Known for its beauty, each island offers its own character, from the beaches, wildlife and landscapes of Praslin and La Digue to castaway experiences on private islands.
Known for its beaches, coral reefs and unique wildlife. Mahé, the capital island of the Seychelles, is home to Victoria, Morne Seychellois National Park, and beautiful beaches including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
Currency
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Time Difference
GMT+3
Flight Time
9-14 hours, including stops
Languages Spoken
Seychellois Creole, English, and French
Capital
Mahé
Size
177 Square Miles
Average Temperature
24-30C Year-round
Seychelles Hotels & Resorts
The Seychelles has a mix of resorts, from private islands to beachfront hotels, often set right on the sand with access to the ocean.
Most international flights arrive at Seychelles International Airport (Mahé), with journeys from the UK taking 9–14 hours including stops.
Guests to the Seychelles can reach other islands, such as Praslin and La Digue, via short domestic flights from Mahé.
Flights between Mahé and Praslin take only about 20 minutes, providing quick access to additional beaches, nature reserves, and resorts without the need for long ferry rides.
Emirates operates Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300 aircrafts on this route.
Turkish Airlines operates Boeing 777-300, Airbus A330-300, and Airbus A321 aircraft on this route, with a 4–5 hour connection in Istanbul.
availble departure airports
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
Birmingham
Manchester
Dublin
Departs as follows (November – March)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Flights operate on the same schedule across all departure airports, except Birmingham departures, which do not operate on Thursdays, and Edinburgh departures, which do not operate on Saturdays.
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, situated northeast of Madagascar and roughly 1,600 km east of mainland Africa.
The islands display geological diversity: the larger islands, such as Mahé, are volcanic in origin, featuring steep granite mountains, rainforests and rivers. Many smaller islands, including Praslin and La Digue, are low-lying coral atolls with beaches, lagoons, and extensive marine life.
This combination of mountainous terrain, coastal plains, and underwater ecosystems makes the Seychelles unique. Visitors can hike through dense forests home to rare species, snorkel among colourful reefs, or relax on beaches framed by granite boulders.
What is the weather like in the seychelles?
The Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 24–30 °C and high humidity moderated by coastal breezes.
This consistent tropical climate allows visitors to enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout the year, such as sunbathing on beaches, snorkelling, and trekking through mountain trails.
The weather is shaped by the island’s location near the equator and the influence of trade winds, producing two main seasonal patterns.
May to October
The southeast trade winds bring cooler, drier conditions ideal for hiking, diving, and exploring nature reserves.
November and April
The northwest trade winds make the islands hotter and more humid, with occasional heavy showers.
What is the Language and Culture in The Seychelles?
The Seychelles is rich in culture, shaped over centuries by African, French, Indian, and British influences.
The official languages are Seychellois Creole, English, and French, with Creole widely spoken in daily life and forming a core part of the islands’ identity. The culture is expressed through festivals, such as the traditional moutya and séga rhythms, which reflect the islands’ African heritage blended with European and Indian elements.
Local cuisine, art, and crafts showcase this heritage, with seafood, tropical fruits, and spices at the heart of everyday meals, while handmade souvenirs and wood carvings highlight traditional skills.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS in THE SEYCHELLES?
Health in the Seychelles
The tropical climate means visitors should take precautions against strong sun exposure, heat, and dehydration by drinking plenty of water, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, and using high-factor sunscreen. Mosquitoes can be present, particularly after rainfall and in more vegetated areas, so insect repellent is recommended.
The main medical facilities are located in Victoria on Mahé Island, although services may be more limited on smaller, more remote islands. Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance, are up to date with routine vaccinations, and carry sufficient supplies of any prescription medications.
WHAT WILDLIFE CAN YOU FIND IN Seychelles?
Wildlife in the Seychelles is diverse, with protected habitats supporting a range of unique species.
The Seychelles is renowned for its unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are home to iconic species such as the giant Aldabra tortoise, the endangered Seychelles black parrot, and the rare coconut crab. The surrounding coral reefs teem with marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and reef sharks, making the Seychelles a great destination for snorkelling and diving.
Many of the islands are protected as nature reserves or national parks, such as the Vallée de Mai, which preserves endemic palms and forest ecosystems, or Aldabra Atoll, a sanctuary for giant tortoises and seabirds.
Weather in Mauritius
Mauritius has a tropical maritime climate, strongly influenced by its position in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding trade winds.
The year is generally divided into two main seasons:
Summer (November to April)
Hot, humid, and rainy. Temperatures range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F) on the coast, while the central plateau is slightly cooler. Most of the island’s annual rainfall occurs during this period, often in short but heavy showers. Cyclones can sometimes affect the island, especially between January and March.
