issue. if I got it correct if affects the clear water and the algae. So, how is March? and if we plan to stay only in Mahe – is there optimal side/beaches that aren’t affected? Thanks so much in advance!

22nd September 2019 at 2:35 pm

No worries on the weather question, I’m happy to try and help. The only problem is that the Seychelles, like the rest of the world, is experiencing different weather patterns to that which it has traditionally had. So whilst I can comment on what it *should* do, this seems to not always match up to the reality!

You are correct generally – the trade winds affect the clarity of the water, and then the seaweed (not the algae). The south east trade winds tend to blow from May to September. These are stronger winds than the opposite North West season, which means the seas are more agitated, which moves the sand and other debris around in the sea more, resulting in less clear waters. That is also the season when there is more sea weed on the beaches, particularly on the south and west coasts of the islands, as it is blown ashore.

The good news is that March doesn’t really get these issues. It’s also traditionally one of the warmer and drier months, although, I can’t guarantee that 😉

Hopefully this helps!

Have a great trip, and do report back on your experience once you’ve visited, we love to hear how people’s adventures went!

T K Pradeep says

18th September 2019 at 4:17 pm

I am planning visit Seychelles this November 2nd week. Is it a best time to visit.

18th September 2019 at 5:47 pm

November can be more rainy than other times of year because it is the rainy season, however, in my experience in the last 30 years or so, the weather is not that reliable so it can rain or not! Just because it is the rainy season doesn’t mean it will be wet all the time. I’ve had weeks of rain in the dry season, and weeks of dry weather in the rainy season.

Even if it does rain, it is usually isolated to parts of the island and there will usually be periods of sun and rain.

The driest and hottest time is traditionally in April, but again, this isn’t guaranteed.

Have a great trip

16th September 2019 at 2:13 pm

Hi wat exactly this self catering hotels means

16th September 2019 at 2:16 pm

Self catering means that the property features a kitchen you can use yourself, so you can “self cater”. They usually also have a living area and feel more like a house or apartment than a traditional hotel. Some of them do include a restaurant or the option to order meals, but this varies.

I hope this helps 🙂

Vaibhav Kakkar says

17th July 2019 at 6:52 am

Thanks Laurence. This article is excellent in all forms and contains everything that a person needs. Kudos to you! I am planning a trip in December 19 for 7N/8D. I am thinking to spend 3 nights in Mahe, 2 nights in Praslin and 2 nights in La Digue. Now on the 8th Day, I have a early morning flight (5 AM) from Mahe. So, I am wondering if I can start my trip from La Digue (2 N) followed by Praslin (2 N) and then Mahe (3 N). This way I could easily roam around Mahe on the last day and leave for airport well in time. Would you recommend this?

17th July 2019 at 4:39 pm

Hi Vaibhav!

It certainly will work in a different order, I see no reason why not. You will just go from quieter islands to busier islands, but you might enjoy that more as you can relax at the start of the trip and then do a bit more exploring as you go on 🙂

Have a great time!

17th July 2019 at 5:28 am

Hello Laurence,

I am so glad to have come across this blog post; I have been trying to figure out where to start on planning a vacay to Seychelles. I am planning to visit Seychelles for my birthday, in January 2020. I have some questions that I hope you may be able to answer. I am a person that likes interactive activities so I would like to know if the islands have access to zoos, museums and other attractions besides beaches. Next, I am vegan so I would like to know if there are any traditional dishes of the Seychelles that just happen to be vegan or if some restaurants on the islands offer vegan options? Lastly, I will be traveling from the US and I will most likely be traveling alone; how much money would you suggest I bring along with me to fund a full 5-day vacation stay at Seychelles? P.S I will be using a combination of public transportation and drivers to navigate around the islands. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you!

17th July 2019 at 4:44 pm

There are some museums in the Seychelles, but they are quite small and will not take up much of your time. There are no zoos exactly, but there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. However, the Seychelles is definitely more geared towards relaxing on the beach rather than activities, so it might not be the best destination for you. In terms of vegan food, there are certainly vegan dishes like lentil curries, vegetable curries and banana dishes, however you would have to check with each restaurant you visit regarding their vegan options 🙂

For 5 days the cost will very much depend on your travel style, but I would budget $200 – $400 per day including meals accommodation and transport.

