Seychelles – Travel Guide
Discover Seychelles, a paradise of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, from the iconic Anse Lazio to the secluded shores of La Digue. Indulge in authentic Creole cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like fish curry and coconut-infused rice, complemented by fresh tropical fruits. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the vibrant coral reefs of the Aldabra Atoll. Experience the tranquility of island life on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, where lush jungles and granite peaks await exploration. Seychelles invites you to unwind in its idyllic surroundings and discover the magic of island living.
All about Seychelles
Seychelles FAQ
What is Seychelles known for?
The stunning Seychelles is a cluster of tropical islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Paradise on earth decorated with incredible beaches and astounding turquoise waters perfect for relaxing, romantic vacations. A beautiful 115 island country with a lush verdant interior, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes. Seychelles is a luxurious honeymoon hotspot boasting rich culture, and scenic secluded shores and colorful surroundings. Laze away on gorgeous beaches like Anse Marron on La Digue with massive boulders in the background lined by swaying palm trees. Hike Copolia, one of the most popular walks through Morne Seychellois National Park and spot abundant wildlife including turtles and a plethora of birds. Strolling through the lush dense forest filled with endemic trees at Vallee de Mai, a 48 acre National Park with infamous birdlife including rare species such as the endemic black parrot, and bare-legged Scops Owls. See the stupendous landscapes of the stunning archipelago on Silhouette, the most dramatic island of the group.
Stay at luxurious romantic getaways in the middle of paradise on the iconic North Island. Some famed favorites include Alphonse Island Resort set on a remote island boasting excellent diving and fishing and ocean side luxury. The Maia Luxury Resort and Spa is one of the best-known resorts full of amazing amenities to relax and rejuvenate the body. And the fabulous Four Seasons Resort dotted with oceanfront villas along the stunning coastline. The waters here are teeming with vibrant marine life including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, and rays. Diving and snorkeling are a few of the fantastic water activities that can be enjoyed in Seychelles. Visiting the largest island of Mahe boasting 75 fine beaches decorated with fabulous resorts, excellent beachfront restaurants, and the world`s smallest capital city, Victoria.
What are the best places to visit in Seychelles?
Mahe Island is an idyllic, tropical paradise famous for its crystal clear blue ocean waters, lush tropical vegetation and breathtaking scenery. A truly captivating destination with an alluring atmosphere boasting a wide variety of beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.
The palm-fringed shores of picturesque Praslin, the second-largest island of Seychelles is filled with beaches like Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio backed by massive granite boulders and lapped by sparkling blue waters. The heart of the island is filled with lush velvet jungle home to Praslin National Park which also includes Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve.
La Digue is the third most inhabited island of Seychelles known for its beaches including Anse Bonnet Carre Beach and Anse Marron labeled as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with calm shallow waters and gorgeous breathtaking views. Cloaked with a jungle-clad interior perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures with plenty of exciting wildlife to see. Visiting this illustrious island will quickly adjust you to island time with a laid back atmosphere.
How many days should I spend in Seychelles?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Seychelles?
By Air: Scenic plane rides in Seychelles are one of the only ways to travel to the different islands. Inter-Island flights can be quick, some taking less than 20 minutes with chartered flights offered 25 times a day between Mahe and Praslin. The islands of La Digue and Silhouette Island can be reached via a helicopter ride.
By Boat: Fast and reliable boat services are offered between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. The ferry services are efficient and prompt but should be booked in advance during the high season.
By Bus:A reliable bus network is available on the islands of Mahe and Praslin with destinations and routes marked on the front of the buses. On Mahe, the timetables and maps are posted at the main station in Victoria. On Praslin, the route runs from Anse Boudin to Mont Plaisir via Anse Volbert, Baie Ste Anne, Vallee de Mai, Grand Anse, and the airport.
What is the currency of Seychelles?
The unit of currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee (Rs). US dollars are not accepted, but Euros are used widely across the islands. The main banks on Seychelles are Barclays Bank, Seychelles Savings Bank, and Mauritius Commercial Bank with branches found on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. ATMs can be found on these islands and at the airport. Tipping in Seychelles is not generally practiced, some high-end hotels and restaurants sometimes add a service charge between 10-15%.
Do people speak English in Seychelles?
The official language spoken in Seychelles is Seychellois Creole, English and French. English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Seychelles guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Seychelles
The best months to visit Seychelles are April-May and September-October when the islands experience less wind and temperatures hover around 86 degrees perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and wildlife watching.
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The summer months of June to September are when the islands experience cooler weather when lots of visitors flee to the islands, accommodations sell out fast this time of year, so booking several months in advance is highly recommended
During these months the southeasterly trade winds create ideal sailing conditions around the archipelago. Trekking in the mountainous terrain of the islands is enjoyable at this time with the welcoming breeze.
The months of April Through May and October through November offer some of the best weather for all things island related, including sunbathing, scuba diving, and wildlife watching. These months represent the transition times between the hot and humid northwest trade winds (November through March) and the cooler southeast trade winds that define the months of April through October. January to March is turtle hatching season in Seychelles, the turtles start nesting in October and baby turtle hatchings can be seen during hatching season.
April – May
The months of April and May receive hot, humid weather from the dry southeast trade winds. The temperatures this time of year can fluctuate between the high 70s and high 80s. Hotel rates can be a lot lower during this time period due to less tourist activity, meaning the hotels will be quieter along with beaches and attractions. April to May brings crystal clear conditions to the stunning waters with excellent visibility for diving up to 98 feet! Southeast Monsoon season starts in May and runs through October bringing more dry weather to the islands and some rougher seas.
Events and Festivals
-Seychelles National Fishing Tournament (April)
-Carnaval International de Victoria (April)
-FetAfrik (May)
June – September
Cooler weather can be found in Seychelles beginning in July and August, cooler, dryer temperatures prevail over the islands. This is a busy time of year for tourism when accommodations fill up months in advance, and prices increase due to demand. The beaches remain vacant and peaceful.
Events and Festivals
-Seychelles National Fishing Tournament (April)
-Carnaval International de Victoria (April)
-FetAfrik (May)
October – November
After the summertime high season ends visitors will be rewarded with savings on airfare and hotels to Seychelles. The temperatures hover in the 80s and there is a slight chance of an afternoon rain shower, but the beaches are at their best, and attractions, accommodations, and eateries are less crowded. November is when the winds start to change on the islands with light, warmer winds, and the start of the rainy season. Diving is great this time of year with excellent visibility.
Events and Festivals
-La Digue Offshore Tournament (October)
-Festival Kreol (October)
-SUBIOS (November)
December – March
The hottest time of the year in Seychelles is December to March which is also the Northwest Monsoon season when things can get hot, humid, and wet. During this time the mountainous regions and vegetation of the islands are lush and the sunshine is at its warmest. Seychelles is a very popular destination this time of year when travelers seek out the sunshine islands instead of the brutal northern winters. Prices for flights and accommodation are inflated during the winter holiday season and booking several months in advance is best to ensure availability. The humidity levels are high during these months and December and January bring the wettest weather, which is also cyclone season.
Events and Festivals
-Seychelles Marathon (February)
Tipping in Seychelles
Tipping in Seychelles is not typically expected or obligatory, there is sometimes a service charing between 5-10% added to the bill in restaurants, cafes, and bars. This amount added acts as a tip, therefore many Seychellois do not expect to receive tips. However, if you received exceptional service a nominal tip is a wonderful way to show the staff gratitude.
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The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Seychelles Rupee?
The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SR) although Euros and US Dollars are widely accepted. Rupees are not always accepted in many tourist areas on the island, so taking Euros or Dollars is highly recommended. Credit Cards are generally accepted at most hotels and resorts.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Tipping in restaurants in Seychelles is normally included in a service charge of 5-10% which is added to your bill. You can always leave something extra for exceptional service.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels is entirely at your discretion, you can tip at the end of your stay when the tip will be divided equally among staff or tip individual staff whose service you appreciate. A reasonable tip for the porter is around SR12, housekeeping SR10.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Taxi fares include a service fee, so tipping your taxi driver is not necessary, however, you can round up the fare and leave some change.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping your tour guide around SR12 for a half-day or SR24 for a full day tour would be appropriate.
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top Cities in Seychelles
What to expect while traveling
