Seychelles Tourism and Travel Guide

Seychelles tourism is not dependent on the weather. The country enjoys a warm climate throughout the year and the only thing that you need to keep in mind is your itinerary.

The best time to explore Seychelles tourism is April, October and November. These months mark the transition period between northwest trade winds and southeast trade winds. This simply means that during these months, the weather is mild and you can enjoy everything from relaxing at the beach, snorkelling, scuba diving to sightseeing and hiking.

If you plan a trip in December, January, July and August, you can expect expensive hotels and crowded beaches. This is considered as the peak season and most travellers choose to explore Seychelles tourism during this time.

The best time for surfing and windsurfing is between May and September. At the same time, snorkelling and sailing can be experienced any time of the year. For those who are interested in diving, we recommend planning your trip to explore Seychelles tourism between March and May, and September and November. For budget travellers, we suggest heading to the country between April and October.

The Seychelles is a visa-free country which implies that there are no visa requirements for travelling to the country. This has not only made the country more accessible but has given Seychelles tourism a major boost. 

A visitor’s permit is issued on arrival to travellers visiting for the purpose of a holiday, business, or visiting friends and family. Though a visa is not required, travellers should hold a valid passport or other travel documents recognised by the government of Seychelles in order to gain entry.

The passport must be valid for the period of the intended stay until arrival back in the holder’s country of origin or residence. To obtain a visitor's permit one should also have a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay (minimum of US$150 or equivalent per day).

Mahe Island

Mahe is the starting point for all Seychelles tourism itineraries. Made up of more than 65 beaches and important cities including the capital city of Victoria, Mahe is an introduction to Seychelles tourism. The international airport is located here and you can’t miss a visit to this beautiful island. Mahe is broadly divided into two zones and is home to many hidden gems of Seychelles tourism. 

Your resort could be situated anywhere in the Seychelles but you must visit the capital city of Victoria for a peek into the culture and way of life of this gorgeous country. The houses, streets and markets in Victoria are dreamlike and one gets the impression of walking into a fairytale. The city is quiet despite being the administrative hub of Seychelles. Victoria is among the smallest capital cities in the world but there is nothing that you can’t find in this beautiful city. For those who are interested in history, we suggest keeping aside some time to explore the area around the Clock Tower as well as the History Museum, the Bel Air Cemetery and the Bicentennial Monument.

Mahe is also home to one of the most mesmerising beaches in Seychelles tourism – Beau Vallon Bay. Travellers often say that if you have only one day in the Seychelles, you should spend it here. Offering a bundle of experiences for all kinds of travellers, Beau Vallon Bay is just what you need after an exciting sightseeing spree in Victoria. Shopping enthusiasts can shop here and take home a plethora of souvenirs while adventure enthusiasts can choose a package for water sports.. Scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, fishing and jet skiing are some of the popular activities that take place here. If you are interested to explore the place like a local, we recommend visiting the weekly market called Bazar Labrin. It takes place every Wednesday so ensure you keep aside sufficient time in your Seychelles tourism itinerary.

Roche Caiman, Anse Royale, Anse Intendance and Port Glaud are some of the other places that you can include in your Seychelles tourism itinerary. The best part about exploring Mahe is that the beaches are quiet, there are a number of restaurants and you can expect to find the perfect balance of modern comforts and old-world charm.

La Digue

There are some places which become permanent on all itineraries, and La Digue is one such place. One of the top places to include in your Seychelles tourism itinerary, it is the fourth largest island in the country. There are a number of places to visit in La Digue so you must plan your itinerary carefully. Photographers, nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing day at the beach will not be disappointed in this haven. 

Anse Source d'Argent is among the highlights of Seychelles tourism here. Touted as one of the most mesmerising beaches in the world, Anse Source d'Argent is what perfect postcards are made out of. You feel like you have walked right into a painting. The azure waters, the blue skies and the golden sands effortlessly come together to create a scenic landscape and the sky changes colour every hour and one just can’t get enough of the gorgeous views. Anse is also a popular spot in Seychelles tourism for honeymoon couples and for pre-wedding shoots. Owing to the shallow waters, you may not be able to swim here but a few steps into the water and you are greeted by a school of vibrant fish. This popular beach was also the backdrop for popular movies such as ‘Cast Away’. 

Before making your way to Anse, we recommend spending some time in L'Union Estate. Another gem in Seychelles tourism, L’Union Estate is home to a museum, coconut mills, the oldest plantation in the country and the oldest cemetery. A delight for history lovers, L'Union Estate can be explored on a bike. If you opt for a guided tour of the estate in your Seychelles tourism itinerary, we recommend including a visit to the pirate ship. The highlight of all tours, it serves as a backdrop in many postcards and paintings. There is a fee of Rs.500 per person for those who want to visit the beach but this also includes access to other tourist attractions situated on the estate. 

