SEYCHELLES

Seychelles, an idyllic archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, is a tropical haven of 115 islands, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, lush granite formations, and vibrant marine life. Its unique blend of African, European, and Asian influences adds to its charm.

Region: East Africa (Indian Ocean)

Capital: Victoria

Official Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise normal safety precautions. Crime levels are low, but petty theft can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be mindful of strong currents on some beaches.

A map of Africa with Seychelles highlighted.

Why Visit Seychelles?

Postcard-Perfect Beaches: Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking white-sand beaches with turquoise waters.

Unique Biodiversity: Explore rare flora and fauna and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Island Hopping Paradise: With over 100 islands, each offers something new—from jungle-covered granite peaks to remote, untouched atolls.

A white sand beach with granite rock formations and a flag, under a blue sky with clouds.

Authentic Creole Culture: Discover local music, cuisine, and island hospitality

Year-Round Tropical Climate: Warm and sunny all year (~77–88°F / 25–31°C) with only short, occasional rain showers.

Eco-Luxury Travel: Many resorts prioritize sustainability, offering barefoot luxury with minimal environmental impact.

A secluded beach with clear turquoise water, white sand, and large granite boulders.

Essential Trip Information

All nationalities should consult the official Seychelles Immigration website for up-to-date visa and entry requirements: https://www.ics.gov.sc

Visa-free entry for most nationalities, but Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival for up to 30 days (extendable).

Must present: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), proof of accommodation, return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds (~US$150/day).

Online Health Travel Authorization (HTA) required before arrival. Apply at least 72 hours in advance.

  • The official currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR).

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount to SCR; avoid converting large sums at home (poor rates).

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at banks (Barclays, MCB); Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, larger shops, and restaurants.

  • Cash is essential for local guesthouses, island ferries, and market stalls.

  • What to Avoid: Airport exchange counters (low rates), and using foreign currency in shops (legally not allowed in most cases, though some may accept USD or EUR).

Creole (Seselwa) is the native language.

English and French are both official and widely spoken.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Bonzour” – Good morning
  • “Mersi” – Thank you
  • “Kot ou alé?” – Where are you going?

Generally very safe, with low crime levels.

Petty theft can happen – don’t leave valuables unattended at the beach.

Avoid walking in isolated areas at night alone.

Emergency number: 999 (police), 151 (ambulance)

No vaccines required for entry (unless arriving from a yellow fever area).

Bring mosquito repellent – dengue can occur.

Travel insurance recommended – healthcare can be costly and limited.

Pharmacies available on Mahé and Praslin. Tap water may be safe in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended.

Inter-island ferries: Regular services between Mahé, Praslin & La Digue (~US$15–60).

Domestic flights: Mahé to Praslin (15 mins, ~US$100–150 round trip).

Car rental on Mahé & Praslin: Best for flexibility; drive on the left.

Buses: Reliable and cheap, though limited service at night.

Bikes: Ideal for exploring La Digue.

Seychelles is generally expensive, especially on resort islands. However, budget options exist on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses & self-catering (~US$60–120/night)

  • Mid-range: Boutique hotels & B&Bs (~US$150–250/night)

  • Luxury: High-end resorts & private islands (US$400+/night)

Food

  • Takeaway Creole stalls: ~US$5–10

  • Casual restaurants: ~US$15–30/person

  • Fine dining/resorts: ~US$60+/person

Drinks

  • Beer (local): US$3–5

  • Cocktails: US$10–15

  • Water bottle: US$1–2 (tap water not always recommended)

Transportation

  • Bus (Mahé & Praslin): ~US$0.50/ride

  • Taxi: Expensive – minimum fare ~US$15–20

  • Bicycle rental (La Digue): ~US$8–12/day

  • Car rental: ~US$40–60/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Stay in guesthouses – many include meals.

  • Use public buses (cheap and scenic).

  • Eat at “Takeaway” stalls or shop in local supermarkets.

  • Choose non-resort beaches – most are public and free.

Explore Seychelles

Consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its surreal granite boulders, soft white sand, and shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and photography. It is located on the southwest coast of La Digue Island.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient palm forest is a primeval paradise, home to the unique Coco de Mer palm (producing the world’s largest seed) and the rare black parrot. It is centrally located on Praslin Island.