Have a great trip and let me know if you need anything else!

Misty Montgomery says

26th June 2019 at 7:44 pm

Hi, this is a wonderful article! We are planning our honeymoon for June of next year and had thought it was a good time due to the dry season. However, I’ve been watching the weather and it’s been raining with thunderstorms all month! Do you think this is an unusual weather pattern? I know you’re not a weather expert but am hoping you might be able to provide some insight with your experience in living there.

Thank you so much!

27th June 2019 at 7:39 pm

So the Seychelles weather is kind of hard to predict, but being an island nation most weather systems don’t tend to hang around very long. It’s quite common for it to have a bit of a thunderstorm on most afternoons, just as the heat builds up in the day it creates them. They don’t usually last very long and tend to be fairly localized. However, when you look at a forecast, they always pick the worst part of the weather to show. I would say that it shouldn’t be wet all the time – usually if it rains it would be for a short period and then clear again. Of course, you can always be unlucky, but it would be unlikely to have many days of rain set in, unless there’s a big weather system across the whole area.

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip 😀

Rebecca says

20th June 2019 at 4:36 am

Hi. Thanks so much for the excellent article. My husband and I are planning a visit from the 20th of December for a week. I am a little concerned about the weather. Is the rain just for a few hours each day,, can we still do something each day? Will we be able to do walking and light hikes? Thanks

20th June 2019 at 1:26 pm

Hi Rebecca,

Usually it just rains for a brief period in the afternoons and is sunny the rest of the time. Of course, you can be unlucky, and the weather is hard to predict, but that is the normal pattern.

8th July 2019 at 4:21 am

Did you have the 2 week itinerary? I did not see a link.

9th July 2019 at 3:37 pm

No, it’s still on the to-do list! However, our advice if you have more time would be to add on another island, like Bird, Denis, Fregate, North or Cousine, depending on your budget.

4th June 2019 at 8:21 pm

Hi Laurence, Great post!

Me and my wife are planning to go for honeymoon in August for 6 days. So covering 3 islands isnt an option with hectic schedule.

I am in a switch on whether to leave Praslin or Mahe?

What would you suggest ?

Tentative itinerary for now is 3 days in Praslin , 1 day in Ladigue , 1 day in Mahe and return back from Mahe airport.

Awaiting your reply !

4th June 2019 at 9:07 pm

Well it depends on what you want to do 🙂 There is a lot more to do on Mahe in terms of beaches to choose from and restaurants and other sights to explore. Praslin has the Vallee du Mai and of course some nice beaches, but the island is a lot smaller. It’s also less busy and feel more laid back. So if you just want to relax on a beach and not stress about sight-seeing too much, Praslin is a great option.

I hope this helps – have a great trip 🙂

Hana Chundelova Sulcova says

19th May 2019 at 1:38 pm

Hi Laurence, Great article and very helpful as we fly there on the 1st of June for the first time. We have 14 nights in front of us with booked self-catering accommodation close to petite police beach. What beach would you recommend for snorkling this time of a year. Are there many mosquitos now? Based on your comments I’m just planning to spend 1 or 2 nights on La Dique. Many thanks. Best regards Hana

19th May 2019 at 2:45 pm

That is a beautiful part of the island, you will have a lovely time. I’d suggest for snorkelling that you consider either Anse Royale or any of the beaches on the west coast, inclduding Anse Takamaka or Baie Lazare. Petite Anse is also nice.

The time you are visiting is during the south east trade winds, so there is more of a breeze and there should be less mosquitoes. However, there are always likely to be mosquitoes, especially around dawn and dusk, so I’d advise taking precautions at those times at least.

Have a fabulous time – we’d love to hear your thoughts on your experiences when you return!

19th May 2019 at 4:44 pm

Thanks a lot! Good news with the breeze. I will definitely get back with our experiences. Our car is booked as we plan to hike to those less accessible beaches. Best regards Hana

Shuchita patni says

17th May 2019 at 6:20 pm

Thanks for the details. It is really helpful. I am planning to go to Seychelles in August 2019. Will there be water sports on during that time?

