Eastern AfricaSeychelles is a country of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Its largest islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Victoria, the capital, is on Mahé. Visitors come for beaches, clear water, marine life and unusual plants and animals.
Why go
Beaches with clear water and often few visitors.
The coco de mer palms of Vallée de Mai.
Giant tortoises at Aldabra Atoll.
Snorkelling, diving and boat trips.
Birdwatching on Cousin Island.
Museums and a produce market in Victoria.
Best time to go: May to September is usually cooler and drier. November to March is warmer and wetter. April and October have changing winds. Accommodation costs rise during December to January and July to August, and Easter can be busy.
Getting there
By air
- Seychelles International Airport, with airport code SEZ, is near Victoria. It is the country's only international airport.
- Air Seychelles is the national airline. The source lists flights from cities including Mumbai, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Antananarivo.
- Other listed international connections include Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Doha. Charter services are also listed from Frankfurt and Zurich.
By sea
- Cruising yachts can enter, but some restrictions remain to protect the environment. Many islands have coral reefs close to the surface.
Customs
- Foreign visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months and proof of accommodation bookings. Bookings may be checked on arrival.
- All foreign travellers must apply for an Electronic Border Travel permit before entering Seychelles.
- Visas are not required. An initial entry permit lasts one month and can be extended three months at a time, up to 12 months.
Getting around
Domestic flights
Air Seychelles runs several flights daily between Mahé and Praslin. Flights to Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches and Alphonse run daily or several times a week. Assumption Island and Coetivy can be reached by charter plane.
Ferries and small boats
Cat Cocos runs several daily crossings between Mahé and Praslin, with a daily extension to La Digue. The Mahé–Praslin crossing normally takes about one hour. You can buy Cat Cocos tickets at its office opposite the pier on the day of travel, if seats are available. Inter Island Ferry connects Praslin and La Digue. The source lists eight daily departures and a crossing time of 15 minutes. Both ferry companies offer online booking with seat availability and electronic tickets. Small boats also travel directly from Mahé to La Digue in about three hours. Departures can be unreliable, and shelter from rain is limited.
Rental cars
Cars can be rented only on Mahé and Praslin. Drive on the left, and take care on Mahé's narrow, mountainous roads. Drivers must be at least 21, hold a valid driving licence and have at least three years of driving experience. Car hire counters outside the airport arrivals hall let you compare companies. Prices may be negotiated, especially for rentals of three days or more. Ask how much you must pay yourself if there is an insurance claim. The source gives a range of €300–€1,000, depending on the company. A car makes grocery shopping easier, especially when staying somewhere with a kitchen. Larger local shops are cheaper than convenience stores near beaches.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available for short journeys or a full day. A long taxi journey can cost more than renting a small car for a day.
What to see and do
Beaches
Many beaches are uncrowded and have clear water. Swimming safety changes with seasonal winds, so follow warning signs.
Vallée de Mai
This national park is recognised internationally for its natural importance. It contains coco de mer palms, which produce the world's largest seed.
Aldabra Atoll
This large coral island formation surrounds a tidal lagoon and is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises. Tiger sharks and manta rays can also be seen.
Cousin Island
BirdLife International bought the island to protect the endangered Seychelles warbler. It is home to more than 300,000 birds.
Victoria's museums
The Natural History Museum features the coco de mer. The National Museum of History has photographs and a video presentation.
Victoria's central market
The market sells local produce and locally grown spices. Victoria is the main shopping centre.
Food and drink
Creole cooking
Local cooking draws on the islands' different cultures. Seafood, coconut and curries are common.
Fish and red snapper
Fish is prepared in many ways. Red snapper is especially well known to visitors.
International food
Restaurants also serve Chinese, Indian and Italian dishes.
Seybrew
This local beer has a light Bavarian-style taste. Roadside shops sell it more cheaply than hotels.
Takamaka rum
The source highlights the dark version of this rum.
Lovenut
A nightclub in central Victoria, about 100 metres from the central taxi station.
Money
Seychellois rupee, written as SCR, SR or SRe.
- Cash machines usually offer the best currency conversion rates. Airports and banks also exchange money.
- Carry small local banknotes for buses.
- Larger shops used by residents are cheaper than convenience stores near beaches.
- Buying Seybrew beer from roadside shops costs less than buying it at hotels.
Tipping: Most service providers include a service charge of 5–10%. Tips are optional, but extra change is appreciated.
Typical costs
- Small rental car: €35–45 per day in the source, with no date given.
- Taxi fares for visitors: about 50 rupees per kilometre in 2023.
- Mahé–Praslin ferry: SCR1,300–1,820 per person one way, quoted for February 2021.
- Praslin–La Digue ferry: about €15 per adult one way, quoted for July 2013.
- Basic double room for two: from €65 in the source, with no date given.
- Vallée de Mai entry for foreign visitors: 315 rupees, quoted for September 2010.
Language
- Seychellois Creole
- English
- French
Staying safe
- Avoid dark lanes and keep your bag with you.
- Do not swim alone at isolated beaches.
- Follow beach warning signs, even when the water looks inviting. Seasonal winds can make some beaches unsafe for swimming.
- Avoid taking valuables when sailing. If you must bring them, keep them hidden.
Local customs
Do
- Respect the islands' natural environment and leave places clean for future visitors.
Don't
- Do not leave litter.
Staying healthy
- Use insect repellent to help prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can spread chikungunya, which causes flu-like symptoms and joint pain that may last for months.
- Tap water is safe in most areas, but quality varies in less developed places. The source recommends drinking bottled water.
- Avoid freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds.
- Medical services are limited outside Victoria.
Phone and internet
- The Seychelles Tourism Board answers visitor questions through its website, www.seychelles.travel.
Where to stay
- Book accommodation before arrival and bring confirmation. Visitors without a booking may have to book and pay for their whole stay before passing immigration.
- Have your accommodation's name, address and phone number ready for your arrival form. Immigration officers may ask whether the booking is confirmed.
- Apartments and bungalows can offer better rates for travellers on a budget. Some basic double rooms start at €65 in the source.
- Most accommodation is relatively expensive. Some islands have only one hotel, and accommodation is available on fewer than ten islands.
Trips to Seychelles
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Seychelles
Seychelles offers quiet beaches, coastal walks, warm seas and rich marine life. You can snorkel, dive or sail, explore tropical forests, and watch rare birds and giant tortoises. Seasonal winds affect swimming conditions, so always follow beach warning signs.
Beau Vallon to Anse Major coastal walk
HikeMahé
1.5–2 hoursWalk along the coast from Beau Vallon to the small beach at Anse Major.
- Seasonal winds can make beaches unsafe for swimming. Follow warning signs.
- Do not swim alone at isolated beaches.
Vallée de Mai
Wildlife
Visit the nature reserve to see its forest, plants and wildlife.
- Cost: Entry was listed as free for residents and SCR 315 for foreign visitors in September 2010. This is an old price.
Aldabra Atoll
WildlifeAldabra Atoll
Visit the atoll to see its wildlife. Transport and booking arrangements are unspecified.
Cousin Island birdwatching
WildlifeCousin Island
Visit Cousin Island for birdwatching. Transport and booking arrangements are unspecified.
Baie Ternay
Snorkelling
Take a glass-bottom boat tour from Beau Vallon beach. Walk along the beach to look for a last-minute booking, and keep a day free for flexibility.
- Follow beach warning signs before entering the water.
Glacis small beaches
SnorkellingGlacis
Snorkel off some of the small beaches at Glacis using your own equipment. Some hotels lend masks, snorkels and fins to guests.
- Cost: Free with your own snorkelling equipment.
- Seasonal winds can affect swimming safety. Follow warning signs.
- Do not swim alone at isolated beaches.
Anse Royale past Mouse Island
SnorkellingAnse Royale
Explore the snorkelling spot past Mouse Island at Anse Royale with your own equipment. Some hotels lend equipment to guests.
- Cost: Free with your own snorkelling equipment.
- Seasonal winds can affect swimming safety. Follow warning signs.
- Do not swim alone at isolated beaches.
Port Launay reef
SnorkellingPort Launay
Snorkel along the reef near Ephelia Resort with your own equipment. Some hotels lend equipment to guests.
- Cost: Free with your own snorkelling equipment.
- Seasonal winds can affect swimming safety. Follow warning signs.
- Do not swim alone at isolated beaches.
Morne Seychellois National Park
Wildlife
Visit the national park to experience its tropical rainforest. Routes and access arrangements are unspecified.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Wildlife
Visit the marine park for wildlife watching. Transport and tour arrangements are unspecified.
Curieuse Marine National Park
Wildlife
Visit the marine park for wildlife watching. Transport and tour arrangements are unspecified.
La Digue island walks
HikeLa Digue
Explore the island on foot or take a walking tour.
- Main roads are narrow, and cars and buses can travel quickly.
Praslin island walks
HikePraslin
Explore the island on foot or take a walking tour.
- Main roads are narrow, and cars and buses can travel quickly.
Scuba diving around Seychelles
Scuba divingAcross Seychelles
Diving is available almost anywhere in Seychelles. Specific dive operators and booking arrangements are unspecified.
Sailing around Seychelles
SailingAcross Seychelles
Explore the islands aboard a yacht, catamaran or sailboat. Specific departure points and operators are unspecified.
- Avoid bringing valuables aboard.
- Winds vary in April and October, between the two monsoon seasons.
Windsurfing
More to doAcross Seychelles
Around May and October, at the start and end of the trade winds.Windsurfing is available in Seychelles. Specific locations, equipment hire and operators are unspecified.
Fishing
More to doAcross Seychelles
Fishing is available almost anywhere in Seychelles. Specific operators and booking arrangements are unspecified.
Cycling in Seychelles
CyclingSeychelles islands
Hire a bicycle to explore where rentals are available.
- Cycling on Mahé is not advised.
- Roads can be narrow, with fast-moving cars and buses.
Horseback riding
More to doSeychelles islands
Horseback riding is available on the islands. Specific riding locations and operators are unspecified.
Golf
More to doSeychelles islands
Golf is available on the islands. Specific courses and booking arrangements are unspecified.
Airports, metros and trains in Seychelles
Airports with scheduled flights
- SEZSeychelles International AirportVictoriaMain international airport
People and safety in Seychelles
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian94%
- Hindu2%
- No religion2%
- Muslim1%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #40 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
59% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 196 of 198 countries can visit Seychelles easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required108
- Visa on arrival73
- eTA required15
- Visa required1
- Admission refused1
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Asia50 of 50 countries
- Americas35 of 35 countries
- Oceania14 of 14 countries
- Africa52 of 53 countries
- Europe45 of 46 countries
Questions
When is the weather cooler and drier?
May to September is usually cooler and drier. November to March is warmer and wetter.
Can I buy ferry tickets without booking online?
Yes. Cat Cocos sells tickets at its office opposite the pier on the day of travel, if seats are available.
Can I take the bus from the airport?
Yes, buses on Mahé serve the airport, and you need local money in small notes. Drivers may refuse passengers with large luggage.
What money should I use?
The local currency is the Seychellois rupee. Cash machines usually offer the best conversion rates, while banks and airports also exchange money.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is optional. Most service providers already include a service charge of 5–10%, but extra change is appreciated.
Are all beaches safe for swimming?
No. Seasonal winds can make some beaches dangerous, so follow warning signs and avoid swimming alone at isolated beaches.
Can I find cheaper accommodation?
Apartments and bungalows can offer better rates. Some basic double rooms start at €65 in the source, but most accommodation is relatively expensive.
Which languages are spoken?
Seychellois Creole, English and French are spoken. A few polite words can help when meeting local people.
What local food can I try?
Try Creole dishes, seafood, coconut and curries. Fish is cooked in many ways, and red snapper is well known to visitors.
Can I bring home a coco de mer nut?
Yes, but you need an export licence.
Reviewed by @snuck