Another postcard-perfect beach with golden sands, clear blue waters, and striking granite formations, often considered one of the best beaches on Praslin for swimming and snorkeling. It is situated on the northwest coast of Praslin Island.

The largest national park in Seychelles, covering over 20% of Mahé, offering lush rainforest trails, diverse flora and fauna, and the highest peak, Morne Seychellois, providing panoramic views. It encompasses a significant central portion of Mahé Island.

A popular and lively crescent of white sand on Mahé, known for its safe swimming, water sports, and a wide array of restaurants and guesthouses, making it a hub for both locals and tourists. It is located on the northwest coast of Mahé Island.

A tiny, picturesque granite islet surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and capturing iconic Seychelles photos. It is located just off the coast of Praslin, near Curieuse Island.

A protected nature reserve and former leper colony, now home to hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises that visitors can interact with, alongside beautiful beaches and mangroves. It is a small island located just north of Praslin.

A remote, untouched UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s second-largest coral atoll, renowned for its isolation and vast population of giant tortoises, a true natural wonder for serious nature enthusiasts. It is part of the Outer Islands, located far southwest of Mahé.

One of the smallest capital cities in the world, offering a charming glimpse into Seychellois life with its colorful market, the Victoria Clock Tower (a replica of London’s Big Ben), and the Botanical Gardens. It is the capital city, located on Mahé Island.

Seychelles’ first marine park, comprising six small islands just off Mahé, offering incredible snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours to explore its rich underwater world. It is located a short boat ride east of Victoria, Mahé.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lower Prices (outside of holiday periods)
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Lush, Green Landscapes
  • Warmest Ocean Temperatures (around 82-84ºF/28-29ºC)
  • Excellent Visibility for Diving and Snorkeling (less wind, calmer seas)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Highest Rainfall (expect daily short, heavy showers, especially December-January)
  • Higher Humidity
  • Potential for Tropical Storms (though direct hits are rare, it’s the cyclone season)
  • Some areas might experience more seaweed on beaches due to changing currents

Key Regions:

  • Mahé: Enjoy the capital, Victoria, and popular beaches like Beau Vallon, which can still be pleasant between showers.
  • Praslin: Great for exploring Vallée de Mai with vibrant vegetation.
     
  • La Digue: Quieter, allowing for peaceful exploration of its iconic beaches.
  • Inner Islands (for diving): Optimal underwater visibility during this period.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (warm, less wind, calm seas, temperatures around 81-84ºF/27-29ºC)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Excellent for Water Activities (diving, snorkeling, swimming, visibility often at its best)
     
  • Good for Birdwatching (some migratory species still present)
  • Whale Shark Season (late October – November)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Can be quite hot and humid with less breeze
  • Prices start to rise towards peak season in April and November
  • Some beaches might experience seaweed depending on the specific wind direction at the time

Key Regions:

  • Mahé, Praslin, La Digue: All islands are excellent for all activities, with calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Outer Islands: Great for diving and exploring remote atolls.
     
  • Bird Island/Denis Island: Excellent for birdwatching as migratory birds pass through.
  • Southeast Monsoon/Dry Season (May – September):
  • Late December – Early January

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A friendly “Bonjour” (French) or “Hello” (English) is appreciated.

Dress Code: Swimwear is for beaches only—cover up in towns/villages.

Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants if service isn’t included.

Nature Respect: Do not touch wildlife (turtles, giant tortoises).

Slow Pace: Island time is real—patience is key for service.

Accommodation: Guesthouses (US$80–150), mid-range (US$200–400), luxury (US$600–2000+).

Food: Takeaway “snacks” (US$5–8), casual meals (US$12–25), resort dining (US$40+).

Transport: Inter-island ferry (US$15–50), car rental (US$50/day), taxi (US$20 avg per trip).

Activities: Beach is free; nature parks and reserves charge US$10–25. Diving trips ~US$80–150.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$100–150 (guesthouse, local food, buses/ferries).

  • Mid-range: US$200–350 (hotel, mix of dining, rentals, excursions).

  • Luxury: US$500+ (resorts, fine dining, private tours).

Wi-Fi: Free at most hotels, but can be slow on remote islands.

SIM Cards: Cable & Wireless or Airtel at Mahé airport (~US$20 for 10GB data).

eSIM: Available through Airalo or Nomad for coverage across islands.

Highly recommended for:

  • Medical emergencies (no public healthcare for tourists).
  • Flight/ferry delays—weather can disrupt transport.
  • Lost luggage or gear (especially for divers/photographers).

Check if your policy covers activities like scuba diving or sailing.

Emergency evacuation may require airlift—coverage is crucial.

From eco-lodges to ultra-luxury resorts, Seychelles caters to all budgets.

Luxury Resorts:

  • Four Seasons, Raffles, or Six Senses (US$800–2,000/night, private beaches).
  • Villas with ocean views (US$400–1,000/night, great for groups).

Mid-Range:

  • Beachfront guesthouses (US$150–300/night, common on La Digue).
  • Boutique hotels (US$200–400/night, e.g., Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie).

Budget:

  • Self-catering apartments (US$80–150/night, especially on Mahé).
  • Hostels are rare—opt for small family-run lodges.

Tip: Stay on multiple islands—Mahé for convenience, La Digue for charm.

The islands are small but require planning due to limited public transport.

Domestic Flights:

  • Air Seychelles connects Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue (15–30 min flights, ~US$100–200 roundtrip).
  • Helicopter transfers available for luxury stays (US$500+).

Ferries:

  • Cat Cocos (Mahé–Praslin, ~1 hour, US$60–80 roundtrip).
  • Inter-Island Ferries (Praslin–La Digue, ~15 min, US$20–30 roundtrip).

Buses (Mahé & Praslin):

  • Cheap (US$0.50–1 per ride) but infrequent—check schedules.

Car Rentals:

  • Recommended for Mahé & Praslin (US$50–80/day). Drive on the left!
  • No cars on La Digue—bikes or ox-carts only (US$10–15/day).

Taxis:

  • Expensive (US$30–50 for short trips). Negotiate fares beforehand.

Tip: Pre-book inter-island ferries in peak season to avoid sell-outs.

Handy Tips

Seychelles uses the Seychellois Rupee (SCR), but US Dollars (US$) are widely accepted, especially in tourism-related establishments.

  • Exchanging Currency: Use official banks or ATMs for better exchange rates; avoid airport kiosks and hotel desks due to poor rates.

  • Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Carry cash for taxis, local markets, and smaller guesthouses.

  • Tipping Etiquette:

    • Restaurants/Bars: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up or 5–10% is enough.

    • Taxis: No formal tipping, but rounding up is common.

    • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters, US$2–5 per night for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: Around US$5–10 per person for day tours.

The official languages are English, French, and Seychellois Creole (Kreol Seselwa). English is widely spoken, especially in tourism areas.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Bonzour” – Good morning (Creole)

  • “Ki mannyer?” – How are you?

  • “How much is this?” – “Konbyen sa i kout?”

  • “Where is the beach?” – “Kot la lanmer?”

Pro Tip: Locals are warm and friendly—greetings go a long way!

Seychelles is generally very safe, with low crime rates. Still, practice basic precautions, especially at night or in isolated beach areas.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 999: Police
  • 151: Ambulance
  • 112: International emergency (from mobile phones)
  • Keep your embassy’s contact saved if applicable.

Seychelles uses 240V/50Hz with Type G plugs (same as the UK). Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug type. Voltage converters are rarely needed for modern electronics.

Tap water is treated and safe in most places, especially hotels and resorts. However, bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs or when traveling to remote islands.

Most shops and offices close on public holidays. Note that many holidays reflect religious and cultural diversity:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 1 May: Labour Day

  • 5 Jun: Liberation Day

  • 18 Jun: Constitution Day

  • 29 Jun: Independence Day

  • 15 Aug: Assumption of Mary

  • 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day

  • 8 Dec: Immaculate Conception

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

  • Easter Monday and Corpus Christi (dates vary)

Stores: Typically open 08:00–17:00 on weekdays, closing earlier on Saturdays; closed Sundays.

Supermarkets: Some open until 20:00.

Craft Markets: Best visited in the morning, especially Victoria Market (Mon–Sat).

Grilled Fish: Often red snapper or jobfish, simply seasoned and grilled fresh.

Octopus Curry: A rich Creole dish made with coconut milk and spices.

Shark Chutney: A mash of shark meat with bilimbi and lime—unique and tangy.

Ladob Salé: Breadfruit and salted fish cooked in coconut milk.

Smoked Fish Salad: Typically made with kingfish or sailfish, tossed with lime and chilies.

Coconut Fish Stew: Fish cooked with curry leaves and coconut cream.

Bat Curry: A delicacy from the outer islands (for the adventurous eater).

Ladob Dou: Sweetened version of ladob with ripe plantain, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk.

Banana Fritters: Deep-fried and drizzled with local honey.

Coconut Nougat: Sticky, sweet coconut squares.

Tapioca Pudding: Cooked in coconut milk and flavored with vanilla or cinnamon.

Alcoholic:

  • Seybrew Lager: The local beer—light, crisp, and great for beach sipping.

  • Eku Beer: A stronger lager brewed locally with a richer flavor.

  • Calou: A traditional palm wine made from fermented coconut sap.

  • Baka: A stronger distilled spirit made from sugarcane.

  • Takamaka Rum: Award-winning rum made on Mahé—try the coconut or spiced version.

  • Takamaka Dark Spiced Rum: Smooth and flavorful—best served on ice.

  • Coco d’Amour: A creamy coconut liqueur that’s uniquely Seychellois.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Fresh Coconut Water: Often served straight from the fruit on beaches.

  • Citronelle Tea: Lemongrass herbal infusion, calming and aromatic.

  • Bissap Juice: Made from hibiscus flowers—sweet, tangy, and refreshing.

  • Local Fruit Smoothies: Try papaya, mango, or soursop blends.

  • Tropical Iced Tea: Infused with pineapple or passionfruit for an island twist.

Victoria Clocktower – A small but symbolic Big Ben replica in the capital.

Sir Selwyn Clarke Market – Bustling local market in Victoria.

Aride Island Nature Reserve – A pristine haven for rare birds and flora.

L’Union Estate (La Digue) – Colonial plantation house and vanilla farm.

Aldabra Atoll (UNESCO site) – Remote coral atoll and giant tortoise habitat.

Creole Architecture – Colorful homes with decorative fretwork.

Mission Lodge Lookout – Old missionary site with panoramic views.

National Museum of History – Explore Seychelles’ past and cultural fusion.

Coco de Mer Palm – Unique double-lobed coconut, found on Praslin.

Local Art Galleries – Visit places like Michael Adams Studio.

Beau Vallon Beach – Snorkeling, jet-skiing, or just lazing under a takamaka tree.

Island-Hopping – Take boat trips to La Digue, Praslin, and smaller islands.

Snorkeling and Diving – Explore marine parks like St. Anne or Coco Island.

Hiking Morne Blanc – Rewarding views over Mahé.

Botanic Gardens in Victoria – Giant tortoises and rare palms.

Creole Culture Night – Enjoy dance, food, and music in Mahé or Praslin.

Turtle Watching – Seasonal nesting on islands like Curieuse or North Island.

Sunset Cruises – Sail along the coast with a rum punch in hand.

Fishing Trips – Seychelles is world-renowned for deep-sea fishing.

Spa Day – Luxury spas in resorts like Kempinski or Raffles.

The Boardwalk: Popular bar on Eden Island with sea views and DJ nights.

Takamaka Bay Rum Distillery Bar: Sip locally made rum in a lush garden.

Katiolo Nightclub: Mahé’s legendary open-air Creole dance club.

Boat House: Iconic beach bar offering Creole buffets and rum punches.

Trader Vic’s (Eden Bleu Hotel): Polynesian-themed cocktails and global menu.

Le Perle Noire: Sophisticated bar with tropical cocktails near Beau Vallon.

Club Liberté: Casino lounge and bar in the south of Mahé—chic and lively.

Chatterbox: Victoria cafe-bar hybrid for a chill evening with live acoustic sets.

La Plaine St. André: Colonial estate turned rum lounge with history and character.

Tequila Boom: For late-night dancing and local DJs, a favorite among young locals.