17th May 2019 at 6:25 pm

Hi Shuchita,

It depends which watersports you are interested in – but the main stretches of beach like Beau Vallon usually have a variety of watersports options available year round 🙂

Enjoy your trip!

shuchita patni says

21st May 2019 at 6:01 pm

Thanks Laurence. I want to do scuba diving or snorkeling.

Also pls let me know if Seychelles is safe for solo traveler as a woman.

Regards Shuchita

21st May 2019 at 6:13 pm

Hi Shuchita

Snorkelling and scuba diving will definitely both be possible 🙂

For the safety aspect, my general response is that yes, the Seychelles is safe for solo female travellers. However, I must of course add that this is not a personal area of expertise for me. Naturally I’d advise taking any precautions you normally would when travelling alone in a foreign country. That said, on the whole Seychelles is regarded as a safe country, violent crime is very low, and the main risks are petty theft of valuables (i.e. don’t leave any expensive items unattended on the beach whilst you go for a swim).

I hope this all helps,

rohit nigam says

10th May 2019 at 10:28 am

Hi Laurence, Thanks for very intuitive and detailed post. I am planning on honeymoon trip around Nov and December in 2019 for 6-7 days. As per your post I find La Digue and Mahe more attractive amongst 3. I don’t want to travel much and to travel all 3 island might be hectic. Can you please let me know travel plan for these 2 islands or any additional suggestions you might want ? Also please suggest some good hotels for honeymoon in both these places which might have private pool. and also some good budget hotels Kindly give your valuable input alongside.

11th May 2019 at 8:52 pm

My pleasure, and thanks for your comment! So I would likely spend 4-5 days on Mahe and 2-3 days on La Digue in that case. There is a lot to do and see on Mahe if you want to get out, and a wide choice of beaches to explore.

Many hotels feature private pools, such as the Banyan Tree on Intendenance Beach or some of the hotel hotels mentioned in this post, like the Four Seasons. Certainly, hotels with private pools are generally not in the budget category though. I will be updating this post in the coming days with some more hotel recommendations as I have been asked for this, so stay tuned for an update 🙂

Nunayon Ahisu says

9th May 2019 at 6:20 pm

Thank you so much for this education, i am travelling this may to Seychelles for 7days (surprise my wife), and will love to visit the three major islands, in the other you have advised, but i am confused about how to switch bookings on accomodation, so i could spend quality day & night on these Islands. 1). Considering the customs, and visa issues, i need to book online before arrival a). Should I book for the first 3 nights in Mahe, and the others when arrive b). Must I book all the seven days online before arrival c). Are there other things i need to do online before arrival d). I am actually at a loss on how to handle these bookings

Please advise.

11th May 2019 at 9:00 pm

Hi Nunayon,

My pleasure, it sounds like you have a great trip coming up. I will answer your questions to help you with your trip of course 🙂

a – You definitely need to book your first nights before you arrive. When you arrive in Seychelles, you will be asked by the immigration officer where you are staying, and so you need to have the address or name of your hotel available.

b – I would personally advise booking all your hotels in advance of your arrival, so you can enjoy your trip rather than trying to find somewhere to stay.

c – I do not know where you are travelling from. Most countries I believe have a visa on arrival into the Seychelles, but it is always worth checking. If you are travelling from a nation with Yellow fever or other diseases, you may also need proof of vaccination. These are things you would need to check on the Seychelles immigration website.

d – our preferred website for online booking is booking.com – you can see all the hotels I recommend have links so you can book directly. You can also use the map feature to find properties where you want to be, and filter them by price and all sorts of other features.

I hope this helps – have a lovely trip!

5th May 2019 at 2:21 pm

Thank you for this write up. You have virtually made it so easy. I’m going in August for my honeymoon. Surprising my wife with this trip and this has really helped! Although we are there for 2 weeks. Do you mind recommending more hotels in the locations you listed?

7th May 2019 at 5:32 pm

Our pleasure, and I hope you have a wonderful time! It’s hard to recommend hotels as there is so much variation in price, however I would suggest using the link in the post and refining by budget and location to help. I will also look to add some more suggestions to the post to help people out, across a range of budgets.

5th May 2019 at 9:30 am

Hi Lawrence. Excellent information.

I am planning a trip of 1 week to Seychelles in August 2019. Is August good time to visit?

