The Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is often seen as remote and exclusive - making it a dream destination for many travellers. Whether arriving by cruise or flying directly to Mahé, visitors are greeted by a landscape of dramatic granite boulders, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. For those with a week or more, we recommend exploring Mahé, then taking a short ferry to Praslin Island, followed by a visit to La Digue. The Seychelles is home to a range of luxury resorts and private island hideaways, offering the perfect setting for both relaxation and exploration.
La Digue Island: Just a 15-minute ferry from Praslin, La Digue is known for its laid-back charm and iconic natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its white sandy beaches framed by dramatic granite boulders, offering a truly photogenic and peaceful escape.
North Island: An ultra-exclusive private island featuring just 11 villas, North Island delivers a high-end, barefoot luxury experience for those seeking privacy, tranquillity, and world-class service in a spectacular natural setting.
Praslin Island: The Seychelles’ second-largest island is easily reached by speedboat from Mahé. Praslin offers secluded beaches, excellent snorkelling and diving, and ancient forests that are home to rare species like the black parrot and the legendary Coco de Mer palm.
St. Anne Island: Uninhabited and lush, St. Anne Island is a haven for giant tortoises, nesting sea turtles, and an array of marine life. From November to February, it’s a key spot for witnessing turtle nesting, and year-round it's an excellent destination for snorkelling in vibrant coral gardens.
Victoria: Located on Mahé, the capital city of the Seychelles is a great place to experience the local culture. Highlights include the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, a modern history museum, and botanical gardens that showcase the islands’ diverse plant life.
The Seychelles enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures between 24°C and 32°C, making it a great destination at any time. The driest months run from May to September, offering cooler, breezier days ideal for sailing and beach activities. The wettest period is from November to January, though tropical showers can occur at any time. For divers and snorkellers, April–May and October–November offer the best underwater visibility and calm seas. Birdwatchers should consider visiting during the breeding season in April, with nesting sooty terns from May to September, and migratory birds arriving in October.
Currency: Seychelles Rupee (SCR), though USD and Euros are widely accepted in many tourist areas.
Language: English, French, and Seychellois Creole are all officially spoken.
What makes it special: The Seychelles is one of the world’s ultimate tropical paradises, home to the only mid-ocean granite islands, the world’s oldest ocean islands, and the largest raised coral atoll. Its unique biodiversity includes the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, with over 150,000 Aldabra tortoises (IUCN Classification: Vulnerable) living on the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll.
Weather: Seychelles’ climate is shaped by two seasonal trade winds. The northwest trades blow from October to March, bringing light winds and warm conditions. The southeast trades, from May to September, are stronger and cooler - ideal for sailing but may bring windier days. The calm inter-monsoon periods in April and October offer excellent conditions for swimming, diving, and snorkelling, with sea temperatures reaching 29°C and visibility over 30 metres.
Social Customs: Seychellois culture reflects a rich mix of African, European, and Asian influences, seen in its architecture, cuisine, music, and art. Traditional homes with steep roofs blend colonial heritage with tropical practicality, while local artists showcase diverse cultural themes. Creole music and dance remain central to island life, with performances of traditional forms like the moutya, sega, kanmtole, and kontredanse continuing to thrive alongside more modern musical influences.