Winter (May to October)
Mild, cooler, and drier. Temperatures average between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), with less humidity. The trade winds are stronger, particularly along the east and southeast coasts, bringing cooler breezes.
Overall, Mauritius enjoys a pleasant, year-round climate with plenty of sunshine, making it a popular destination for beach holidays, although the choice of season can affect the experience.
Some useful tips when planning a trip to the Seychelles.
Do you need a visa to visit Seychelles?
No. Most nationalities (including UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa in advance.
Instead, you get a Visitor’s Permit on arrival, usually valid for up to 90 days, as long as you have:
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation
What are the best beaches in the Seychelles?
Some of the most famous include:
Anse Lazio (Praslin) – often ranked among the world’s best
Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue) – iconic granite boulders
Beau Vallon (Mahé) – most popular swimming beach
Do you need vaccinations for the Seychelles?
No mandatory vaccines for most travellers coming from the UK/EU. However, standard travel advice may include:
Hepatitis A
Tetanus (Always check updated health guidance before travel.)
Which is the largest Seychelles Island to visit?
Mahé is the largest and most developed island, home to the capital Victoria and the main airport. It offers a mix of urban conveniences, mountain hiking trails, and beautiful beaches like Beau Vallon. Mahé is ideal if you want a base with easy access to other islands, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Praslin is famous for its lush nature and iconic natural sites such as the Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric palm forest home to the rare Seychelles black parrot. Praslin is perfect for travelers seeking tranquil nature walks, birdwatching, and some of the most pristine beaches in the Seychelles.
La Digue is smaller and slower-paced, famous for its iconic beaches like Anse Source d’Argent. Biking is the main way to get around, offering a charming, laid-back experience. It’s ideal if you want picture-perfect beaches, quaint island life, and minimal crowds.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you want accessibility and variety (Mahé), nature and adventure (Praslin), iconic beaches and calm pace (La Digue), or total luxury and seclusion (private islands). Many travelers combine two or more islands to enjoy a mix of experiences across the archipelago.
What are the main Seychelles islands?
The Seychelles has over 100 islands, but the main ones are:
Mahé – largest island, capital, main airport
Praslin – famous beaches and Vallée de Mai forest
La Digue – quiet, iconic granite beaches
Read our guide on some of the stunning Seychelles beaches
Is Seychelles good for diving and snorkelling?
Yes, one of the best destinations in the world for marine life.
You can expect:
Coral reefs
Sea turtles
Reef sharks (harmless species)
Excellent visibility most of the year
How do you travel between Seychelles Islands?
Ferries and domestic flights connect the main islands. Ferries are popular between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, while Air Seychelles offers quick flights for longer distances or to more remote islands.
FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions on Seychelles resorts.
Mix of Creole, French, and international cuisine
Fresh seafood is a major highlight
High-end resorts often have fine dining restaurants
Vegetarian options are available but sometimes limited in smaller hotels
Yes, almost all coastal resorts provide:
Snorkelling gear
Boat trips to coral reefs
Scuba diving (often PADI-certified centres)
Turtle and marine park excursions
Seychelles is one of the best places in the world for easy reef snorkelling directly from beaches.
Having recently returned from the Seychelles, Penny Mannion, Reservations Consultant, expressed a strong desire to return. She and her colleague Gill, both from reservations, were invited to visit a variety of hotels across the islands. Watching the sunrise as they approached their first island, she immediately recognised the Seychelles as……
Amy Lever, a Reservations Consultant, describes the Seychelles as a nature lover’s paradise, with 115 islands, pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs offering a chance to fully immerse in unspoiled nature.
In November 2024, Jodi spent a week island hopping in the Seychelles, with Platte Island standing out as a highlight. She stayed at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, which has transformed the once uninhabited island into a refined and secluded retreat.
Mark recently had the opportunity to stay on Alphonse Island, and he describes it as one of the most magical islands he has ever experienced. From the moment he arrived, he felt as though he had stepped into a private paradise.
The Seychelles is often celebrated as a dreamy, romantic destination, ideal for honeymooners or couples marking a special occasion. But what about families? Can children be entertained while parents relax on the idyllic beaches? Karen Smith, Operations Manager and grandmother to a lively, almost two-year-old, visited Constance Ephelia to explore……
An error has occurred, please try again later.An error has occurred, please try again later.
WIN A LUXURY MAURITIUS HOLIDAY
To celebrate the launch of our brand-new website, we’re running two exclusive competitions, one for our customers and one for our travel agent partners. Both winners will enjoy the ultimate island escape with a 7-night stay for two at the newly refurbished Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, one of Mauritius’ most exceptional resorts.
