Seychelles Travel Guide: Islands, Marine Parks, Seasons

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands northeast of Madagascar. The three main inhabited islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and the official languages are English, French and Seychellois Creole.

The islands fall into two groups: 41 inner granitic islands, mostly reachable on day trips and excursions, and remoter outer coral islands where at least an overnight stay is essential.

Places to visit in Seychelles

Mahé

Mahé is the principal island, and the regular network of air and sea transport operates out of it. Victoria, the capital, is described by the tourism board as the world's tiniest capital. Ste Anne Marine National Park lies about 5 km from Mahé and surrounds six islands.

Ste Anne Marine National Park

The marine park was the first of its kind established in the Indian Ocean, in March 1973. Daily excursions, including glass-bottom boat trips, visit it. It contains one of the largest areas of seagrass meadows in the granitic islands, and green turtles are often seen feeding there.

Praslin

Praslin National Park was established in 1979 and includes the Vallée de Mai World Heritage site. UNESCO says the reserve holds a natural palm forest in almost its original state, with the coco de mer, the largest seed in the plant kingdom.

La Digue

Veuve Special Reserve on La Digue covers 21 hectares of a 200 hectare plateau. It protects breeding and feeding habitat for the rare Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher and has a visitor centre.

Curieuse

Curieuse has the Nesting Sea Turtle Trail, a 770 m trail to the island's main turtle-nesting beach, Grand Anse. Access is limited and only available with a tour guide. Green and Hawksbill Turtles nest on the island, and giant tortoises cross the trail.

Aldabra Atoll

Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of four large coral islands around a shallow lagoon. UNESCO says difficulty of access has protected it, and it holds some 152,000 giant tortoises.

Getting to Seychelles

The airport operator's website lists Seychelles International Airport and Praslin Airport. Tourism Seychelles lists Air Seychelles under domestic and international air services and says the islands are served by carriers from across the globe.

Check your airline's route and your arrival airport before you book your onward ferry or flight.

Getting around

Tourism Seychelles says air and sea transport operates out of Mahé, the principal island. Its Getting Around listings cover domestic air services, bus and coach services, ferry services, taxis, car hire, bicycles and yachts on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Some islands are walkable in just over an hour, according to the tourism board.

When to go to Seychelles

Shoulder months (April, May, October, November)

Tourism Seychelles calls these the best times to visit, with April the calmest, warmest month. It says conditions suit sunbathing, wildlife watching and scuba diving.

Warm and wet (December to April)

The warmer weather coincides with the wet season. December to April are the hottest months, and January and February are the wettest.

Trade winds (May to October)

During the seasonal trade winds, seaweed washes up on some beaches on the southern coasts of Mahé and Praslin.

What to book ahead

• Curieuse turtle trail: access is limited and only available under the supervision of a tour guide, so arrange a guide first.
• Inter-island ferries and flights: check schedules for your dates before you fix hotels on Praslin or La Digue.
• Ste Anne Marine National Park: daily excursions run to the park, but check the day and the boat type with the operator.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Seychelles Electronic Border System website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Seychelles Electronic Border System, Government of Seychelles.

Frequently asked questions

How many islands does Seychelles have?

Tourism Seychelles says there are 115 islands. 41 are inner granitic islands, and the rest are outer coral islands.

What are the three main islands?

Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the three main inhabited islands.

When is the best time to visit Seychelles?

Tourism Seychelles names April, May, October and November as the best months, with April the calmest and warmest.

Do I need a visa for Seychelles?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Seychelles Electronic Border System website before you book.

Are there UNESCO World Heritage sites in Seychelles?

Yes. UNESCO lists the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin and Aldabra Atoll, both described on this page.