Last update: 23 Oct 2026
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Seychelles Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Seychelles – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
240 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type G
Type G:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Seychelles Rupee (SCR) £1 ≈ SCR 19.10 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Seychelles, particularly in tourist areas and larger towns.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Seychelles, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in Seychelles, and alcohol is consumed in licensed venues like bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, but designated smoking areas are available outdoors. |
| Independence Day (29 June) |
Marks the independence from Britain |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
A time for family celebrations |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Seychelles is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, offering a paradise for nature lovers and beach-goers. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Seychelles, Seychelles
Two monsoons: northwest November to March is warmer and wetter, southeast May to September is drier and windier. April and October have the calmest seas for diving and snorkelling
Southeast-facing beaches can have seaweed and rough water May to September; west coasts of Mahé and Praslin are sheltered then
Whale shark sightings off Mahé peak August to October
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Visit Anse Source d'Argent, famed pink sand beach
- 🐢 Encounter giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
- 🥾 Hike the scenic Copolia Trail on Mahe Island
- 🌴 Explore the unique Vallée de Mai palm forest
- 🤿 Snorkel in beautifully vibrant Sainte Anne Marine Park
- 🌊 Relax and swim at the stunning Anse Lazio
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Seychelles?
What makes Seychelles truly special is its remarkable combination of natural beauty and tranquility that feels worlds away from mass tourism. The islands boast some of the world's most stunning beaches, where the fine white sand meets turquoise waters teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. The unique granite boulders that frame many beaches create dramatic landscapes that photographers and nature lovers will find irresistible. Beyond the beaches, Seychelles offers fascinating Creole culture, rare wildlife including the famous Aldabra giant tortoises and lush mountain interiors perfect for hiking. However, travelers should be aware that Seychelles positions itself as a higher-end destination, with prices to match. Additionally, while the climate is generally pleasant year-round, the southeast trade winds from May to September can bring seaweed to some beaches, particularly on the southwest coasts of Mahé and Praslin, which might affect swimming conditions.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
La Digue
This island paradise in the Seychelles archipelago features pristine beaches, lush vegetation and vibrant marine life. La Digue offers a tranquil escape with its iconic granite boulders, scenic lagoons and charming local culture that feels untouched by mass tourism. -
2
Mahé
Archipelago of granite peaks and turquoise lagoons, where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches. Visitors flock to its coral reefs and historic sites, yet head inland or to quieter coves for a slower pace that reveals the island's hidden charm and natural beauty.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Seychelles International Carnival
-
Creole Festival
-
SUBIOS Underwater Festival
-
Seychelles Ocean Festival
-
Festival Kreol
-
Seychelles Arts Festival
-
Eco-Friendly Marathon
-
Seychelles Sailing Cup
-
Praslin Culinary and Arts Festival
-
La Digue Island Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Check sea conditions; some beaches have dangerous currents.
- Keep valuables secured on beaches and trails; opportunistic theft can happen in tourist areas.
- If renting a car, drive defensively; roads are narrow, winding and poorly lit after dark.
- For snorkelling and boat trips, choose reputable operators and confirm life jackets; conditions can change quickly.
How to travel to Seychelles
Most international visitors arrive in Seychelles through Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island, which has connections to major cities in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Air Seychelles, the national carrier, operates alongside international airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and others. Visitors from most countries do not require visas in advance for tourist stays. Another option is arriving by cruise ship, with several luxury cruise lines including Seychelles in their Indian Ocean itineraries. These typically dock at Victoria on Mahé Island. For those already in the region, ferry services connect Seychelles with some neighboring countries, though these are less common than air connections.
Access summary
- Fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé from Europe, Middle East, Africa.
- From Mauritius/Madagascar: Direct flights to SEZ; ferries between main islands.
- Air Seychelles hub at SEZ; Vanilla Alliance partner with Etihad codeshares.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Seychelles
Accommodation in Seychelles ranges from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments. The main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue offer the widest selection, while smaller islands often feature exclusive private resorts. Prices tend to be higher than many other destinations, with budget options limited. For a unique experience, consider staying in traditional Creole-style guesthouses. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially during the peak tourist seasons from December to January and July to August.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Seychelles
Getting around Seychelles varies by island. On the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, public transportation options include buses (on Mahé and Praslin), taxis and car rentals. Mahé has the most extensive bus network with affordable fares, though services can be infrequent on weekends. La Digue is famous for its bicycle culture, with most visitors exploring this small island by bike or on foot. For island hopping, options include domestic flights operated by Air Seychelles, ferry services (particularly between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue) and private boat charters. During the southeast trade wind season (May-September), sea crossings can be rough, so flights might be preferable for those prone to seasickness.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Seychelles are around 21% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to SCR) is 0% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Seychelles is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings, particularly on beaches. The main safety concerns relate to water activities - always check local conditions before swimming, snorkeling or diving, especially during trade wind season.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are adequate on the main islands but limited on smaller ones. The main hospital is on Mahé, with smaller facilities on Praslin and La Digue. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. There are no major endemic diseases, but protection against mosquito bites is advised.
Accessibility
Accessibility in Seychelles presents challenges for those with mobility issues. Many beaches, natural attractions and smaller accommodations have limited accessibility features. The terrain is often hilly and public transportation is not fully equipped for wheelchair users. Major resorts offer better accessibility options.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink on the main islands, though many visitors prefer bottled water for taste. On smaller islands, stick to bottled or filtered water. Bottled water is widely available but relatively expensive compared to other destinations.
Packing recommendations for Seychelles
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
📷
Waterproof camera
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
few cash machines on smaller islands
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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