Seychelles travel guide
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.
Places worth the trip
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. Walking trails pass through the forest, where the rare black parrot can sometimes be heard.
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. La Digue is small and flat enough to explore by bicycle.
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.
Victoria
One of the world's smallest capitals, with a silver clock tower modelled on one in London, a lively market for fish, spices and fruit, and a colourful Hindu temple.
Curieuse and Cousin islands
Curieuse, a short boat ride from Praslin, has free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises and mangrove boardwalks; Cousin is a protected nature reserve with large seabird colonies.
Aldabra Atoll
One of the world's largest raised coral atolls, far to the south-west, home to a very large population of giant tortoises. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and very hard to reach, mostly by expedition cruise.
Interesting facts about Seychelles
- The granitic inner islands of Seychelles are among the only mid-ocean islands made of granite, fragments left behind when the supercontinent Gondwana broke up.
- The coco de mer palm grows naturally only on Praslin and Curieuse, and its seeds can weigh more than 15 kilograms.
- Seychelles has the smallest population of any African country.
- Aldabra Atoll is home to tens of thousands of giant tortoises, far more than the Galápagos.
- Seychellois Creole (Kreol Seselwa), English and French are all official languages.
Best time to visit Seychelles
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. From May to September the south-east trade winds bring cooler, breezier weather and rougher seas on some coasts. December to March is hotter and more humid, with more rain. The islands lie outside the main cyclone belt.
Getting around
On Mahé and Praslin, public buses run along the main roads cheaply, and rental cars are widely available; roads are narrow, steep and winding. Taxis are relatively expensive. On La Digue, most people get around by bicycle or on foot. Fast passenger ferries link Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and short domestic flights connect Mahé with Praslin and some outer islands. Boat trips reach the smaller islands and marine parks.
Practical details
- Capital
- Victoria
- Currency
- Seychellois rupee (SCR)
- Languages
- Seychellois Creole, English, French
- Plug types
- G
- Voltage
- 240 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 999
- Driving side
- left
- Tipping
- Not expected, as many hotels and restaurants add a service charge. Small tips for good service are welcome.
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.
Seychelles eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Seychelles, V2
Ilimitado
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Seychelles, V2
Ilimitado
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Seychelles, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Seychelles, V2
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Download Mahé, Praslin and La Digue offline for driving and walking.
- Windy: Wind and sea forecasts, useful for picking calm beaches and boat days.
- XE Currency: Converts Seychellois rupee prices.
Seychelles travel FAQs
Many visitors split their time between Mahé, which has the airport and the most choice, Praslin for Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio, and La Digue for its relaxed pace and Anse Source d'Argent. Ferries make combining them easy.
Not always. Some beaches have strong currents or waves, particularly in the trade wind season. Check local advice, look for calm, reef-protected bays and avoid swimming alone.
Yes, on the main islands. Roaming on a home plan can be expensive, so a travel eSIM gives you local data while keeping your own number. Expect weaker signal on outer islands.
Only with an export permit. Coco de mer nuts are protected, and genuine nuts sold to visitors must have an official certificate. Check with the seller before buying.