Travelisto destinations

Seychelles holidays

Granite-boulder beaches, giant tortoises and island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue — the Indian Ocean at its most beautiful.

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Overview

Welcome to Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, around 1,500km off the coast of East Africa, and has some of the most photographed beaches in the world: pale sand, turquoise water and huge, smooth granite boulders. Almost half of the land is protected as nature reserve, so the islands feel green and unspoilt, with jungle-covered mountains, rare birds, coco de mer palms and giant Aldabra tortoises. Hotels are mostly small and low-rise, from family-run guesthouses to some of the Indian Ocean's most exclusive private-island resorts.

Most trips combine two or three of the inner islands, linked by short ferries and 15-minute flights. Mahé is the largest island, with the international airport, the small capital Victoria and its market, Beau Vallon beach and the hiking trails of Morne Seychellois National Park. Praslin, an hour away by fast ferry, has Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, two of the islands' finest beaches, and the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO-listed forest of coco de mer palms. La Digue, 15 minutes from Praslin, is explored by bicycle and home to Anse Source d'Argent. Beyond them lie private islands such as North, Frégate, Denis and Desroches, each with a single resort.

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The Seychelles rupee is the local currency, but hotels and many restaurants accept euros, dollars and cards. English, French and Seychellois Creole are all official languages. Creole food is a highlight: grilled fish, octopus curry, breadfruit, and fresh tropical fruit. A small tourism environmental levy is charged per person per night and paid locally, and the amount depends on the size of the hotel.

Best for: honeymoons and milestone trips, island-hopping between beaches, snorkelling and diving, nature lovers (giant tortoises on Curieuse, nesting turtles, and seabirds on Bird Island and Aride), and travellers who want luxury in a small, uncrowded setting. Easily combined with a stopover in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with Mauritius, or with a Kenya or Tanzania safari.

From the team

Why we love Seychelles

Rossella — Travel Designer · Luxury & Destination Specialist

Don’t stay on just one island. Three or four nights each on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue gives you three very different Seychelles, and the ferries make it easy. For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, finish on a private island.

Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel Designers

Find your trip

Holiday types in Seychelles

Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.

City breaks

Seychelles's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.

Victoria

Victoria

One of the world’s smallest capitals: the colourful Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, the clock tower, a Hindu temple and the botanical garden’s giant tortoises.

Cruises

Victoria on Mahé is the Seychelles’ cruise port — small-ship cruises sail between the inner islands, and longer Indian Ocean voyages call here with Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar.

See all Seychelles-departure cruises ->

Practical info

Knowing before you go

When to go
Jan
30°
Feb
30°
Mar
31°
Apr
31°
May
30°
Jun
29°
Jul
28°
Aug
28°
Sep
29°
Oct
29°
Nov
30°
Dec
30°

The Seychelles is warm all year (around 28–31°C). The calmest, clearest months are April–May and October–November, between the trade winds, and are the best for snorkelling and diving. June to September is drier and breezier, with seaweed on some south-east-facing beaches. December to March is hotter and more humid, with heavier showers. The islands lie largely outside the cyclone belt.

Flights & how to get there

There are no direct flights from the UK at present. One-stop flights via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Istanbul take about 12–14 hours. Praslin is 15 minutes by plane or about an hour by fast ferry from Mahé, and La Digue is a 15-minute ferry from Praslin.

Visa & passport

UK passport holders do not need a visa, but you must apply online for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation before you fly (a fee applies) and show a return ticket and accommodation booking. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for the Seychelles.

Currency & money

The Seychelles rupee (SCR). Euros, US dollars and cards are widely accepted at hotels. A tourism environmental levy is charged per person per night and paid locally (from about SCR 25 to SCR 100 depending on hotel size; children under 12 are exempt).

Language & tipping

English, French and Seychellois Creole are all official languages.

Health & safety

No vaccinations are usually required when flying from the UK. Use insect repellent and high-factor sun cream. Consult your GP or a travel clinic about six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.

FAQs

Seychelles — your questions

When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?

It is warm all year. April–May and October–November are usually the calmest and clearest months, ideal for snorkelling and diving. June to September is drier and breezier, and December to March is hotter, more humid and wetter.

Can you fly direct to the Seychelles from the UK?

Not at present. Most travellers fly with one stop via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Istanbul, taking about 12 to 14 hours in total. A stopover of a few nights in the Gulf is easy to add.

Which Seychelles islands should I visit?

Most first-time visitors combine Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, spending three or four nights on each. Mahé has the most choice, Praslin the best beaches and the Vallée de Mai, and La Digue the slow, cycling pace and Anse Source d’Argent. A private island makes a special finale.

Do I need anything to enter the Seychelles?

UK passport holders do not need a visa but must apply online for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation before flying, and carry proof of a return flight and accommodation. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before you go.

Are there local charges in the Seychelles?

Yes. A tourism environmental levy is charged per person per night and paid locally, from about SCR 25 to SCR 100 depending on the size of the hotel. Children under 12 are exempt. We show it before you book.

Make this trip yours

Plan your Seychelles holiday with a Travel Designer

Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.

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