More blogs
When we visualize a stay in the Seychelles, we immediately imagine those long white sand beaches, azure water, powerful sunshine and a sea breeze that comes to refresh us throughout the day. One word immediately springs to mind: paradise. To enable you to organize a memorable Seychelles tour, combining idleness with earth-shattering explorations, we've put together all the information you need in this guide to help you enjoy a unique Seychelles trip.
We answer all your questions to enable you to plan your trip at the best season and under the best conditions by telling you when to go to Seychelles, where to go and what to do in Seychelles. Plus, we've created 2 Seychelles tours, perfect if you're looking for itinerary ideas:
- Seychelles circuit #1: between Mahé and Praslin, discover the jewels of the Indian Ocean
- Seychelles tour #2: stop time on your trip to La Digue
Practical information for a stay in the Seychelles
Just 10 hours by plane from Paris, a holiday in the Seychelles promises a complete change of scenery. Between seabed exploration, coconut palms, lagoons and heavenly beaches, your trip to these Indian Ocean islands will be anything but boring. To help you plan your trip to the Seychelles, we wanted to answer all your questions about these paradise islands before sharing our travel itineraries.
When is the best time to go to the Seychelles?
The best time to go to Seychelles is from April to October, which is known as the dry or sometimes even cool season. The wind is largely present, creating an ideal playground for kitesurfers and surfers. Temperatures at this time are between 25° and 28° Celsius.
The second season, from October to March, is known as the rainy season, but is closer to the monsoon season found in South Asia. Temperatures are around 28° and 30°. Rain is particularly prevalent between December and January, and the air is laden with humidity.
When to go to the Seychelles?
Although the best time to visit Seychelles is between April and October, we strongly advise you to book your trip to Seychelles in February. In February, the rainy season comes to an end, allowing you to enjoy the lush nature that will contrast with the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean (the main rainy months being December and January). Temperatures are well above those in France (28-30°), and you're likely to get some rain from time to time, but mainly at the end of the day. On the other hand, February isn't part of the high season, so you enjoy your interesting rates, perfect if you want to watch your budget.
When to swim in the Seychelles?
If you want to make the most of water activities, we advise you to organize your trip to Seychelles between April and May or October to November to swim in Seychelles. This is the optimum time to explore the seabed and go diving, as the trade winds (warm winds) are much less present and you'll be able to enjoy calm waters.
However, the rest of the year is still a great time to swim in the Seychelles. You can enjoy water between 26° and 28°, making ita perfect destination for swimming whatever the month of the year.
What to do in the Seychelles
If you decide to take a trip to the Seychelles, it's because you're craving a change of scenery, heavenly beaches and activities in the middle of tropical nature. If we were to make you a non-exhaustive list of things to do in the Seychelles, here are the recommended activities during your stay:
- Meet giant tortoises at Aldabra Atoll in one of the world's largest coral reefs
- Discover the markets of Victoria on the island of Mahé: fruits, vegetables and local spices are present in mazes of colors
- Walk through the Vallée de Mai in Praslin: this verdant forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Snorkel in the heart of Sainte-Anne Marine National Park, which boasts some of the archipelago's most beautiful seabeds
- Watch the sunset at Anse Source d'Argent on the island of La Digue: one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world
.
How to dress for a trip to the Seychelles
If you're not sure what to wear on your trip to the Seychelles, we recommend packinglightweight clothing and breathable fibers. The humidity will make you sweat, and it's best not to choose clothes that soak up moisture too easily. Another tip is to wear long, thin garments, especially at night. This will help you avoid mosquito bites. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent are also essential.
What is the cost of living in the Seychelles?
To give you an idea of the local cost of living in the Seychelles, we've carried out a survey of rates on the archipelago's islands:
- Price of a dish at a restaurant in the Seychelles on average: 14€
- Price of a local draught beer in Seychelles on average: 5.6€
- Price of petrol in Seychelles on average : 1.4€/L
The local currency is the Roupie Seychelloise, equivalent to approximately 14.51 Roupie for 1 euro (Conversion made on 19/01/2024). Many tourist sites accept credit cards, however, we advise you to still convert a few euros at the airport to be able to buy in the markets or tip.
Seychelles tour: 2 travel itineraries in the heart of the Indian Ocean
If you're looking for a trip to paradise and a change of scenery, you're sure to find what you're looking for in the Seychelles. To help you plan the perfect stay, our travel and experience experts have created two Seychelles tours to help you discover the best of this tropical archipelago.
Between Mahé and Praslin: discover the jewels of the Seychelles on your trip
If you feel like letting go while planning the perfect Seychelles holiday, there's nothing better than checking out tours and itineraries around the archipelago before booking your hotel stay. Mahé and Praslin are for us incredible islands with a varied fauna and above all heavenly flora. For a one-week trip, we recommend the following tour:
Day 1: arrival in Seychelles and discovery of Mahé
Seychelles' main airport is Victoria Airport on the island of Mahé. Allow between 10 and 15 hours (with stopovers) to fly from Paris to reach the archipelago. Ideally, you should arrive in the morning, so you can make the most of your day. Most flights from France have 3 arrival times: 7, 8 and 2 pm.
