Seychelles travel guide

Getting there

Seychelles International Airport on Mahé is the gateway for international flights; domestic flights and ferries connect Mahé with Praslin, La Digue and other islands.

Best time to visit: Apr–May and Oct–Nov – calm seas and good weather between the trade winds.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: No bad time – but December to February is hot, humid and the wettest period, with heavy tropical showers.

Weather by month in Victoria (Mahé)

• 29°J●●●
• 30°F●●
• 31°M●●
• 31°A●●
• 30°M●
• 29°J●
• 28°J●
• 28°A●
• 29°S●
• 29°O●●
• 30°N●●
• 29°D●●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Indian/Mahe. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 197 of 198 other passports can enter Seychelles without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 1 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Seychelles (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2025-12-09). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Seychelles are based around Mahé, Praslin or La Digue. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$80–120 for a backpacker and US$200–400 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: G. Voltage: 240 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +248.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Mahé (Inner Islands · main island): The largest island, home to Victoria, mountain trails and beaches such as Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance.
• Praslin (Inner Islands · beaches & forest): Famous for the Vallée de Mai and the dreamy beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
• La Digue (Inner Islands · laid-back island): A small, slow-paced island of bicycles, granite boulders and world-famous beaches.
• Victoria (Mahé · capital): One of the world's smallest capitals, with a colourful market, clock tower and Hindu temple.
• Curieuse Island (Inner Islands · nature reserve): Home to giant tortoises, mangrove boardwalks and the ruins of a former leper colony.
• Sainte Anne Marine National Park (Off Mahé · marine park): A cluster of islands with snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips and calm waters.
• Bird Island (Inner Islands · coral cay): A remote coral island famous for seabird colonies and turtle nesting.
• Aldabra Atoll (Outer Islands · UNESCO atoll): One of the world's largest raised coral atolls, home to around 100,000 giant tortoises, reached only by special expedition.

Things to do

• Photograph Anse Source d'Argent. Wade through shallow turquoise water between sculpted pink granite boulders on La Digue.
• Walk the Vallée de Mai. Explore a primeval palm forest on Praslin where the giant coco de mer nut grows.
• Cycle around La Digue. Pedal sleepy island lanes past ox carts, plantation houses and empty beaches.
• Snorkel Sainte Anne Marine Park. Glide over coral and tropical fish in a protected marine park just off Mahé.
• Meet giant tortoises. See ancient Aldabra giant tortoises roaming freely on islands such as Curieuse.
• Hike Morne Seychellois. Trek through misty mountain forest for panoramic views over Mahé's coast.
• Browse Victoria's market. Soak up the bustle of the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, with fish, spices and tropical fruit.
• Watch seabirds on Bird Island. Visit huge colonies of sooty terns and other seabirds on this coral island.

Eat and drink

• Fish curry – often made with coconut milk
• Octopus curry – a Creole favourite
• Grilled fish – fresh catch with Creole sauce
• Ladob – sweet dessert of banana or breadfruit in coconut milk

Money and safety

Currency: Seychellois rupee (SCR). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not expected – a service charge is often included, but small tips are welcome.

Emergency numbers: 999.

• The currency is the Seychelles rupee; many hotels and tour operators quote prices in euros.
• Cards are widely accepted on the main islands, and ATMs are available on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
• The Seychelles are generally safe, but petty theft happens – never leave valuables unattended on beaches or in cars.
• Strong currents can occur on some beaches, particularly during the southeast monsoon; heed warning signs and local advice.