Highlights
Mahé, the main island, holds the tiny, colourful capital Victoria (with its clock tower and lively market), the celebrated Beau Vallon beach, and jungly hikes in Morne Seychellois National Park. But the real magic lies on the smaller islands.
Praslin is home to the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage palm forest where the famous coco de mer (the world's largest seed) grows, alongside the sublime Anse Lazio, regularly rated among the world's best beaches. A short ferry away, La Digue is the postcard island — explored by bicycle and ox-cart, with the iconic pink-granite boulders and shallow turquoise water of Anse Source d'Argent, perhaps the most photographed beach on earth.
Beyond, exclusive private-island resorts and the remote Aldabra Atoll (a pristine UNESCO site and home to giant tortoises) offer barefoot luxury and world-class diving, sailing and fishing among healthy reefs, whale sharks and turtles.
When to go
April to May and October to November are the calm 'in-between' months with light winds, flat seas and superb diving and snorkelling visibility — the sweet spots.
The cooler, drier southeast-monsoon season (May to September) brings breezier, ideal beach and sailing weather, while the warmer northwest-monsoon season (November to March) is calmer but with more humidity and short tropical downpours. Being near the equator, the Seychelles is warm and inviting year-round; choose April-May or October-November for the best all-round conditions and marine life.
Visa & entry
The Seychelles has one of the world's most open entry policies: visitors of all nationalities receive a free Visitor's Permit on arrival (no visa required), provided you hold a passport valid on arrival, a return/onward ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds. A pre-arrival online Travel Authorisation is required and must be completed before you fly.
Confirm the current Travel Authorisation process and any health requirements on the official Seychelles immigration/authorisation site shortly before departure, as details can change.
Health & safety
The Seychelles is very safe, with low crime and a stable, welcoming society — one of the most relaxed island destinations anywhere. Petty theft (from beaches, cars or accommodation) is the main issue, so don't leave valuables unattended on the sand.
The genuine risks are natural: strong currents at some beaches (heed local advice and flags), sun, and coral. There is no malaria. Healthcare is good on Mahé but limited on smaller islands, so carry travel insurance. Check your government's advisory before departure, though the Seychelles is consistently rated low-risk.
Getting around
Getting around is by ferry, domestic flight and road. Fast catamaran ferries link Mahé, Praslin and La Digue frequently — the main way to island-hop — while Air Seychelles flies between Mahé and Praslin in minutes and reaches outer islands. On La Digue, bicycles are the primary transport.
On Mahé and Praslin, hiring a small car gives freedom to explore beaches and viewpoints (drive on the left, on narrow winding roads), and buses are cheap if slow. Taxis are available but pricey. Private-island resorts arrange their own transfers by boat or plane.
Money
The Seychellois Rupee is the local currency, but the tourism economy runs heavily on cards and euros — cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops and dive centres, and ATMs are available on Mahé and Praslin. Carry some rupees in cash for buses, markets, small vendors and tips on La Digue and remote spots.
Euros are the most useful foreign currency. The Seychelles is an expensive destination, so budget accordingly for accommodation, dining and transfers. Tipping is not obligatory (service is often included) but rounding up or leaving a little for good service is appreciated.
Seychelles