Are you preparing to visit Seychelles? Color us jealous. The Seychelles Islands are a stunning, tropical paradise that anyone would be lucky to visit. And to help you make the most of your Seychelles trip, we’ve put together the most comprehensive Seychelles travel guide online.
In this in-depth travel guide to Seychelles, we’re going to cover everything you need to know to experience the islands in all their glory. This will save you time & money while ensuring you get the best bang for your buck along your travels.Â
You’ll learn how to get to Seychelles as well as what to do in Seychelles once you arrive – including where to go for those jaw-dropping photographs to show off to all your friends and family. First up on our Seychelles travel guide is a detailed overview of where you’re headed.
As you probably already know, the Seychelles Islands are located off the East Coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. To be a bit more specific, you’ll find your destination northeast of Madagascar and east of Kenya. The nearest neighboring island is Mauritius to the south.Â
There are 115 islands that comprise Seychelles, but most of these are uninhabited. The islands are divided into two groups: the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands. The largest city (which is also the capital) is Victoria – which resides on Mahé of the Inner Islands.Â
We’ll talk more about the anatomy of these islands and where you should actually go when visiting Seychelles in a moment. But now, let’s get one thing squared away…is a Seychelles trip right for you?
Chances are, you’ve been pondering between a Seychelles trip and a few other destinations. Maybe you’re here hoping to gain a clearer understanding of whether or not you should visit Seychelles – is it worth it?Â
Absolutely.
The beauty of this tropical paradise alone is worth the price of admission. You’ll have your breath stolen from you as you gaze upon the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. It’s a great destination for relaxation, adventure, and exploration, with many opportunities for activities such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife watching.
But what will really leave a lasting impact on you is the culture. These islands are home to a unique blend of African, Asian, and European influences. Because of this, you will have the opportunity to experience a vibrant Creole culture through local food, music, and festivalsÂ
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous holiday, the Seychelles has something to offer. And in general, they’re seen as welcoming. Now, with that said, let’s address a common question we see asked: are the Seychelles safe?
The Seychelles is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The country has a relatively low crime rate, and incidents of serious crime against tourists are rare.Â
However, like in any other destination, visitors are advised to take sensible precautions to ensure their safety and security. Anywhere your travels take you, we recommend walking in groups, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, protecting your personal belongings, and just having good awareness when out and about.Â
And beyond the risk of crime, you should be aware of natural dangers as well – like currents, animals/insects, and more. By following our advice on where to go in Seychelles and what to do in Seychelles, you can rest assured you’re keeping yourself and fellow travelers safe. Before we get into that, though, let’s talk about the timing of your vacation to Seychelles.Â
Figuring out when to visit Seychelles is key to enjoying your vacation to the fullest – as with any destination. But because this is a tropical setting, the weather is pretty consistently beautiful year-round. You can expect temperatures 75°F to 90°F depending on the season. And, our recommendation for when to visit Seychelles really depends on what you’re looking for in your trip.
The peak tourist season to visit Seychelles is from December to April when the weather is generally warm, sunny, and dry, with lower humidity and calm seas. This is an excellent time for beach activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving.Â
Just be aware that because this is the most desirable time of year in Seychelles, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time of year. If you’re planning to visit during the peak season, it’s advisable to book your accommodation and flights well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Now, on the other hand, May to October will be a great time to plan your trip to Seychelles if you want to avoid the crowds and get lower prices. And while the weather is cooler with occasional rain showers and higher winds, it’s still a beautiful destination. You’ll still be able to partake in outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.
Ok – so you’ve figured out when to visit Seychelles. Now the question becomes how to get to Seychelles as quickly and affordably as possible.Â
Your starting point will obviously depend on where you live – but you’ll fly into Mahé airport. If you don’t plan on staying on this island, you’ll be able to book a local flight via Air Seychelles to the island of your choice. With pre-authorization, you can also schedule private jets between Mahé and Praslin. There is a 15-minute flight aboard a twin-engine turboprop aircraft operated several times each day by Air Seychelles.
Flights aren’t the only way to get you to and from the various islands of Seychelles. You can also rely on ferry rides. There are private charters and speed ferries between Mahé and Praslin, and you can take this all the way to La Digue if you’d like to. These are about an hour long and a great way to see marine life up close and personal along your journey. And if you really want to live lavishly, you can consider a fast catamaran service between Mahé and Praslin.
When actually on the islands, there are two ways you can get around: car rental or taxis. If you’d like to bring your own car, private transfers can be arranged from Baie Ste Anne jetty or Praslin. Otherwise, Porsche Car Rental is an excellent choice.Â
Taxis are definitely more affordable but are really only reliable on Mahé and Praslin. To put things into perspective, there are only 6 taxis in operation on La Digue.
While there are 115 separate islands in Seychelles, there are only a few you’ll want to visit on your vacation. What is the best island in Seychelles, then? We’ll break down the pros and cons of the main 3 below:
Mahé is the largest and most developed island in Seychelles. It’s great for those who want a bit of everything, starting with beautiful beaches. Beau Vallon, Anse Royale, and Anse Intendance are among the most picture-perfect, white-sand beaches you’ll ever sink your feet into. And in contrast, you still get that lush, rainforest feel in the Morne Syechllois.Â
Beyond the scenery, you’ll love the unique Creoloe architecture in Victoria – the capital of Seychelles. There, you’ll experience a colorful covered market with wares like fish, fruit, clothing, and more.
Another benefit of this island is the range of accommodations available – from luxury touches to budget-friendly options. The island also has great infrastructure so you won’t have to worry about getting around. The nightlife here is pretty spectacular as well!
However, all this development can also be seen as a drawback. The beaches can be crowded during busier times of the year, and you won’t get the remote vibe as some of the other islands.
While Mahé has stunning beaches, Praslin is no slouch in its own right. Here, you’ll still experience palm-fringed beaches like Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, both bordered by large granite boulders. The main beach – Anse Volbert-Côte D’Or – faces the offshore islet Chauve Souris.Â
Beyond the beaches, Praslin’s rugged, jungle-covered interior is home to Praslin National Park, which encompasses Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. This is where you can explore rare Coco de Mer palm and other endemic species.
The vibe here is far more laidback than Mahé – creating a more remote, unspoiled feel that has you ready to relax and unwind. With that said, you won’t have the same diverse range of pickings here on this lesser-developed island. This is true of restaurants, hotels, shopping, transport, etc.Â
Last but certainly not least, we have the tiny island of La Digue. This is often overlooked by tourists – but it shouldn’t be. It’s off the beaten path so you’ll have more room to stretch out your limbs and relax. If you want a truly remote and peaceful vacation to Seychelles, this is probably the best island for you.
La Digue has some of the most stunning natural scenery in Seychelles, including Anse Source d’Argent beach, which is often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And because the island is smaller, you won’t have to rely on cars to get around – you can use bikes or travel by foot. And, there is an assortment of amazing guesthouses and small hotels that offer an authentic Seychellois experience.
The one drawback to La Digue is the very reason some prefer it – it’s quite underdeveloped still to this day. You’ll have limited options for food and nightlight, along with other accommodations.
So – with all that said, what is the best island in Seychelles? By comparing and contrasting the options above, there should be a clear answer as to which island best suits your ideal vacation to Seychelles. Want to explore a range of restaurants and get a little bit of everything? Visit Mahé. Want to feel like you’re on your own private island? La Digue Island is best for you. Are you hoping to explore endemic species throughout your travels? Visit Praslin.
With that out of the way, let’s move on to one of the key elements of our Seychelles travel guide: where you should stay when you visit Seychelles.
Now that you know where to go in Seychelles, where should you stay when you visit Seychelles? There are so many different types of accommodations – luxury Seychelles villas are what we recommend for those who really want to experience this destination in all its glory. We can help you book yours so you can find the perfect place with ease.Â
But, there are also standard hotels and guestrooms worth considering. Here are a few options for each island:
As we’ve said a few times throughout this guide, Mahé is the most developed island – and thus, you’ll have more hotels and resorts to choose from:
You don’t have the same extensive list of options as Mah, but there are still some great hotels and resorts to start your search. And here, you’ll find quite a few charming guestrooms and B&B options to choose from as well.
Because this is the least developed island of the big three, you’ll have slimmer pickings – but here are a few amazing stays to consider:
Now let’s get to the fun part of our travel guide to Seychelles: what to do in Seychelles once your trip begins! And again – your specific itinerary will be dependent on which island you ultimately end up choosing. There are so many amazing experiences awaiting you on these islands!
With that said, we’re going to share a few of the exciting adventures, must-see sights, and bucket-list-worthy restaurants when visiting Seychelles. Let’s start by offering some activities for the adventurer in you:
Before we bring our Seychelles travel guide to a close, we want to leave you with a few more pieces of advice for your vacation to Seychelles. The currency here is the Seychelles rupees – which you’ll want to convert your USD to (exchange range of $1:13.50 SCR). While some places may take credit card, it’s best to have rupees on hand as many do not.
In terms of charging your phone and other gadgets, we suggest buying a universal adapter that is compatible with the Type G plugs you’ll encounter in Seychelles. Get one with surge protection as the standard voltage is 240v.
And, be aware that tap water in Seychelles is safe to drink – but has a high chlorine concentration. This can be unpleasant to taste and can cause digestional issues at first. Moreover, water does get turned off sometimes during the summer for conservation efforts. So, you may want to stick with bottled water. Â
We hope our Seychelles travel guide helps you navigate your upcoming Seychelles trip with ease. As you can see, a vacation to Seychelles is one that will offer a vast array of sightseeing, adventure, and fine dining. And now that you know when to visit Seychelles, where to go in Seychelles, and what to do in Seychelles, it’s time to put pen to paper and start booking this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
With the help of Insider Villas, you can experience the finest accommodations these islands have to offer. We take all the stress out of researching and uncovering luxury villas – so you can just kick back, relax, and enjoy your Seychelles trip. We can also help you schedule helicopters, private jets, yachts, and more. Head over to our site and explore all the villas we have handpicked just for you!