Are there night clubs in plenty?

I had read somewhere about the transportation (especially bus) from the airport to the city which is not having frequent service. What about taxi service from airport? Is taxi negotiable or there is taxi mafia? Further is there any time limit for the ferries such as last ferry time in the eve so it will be easier to plan accordingly else I would be stuck on an island while my hotel would be on another island.

5th May 2019 at 9:35 am

August is a good month – it is the dry season so you are less likely to get rain, and there is usually a nice south east breeze meaning it won’t be too hot. The only downside is that there can be seaweed on some of the beaches, particularly Grand Anse on Praslin.

There are some nightclubs in the Seychelles, but I would not say plenty – it’s more of a beach destination than a party destination for sure.

There are plenty of buses and they are quite frequent. However, sometimes they won’t let you board with large bags. There are plenty of taxis and usually they are metered, however you can negotiate a fare in advance if you prefer.

There are regular ferries between the main islands, but they do run to a schedule and don’t run all night. However, it’s only really between the three main islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. I think you would definitely want to plan your visit to the islands around the ferry times so as not to be stuck!

Gidraph says

19th April 2019 at 2:11 pm

Hello Great write up and very informative.

Good job!. Never been in Seychelles and have been thinking of it for my honeymoon in early May for like a week.

I like the itinerary guide, sounds a great plan.

Where would you recommend for a hotel? Which is the best airline from Nairobi?

20th April 2019 at 3:27 pm

Hi Gidraph,

So if you follow the itinerary you will see I have put hotel recommendations in. For flights, the only direct flights from Nairobi are with Kenya Airways, so I would recommend those,

have a great time!

SUSANTA GHOSH. says

14th February 2019 at 2:57 pm

IT IS A VERY GOOD ISLAND , I AM AN INDIAN BUT I HAVE BEEN AT SEYCHELLES TOTAL THREE(03) YRS BUT NOT FOR TRAVEL IT WAS JOB AT SPDF.

NAME- SUSANTA GHOSH.

17th February 2019 at 4:34 pm

Thanks for your comment Susanta 🙂

Kristianna says

6th February 2019 at 9:41 pm

Thanks for putting this together, so useful! Have you released the two week guide?

8th February 2019 at 7:55 pm

Hey Kristianna! It’s still on our to-do list. But if I had two weeks, I would probably add in some time visiting some of the other islands like Bird or Denis for a couple of days at least 🙂 If you subscribe to our newsletter you’ll be the first to know when that post goes live 🙂

27th January 2019 at 7:33 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, You guys are amazing, nice write-up. You have given pretty much a proper travel plan, great job. Enjoy your travelling and keep writing.

Good Day! Cheers Rohit

27th January 2019 at 9:45 am

Thanks Rohit – have a great trip 😀

Gaurav says

25th January 2019 at 9:31 am

Dear Laurence & Jessica,

Thanks for sharing such informational Blog!! I am planning to travel to Sechyelles in Feb. ’19 along with my wife and 1 yr kid. Have couple of questions

1). Do we get vegetarian food (preferably Indian Veg Food) in Seychelles? 2). Are there good medical facilities on Praslin and La Digue? This question is more from my kid’s perspective. 3). For renting a car, is International driving licence must ? 4). Is Visa on arrival facility available ? 5). Pls provide more information on other travel options like Bird Island or Denis Island..

25th January 2019 at 2:42 pm

Thanks very much. Sounds like you’ve got a great trip coming up. I’ll try to answer your questions 🙂

1 – Seychelles food is very similar to Indian food, with a lot of curries especially. The main dishes are fish based, but vegetable curries, rice and lentils are also very popular, so you should be fine.

2 – There’s a hospital on Praslin, and a small island hospital on La Digue. However I have never visited or used these facilities so I cannot comment on how good they are. Also, I am not really able to provide advice as to whether they would be suitable for your child

3 – For renting a car I believe you only need a license to be written in a Latin language like English, rather than something like Chinese or Russian characters. So generally an IDP should not be necessary. However you can always check with the car rental agency if you are not sure

4 – The visa system for Seychelles is generally issued on arrival. I will guess you have an Indian passport based on your food preference 🙂 So you do not need a visa – the tourist visa valid for 30 days will be issued on arrival. You just need proof of onward transportation, proof of booked accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds to support your stay. You can see more advice here: http://www.mfa.gov.sc/static.php?content_id=1

5 – There are lots more options depending on your interests and we plan to write more content about these, however we’ve not had time as yet unfortunately. Bird and Denis are both lovely islands, they are very quiet though, and more for lovers of nature who just want to relax, as there is not much to do other than enjoy nature and the beach.

