A little more
Seychelles.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Seychelles: what to know before you go

Seychelles is an archipelago of granite and coral islands in the Indian Ocean, north-east of Madagascar, known for beaches framed by smooth granite boulders, warm clear water and rare wildlife. Most visitors stay on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. It suits beach holidays, snorkelling and nature lovers, and is an easy place to island-hop at a slow pace.

Where to go

• Vallée de Mai, Praslin. A UNESCO-listed palm forest where the coco de mer grows, a palm whose nut is the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
• Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue. A beach of pink-tinged granite boulders, white sand and shallow water protected by a reef, reached through an old plantation estate.
• Anse Lazio, Praslin. A sweeping beach on Praslin's north-west tip with granite rocks at each end and good snorkelling, often ranked among the finest beaches in the Indian Ocean.
• Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé. The mountainous heart of Mahé, covering a large part of the island, with forest trails such as the climb to Morne Blanc and Copolia, offering views over the coast and islands.

Best time to visit

Seychelles is warm all year. The calmest periods are the transitions between the trade winds, roughly April to May and October to November, which bring light winds, clear water for snorkelling and diving, and good beach weather.

Staying online in Seychelles

Mobile coverage is good on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, with 4G in most populated areas. Signal is weaker in the mountains, on some secluded beaches and at sea, and outer islands may have very limited coverage. Most hotels and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can check ferry times and maps on arrival.