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Seychelles travel guide
Granite boulders, white sand and giant tortoises.
Seychelles is a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, famous for some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The main islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, with granite boulders, clear water and rare wildlife like giant tortoises and the coco de mer palm.
Travel tools
Getting there
Seychelles International Airport on Mahé is the gateway for international flights; domestic flights and ferries connect Mahé with Praslin, La Digue and other islands.
Best time to visit: Apr–May and Oct–Nov – calm seas and good weather between the trade winds.
Tougher months: No bad time – but December to February is hot, humid and the wettest period, with heavy tropical showers.
Weather by month in Victoria (Mahé)
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Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).
Time zone: Asia/Dubai. Compare with your local time.
Visas: in our passport dataset, 197 of 198 other passports can enter Seychelles without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 1 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.
Background: Visa policy of Seychelles (Wikipedia).
Official advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (U.S. Department of State, updated 2025-12-09). Read the advisory.
Source and more: Seychelles travel facts on RoamSun
Stay
Most trips to Seychelles are based around Mahé, Praslin or La Digue. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.
Typical daily budget: about US$80–120 for a backpacker and US$200–400 mid-range, per person.
Source: RoamSun Seychelles page · Browse hotel guides
Connect
Plug types: G. Voltage: 240 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.
Calling code: +248.
Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.
Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun
Do
- Mahé (Inner Islands · main island): The largest island, home to Victoria, mountain trails and beaches such as Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance.
- Praslin (Inner Islands · beaches & forest): Famous for the Vallée de Mai and the dreamy beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
- La Digue (Inner Islands · laid-back island): A small, slow-paced island of bicycles, granite boulders and world-famous beaches.
- Victoria (Mahé · capital): One of the world's smallest capitals, with a colourful market, clock tower and Hindu temple.
- Curieuse Island (Inner Islands · nature reserve): Home to giant tortoises, mangrove boardwalks and the ruins of a former leper colony.
- Sainte Anne Marine National Park (Off Mahé · marine park): A cluster of islands with snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips and calm waters.
- Bird Island (Inner Islands · coral cay): A remote coral island famous for seabird colonies and turtle nesting.
- Aldabra Atoll (Outer Islands · UNESCO atoll): One of the world's largest raised coral atolls, home to around 100,000 giant tortoises, reached only by special expedition.
Things to do
- Photograph Anse Source d'Argent. Wade through shallow turquoise water between sculpted pink granite boulders on La Digue.
- Walk the Vallée de Mai. Explore a primeval palm forest on Praslin where the giant coco de mer nut grows.
- Cycle around La Digue. Pedal sleepy island lanes past ox carts, plantation houses and empty beaches.
- Snorkel Sainte Anne Marine Park. Glide over coral and tropical fish in a protected marine park just off Mahé.
- Meet giant tortoises. See ancient Aldabra giant tortoises roaming freely on islands such as Curieuse.
- Hike Morne Seychellois. Trek through misty mountain forest for panoramic views over Mahé's coast.
- Browse Victoria's market. Soak up the bustle of the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, with fish, spices and tropical fruit.
- Watch seabirds on Bird Island. Visit huge colonies of sooty terns and other seabirds on this coral island.
Source: full Seychelles guide on RoamSun
Eat and drink
- Fish curry – often made with coconut milk
- Octopus curry – a Creole favourite
- Grilled fish – fresh catch with Creole sauce
- Ladob – sweet dessert of banana or breadfruit in coconut milk
Source: RoamSun Seychelles guide
Money and safety
Currency: Seychellois rupee (SCR). Currency and plug checker.
Tipping: Not expected – a service charge is often included, but small tips are welcome.
Emergency numbers: 999.
- The currency is the Seychelles rupee; many hotels and tour operators quote prices in euros.
- Cards are widely accepted on the main islands, and ATMs are available on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
- The Seychelles are generally safe, but petty theft happens – never leave valuables unattended on beaches or in cars.
- Strong currents can occur on some beaches, particularly during the southeast monsoon; heed warning signs and local advice.
Source: RoamSun Seychelles facts
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Seychelles?
Apr–May and Oct–Nov – calm seas and good weather between the trade winds. Warm and tropical all year, with more rain from Dec to Feb.
What time zone is Seychelles in?
Seychelles uses Asia/Dubai.
Do I need a visa for Seychelles?
It depends on your passport. In our dataset 197 of 198 other passports can enter without a prior visa, 0 need an e-visa or eTA and 1 need a visa in advance. Use the visa checker and confirm with the official government source.
What plug and voltage does Seychelles use?
Seychelles uses plug type G at 240 V. Check whether your devices are dual-voltage before you plug in.
What is the calling code for Seychelles?
The international calling code for Seychelles is +248.
Do you tip in Seychelles?
Not expected – a service charge is often included, but small tips are welcome.
What is the emergency number in Seychelles?
999.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Seychelles?
Traffic drives on the left.