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

28th January 2019 at 7:28 am

Thanks for the quick revert. The information provided by you is really helpful!..Wish you all the best for your blogs..!!

9th January 2019 at 1:18 pm

Lovely in depth article. My visit to Seychelles includes a Sunday in between. Is mahe shut on Sundays?

9th January 2019 at 1:19 pm

Thanks Rohit! So the beaches and so on are all open (and popular!) on Sundays. However, many shops and attractions will be closed. It’s best to check individual attractions that you want to visit to see if their opening hours are different on a Sunday.

Have a wonderful trip, and let us know if you have any more questions!

Archana says

19th November 2018 at 12:45 pm

Hi Lawrence , Excellent Information . We will be visiting in January 2019 for one week . Plan is 3 nights Praslin 1 night La digue and 3 nights Mahe. Please suggest good options for stay with self catering apartments/airbnb

20th November 2018 at 12:12 pm

Hey Archana!

Thanks very much 🙂

Our suggestions for accommodation are in the post in the section under where to stay ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/visiting-the-seychelles-a-1-week-seychelles-itinerary/#Where-to-Stay-in-the-Seychelles )

We haven’t personally stayed in a self-catering on Praslin so don’t have first hand experience to share, although there are lots of options to choose from. On Mahe, we recommend Villa Kordia , and on La Digue we stayed at Oceane Self Catering , both of which are self catering 🙂

Ajith Menon says

21st September 2018 at 9:22 am

Excellent information. This was exactly what I was looking for my Seychelles holiday. Thanks much

21st September 2018 at 2:11 pm

Our pleasure Ajith – have a lovely trip!

22nd September 2018 at 5:55 am

Hi Lawrence,

If I need to do a 9 day or 10 day stay what would you recommend. For e.g. 4 days Mahe, 3 days Praslin and 2-3 days in La Digue. Thanks for your help.

26th September 2018 at 4:41 am

To be honest, with 9 or 10 days I would add on one of the other islands, like Bird Island or Denis Island. These are worth a couple of days, and are quite different from the other islands, so are definitely worth considering 🙂

Have a great trip 🙂

Lombok Wander says

25th June 2018 at 8:57 am

Nice beach and nice view !

25th June 2018 at 9:26 pm

17th June 2018 at 4:14 am

Excellent write-up! And surprisingly, it doesn’t seem as expensive as I first thought it was.

17th June 2018 at 11:53 pm

Thanks very much Scott! It can definitely be done on a reasonable budget, especially if you don’t go crazy with the high end hotels 😀

Solomon pindar maiva says

20th September 2019 at 12:37 am

Very nice beach, and a place to be, I wish to leave there.

20th September 2019 at 8:50 am

I hope you do 🙂

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Seychelles Travel Guide

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Whether you are looking for the best travel time, packing lists, or day-to-day information about shopping, transfers, or flight, the travel info section contains numerous hints and tips for your Seychelles holiday!

At A Glance

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History of the Seychelles

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Population and People

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Seychelles - even the name alone evokes ideas of a remote island paradise, lined with palm trees, white sand, and turquoise ocean; of never-ending summer, a lightness of being, tropical scents, colours, and flavours. While all these things ring true, the Seychelles are so much more than that, being a truly varied and multi-faceted holiday destination.

Top 10 Beaches

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Powdery fine, white sand, round boulder formations, crystal-clear water, and lush green palm trees: the beaches of the Seychelles are some of the most beautiful in the world, and will win over anyone who pays them a visit.

Flora, Fauna & Nature

The Coral Islands

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Environment & Conservation

Uninhabited until the 18th century, the Seychelles spawned a rich variety of flora and fauna, most of which has survived the test of time. Thanks to its isolation, many species have thrived here where they did not elsewhere, giving the Seychelles a unique heritage of flora and fauna species for you to enjoy.