Once you've arrived and set down your bags, you can discover Victoria, the world's smallest capital.
This doesn't detract from its exotic feel, with its colorful local markets offering a wealth of local fruits and spices. After lunch in the heart of downtown, head to the Victoria Botanical Garden to admire the flora and fauna endemic to the Seychelles. Allow around an hour's walk to discover the garden, and be sure to admire the famous giant tortoises.
In the late afternoon, head for the beach of Beau Vallon to discover one of Seychelles' most famous white-sand beaches. Stroll along Beau Vallon until the sun sets: you won't regret it!
Day 2: explore the paradise island of Mahé
Rent a car on the island of Mahé or opt for a day trip with a guide to explore the best this paradise island has to offer. Explore the Route de Sans Soucis through the mountains of Mahé along which you can enjoy panoramic views of fine sandy beaches and the azure ocean, admire tea plantations and discover small villages typical of the island.
Make a stop at the Parc de Morne Seychellois where you can explore the island's rainforest and go in search of hidden waterfalls. Back at the hotel, we recommend booking a Creole dinner at a local restaurant to discover the colorful, traditional cuisine of these small Indian Ocean islands.
Day 3: a relaxing day on Mahé
For your 3rd day on the island, it's high time to enjoy the best of the Seychelles islands: its azure lagoons and waters, and its white sand beaches. Take advantage of the incredible marine biodiversity by snorkeling to discover the seabed. We advise you to plan an excursion to the island of Saint-Anne, which boasts the most beautiful seabed in the Seychelles archipelago For those wishing to avoid the crowds, head for the secluded beaches of Anse Royale or Anse Intendance.
Day 4: towards Praslin
On your 4th day in the Seychelles, we recommend you take the morning ferry to Praslin Island. Once you've made yourself comfortable in your hotel, we recommend taking the road to the Vallée de Mai. This is surely one of the most beautiful tropical forests you'll ever see. This forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is devoid of any human activity. Take a stroll through the heart of the forest, where you'll be able to admire the largest concentration of coconut palm trees of the seas. You might also be lucky enough to spota black parrot (a rare species) present on the island.
Once your excursion is over, do a bit of lazing on the beach of Anse Lazio, which is among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Days 5,6 and 7: laze on the island of Praslin
Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. It boasts numerous beaches, each more beautiful than the last. Among our favorites, we highly recommend enjoying an afternoon on the beaches of Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio. If you're looking for a unique experience, an excursion to Curieuse Island is highly recommended. This island is the sanctuary of giant tortoises, which you can meet on a hike through the heart of this tropical island's mangroves. It's an unforgettable experience that you'll remember for a long time to come.
If you wish, you can also combine your trip with a day on the island of La Digue, not far from Praslin. However, this is not recommended on a 7-day trip to the Seychelles, as you won't have enough time to take full advantage of the island's biodiversity.
What are the best hotels in the Seychelles on the island of Mahé and Praslin?
If you're opting for a Seychelles tour that includes a stay on the islands of Mahé and Praslin, here's a list of the best hotels to book in Seychelles during your trip:
Hotels on Mahé Island
- Story Seychelles - Victoria ($$) : on the beach of Beau Vallon and just 5 minutes from Morne Park, this luxurious hotel features suites and villas furnished to highlight Seychellois exoticism. Everything is done to make your stay a memorable one
- Treasure Cove Hotel and Restaurant - Bel Ombre ($): this hotel offers warm, intimate service and breathtaking views over the azure waters of the Seychelles.
- Kempinski Seychelles Resort - South of Mahé ($$): this 5-star hotel is nestled between Mount Kempinski and Seychelles turquoise waters This tropical setting is perfect if you want to cut yourself off from the world for the duration of your vacation
Hotels on the island of Praslin
- Village du Pêcheur - Côte d'Or Praslin ($); set in a prime location on the island of Praslin, villague du pêcheur boasts the intimate, warm ambience of a small, traditional village. The emphasis is on the surrounding nature as well as the quality of service
- Le Duc de Praslin - Côte D'or Praslin ($$): this Seychelles gem boasts an outstanding location and luxurious infrastructure. Here, everything is in place to make your stay a unique one. Take full advantage of the restaurants, cafés and bars as well as the beach at your disposal in the heart of the complex
- Constance Lemuria - Praslin ($$): this hotel can be compared to a lost paradise, nestled between white sand beaches, tropical wildlife and a turtle sanctuary. With its infinity pool, gourmet restaurant and spa, this hotel has all the facilities to make your stay on Praslin a moment out of time.
How to get to the Seychelles on the islands of Mahé and Praslin?
If you're planning a trip to the Seychelles, allow between 10 and 20 hours by plane to reach the archipelago in the Indian Ocean. You'll mainly land at Victoria airport (Mahé), but it's possible to reach the island of Praslin by air by taking a local flight to Grande Anse airport (Praslin). It's also possible to take a ferry between the islands once you've arrived.
