Seychelles

Floating in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a breathtaking archipelago of 115 islands that offers more than just postcard-perfect beaches. Located off the eastern coast of Africa, northeast of Madagascar, this island nation has a history shaped by explorers, pirates, colonial powers, and diverse migrations. Originally uninhabited, Seychelles was discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and later colonized by the French and British. Today, it boasts a unique Creole culture influenced by African, European, and Asian heritage.

Geographically, Seychelles is divided into granitic inner islands—home to most of the population and infrastructure—and the outer coral islands, which are remote and mostly uninhabited. With average temperatures ranging from 79ºF (26ºC) to 88ºF (31ºC) year-round, the climate is ideal for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The nation is a biodiversity haven, with lush rainforests, endemic birds, and the famous coco de mer palm. Whether you’re seeking luxury, seclusion, or adventure, Seychelles offers an unforgettable island experience.

Why Visit Seychelles?

Postcard-Perfect Beaches: From Anse Lazio to Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking white-sand beaches with turquoise waters.

Unique Biodiversity: Explore rare flora and fauna in Vallée de Mai (UNESCO-listed) 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.

Authentic Creole Culture: Discover local music, cuisine, and island hospitality—especially in small guesthouses and village markets.

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.

Smart Travel: Off-Season Deals & Delights

Key Advantages:

Lowest Prices: Flights and accommodation rates, particularly outside of the Christmas and New Year holiday period, are at their absolute lowest.
Fewer Crowds: Popular beaches, national parks, and dive sites are significantly less crowded, offering a more intimate and serene experience.
Authentic Local Vibe: Experience the Seychelles like a local, with more opportunities to interact with residents and enjoy the islands’ natural beauty without the throngs of tourists.
Lush Green Landscapes: The monsoon rains bring out the vibrant greenery of the islands, making for stunning photographic opportunities.
Calm Seas (Specific Areas): While it’s the rainy season, the winds shift, making some areas (like Beau Vallon on Mahé) particularly calm and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Main Drawbacks:

Rainfall: This is the wettest period, with short, intense downpours common. While usually brief, they can occasionally last longer.
Humidity: High humidity can be uncomfortable for some travelers.
Rougher Seas (Specific Areas): Depending on the prevailing winds, some coastal areas might experience rougher seas, potentially affecting boat trips or water sports.
Mosquitoes: Increased rainfall can lead to more mosquitoes, so insect repellent is a must.
Some Closures: A very limited number of smaller, seasonal establishments or tours might have reduced operations or be closed.

Key Regions:

Mahé: The largest island, Mahé, offers a variety of attractions that are enjoyable even with rain. Explore Victoria’s local market, visit the Botanical Garden, or enjoy the quieter beaches like Beau Vallon, which is often sheltered during this period.
Praslin: Discover the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage site with fewer visitors, marveling at the unique Coco de Mer. Beaches like Anse Lazio, though potentially affected by seaweed depending on currents, will be far less crowded.
La Digue: Embrace the slower pace of La Digue. Rent a bicycle and explore the island’s charming villages and stunning, less crowded beaches. While boat trips to surrounding islands might be weather-dependent, the island itself offers a tranquil retreat.
Inner Islands (excluding resort-specific closures): Many of the smaller inner islands, particularly those with resort accommodations, remain beautiful and offer a truly exclusive experience with significantly fewer day-trippers.

Key Advantages:

Ideal Weather: Pleasant temperatures, less humidity, and generally calmer seas compared to the monsoon or peak season.
Manageable Crowds: Tourist numbers are lower than in the peak dry season, but attractions are fully open and vibrant.
Reasonable Prices: Flights and accommodation are more affordable than in the peak dry season, though slightly higher than the deep monsoon.
Excellent for Diving/Snorkeling: The seas are typically calm with good visibility, making these months ideal for underwater activities.
Nature at its Best: The transition between seasons often means lush landscapes and abundant marine life.

Main Drawbacks:

Transitional Weather: While generally good, weather can be a bit unpredictable as it transitions between seasons, with a chance of brief showers.
Slightly Higher Prices than Monsoon: While good value, prices are not at their absolute lowest as in the monsoon season.
Potential for Seaweed: Depending on ocean currents and the specific beach, there might be some seaweed accumulation, though less prevalent than in certain peak season months.

Key Regions:

All Islands: These shoulder months are fantastic for exploring any of the Seychelles islands.
Mahé: Enjoy hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park, exploring secluded coves, and experiencing Victoria without the intense summer heat or monsoon rains.
Praslin & La Digue: Perfect for beach hopping, snorkeling, and diving around these iconic islands. The calmer seas make boat excursions more reliable.
Outer Islands: For those seeking more remote experiences, these months often provide optimal conditions for reaching and exploring the outer islands, offering incredible diving and wildlife encounters.

Dry Season (June – September): This is Seychelles’ peak tourist season. Prices for flights and accommodation are at their highest, and popular attractions, especially beaches and dive sites, will be crowded. While the weather is generally dry and sunny with cooler temperatures, and the southeastern trade winds bring relief, the value for money is significantly lower. These winds can also lead to more seaweed accumulation on certain beaches (e.g., Anse Lazio on Praslin, some parts of Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue).

Christmas and New Year Holiday Period (late December – early January): While festive, this period sees an extreme surge in prices and crowds, especially in popular resorts and on the main islands. Booking well in advance is essential if you plan to travel during this time.

Ready To Experience Your Perfect Gateaway?

Essential Trip Information

Visa and Entry Requirements

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.

Currency

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).

Language

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?

Safety and Security

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)

Health & Insurance

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.

Transportation

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.

Price Level

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

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit

Seychelles enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, but weather and crowds vary by season.

Dry Season (May–October):

Ideal for beach activities with cooler breezes and low humidity (75–85°F / 24–29°C).
Peak tourist season (June–August) means higher prices—book flights and hotels early.
Best for diving/snorkeling (calm seas, excellent visibility).

Wet Season (November–April):

Hotter (80–88°F / 27–31°C) with higher humidity and short tropical showers.
Fewer tourists and lower prices, but some resorts close for renovations.
December–January: Brief rain showers but still great for relaxation.
Avoid March–April: Hottest months with higher rainfall.

Tip: May or October offers the best balance of weather, affordability, and fewer crowds.

Local Customs And Etiquette

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.

Budgeting For Your Trip

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).

Internet & Mobile

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.

Travel Insurance

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.

Accomodation Options

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.

Getting Around

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.