Seychelles

Seychelles is an Indian Ocean paradise of granite islands, white-sand beaches, and clear blue waters. Mahé, the largest island, is home to the capital Victoria, small markets, and lush mountains. Praslin offers the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, where ancient palm forests shelter rare wildlife, while La Digue charms with laid-back villages and the iconic boulders of Anse Source d’Argent. Offshore, coral reefs attract snorkelers and divers. Seychellois culture mixes African, French, and Asian influences, seen in its food, music, and Creole language. With natural beauty at every turn, Seychelles is a place for slow days, warm waters, and easy living.

Seychelles is a collection of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, a place where granite boulders, turquoise lagoons, and white-sand beaches create some of the most photogenic scenery on the planet. Most travelers head to the main islands, Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, for a mix of beach time, hiking, and laid-back island life. Mahé, the largest island, has mountains, hidden coves, and the colorful capital Victoria. Praslin is home to the ancient Vallée de Mai forest and some of the best beaches, while La Digue moves at bicycle speed with ox carts and footpaths instead of highways.

In an effort to attract only those with a bit of dosh, the Seychelles like to turn away anyone who looks like a backpacker. If you do turn up with a rucksake on your shoulders, make sure you have a place to stay booked already. In contrast, those in need of luxury will be well catered for here during their stay.

The islands are relatively upmarket and there is little in the way of budget accommodation. And if the high prices leave you with nothing, you could always try picking up coconuts off the beach, although they are mighty hard to get into. If beaches and your holiday companion bore you, ruining your little taste of what-would-be paradise, there’s always the local beer and rum to fall back on.

Seychelles is expensive, even by island standards. Accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and villa rentals to guesthouses, but even budget options cost more than in places like Mauritius or Zanzibar. Food can also be pricey: local dishes like grilled fish, coconut curries, rice, and ladob (a sweet or savory coconut-based dish) are available at beachside cafes and takeaways, but imported goods push up restaurant prices. Western food is widely available in tourist areas.

Getting around is fairly easy. On Mahé and Praslin, you can rent a car, take buses, or hire taxis. Bicycles are the best way to get around La Digue. Ferries connect the main islands, and small planes or helicopter rides link more remote islands. English, French, and Seychellois Creole are all official languages, and communication is easy for travelers. Seychelles is safe, clean, and well-organized, though petty theft can happen if you’re careless.

Families: Seychelles is safe and welcoming for families , calm beaches, nature reserves, and resorts with kids’ clubs make it a top choice. Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue offer easy access to beaches and short nature walks.

Couples: One of the world’s top romantic destinations , think white-sand beaches, luxury villas, private islands, and lush backdrops. Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent, and secluded resorts make Seychelles a honeymoon favorite.

Backpackers: Seychelles is beautiful but pricey for backpackers. Guesthouses and self-catering apartments on Mahé and La Digue offer more affordable options, but transport and food can add up quickly.

Digital Nomads: Internet is reliable in Victoria and major resort areas, and Seychelles offers a digital nomad visa. High living costs and a quiet pace of life make it better for short stays or retreats rather than long-term nomadism.

Luxury Travelers: Seychelles is synonymous with high-end travel , private islands, five-star resorts, fine dining, and personal butlers. North Island, Fregate Island, and elite resorts on Mahé deliver world-class experiences.

Foodies: Creole cuisine is the star , fresh seafood, coconut curries, and tropical fruits are staples. High-end restaurants and beachside grills offer excellent dining, with the best variety found on Mahé and Praslin.

Beach Bunnies: Seychelles boasts some of the world’s most spectacular beaches , powdery white sand, granite boulders, and clear blue waters. Must-sees include Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent, and Beau Vallon.

Nature Buffs: Beyond the beaches, Seychelles offers lush rainforests, nature reserves, and coral reefs. Highlights include hiking Morne Seychellois National Park and exploring Vallée de Mai’s endemic coco de mer palms.

History Buffs: History is modestly represented , colonial-era buildings, Creole culture, and small museums in Victoria. While interesting, Seychelles is more about nature and beaches than historical exploration.

Culture Vultures: Seychellois Creole culture is vibrant , music, dance, colorful festivals, and local markets provide insight. Cultural immersion is subtle and best experienced during local events or village visits.

Adventure Seekers: Activities include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and hiking. The underwater world is stunning, and island-hopping adds a fun element of exploration. It’s soft adventure rather than extreme sports.

Solo Travelers: Seychelles is safe and friendly, making it easy for solo travelers to explore. While it’s geared toward couples and groups, solo visitors will enjoy peaceful beaches, guided tours, and island-hopping.

Party Animals: Nightlife is low-key , a few bars, beach parties, and casino nights, mostly on Mahé. It’s more about quiet evenings and romantic settings than late-night clubs or wild parties.

Wildlife Watchers: Seychelles is rich in biodiversity , giant tortoises, rare birds, and pristine marine life. Visit Aldabra Atoll for tortoises and Cousin Island for birdwatching, or dive into spectacular coral reefs.

LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is legal, and Seychelles is considered one of the more LGBTQ+-friendly Indian Ocean destinations. Major resorts are welcoming, though public affection should be limited out of cultural respect.

Why Go to Seychelles?

• Incredible Beaches: Swim at iconic beaches like Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio, and Beau Vallon, with boulders and powder-soft sand.
• Snorkeling and Diving: Explore coral reefs, underwater cliffs, and shipwrecks around the islands, visibility is usually fantastic.
• Hiking Trails and Jungle Walks: Trek through national parks like Morne Seychellois on Mahé or the palm-filled Vallée de Mai on Praslin.
• Island Hopping Adventures: Sail, ferry, or kayak between dozens of islands, each with its own feel and natural treasures.
• Unique Wildlife: Spot giant Aldabra tortoises, rare birds like the black parrot, and endemic plants found nowhere else.
• Creole Culture and Cuisine: Dive into a blend of African, French, Indian, and Chinese influences in everything from music to food.
• Romance, Solitude, and Peace: Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family trip, or just a solo recharge, Seychelles offers enough space and beauty to reset your soul.

Who Might Not Enjoy Seychelles?

• Budget Travelers: Seychelles is one of the most expensive destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Accommodation, food, transportation, and activities come with high price tags, and true budget options are very limited.

• Backpackers Seeking Hostels or Cheap Lodging: There are very few hostels or inexpensive guesthouses. The islands primarily cater to honeymooners, luxury tourists, and mid-range vacationers.

• Visitors Expecting Lively Nightlife: Seychelles is quiet after dark. While a few resorts and local bars offer entertainment, nightlife is subdued compared to places like Mauritius or the Caribbean.

• Travelers Hoping for Extensive Cultural Attractions: While Creole culture is present and vibrant, Seychelles doesn’t offer a wide range of museums, heritage sites, or cultural performances. The focus is overwhelmingly on beaches and nature.

• Those Without a Car or Transport Plan: Public transport exists on the main islands but is limited and irregular. Exploring beaches, trails, and towns beyond the immediate area often requires renting a car or booking private transfers.

• Vegetarians or Vegans: Creole cuisine heavily features seafood, chicken, and goat. While fruits and vegetables are abundant, finding diverse, clearly vegan meals outside international resorts can be challenging.

• Travelers Wanting Mountain Hikes or Diverse Terrain: Although there are scenic trails and granite peaks, Seychelles is primarily about beaches and coastal beauty. It doesn’t offer dramatic volcanoes, rainforests, or deserts for varied adventure seekers.

• Tourists Looking for Fast-Paced, High-Energy Vacations: Life moves slowly in Seychelles. If you want packed itineraries, constant activities, and lively urban scenes, the relaxed pace may feel too quiet.

Highlights

Aldabra Atoll: measuring over 14 miles from east to west and enclosing a massive tidal lagoon, Aldabra is one of the world’s largest coral atolls and a must-see attraction.

Victoria: noted as being one of the smallest capital cities in the world, Victoria is the only major port in the Seychelles. It has a clean and modern look, but not a great deal else.

Cousin Island: a birdwatchers paradise, with over 300,000 birds on an island just 0.6 miles in diameter. Organized tours depart from Praslin, but be prepared to listen to an overenthusiastic bird-spotter rattle on all day.

Anse Lazio: acclaimed as being the best beach in the country, with perfect white sand, warm water and some good snorkeling.

Vallée de Mai: is one of only two places in the world where you can see the coco de mer palm growing in its natural state. However, it may take more to impress your friends back home than claiming to have seen an exotic tree.

La Digue: the least developed of the main islands offering a very laidback lifestyle. Good beaches and some beautiful old plantation houses. If you are lucky, you might get to see the rare black paradise flycatcher.

Beaches: the main attractions for people visiting the Seychelles are the endless tropical beaches. Relax on one of Mahé’s 70 beautiful beaches and enjoy swimming in the warm and clear waters.

Water sports: unsurprisingly, there are plenty of water-based activities on offer. The most popular include waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and fishing.

Diving: plenty of good dive sites to explore with sea cliffs, tunnels, caves and an abundance of marine life. Courses can be arranged at your hotel.

Deep sea fishing: Alphonse and Desroches islands are the best spots for salt water fly fishing, while Bird Island is favored with the locals. Marlin can be caught from October to December.

Underwater photography: if you are a serious photographer, then you won’t find a better place to practice your hobby. The photo options are so good here that they attract experts from around the world for the annual Subios Underwater Festival.

Botanical Gardens: relax in the oasis of green shade at the century-old Botanical Gardens at the south end of Victoria. A wide variety of indigenous and exotic trees grow in this 15 acre site.

Cerf Island Private Mini Spa: pamper yourself at this wonderful spa nestled into the lush vegetation of Cerf Island. The spa boasts a variety of massage, a private steam room, indoor/ outdoor treatment room, outdoor shower, relaxation garden and ‘Rainforest Jacuzzi’.