Aride Island

Aride Island is among the lesser-known gems of Seychelles tourism. Located 10 kilometres from North Praslin, the island is home to a reserve, picturesque beaches and the largest seabird population in the Indian Ocean. A crowd-puller for nature buffs and animal lovers, Aride sees a large number of tourists every day. 

Aride is the northernmost of the granitic islands and is recognised as a nature reserve by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles. Out of the 18 seabird species in the world, five are in the Seychelles and can’t be found anywhere else. If you are interested in exploring the nature reserve, you can either book a guided tour by the Seychelles tourism office or head out on your own to explore the area. There is a marked pathway within the reserve which offers travellers a guided walk. The walk lasts a couple of hours and you can spot a plethora of seabirds this area is known for. Keep a lookout for tropical shearwater, which have the largest colony here and the sooty tern. If you have a fear of lizards, we recommend steering away from thick bushes since the island has the highest population of lizards of different species. 

Aride is also known as the only home to the unusual scented shrubs known as the Wright’s gardenia. The shrubs are not found anywhere in the world but you’ll see these beauties blooming in different parts of the island. The island of Aride also has something for adventure enthusiasts. The coral reefs surrounding the island ensure that you have a safe space for swimming, snorkelling and diving. What makes this experience even better is that there are more than 400 species of fish here including flying fish, whale sharks and dolphins. If water activities are what you are looking for in your Seychelles tourism itinerary, you must not miss a visit here. 

Praslin Island

Praslin is one of the most visited islands in Seychelles tourism. The second-largest island in the Seychelles, it is home to umpteen tropical forests, pristine beaches and nature reserves. Travellers keep coming back to this beautiful island owing to the warm culture and numerous things to do. Home to an art gallery and museum, Praslin is broadly divided into three sections – Baie St Anne, Grande Anse and Cote d'Or. 

Valle De Mai Natural Reserve is among the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Praslin and is arguably the most visited spot in Seychelles tourism. The highlight of Valle De Mai is the huge number of rare coco de mer trees and the variety of fauna and flora. If luck is in your favour, you can also hope to spot the black parrot. Central trail, cedar trail and circular trail are the three trails in the nature reserve and while each offers a different experience, the central trail is the most popular. Locals, however, suggest the circular trail owing to the myriad viewing points and scenic views it offers. It’s best to book a tour before you head out to explore the park since the tour guides offer helpful information which ensures you have a great trip. 

Anse Volbert is also an integral part of Seychelles tourism. It’s ideal for adventure buffs who are looking for water sports and also a great spot for beach bums. Home to several restaurants, cafes and markets, Anse Volbert is where you should head to if you are looking for a good time in Seychelles.

Scuba Diving

The abundant scuba diving opportunities play a huge role in boosting Seychelles tourism. There are more than 75 dive sites in the country and enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Depending on your interests, you can book a customised tour which takes you through shipwrecks, coral reefs and old caves. If you are inclined to take part in a longer dive excursion, you can get in touch with a tour agency to book a scuba diving tour accordingly. 

Owing to the huge number of diving sites in the country, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the best one for you. We recommend including at least three to four scuba diving tours in your Seychelles tourism itinerary so that you can enjoy the best of all experiences. 

One Tree Island, North Island, Napoleon and Trois Bancs are some of the best diving sites in Seychelles tourism. All diving sites offer dramatically different experiences and it’s best to speak to the tour agency before you book your tour. One Tree Island promises clear visibility and is known for a huge population of stingrays, reef fish, hump-head parrotfish and moray eels. The close encounter with the underwater world will surely stay with you and prompt you to book a few more tours! North Island, on the other hand, is best known for its variety of coral reefs. Divers can spot reef fish including whitetip reef sharks and nurse sharks. The entire diving tour is exceptional and completely worth it. 

The amount for scuba diving will vary depending on the tour agency you book from but typically it costs between Rs.5500 and Rs.8900 per person for each session. 

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is not too far behind when it comes to popular water sports in Seychelles tourism. In fact, the activity is more popular for those travelling with family. Suitable for adults as well as children, snorkelling doesn’t require additional training and you can hop in as soon as you get your gear. 

Most of the best beaches in the Seychelles offer snorkelling and we recommend trying it out on every beach you visit. There are numerous snorkelling sites in Seychelles tourism and Anse Lazio, Anse Badamier, Channel Rocks, Alphonse Atoll and Bird Island are among the best. 

