Why Visit Seychelles?
Seychelles stuns as the ultimate Indian Ocean paradise where massive granite boulders sculpt Anse Source d'Argent into the world's most photographed beach, palm-fringed white sands meet turquoise shallows teeming with tropical fish, and 115 islands scattered across 1.4 million km² of ocean preserve endemic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This island nation (pop. 100,000, smallest African country) floats 1,500km off East Africa in isolation that protected unique evolution—coco de mer palms produce the world's largest seeds (resembling anatomy, banned from export without permit), Vallée de Mai UNESCO forest preserves Jurassic-era palms on Praslin Island, and giant Aldabra tortoises waddle beaches.
Mahé Island (main island, pop. 90,000) hosts capital Victoria's miniature colonial charm, Beau Vallon Beach's calm waters, and mountain hikes through jungle reaching 905-meter summits—yet most magic happens on outer islands. Praslin (15-min flight or 1-hour catamaran, about $65 one-way) offers Anse Lazio's perfect crescent and Vallée de Mai's prehistoric palm forest (450 SCR/~$29–$32 entry).
La Digue (30 min further, bicycle paradise) showcases Anse Source d'Argent's pink-granite formations accessible past L'Union Estate's vanilla plantations and giant tortoises (150 SCR/~$11 entry). Each beach rivals the last: Anse Intendance's powerful surf, Anse Georgette's exclusivity (access through Constance Lemuria resort), and dozens of deserted coves accessible by boat. Snorkeling reveals vibrant reefs—Sainte Anne Marine Park, Baie Ternay, and Curieuse Island ($11–$22 boat trips).
The créole cuisine fuses French, African, and Indian: grilled fish with créole sauce, octopus curry, breadfruit chips, and fresh fruit juices. With no visa required for most visitors, English/French/Creole trilingual signs, year-round tropical warmth (24-32°C), and prices to match paradise ($108–$324+/night hotels), Seychelles delivers pristine beauty and exclusive luxury.
What to Do
Iconic Beaches
Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue)
World's most photographed beach with massive pink granite boulders, powder-white sand, and turquoise shallows. Access via L'Union Estate (150 SCR ≈ $11 per adult, includes vanilla plantation and giant tortoises). Bike from La Digue port ($6–$12/day rental, 20-min ride). Best light early morning or late afternoon for photos. Shallow water perfect for swimming. Calm year-round. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Anse Lazio (Praslin)
Consistently ranked top 10 beaches globally—perfect crescent of white sand framed by granite boulders. Excellent swimming and snorkeling (bring gear or rent on beach). Small parking lot fills quickly—go early (before 10am) or late (after 3pm). Beach bars serve fresh grilled fish. Showers and toilets available. Catamaran from Mahé ($54–$76) or 30-min drive from Praslin hotels.
Island Hopping & Nature
Vallée de Mai Palm Forest (Praslin)
UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric palm forest with endemic coco de mer palms (world's largest seeds). Entrance 450 SCR (~$29–$32) per adult—includes access to all trails and facilities. Guided or self-guided trails (1-3 hours). See rare black parrots and giant palm nuts (resembling human anatomy—taking them illegal without permit). Cool forest escape from beach heat. Go morning for bird activity. Jurassic Park vibes—palms unchanged for millennia.
Island Hopping by Catamaran
Mahé to Praslin: Cat Cocos ferry about $65 one-way / $130 return for adults (journey ~1 hour, scenic). Praslin to La Digue: 15-minute ferry ($11–$16 additional one-way). Air Seychelles flights faster ($76–$140 return, 15 minutes) but miss ocean views. Island hopping essential—each island offers different character. Book ferries day before. Prone to seasickness? Take pills—waters can be choppy.
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Sainte Anne Marine Park (Mahé, $22–$38 boat trips) has sea turtles, colorful fish, and gentle rays. Baie Ternay (Mahé) offers coral gardens. Curieuse Island (from Praslin, $32–$43) combines snorkeling with giant tortoise encounters. Rent gear ($11–$16/day) or join organized boat trips with guides. Best visibility April-May and October-November. Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory—protect ecosystems.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: SEZ
Best Time to Visit
April, May, October, November
Climate: Tropical
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C | 24°C | 27 | Wet |
| February | 26°C | 24°C | 18 | Wet |
| March | 26°C | 25°C | 14 | Wet |
| April | 27°C | 25°C | 23 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 26°C | 25°C | 21 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 26°C | 24°C | 24 | Wet |
| July | 24°C | 23°C | 30 | Wet |
| August | 23°C | 22°C | 17 | Wet |
| September | 24°C | 23°C | 13 | Wet |
| October | 25°C | 24°C | 16 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 25°C | 23°C | 18 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 25°C | 23°C | 27 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Seychelles!
Practical Information
Getting There
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is on Mahé Island, 10km from Victoria. Taxis to hotels $27–$43 (20-40 min depending on coast). Buses about 10-12 SCR (~$1–$1). Inter-island: Air Seychelles to Praslin ($76–$140 return, 15 min) or Cat Cocos catamaran (about $65 one-way / $130 return, 1hr, scenic). Isolated—flights from Dubai, Doha, Paris, Johannesburg, Mumbai.
Getting Around
Mahé/Praslin: rent cars ($43–$76/day, drive on left) or buses (about 10-12 SCR per ride / ~$1–$1 limited routes). Taxis expensive (negotiate price). La Digue: bicycles only ($6–$12/day, flat island). Inter-island ferries ($65–$130 depending on route). Organized tours include transport. Walking works on small islands. Boats to outer islands via tour operators.
Money & Payments
Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Exchange $1 ≈ 15-16 SCR. BUT hotels/tours price in EUR/USD. Cards widely accepted. ATMs in Victoria/Praslin. Tipping: 10% appreciated (not mandatory), often included. Prices expensive—budget $108–$324+/day for mid-range.
Language
Creole, English, French are official. English widely spoken—former British colony. Creole daily language. French common. Signs trilingual. Communication effortless. Tourism-focused.
Cultural Tips
Beach etiquette: swimwear fine, topless illegal. Take nothing from beaches/forests (protected). Coco de mer: don't touch/remove (illegal without permit). Sun intense—reef-safe sunscreen, SPF50+. La Digue: bikes everywhere—watch when walking. Tides: low tide exposes reefs, high tide best for swimming. Fresh seafood daily—ask catch of day. Creole cuisine: octopus curry must-try. Island time: relax, things move slowly. Water sports: calm Nov-Apr. Budget: bring euros/dollars—exchange rate better than credit cards.
Perfect 5-Day Seychelles Itinerary
Day 1: Mahé Arrival
Day 2: Mahé Exploration
Day 3: Praslin Island
Day 4: La Digue & Vallée de Mai
Day 5: Return or Departure
Where to Stay in Seychelles
Mahé (main island)
Best for: Airport, Victoria capital, most hotels, hiking, beaches, base for island hopping
Praslin
Best for: Anse Lazio, Vallée de Mai, quieter, beautiful beaches, second-largest island, resorts
La Digue
Best for: Anse Source d'Argent, bicycle island, no cars, romantic, slow pace, day trip from Praslin
Outer Islands
Best for: Ultra-luxury private island resorts, diving, exclusivity, expensive, pristine, remote
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