Seychelles
"Find your own private beach in granite paradise"
Seychelles at a glance
- Best time to go
- April to May and October to November are the calmest windows, sitting between two opposing trade winds and offering the best conditions for diving, snorkelling and calm seas. The northwest monsoon (roughly November to March) brings warmer, more humid weather with more rain. The southeast trade winds (roughly May to September) bring cooler, drier air but can make south-facing beaches choppy, so which coast you stay on matters more than the calendar.
- How long to stay
- We'd suggest seven to ten days to island-hop across Mahe, Praslin and La Digue at a relaxed pace.
- Who it's for
- Honeymooners, divers and travellers who want a quieter, more upscale Indian Ocean escape.
- Might not be for you if
- You're on a tight budget. The Seychelles is consistently one of the more expensive Indian Ocean destinations, with limited backpacker infrastructure.
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, featuring some of the world's most beautiful beaches framed by giant granite boulders. This tropical paradise offers pristine nature, unique wildlife, and ultimate seclusion.
Best Time to Visit
April to May or October to November
April to May or October to November
The recommended period for the most pleasant weather and best overall experience.
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds and better prices, with generally acceptable weather conditions.
Off-Peak
Lowest prices and emptiest attractions, though weather may be less predictable.
Getting Around
The Seychelles' main islands are linked by fast ferries; each island is small enough to circle by scooter or bus.
⛴️ Cat Cocos Ferry
Fast catamaran connecting Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — the standard way to island-hop.
🚲 Bicycle (La Digue)
La Digue has almost no cars — everyone gets around by bike.
🚌 SPTC Bus
Cheap public buses circle Mahé and Praslin — a great budget option.
🚗 Rental Car
Useful on Mahé for reaching secluded beaches; not needed on smaller islands.
💡 Do Mahé at the start or end — Praslin and La Digue are the postcard beaches most travellers come for.
Suggested Itineraries
Mahé Arrival
Beau Vallon dinner.
Mahé Beaches
Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka.
Ferry to Praslin
Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio.
Praslin Snorkel
Curieuse Island giant tortoises.
Ferry to La Digue
Bike to Anse Source d'Argent.
La Digue Day 2
Anse Cocos hike, beach lunch.
Return & Depart
Ferry back to Mahé, flight home.
🌱 Psst — you don't have to do it all. The best souvenirs are slow mornings and one unplanned detour you'll still be talking about years later.
Highlights
Must See
- Anse Source d'Argent
- Vallée de Mai
- Aldabra Atoll
- Praslin Island
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Island hop between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue to experience the best of Seychelles' diversity.
Seychelles travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
April to May and October to November are the calmest, most reliable windows, falling between the two trade wind seasons. The northwest monsoon (roughly November to March) is warmer and wetter, while the southeast trade winds (roughly May to September) bring cooler, drier air but rougher seas on south-facing coasts, so a north-facing beach is a better bet during that period.
Do you need a visa for the Seychelles?
Most nationalities don't need a visa in advance. Instead, you get a free visitor's permit on arrival, provided you have a valid passport, a return ticket, proof of accommodation and enough funds for your stay. Check current requirements for your specific passport before travelling.
How do you island-hop in the Seychelles?
By inter-island ferry or short domestic flight. Ferries connect Mahe, Praslin and La Digue regularly, and flights are a faster (if pricier) option between the main islands, particularly useful if your time is limited.
How many days do you need in the Seychelles?
Seven to ten days lets you properly experience Mahe, Praslin and La Digue without feeling rushed. A shorter trip of four to five days can still work well if you stick to just one or two islands.
Details last checked 23 September 2026.