Anse Lazio offers a surreal snorkelling experience with unique underwater life for you to admire. It’s counted among the most well-known snorkelling sites in Seychelles tourism and you will see the beaches here dotted with divers. Anse Badamier, on the other hand, is situated off Curieuse Island which is a bioreserve. The variety of flora here makes the experience special and you can expect to come back for more. There are many snorkelling tours offered by Seychelles tourism approved tour agencies but we urge you to choose one that suits your budget. Typically snorkelling in the Seychelles can cost between Rs.4000 per person per day to Rs.35,000 per person for five days. You can either opt for a single snorkelling tour or include an excursion to numerous snorkelling spots. 

Giant Tortoise Farm

If the idea of spending a sunny day on a farm with giant tortoises interests you then you can’t exclude Giant Tortoise Farm from your Seychelles tourism itinerary. The farm is situated on Curieuse Island and is a breeding centre for Aldabra species. There are guided tours conducted on the farm which take you through the entire area and share more information about these gentle creatures. 

To reach the farm, you will have to take a ferry from Victoria or Praslin. The ferries ply regularly and you can book a round trip for the farm. Usually, the boat fare includes the entry fee to the farm but you can also book a separate package which will include trips to tourist attractions around Praslin. 

We recommend including a visit to the farm in your Seychelles tourism itinerary if you are travelling with children since this is an experience that you won’t find elsewhere. The tortoises are said to be as old as 120 years of age and interacting with them is a surreal experience. Since the sanctuary is a conservation zone, some areas are not accessible to the general public.

Your accommodation in the Seychelles plays a big role in determining the mood of your holiday. Most of the best resorts in Seychelles tourism are designed to give you an exceptional experience and offer everything from helicopter rides, delicious local cuisine, heartwarming hospitality to spas, health treatments and customised local tour packages. The hotels in the country are expensive but completely worth it. 

Luxury hotels in the Seychelles

A gorgeous resort in the Seychelles is all you need to have a memorable trip in this country. Complete with surreal views, great food and incomparable service, the hotels that are part of Seychelles tourism offer an experience you can’t easily forget. Here are some of the best hotels that are part of Seychelles tourism. 

• Constance Ephélia, Mahe
• Constance Lemuria
• Four Seasons Resort
• Fregate Island Private
• Le Nautique Seychelles
• Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare
• Banyan Tree Seychelles

Mid-budget hotels in the Seychelles

If you will be spending most of your time outdoors, you can opt for a mid-budget hotel in Seychelles. This will help you save extra cash for more activities and you won’t be losing out on the warm local hospitality. Here are some of the best mid-budget hotels in Seychelles tourism.

• La Digue Island Lodge
• Le Duc de Praslin
• Acajou Beach Resort
• Iles des Palmes Eco Resort
• L'Habitation Hotel
• Chez Batista Villas

Budget hotels in the Seychelles

The Seychelles may not be the ideal place for budget travellers but it has a lot to offer and you can’t resist exploring this scenic country. While luxury properties far exceed budget properties, you can still find several guest houses offering you a comfortable stay. We recommend making your bookings in advance since this will save you last-minute price surges and will also make your trip more convenient. Here are some of the best hotels in Seychelles tourism.

• Rosemary’s Guesthouse, Praslin
• Le Chateau Bleu, Mahe
• Buisson Guest House, La Digue
• Zanboza Guesthouse, La Digue
• Carana Hilltop Villa, Mahé

Just as the culture of a place evolves so does its local food. Owing to the historical past of the Seychelles, it’s food is influenced by French, Indian, British and Chinese cuisines. Popularly known as Creole or Seychellois cuisine, the local food here is mostly seafood and fresh vegetables.

While non-vegetarian food dominates the local cuisine, vegetarians can find a wide variety of dishes that are prepared using spices and vegetables. Grilled fish, satini, shark chutney, rousettes and bat curry are some of the local delicacies. You might be apprehensive to try some of the things on the menu but rest assured that the local food in the country is one of the main reasons for the popularity of Seychelles tourism. 

For vegetarians, we highly recommend breadfruit chips which are prepared using coconut. Breadfruit is a local fruit which is available in abundance in the country. Octopus curry and bat curry are two other dishes that are quite popular with food lovers who don’t mind trying something new. 

