Plan Your Seychelles Vacation: What To Know And Expect

A Seychelles vacation looks like this: You wake up in your hotel room and see the blue ocean. Then, you go to a white sand beach. You can swim in the warm water or lie in the sun. Later, you might visit a forest to see big tortoises. At night, you eat fresh fish for dinner while watching the sunset.

I went to Seychelles many times because of business and I want to tell you all about it. First, we’ll talk about when to go. Then, I’ll explain how to get there. After that, I’ll share where to stay and what to do. This will help you plan your own trip to Seychelles.

What to Know About the Seychelles Islands Before Your Trip

Seychelles is a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1,100 miles off the coast of East Africa. The three main islands that most people visit are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Each island has its own special things to see and do.

Mahé is the biggest island and where most people live. It’s home to Victoria, the capital city, which is one of the world’s smallest capitals with only 28,000 people.

Praslin is known for its beautiful beaches and a special forest called the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. La Digue is the smallest of the three and has a very relaxed feel, with fewer cars and more bicycles.

When I first saw these islands from the plane, I was amazed by how green they were, surrounded by white beaches and blue water. It’s easy to see why early British explorers thought they had found the Garden of Eden when they first came here!

Best Times to Visit Seychelles for Your Vacation

Seychelles has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season is from May to October, and the wet season is from November to April. But don’t let the names fool you – you can still get rain in the dry season and sunny days in the wet season.

Here’s a table to help you understand what to expect in different seasons:

Season	Months	Weather	Good for	Not so good for
Dry Season	May – Oct	Cooler Less humid	Hiking Outdoor activities	Can be windy
Wet Season	Nov – Apr	Warmer More humid	Cheaper prices, Lush scenery	More rain Rougher seas

My latest visit is this September, which is supposed to be in the dry season. We had some sunny days, but it also rained for three days straight! This taught me that Seychelles weather can be unpredictable. It’s a good idea to be ready for both sun and rain no matter when you visit.

How to Get to Seychelles: Travel Tips and Information

Getting to Seychelles can be a bit of a journey, but it’s worth it. The main airport is Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island.

As of September 2024, there aren’t many direct flights from Europe – only from Frankfurt and Zurich. Most people have to change planes in places like Dubai, Doha, or Addis Ababa.

I always flew with Ethiopian Airlines. The flight from Addis Ababa to Mahé took about 4 hours. When we landed, the warm air and green mountains made me feel like I was really in a tropical paradise!

Here are some important things to know about getting to Seychelles:

• Visas: Most people don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You get a visitor’s permit when you arrive.
• What you need to bring: You’ll need to show your return ticket, where you’re staying, and proof you have enough money for your trip.
• Money: The local money is called the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). In September 2024, 1 US dollar is worth about 13.60 SCR.
• Getting from the airport: Taxis are available but they’re expensive. A 20-minute ride can cost around 800 SCR (about €50 or $58). If you’re planning to explore on your own, you might want to rent a car instead.

Want more travel tips? Visit https://destination.com and read our travel blogs. You’ll find lots of guides, itineraries, and insider tips for many places around the world. Our articles will help you plan your trips easily and avoid common problems.

What Can You See on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue Islands?

One of the best parts of a Seychelles vacation is visiting different islands. Each one has its own special things to see and do. Here’s what you can expect from the three main islands:

What to See and Do on Mahé Island in Seychelles

Mahé is where most people in Seychelles live. The capital city, Victoria, is small but has some interesting places to visit:

• The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market: This is a busy place where you can buy fresh food, spices, and local crafts.
• The Botanical Gardens: Here, you can see the famous Coco de Mer palm tree and giant tortoises.
• The Natural History Museum: This is a good place to learn about the special plants and animals that live in Seychelles.

Mahé also has beautiful beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance. If you like hiking, you can go to Morne Seychellois National Park for amazing views of the island.

What Makes Praslin Island Special in Seychelles?

Praslin is the second-biggest island and is famous for two things: beautiful beaches and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• Anse Lazio: Many people say this is one of the best beaches in the world. The water is very clear and the sand is soft.
• Vallée de Mai: This is a special forest that’s protected by UNESCO. You can see the rare Coco de Mer palm and the Seychelles black parrot here.

Why Is La Digue Island Known for Its Slow Pace?

La Digue is the smallest of the three main islands and life here moves at a slower pace. There aren’t many cars – most people get around by bicycle or ox-cart. Make sure to visit:

• Anse Source d’Argent: This is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It has big granite rocks that make it look very special.
• L’Union Estate: This used to be a coconut and vanilla farm. Now you can see giant tortoises here.

Where Can You Stay During Seychelles Vacation? Options for All Budgets

Seychelles has all kinds of places to stay, from very fancy resorts to simpler guesthouses. Here’s a table to help you understand the different types of places to stay before I tell you more about them:

Type of Place	Costs (per night)	Pros	Cons
Fancy Resorts	$500 – $2000+	Very private, lots of nice things to do	Very expensive
Middle-Range Hotels	$150 – $500	Good mix of comfort and price	Can be busy when lots of people visit
Budget Guesthouses	$50 – $150	Cheaper, more like real Seychelles life	Basic comforts

Prices can change a lot depending on the time of year and where you stay. It’s a good idea to book early, especially if you’re visiting during the busy times (December to January and July to August).