To give you an idea of the flight time and potential number of stopovers for a trip from France, we've put together the following information:
- Paris - Victoria (Mahé): approx. 15 h flight with one stopover if you choose to fly with Emirates or Ethiopian Airway
- Lyon - Victoria (Mahé) : approx. 15h flight with one stopover if you fly with Qatar
- Marseille - Victoria (Mahé): two stopovers on average with approximately 17h flight
- Bordeaux- Victoria (Mahé) : two stopovers on average with a flight time of around 20h
Depending on seasonality and days of the week, flight times and prices may vary. If you have received a Flightgift gift card, we advise you to compare the prices of the various flights for yourself on the booking module to get a better idea of the fares for the dates of your trip.
La Digue: a Seychelles holiday where time stands still
The island of La Digue is one of the must-see places to visit during your stay in the Seychelles, and is ideal if you want to enjoy an off-the-beaten-track holiday that will plunge you into the world of Robinson Crusoe. Located 6km south of Praslin Island, La Digue is easily accessible by boat (about 15 minutes by ferry). On this small island 5km long and just 3km wide, time has stood still. You'll come across ox-drawn carts and bicycles on the little-used roads. Here, the world moves at its own pace. The island is almost untouched: between coconut hills, white sand beaches, granite rocks and azure waters you'll land on an island where nature dominates.
Day 1: Arrival in the Seychelles and discovery of La Digue
Once you've arrived in Praslin or Mahé, you'll need to take a ferry to the small island of La Digue. Some hotels arrange their own transport, so we advise you to check with them. Once you've made yourself comfortable in your hotel, we recommend you take advantage of a little bike ride to discover La Digue. The east coast is a must. In particular, you can discover mangrove beaches such as Anse Severe.
Days 2 and 3: snokeling excursion on La Digue Island
Take advantage of the island's incredible beaches like the famous Anse Source d'Argent to bask in the sun and explore the seabed. If you're a marine wildlife enthusiast, we recommend booking an excursion to the Cocos Islands Marine National Park. These three small islands boast incredible coral reefs that offer visitors a breathtaking snorkeling experience.
Day 4: explore the Anse Cocos trail
Take advantage of Grand Anse beach to swim in its turquoise waters before exploring the Anse Cocos trail. From Grand Anse beach, you'll head up the trail, which offers incredible views of the azure ocean water contrasting with the white sand of the beach. The trail ends after 30 to 40 minutes' walk on Anse Cocos beach, which offersbreathtaking natural pools. It's an untouristy spot where you can enjoy this lagoon all to yourself. Enough to make your Seychelles trip unique with stolen moments you'll long remember.
Day 5: kayak excursion on transparent waters
Set off to explore the island's crystal-clear waters on a kayaking excursion around La Digue Island. Admire the beauty of this wild island from the ocean to get another perspective of this Indian Ocean gem. Enjoy stops on untouched beaches for a swim and end your day with a sumptuous sunset setting the southern hemisphere sky ablaze.
Days 6 and 7: idleness and snorkeling
Take advantage of the proximity of the island's various beaches to do some lazing around and admire the reflection of the sun on the ocean. We recommend a trip to Anse Patates beach if you haven't already done so. If you'd like to take advantage of your stay on this island paradise to learn more about the archipelago's history and biodiversity, head to Domaine de l'Union, a former colonial estate that is now a sanctuary for giant tortoises.
What are the best hotels in the Seychelles on the island of La Digue?
If you've decided to head to the untouched island of La Digue during your stay in the Seychelles, our experts recommend staying at one of the following hotels:
- La Digue Island Lodge - La Digue ($$): this 3-star hotel is one of the first on the island. Wedged between a verdant tropical forest and the azure waters of the ocean, this hotel with its traditional Creole-style villas is a real change of scenery.
- Chateau Saint Cloud - La Digue ($): lost in the lush nature of the small island of La Digue, this 3-star hotel is ideal for those wishing to cut themselves off from the world and enjoy a hotel with typical Seychelles colonial architecture.
How to get to the Seychelles islands of La Digue?
To get to the Seychelles island of La Digue, it's advisable to book a flight to Victoria airport on the island of Mahé. You can then either fly to Praslin and take a ferry to La Digue, or take a ferry directly from Mahé.
In terms of time, it takes around 1h30 by boat from the island of Mahé to reach the island of La Digue and 15 minutes from the island of Praslin. If you choose to fly to Praslin island before taking the ferry, you'll need to allow around 20 minutes for the flight.
With these two Seychelles tours, we wanted to offer you the very best of this world-renowned archipelago. It's an incredible destination that many people dream of visiting at least once in their lives. If you know someone who dreams of discovering this jewel of the Indian Ocean, why not offer them an undated plane ticket so they can plan a trip to the Seychelles whenever they like?
If you're longing for a getaway but aren't sure whether Seychelles is right for you, be sure to check out our other travel guides for inspiration :