The restaurants which are part of Seychelles tourism focus on giving travellers a unique experience. From the ambience and service to the quality of food and drinks, you’ll be in awe of the restaurants here. Some of the best places to eat in the Seychelles are Chez Jules, Marie Antoinette, Lambouris Restaurant, Le Nautique, Boathouse, Coco Rouge, Café Ogani bar and Gelateria de Luca.

Local travel in the Seychelles is not the most convenient and it’s best to ensure that it’s included in your Seychelles tourism holiday package. For most luxury travellers, cabs, ferries and helicopter rides are the best options. Most of these transfers can be arranged by your resort or a local tour agency. 

Budget travellers can use public transport including buses for their transport. It’s important to note that the buses only run in commercial islands such as Mahe and Praslin. If you are exploring lesser-known gems of Seychelles tourism, we suggest heading out in a group to explore Seychelles tourism. Ferries are another popular means of transport, especially between remote islands.

The Seychelles is known as an expensive destination and most budget travellers are apprehensive about taking a trip to this stunning country. However, smart planning and booking in advance can help you in managing a budget trip. 

A luxury trip to explore Seychelles tourism can cost you between Rs.35,000 and Rs.45,000 per day. This cost doesn’t include accommodation and only takes into account activities and your sightseeing tours. 

A mid-budget trip to explore Seychelles tourism can cost you between Rs.15,000 and Rs.25,000 per day. This cost can be considerably reduced if you opt for Seychelles tour packages or include group activities in your itinerary. 

You may think that a budget trip to Seychelles is an impossible task but there are a few tips that can help you enjoy a relaxing budget trip to the country. Per day costs for budget travellers exploring Seychelles tourism can be between Rs.7000 and Rs.10,000 per day.

Which are the best places to visit in the Seychelles?

The best places which are part of Seychelles tourism are Anse Lazio on Praslin Island, Sainte Anne National Marine Park near Victoria, Vallée de Mai National Park in Praslin, Seychelles Natural History Museum in Victoria and Aride Island. 

What are the activities that I should include in my Seychelles travel itinerary?

The most sought-after activities which are part of most Seychelles tourism itineraries are snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing, a visit to the national parks and hiking. 

Which are the best luxury resorts in the Seychelles?

The best luxury resorts in Seychelles tourism are Banyan Tree, Four Seasons Resort, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie and Enchanted Island Resort.

What should I pack for my trip to the Seychelles?

Packing for the Seychelles is fairly easy since the country enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. Here are five packing essentials for your trip to Seychelles:

1. Sunscreen
2. Mosquito repellant
3. Three to four swimming costumes
4. A pair of flip flops and a sturdy pair of shoes for hiking
5. Photocopies of all your documents

When is the best season for scuba diving in the Seychelles?

Scuba diving is one of the primary reasons for the popularity of Seychelles tourism and the best time to try this activity is during April, October or November. This is when the waters are calm and you can expect a wide variety of underwater life.

What are three tips for budget travellers planning to explore Seychelles tourism?

Travelling on a budget to the Seychelles is no easy feat. Here are three important tips for those who want to explore Seychelles tourism on a budget:

1. Book your hotels, flights to the Seychelles and packages well in advance
2. Travel in a group so you can get more discounts on group activities
3. Choose a homestay over a resort to save money on accommodation
4. Choose public transport wherever possible
5. Pick the best time to travel according to your budget, even if it’s not the peak season

Name a few national parks in Seychelles.

The Seychelles is blessed with abundant flora and fauna. Some of the national parks that you should include in your Seychelles tourism itinerary are Morne Seychellois National Park, La Digue Veuve Reserve, Silhouette National Park, Sainte Anne Marine National Park and Curieuse Marine National Park.

Which are the best places to shop in the Seychelles?

Shopping in the country is one of the most memorable experiences and you must include it in your Seychelles tourism itinerary. Some of the best markets are at the Union Estate Park, Albert Street, Black Pearl Praslin Ocean Farm, Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Bazar Labrin and Victoria Market.

Is it safe for solo travellers to explore Seychelles tourism?

Seychelles tourism welcomes all kinds of travellers and if you are a solo traveller, you have nothing to worry about. The locals are warm and helpful and you can travel the country without worrying about safety. We suggest keeping your hotel informed about your whereabouts at all times. 

Which are the best resorts in the Seychelles for couples on a honeymoon?

Couples on a honeymoon contribute extensively to Seychelles tourism and the country is one of the top destinations for romantic holidays. Some of the best resorts in Seychelles for honeymooners are Constance Ephelia Resort, Le Chateau de Feuilles, Raffles Seychelles, Hotel Cote D'Or, Dhevatara Beach Hotel and Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. She is a proud mom of three cats and lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans.