Seychelles Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in the Seychelles

Most trips combine the main island of Mahé with a stay on Praslin or La Digue, linked by ferries and short flights.

• Victoria — One of the world's smallest capitals, with a colourful covered market, a landmark clock tower and a Hindu temple.
• Beau Vallon — A long, sheltered beach on Mahé's north-west coast, good for swimming and water sports.
• Morne Seychellois National Park — Forested mountains covering much of Mahé, with hiking trails and viewpoints.
• Vallée de Mai — A UNESCO-listed palm forest on Praslin, home of the famous coco de mer.
• Anse Source d'Argent — La Digue's celebrated beach of sculpted granite boulders and shallow, clear water.
• Sainte Anne Marine National Park — Protected islands and reefs off Mahé, ideal for snorkelling and boat trips.
• Curieuse Island — A small island near Praslin known for its free-roaming giant tortoises.

Best time to visit the Seychelles

The Seychelles is warm all year, with temperatures that change little between seasons. The calmest periods are usually April to May and October to November, between the two trade-wind seasons, when seas are often smooth and clear for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

From about May to September the south-east trade winds bring drier, breezier weather and choppier seas on some coasts. December to March is hotter and more humid, with a higher chance of heavy showers, but the islands remain green and beautiful. The islands lie outside the main cyclone belt.

Getting from the airport

Seychelles International Airport is on the east coast of Mahé, a short drive south of Victoria. Most hotels on Mahé can be reached in well under an hour, depending on which coast you are staying on.

Taxis wait outside arrivals, many resorts arrange transfers, and car hire is popular for exploring the island; remember that traffic drives on the left and roads are narrow and winding. Public buses serve much of Mahé at a slower pace. Onward connections to Praslin and La Digue are by ferry from Victoria or by short domestic flight.

Where to stay

Choosing the right island and coast shapes your trip, as each offers a different atmosphere and pace.

• Beau Vallon, Mahé — Lively beach area with restaurants and dive centres, good for first-time visitors and families.
• South and west Mahé — Quieter bays with secluded resorts, suited to couples seeking privacy.
• Praslin — Relaxed island with beautiful beaches such as Anse Lazio and easy access to Vallée de Mai.
• La Digue — A tranquil island best explored by bicycle, ideal for slow travel and guesthouse stays.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants; carry rupees for buses, markets and small shops.
• Getting around: Book inter-island ferries and flights in advance in busy periods, and allow extra time on Mahé's winding roads.
• Etiquette: Beachwear is fine at the beach but cover up in towns, shops and churches.
• Health and safety: Use strong sun protection and insect repellent, and check local advice on currents before swimming.
• Nature: Do not take shells, coral or coco de mer nuts without authorisation, as many natural items are protected.