Luxury Resorts in Seychelles: High-End Vacation Experiences

If you want to spend a lot of money, Seychelles has many high-end resorts. Many of these are on their own private islands or in quiet bays. Some popular ones are:

• Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island
• Four Seasons Resort Seychelles on Mahé
• Raffles Seychelles on Praslin

These places often have private villas, personal helpers, and lots of nice things to do. But they’re very expensive – you might have to pay $1,000 or more per night.

Mid-Range Hotels and Guesthouses in Seychelles

If you don’t want to spend that much, there are plenty of middle-range hotels and guesthouses in Seychelles. These often give you a more real Seychelles experience. On Mahé, the Beau Vallon area has many hotels near the beach.

Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Seychelles

Seychelles isn’t known for being cheap, but you can find some less expensive places if you look. Apartments where you can cook your own food are good for people who want to save money. You can save a lot by cooking some of your meals instead of eating out all the time.

Which Beaches Should You Visit on Your Seychelles Vacation?

Most people come to Seychelles for the beaches, and they’re really amazing! There are more than 65 beaches on the islands, so you have lots to choose from. Here are some of the best:

• Anse Source d’Argent (on La Digue): This beach is famous for its big granite rocks and shallow water.
• Anse Lazio (on Praslin): Many people say this is one of the best beaches in the world.
• Beau Vallon (on Mahé): This is a long beach with calm water, great for swimming.

But a Seychelles vacation isn’t just about lying on the beach. There’s lots more to do in the water too.

For example, you can go snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see colorful fish and pretty coral. Ste Anne Marine National Park is a great place for this

If you like diving, the water stays warm all year, about 27°C (81°F). The best times for diving are from March to May and September to November.

And if you enjoy fishing, you can try to catch big fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna. These activities make a Seychelles trip exciting for people who love the water.

What Foods and Drinks Should You Try in Seychelles?

One of the best things about my trip to Seychelles was the food. Seychelles cooking is a mix of African, European, and Asian foods. Here are some drinks and dishes you should try:

• Octopus Curry: This is a favorite local dish, usually served with rice.
• Grilled Fish: Fresh fish from the Indian Ocean, cooked simply with local herbs.
• Ladob: This is a dessert made from sweet potatoes and plantains cooked in coconut milk.

• Seybrew: This is the local beer, and it’s great on a hot day.
• Takamaka Rum: This rum is made on Mahé and it’s good in cocktails or by itself.

Eating out in Seychelles can be expensive. A meal at a middle-range restaurant can cost about 300-500 SCR ($22-37) for each person.

If you want to save money, look for small local takeaway places or try the night market in Victoria (it’s open on Wednesdays and the last Friday of each month).

What’s Special About Seychelles Culture and People?

Even though many tourists visit Seychelles, the islands still have their own special culture. The Seychellois people come from a mix of African, European, and Asian backgrounds, which makes for a very interesting culture.

Most Seychellois speak three languages: Seychellois Creole, English, and French. People here are usually friendly and relaxed – “island time” is a real thing here!

One thing that surprised me was learning about the drug problem in Seychelles. About 10% of adults in Seychelles are addicted to heroin, which is the highest rate in the world. This doesn’t usually affect tourists directly, but it’s something to know about.

Helpful Tips for a Great Seychelles Trip

Here are some tips to help you have a great time in Seychelles:

• Money: Many places take euros and US dollars, but it’s good to have some local money (Seychellois Rupees) for small purchases.
• Getting Around: Renting a car is a good idea on Mahé and Praslin. The roads can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully. On La Digue, most people use bicycles.
• What to Pack: Bring light, breathable clothes and don’t forget your swimsuit. A light raincoat is also a good idea.
• Staying Safe: Seychelles is generally safe, but some theft can happen. Don’t leave valuable things alone on the beach or in your car.
• Respecting Nature: Seychelles takes protecting nature very seriously. Follow the local rules to help protect the special plants and animals.
• Costs: Be ready for high prices. A Seychelles vacation is usually not cheap, but with some planning, you can manage your costs.

Is a Seychelles Vacation Right for You?

After spending time in Seychelles, I can say it’s a really beautiful place. The beaches are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, the nature is lush and special, and the relaxed island feeling is catching.

But in all honesty, a Seychelles vacation is not perfect. The high costs, unpredictable weather, and not having many things to do besides beaches and nature might not be great for some travelers. It’s also not the easiest place to get to, with long flights and not many direct connections.

That said, if you’re looking for a tropical paradise with amazing beaches, unique wildlife, and a mix of luxury and natural beauty, Seychelles is a great choice. Just make sure to plan well, budget your money, and go with an open mind ready to enjoy island life.