Seychelles Travel Guide: What You Need to Know

Here’s what’s in this Seychelles travel guide:

• Getting There and Around
• Lodging Tips
• Best Time to Visit
• What to Eat
• Tips for Traveling in the Seychelles

Getting There and Around

• Flying in: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island is the main gateway to the Seychelles, and receives the country’s international flights. 
• Inter-island travel: Ferries and domestic flights connect the main islands, providing options for island hopping [LINK] and exploring different parts of the archipelago. Cat Cocos and Inter Island Ferry are reliable ferry operators with regular services between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
• Local transport: A number of Seychelles’ islands are car free, but on Mahé and Praslin, you’ve got a lot of transport options. You can rent a car to explore the islands at your own pace, hire a taxi, or catch the public bus. Bicycles are the preferred way to get around on La Digue and the other smaller islands.

Lodging Tips

• Variety: The Seychelles has a pretty wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You’ve got luxury resorts with world-class amenities, cozy guesthouses with local charm, and self-catering apartments that provide flexibility and value.
• Budget-friendly options: If you’re traveling on a budget, consider staying in guesthouses or apartments with a kitchenette. This will allow you to prepare your own meals and save on eating out. Apartments can be a particularly good value, especially if you want to chill on an island for longer.
• Book in advance: Lodging can fill up quickly, especially during peak season! So it’s important to try and book in advance.

Best Time to Visit the Seychelles

• Year-round good weather: The Seychelles has that balmy, beautiful tropical climate all year since it’s so close to the equator. That means warm temperatures and lots of sunshine, July or December! This makes it an ideal destination for those looking for a beachy getaway or outdoor adventures. 
• Shoulder travel seasons: Instead of basing your travel dates on weather, consider the shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) for fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and more booking options.

What to Do in the Seychelles

Yes, there’s the strips of sand straight out of a postcard, but there’s so much more to do in the Seychelles than hit the beach. Though…that’s where we would definitely start!

• Find your beach: No every stretch of white sand and turquoise water is the same. Don’t just settle for the first beach you find. Seek out the hidden coves, the less-trodden shores where you can truly escape the crowds and find your own slice of paradise. Anse Major on Mahé, accessible only by a scenic hike, rewards the intrepid with a secluded haven. Or venture to Anse Cocos on La Digue, where the granite boulders and swaying palms craft a scene straight out of a dream.
  
• Island hopping: Each island in the Seychelles has its own distinct personality. Mahé, the largest, pulsates with energy, while Praslin seduces with its lush Vallée de Mai and legendary Coco de Mer palms. La Digue, where time has slowed to a trickle, invites you to cycle through hidden plantations and onto tucked away beaches. Whatever you do, don’t rush the experience. You can read more in our guide to island hopping the Seychelles [LINK].
  
• Go wild: Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the heart of the Seychelles’ lush rainforests. Trails like the Morne Blanc trail on Mahé lead you to panoramic vistas, while the Glacis Noire trail on Praslin unveils the island’s endemic black parrot. On Silhouette, the challenging Mont Dauban hike rewards you with a glimpse into the island’s mysterious cloud forest.
  
• Dive into the blue: The Seychelles’ crystal-clear waters beckon the aquatic adventurer, no matter your level of experience and comfort. Snorkel through coral gardens, encountering parrotfish, angelfish, and maybe even a curious sea turtle. For the more adventurous, head out on a scuba diving expedition, exploring underwater canyons and shipwrecks teeming with marine life. Kayak through mangrove forests, paddleboard along tranquil shores, or set sail on a traditional pirogue, feeling the rhythm of the ocean beneath you.
  

What to Eat in the Seychelles

Forget those predictable hotel buffets – truly good food awaits those who venture into local territory. In the Seychelles, Creole cuisine is a blend of African, Indian, and European flavors. Here’s where to start for a taste of the islands:

• Grilled fish: The Seychelles’ waters are teeming with fresh seafood. Seek out the local fishermen selling their catch on the beach or at the market. You’ve got red snapper, grouper, or the prized bourgeois – grilled over charcoal and squeezed over with a bit of lime and a sprinkle of Creole spices.
  
• Coconut curry: Aromatic and soul-warming, coconut curry is a staple in Seychellois kitchens. Fish, chicken, or octopus simmer in a coconut milk broth, infused with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and many more spices – a touch of Indian heritage. Each island, each village, has its own unique twist on this classic dish. Seek out the small, family-run eateries where recipes have been passed down through generations, and the flavors tell a story of the islands’ heritage.
  
• Shark chutney: Don’t shy away from the unusual! Shark chutney, a Seychellois delicacy, tells the story of the islands’ resourcefulness and culinary creativity. Finely ground shark meat is blended with bilimbi (a tart local fruit), lime juice, onions, and spices, creating a flavor that’s both surprising and addictive. Find it at local markets or small takeaway stalls, often served with lentils and rice.
  
• Tropical fruit: The Seychelles is a paradise for fruit lovers. Nature’s candy takes the form of mangoes, papayas, passion fruits, and bananas. Stroll through the markets and sample exotic fruits you’ve never heard of. Don’t miss the unique breadfruit, a starchy staple that can be boiled, baked, or fried.

Tips for Traveling in the Seychelles

• Language: The official languages in the Seychelles are Creole, English, and French. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Vaccines: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the Seychelles, but it’s always best to check travel advisories while planning your trip.
• Electronics: Outlets in the Seychelles take 240V, 50Hz with British-style three-pin plugs.
• Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink in the Seychelles. Remember to do your best and conserve water, especially on smaller islands where resources might be limited. You can read more on traveling sustainability in our Seychelles ecotourism guide [LINK]. 
• Money: The Seychellois rupee (SCR) is the local currency, but Euros and US dollar notes are often accepted. However, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller buys and for perusing the local markets. The main islands have ATMs.
• Low crime: The Seychelles is generally a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, it’s always wise to take precautions and be mindful of your surroundings.
• Water safety: Pay attention to currents and tides when swimming, especially in areas with strong waves or undertows.
• Stay connected: For convenient and affordable data access throughout your trip, download the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM. This will keep you connected with friends and family, give you access to travel information, and help you navigate the islands with ease.

For more information on how to have data and avoid roaming charges while traveling in the Seychelles, check out our piece on the benefits, FAQs, and installation process for the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM.