Seychelles is located in the western Indian Ocean, 1,600 km east of the East African mainland. The country has a population of over 102,000 people and consists of 115 scattered islands of granite rock covered by tropical forests, of which only a few islands are inhabited, and much of the rest remains untouched and secluded.
The Main Islands
Mahé
Mahé is the largest island and home to Victoria, the capital city and the main international airport. This island serves as the main hub of any Seychelles trip and offers a wide range of accommodation and restaurants. Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers nearly a third of the island, is the place for hiking. Beau Vallon Beach on the northwest coast of the island is ideal for snorkelling and tends to get many visitors. The southwest coast has quieter bays including Anse Intendance for those intending to stay in seclusion.
Praslin
Praslin is Seychelles’ second-largest island and is 45 minutes from Mahé by ferry and 15 minutes via light aircraft. The island’s main attraction is Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only two places on earth where the Coco de Mer palm grows wild. The other place where it grows is Curieuse Island. The Coco de Mer produces the world’s largest seed, a double coconut that can weigh up to 25 kg. Anse Lazio beach on the northwest tip fringed by takamaka trees and offers the best surfing.
La Digue
La Digue is the most laid-back of the three main islands and can be reached via ferry from Praslin (15 minutes) or Mahé (one hour). The island is relatively small, 5 wide and 3 km long. Bicycles are the primary mode of public transport on this island as the only registered vehicles are taxis, electric club cars, and service trucks. As such, the pace of life is slow and environmentally friendly due to little or no noise pollution.
La Digue also has spectacular beaches which include Anse Source d’Argent, on the southwest coast, having shallow, calm water and dramatic granite boulders. The forests at La Digue Island are home to the critically endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher, making the island ideal for bird watchers.
Other Islands
In addition to the main islands, Seychelles offers remote islands including Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls. The island is home to around 100,000 Aldabra giant tortoises, which may be the largest population of giant tortoises on earth. Among others include Denis Island, Bird Island, and Desroches Island of which each operates a single exclusive resort.
When to Visit
May to September is the best time to visit Mahé and Praslin islands. Being cooler, drier season, it is generally the best time for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Southeast Monsoon Trade winds keep temperatures around 24–27°C.
November to March coincide with Northwest Monsoon and is the best time to visit La Digue island. The weather is warmer and more humid with occasional heavy showers. South and west-facing beaches including Anse Source d’Argent are calmer during this period.
December to February brings the most rainfall but also the warmest sea temperatures which are ideal for snorkelling. During these months, Whale shark sightings are common near the remote islands of Denis Island, Bird Island, and Desroches Island.
April and October serve as transition months when the wind drops and the sea can become glassy and calm. Excellent conditions for sailing, diving, and island-hopping. Often overlooked, these months offer some of the best conditions and slightly lower prices than peak season.
Top Things to Do
Beaches
Seychelles has some of the best beaches in the Indian Ocean. The well-known beaches include Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Lazio. Among other quieter options include Anse Georgette (Praslin), Anse Cocos (La Digue), and Grand Anse (Mahé’s longest beach). The calm northwest-facing beaches are best visited during the southeast monsoon season (May to September). Annd the South and east-facing beaches during the northwest monsoon (November to March).
Snorkelling and Diving
The coral reefs around Seychelles shelter over 1,000 fish species alongside sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and reef sharks in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. The waters around Mahé and Praslin offer several dive sites including underwater walls, granite pinnacles, and shipwrecks. Whale shark season is from August to October, especially around Mahé. These sharks tend to be seen around the outer islands much of the year, making Seychelles one of the best places in the world to snorkel alongside the ocean’s largest fish.
Wildlife and Nature
Seychelles has 12 bird species found nowhere else on earth, including the Seychelles black parrot, the Seychelles warbler, and the Seychelles paradise flycatcher. Hawksbill and green turtles nest on beaches across the archipelago, with Bird Island being a particularly important nesting site. The Aldabra giant tortoise can be encountered at Curieuse Island, which operates a tortoise sanctuary visited by day-trip excursions from Praslin. The Vallée de Mai on Praslin offers the rare chance to walk through a prehistoric palm forest and, with luck, spot the black parrot in the canopy.
Hiking
Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé offers a network of trails that wind along the coast and forests to the island’s highest peak at 905 metres. The Copolia Trail winds through pandanus palms and endemic orchids to a plateau with spectacular views across Victoria and the east coast. La Digue can be explored on foot or by bicycle due to the relatively flat terrain.
Culture and History
Victoria offers a wide range of cultural sites, and the city can be explored on foot. The Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market, the heart of daily life, is a colourful, lively space selling fresh fish, tropical fruit, spices, and local crafts. The Natural History Museum and the National Museum of History offer insights into the islands’ colonial past and natural heritage. Clock Tower, a miniature replica of London’s Vauxhall Clock Tower, stands at the centre of Victoria and is a must-visit for a keen photographer.
Getting There
By Air
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is located on Mahé and is the only international gateway. Direct flights operate from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Paris, Frankfurt, London, and several other hubs. Emirates, Etihad, Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines are among the main carriers. Flight time from Nairobi is approximately 3 hours; 4 hours from Dubai; 10 hours from London with a connection.
Inter-island Travel
Cat Cocos ferry services connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. The Mahé–Praslin crossing takes 45–60 minutes; Praslin–La Digue takes around 15 minutes. Air Seychelles and private charter operators operate short domestic flights between the main islands and outer island resorts.
Entry Requirements
Seychelles is visa-free for all nationalities. However, all visitors must obtain a Travel Authorisation (TA) before departure, which is mandatory regardless of where you are travelling from.
How to apply
Visit seychelles.govtas.com or download the Seychelles E-Border app. Apply up to 30 days before travel. Standard processing takes up to 12 hours. The fee is EUR 10.90.
You will need:
- Valid passport (at least six months’ validity beyond your stay)
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Confirmed accommodation booking for every night of your stay
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel and health insurance
Yellow fever
A valid vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.
Safety
Seychelles is one of the safest destinations in Africa; however. You ought to keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items in crowded spaces. Some beaches have strong currents during certain monsoon seasons; always check local conditions before swimming and observe warning flags. The emergency numbers to call are 999, 133 for Police and 151 for medical emergencies.
Health
There’s no malaria risk in Seychelles. No prophylaxis required. Yellow fever risk in Seychelles is minimal, however. Proof of vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. The equatorial sun is intense year-round. High-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and regular hydration are essential. Medical facilities are mostly found in Victoria, which has a public hospital and private clinics. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Practical Information
The main currency is Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Among other currencies accepted at most resorts is the United States of America dollars. ATMs available in Victoria and limited locations in Praslin and La Digue. Credit cards accepted at most hotels and upmarket restaurants.
Getting around Mahé
Taxis are available but unmetered, so you need to agree on a price based on the distance. Car hire available from the airport. A public bus network covers most of the island.
Getting around La Digue
Bicycles are the standard mode of transport, available for hire near the ferry jetty.
Mobile and internet
Local SIM cards available at the airport. Good coverage on Mahé and Praslin, limited on La Digue.
Tipping is not mandatory; however, it is much appreciated for good service.
Food and Drink
Seychellois cuisine blends African, French, Indian, Chinese, and Creole influences, with seafood at its core. Fresh grilled fish, red snapper, barracuda, bourgeois served with coconut rice, breadfruit, and achards (spiced pickled vegetables) is a local staple. Ladob, a dessert of banana or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk and cinnamon, is worth trying out. The local Seybrew lager is an alcoholic drink available across the island. Victoria’s Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market is the best place to find local produce for those intending to go shopping for food and snacks.