The Islands

The Inner Islands

Outer Islands

The 115 granite and coral islands of the Seychelles are spread out across an enormous 1,000,000 km² area of the Indian Ocean, just south of the equator. These islands are divided into two categories: the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands.

Things to Do

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The Seychelles are a varied, well-rounded holiday destination, with plenty of restaurants, sights and sounds, activities, and excursions for you to enjoy!

Configure your personalised island hopping package!

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Seychelles - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Seychelles.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Seychelles.

If you decide to travel to Seychelles:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Seychelles.
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• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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Embassies and Consulates

There is no U.S. consular presence in Seychelles. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius if you need consular assistance while in Seychelles.

U.S. Embassy Port Louis 4th Floor, Rogers House John Kennedy Street Port Louis, Mauritius Telephone:  +(230) 202-4400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(230) 202-4400 Fax:  +(230) 208-9534 Email:   [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Requirements for Entry:

• Visitor's Permit
• Onward/return ticket
• Sufficient funds and confirmed accommodation

Visas:  Seychelles is a visa-free country, however, a  visitor’s permit  will be obtained upon arrival if you meet certain criteria and can show:

• a valid return or onward ticket for duration of the visit;
• confirmed accommodation, OR invitation letter, if staying with friends or relatives; and
• sufficient funds for duration of the stay.

Visit the  Department of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Seychelles website for the most current entry information.

Prohibited items and those items requiring permits include:  

• pharmaceuticals
• radio equipment
• any fruits or vegetables

See the  Seychelles Revenue Commission web page for further information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors on short-term stays in Seychelles. Expatriate workers with HIV/AIDS are subject to screenings and are required to regularly report to the Ministry of Health for treatment throughout the duration of residence in Seychelles.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Precautions:

• Keep valuables locked in hotel room safe.
• Be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
• Be alert while driving, especially at night, as there are minimal street lights.
• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
• Never swim or snorkel alone.
• Be aware of currents, rip tides, and tide levels as they can change seasonally and/or instantaneously.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local news broadcasts, and  consular messages .

Piracy:  Attacks have occurred in coastal waters surrounding the outer islands and, in some cases, farther out at sea. See  MARAD’s  page for advisories.

Marine hazards:  Do not fish, swim, or snorkel alone. Always seek expert local advice about which areas are deemed safe for swimming, as this can differ based on seasonal weather patterns and time of day. Many beaches have varying strong/rip currents.  Most beaches do not have a regular lifeguard presence.

Crime:  Muggings and petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing are reportedly on the increase and can be a problem especially in and around tourist facilities and ATMs. Theft from vehicles and on beaches or walking trails occurs in areas frequented by foreigners.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

•  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius and the Police.
•  Report crimes to the local police (Dial 999) and contact the U.S. Embassy Port Louis at +(230) 202-4400, during business hours or after hours for life and death emergencies: +(230) 202-4400, press one (1) after the automated greeting.
• Dial 999 to contact the police in an emergency throughout the Seychelles and for ambulance service on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
• See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Consular Agency and/or the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry has regulations for certain activities, although safety inspections for equipment and facilities may not always be carried out regularly.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified in support of organized activities either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. First responders are generally unable to access more remote islands to provide urgent medical treatment, and emergency facilities and/or medical personnel on individual islands vary, or may not exist at all. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance and verify that operators are licensed prior to engaging their services for special activities. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. You may have difficulties at immigration if you are traveling with military clothing or arms/ammunition.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consular Agency or U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Beach wear:  Topless sunbathing is acceptable on certain beaches. Nudism is not permitted.

Phone Service:  Cellular phones are in widespread use on the main islands, and service is generally adequate, though there are coverage gaps in some remote areas. Local SIM cards can be purchased by tourists to use with a compatible cell phone.

Currency:  The Seychellois Rupee (SCR) is the currency of the Seychelles. In some instances, tourists can pay for goods and services in U.S. dollars or other hard currency. ATMs are available at the international airport and around the major tourist destinations of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, but they dispense only Seychellois Rupees. Credit cards are not necessarily widely accepted outside of resorts. Gas stations and smaller, more remote outlets usually only accept cash.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  While consensual same sex relations are legal in the Seychelles, LGBTI persons have reported instances of discrimination.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section six of our  Human Rights report for further details. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks. Most buildings lack functioning elevators.

Students:   See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. All care providers expect payment in Seychellois Rupees.  

Consult the  CDC website for the Seychelles  prior to travel. Medical facilities are limited, especially on isolated islands. The main hospital, including accident and emergency services, is in Victoria (telephone: + 248 -4388-000). Recommendations:

• Carry prescription medication in original packaging.
• Verify with  Seychelles Customs  that your medications are legal before you travel.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue Fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Please note that passengers may be quarantined during seasonal plague outbreaks IF you are travelling from plague-infected countries.

HIV/AIDS:  HIV/AIDS prevalence is increasing among the population, especially tied to intravenous drug use.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is only practical on the islands of Mahé and Praslin. Roads on both islands are narrow and wind steeply over mountains, often with sheer drops and hairpin bends. Many roads are not well-maintained, have minimal lighting, and many drivers do not necessarily adhere to traffic regulations. Traffic safety is hazardous due to a lack of safety barriers and inadequate street lighting. Avoid remote roads, particularly at night.  Drunk-driving is a problem, so be particularly aware of other road users who may behave recklessly.

Traffic Laws:  You will need an international driving permit to drive in the Seychelles. Cars drive on the left. Drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Car rentals are available. Most car rental companies will include an excess as part of the rental fee, which will cover a certain amount of damage. It is advisable to clarify this with your car rental company, as it may be possible to purchase higher excess amounts.  You may not be able to purchase short-term car insurance with local insurance companies.

Accidents: In the event of an automobile accident, remain at the scene until the police arrive.

Public Transportation:

Buses: Services are infrequent on some routes, tend to be crowded during rush hours, and may require a transfer. On the islands of Mahé and Praslin, buses operate from early morning to early evening. A timetable is available from the bus station in Victoria.

Taxis:  Negotiate the fare before beginning your journey. Some taxis are not metered, so confirm with your hotel about fares you should expect on trips.

Ferry/Water Transport:  Most of the inner islands are accessible by boat or ferry; there are also a number of day trips available to tourists. Check that there is sufficient safety equipment including life jackets and ship to shore radio.  Travel by ship to the outer islands including the Amirantes, Cosmoledo and Aldabra groups requires prior approval from the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Seychelles’  national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Seychelles, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Seychelles’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Seychelles should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website (https:homeport.uscg.mil ), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website  https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal   select “broadcast warnings.”

The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Seychelles ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Seychelles. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Seychelles should exercise increased caution.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

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Blue whales: first discovery near Seychelles in decades – what our study found

Associate Professor, Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, Florida International University

Disclosure statement

Jeremy Kiszka receives funding from Save our Seas Foundation.

Florida International University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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Blue whales are fascinating animals. At 24-30 metres in length (longer than a basketball court) they are the largest creatures on Earth. They are also among the rarest. Estimates suggest that there are only around 5,000 to 15,000 blue whales left in the world.

Their populations experienced a 89-97% decline due to commercial whaling activities worldwide that started in the North Atlantic in 1868. Blue whales were primarily valued for their blubber, transformed into oil and used in cosmetics and soap, for the lubrication of industrial equipment, and as lamp oil. In 1978, the last deliberate capture of a blue whale was recorded off Spain.

Today, blue whales are found in all oceans except the Arctic. They usually migrate from their summer feeding grounds where they almost exclusively feed on krill to their winter breeding grounds. However, their migration patterns are still poorly understood, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where limited research has been conducted.

Historically, the Seychelles archipelago – off the coast of east Africa – was an opportunistic whaling ground for Soviet whaling fleets en route to and from the Antarctic. In the waters of the northern Indian Ocean, whalers illegally killed more than 1,200 blue whales, including 500 near the Seychelles, between 1963 and 1966.

Since then, no dedicated research had occurred to assess the abundance of blue whales in this region until 2020, when I partnered with the University of Seychelles, Oceanic Films (UK) and my colleague, Kate Stafford , to investigate.

We carried out two expeditions in November 2020 and 2021. After surveying about 5,500km across the northern Seychelles, we had a total of five sightings of up to 10 blue whales.

This was a phenomenal finding. We were prepared to not see any blue whales due to the high level of hunting that occurred fairly recently and absolutely no information was available since the last blue whale was killed in the region in 1964.

When blue whales were sighted, we approached them slowly to obtain details of their group size and behaviour. Photographs of both left and right sides of the dorsal region were taken to identify them.

Because colouration patterns are unique to each animal, we knew that at least five individuals were identified during this expedition.

After sharing our pictures with other research groups working on blue whales in the Indian Ocean, no “match” was found. This means the whales we identified in Seychelles might have been photographed for the first time ever!

Even though blue whales are no longer hunted and are protected by several international conventions, they are still listed as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. They face a range of threats. For instance, shipping traffic causes noise pollution that can alter communication and lead to collisions. Climate change is also affecting the distribution and abundance of their key food, krill.

Finding the whales

The blue whale’s vast oceanic habitat and elusive nature make them incredibly challenging to study. Moreover, their deep dives and extensive migrations spanning thousands of kilometres present logistical hurdles for researchers aiming to track their movements and behaviour.

Understanding their ecology, population dynamics and conservation therefore requires innovative and resource-intensive research methods, such as systematic surveys from large vessels or planes to assess their abundance or satellite tagging to investigate their movements and migrations.

Our expeditions consisted of vessel-based visual surveys that focused on the deep waters (500−2,000 metres) off the northern portion of the Mahé Plateau.

In addition, for over a year, we placed a hydrophone (an underwater microphone capable of recording whale vocalisations) in an area where blue whales were likely to occur. This allowed us to confirm that blue whales in Seychelles were more common than we thought but highly seasonal (even though we recorded blue whale calls throughout the year), primarily from December to April.

This method also revealed that our expeditions (in November of 2020 and 2021) did not occur when blue whales were the most abundant. It means that our future surveys will have to take place during the months of March and April, when their abundance is at its peak.

Their songs matched those of blue whales recorded near Sri Lanka (about 3,100km from Seychelles), in the central tropical Indian Ocean. The seasonality in Seychelles is similar to the presence of blue whales in Sri Lanka, which is also highest from December to April.

After spending five weeks scanning the ocean, we recorded a total of 23 species of whales and dolphins in 30 days of active search effort, which is remarkable.

We recorded over 100 sightings of Bryde’s whales ( Balaenoptera edeni ), a non-migrating whale species exclusively living in tropical and subtropical waters, but also many sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus ) and beaked whales. The presence of all these species in Seychelles suggests that the environment is productive enough to support large quantities of cetaceans. We will further investigate this in the future, particularly to ensure that these extraordinary animals, including blue whales, persist in these waters.

Of the four subspecies of blue whale that we know exist, three are known to be present in the Indian Ocean. We believe that the pygmy blue whale is the subspecies visiting Seychelles, based on the physical characteristics of the animals we observed and, most importantly, the nature of their call.

The pygmy blue whale is generally smaller than other subspecies. It typically reaches lengths of around 21-24 metres. Other blue whale subspecies, such as the Antarctic blue whale, can grow to 30 metres or more. The pygmy blue whale is primarily found in the southern hemisphere and has acoustic characteristics that are distinct from others, particularly Antarctic blue whales.

What’s next?

Because of our blue whale discoveries, we have engaged with local tourism operators and the government, particularly to identify measures to limit the impact of the potential development of whale watching as an activity. These are positive steps towards their conservation. The involvement of local students at the University of Seychelles and young researchers is also critical for the long-term sustainability of research and conservation initiatives.

We still know so little about blue whales. But the data collected in Seychelles gives us hope and encourages us to do more.

We now need to increase our research efforts to assess the abundance of these blue whales in Seychelles and discover why they are using Seychelles’ waters. Do they just breed or feed in these waters, or both?

We also want to gain further insights into what they eat and how the changing climate is affecting their distribution and behaviour in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

• Climate change
• Indian Ocean
• Marine mammals

Project Offier - Diversity & Inclusion

Senior Lecturer - Earth System Science

Sydney Horizon Educators (Identified)

Deputy Social Media Producer

Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy