Travel to Seychelles
Granite boulders on white sand, 27°C seas and the largest seed on Earth: Seychelles is a 115-island archipelago that looks like a postcard because it really is that way. Here is what to know before you look for flights.
Why visit Seychelles
A granite archipelago with a conscience
The only mid-ocean granite islands
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue sit on a granite microcontinent, which is why beaches here are framed by smooth, rounded boulders instead of coral rubble. The outer islands, like Aldabra, are coral.
The world's largest seed
The coco de mer palm grows in the Vallée de Mai on Praslin. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and so is Aldabra Atoll, home to about 150,000 giant tortoises.
The smallest country in Africa
With about 100,000 people it is also the least populated sovereign state on the continent, and it ranks top in Africa for human development and GDP per capita.
Warm water year-round
Average sea temperature rarely falls below 27°C, with sea breezes that soften the heat. Diving, snorkelling and sailing work almost anywhere.
Seychelles in numbers
Capital
Victoria
Population
~100,000
Area
~455 km²
Currency
Seychellois rupee
Language
Creole, English, French
UNESCO sites
2
Continent
Africa
Time zone
UTC+4
Airports covered
1
Where to go
Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands
Most visits combine the three main inner islands, with short ferry or flight hops between them. Island hopping is part of the experience, but it is not cheap.
Mahé
Victoria, the capital, has a market, a natural history museum where you can hold a coco de mer, and a national museum. Beau Vallon is the lively beach, Baie Ternay a superb snorkelling bay reached by glass-bottom boat, and Morne Seychellois National Park one of the last expanses of pristine tropical rainforest. A coastal hike from Beau Vallon to Anse Major takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and ends at a small deserted beach.
Praslin and La Digue
Praslin has the Vallée de Mai and beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. On La Digue you get around by bike or ox-cart, and Anse Source d'Argent, with its granite rocks and white sand, is often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Aldabra, Cousin and the outer islands
Aldabra stretches about 35 km east to west and encloses a huge tidal lagoon, with tiger sharks, manta rays and giant tortoises; visits need a permit. Cousin Island has been owned by BirdLife International since 1968 to protect the Seychelles warbler.
On the water
Windsurfing is best around May and October, at the start and end of the trade winds. Deep-sea fishing, sailing, golf, tennis and hiking round out the options. A tourist police officer is stationed at every beach on Mahé.
Before you go
Two monsoons, two moods
| Region | Climate | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast monsoon (May to September) | Cooler and drier, with more wind. Some beaches are unsuitable for swimming at certain times. | May to September |
| Northwest monsoon (November to March) | Warmer and wetter, with generally calmer seas. | For heat, outside the wettest months of December and January |
| April and October | Changeover months with variable wind, hot weather and calm sea. | April and October |
| All year | Sea around 27°C, constant sea breezes, high humidity. | All year |
Seychelles lies just south of the equator, so use a high sun factor. Daytime temperatures stay warm in every season.
Getting there and around
Flights, ferries and a left-hand-drive island
Seychelles International Airport on Mahé is the only international gateway. Air Seychelles flies in from Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Paris, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Mauritius and Antananarivo, while Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Turkish and Qatar also serve it. If you are building a multi-stop trip, see our pages on Tanzania and South Africa.
Between islands, use ferries, small planes or boats. On Mahé, buses all start from Victoria and rental cars drive on the left. Roads are narrow and winding, so walking is the best way to see the smaller islands.
Food and drink
Creole curries, red snapper and coconut
Seychellois cooking is Creole: seafood, coconut and curries, with red snapper as the best-known catch. You can also find Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants. Ladob, a dessert of green bananas or sweet potato cooked in coconut milk, is a local classic.
Flying to Seychelles
The Seychelles airport covered by SniperAir
Seychelles International (Mahé)
The only international airport, 11 to 15 km from Victoria and home base of Air Seychelles. Frequent buses link it with the capital.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Seychelles
Which airport do I fly into for Seychelles?
Seychelles International (SEZ) on Mahé is the only international airport. For Praslin or La Digue, add a ferry or a local flight.
When is the best time to visit Seychelles?
The climate is warm all year. May to September, the southeast monsoon, is drier and cooler; April and October bring heat, little wind and calm seas; December and January are the wettest months.
Is Seychelles expensive?
Yes, it is often described as the most expensive country in Africa, with few all-inclusive options. Guesthouses and local meals bring costs down, and so do well-timed flights.
Do I need a visa for Seychelles?
No visa is required for tourism, but all foreign visitors must obtain an electronic travel authorization before arrival, with proof of accommodation and a passport valid for at least six months. Check current rules and official government travel advice before booking.
How long should I stay in Seychelles?
Ten days to two weeks lets you combine two or three islands without rushing. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the classic trio.
Is Seychelles safe?
It is generally considered a low-crime destination, but keep bags attended on the beach and avoid swimming alone on isolated beaches.
How do I get alerted when flights to Seychelles drop in price?
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