Seychelles is a luxury African island destination in the Indian Ocean, an archipelago of 115 islands off the East African coast where jungle and granite boulders meet impossibly soft white-sand beaches. Built around a high-value, low-volume tourism model, Seychelles delivers meaningful, conservation-led luxury; privacy, space, and comfort in nature, making it an exceptional standalone escape or the ideal bush-and-beach finale to an East African safari.

Seychelles at a Glance

  • Where it is:  Indian Ocean, off the East African coast, north-east of Madagascar
  • Best for: Luxury beach escape, honeymoons, private island stays, island hopping, diving & snorkelling
  • Signature nature: Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Vallée de Mai (Praslin) and Aldabra Atoll and endemic wildlife found nowhere else, from coco de mer palms to giant Aldabra tortoises
  • Ideal trip length: 7 nights minimum; 10–14 days for safari combinations
  • Getting around: Ferries, boats, flights, helicopter transfers, and private yacht charters

Why Visit Seychelles?

Seychelles is the antidote to the cookie-cutter tropical holiday; polished, private, and proudly itself. The inner islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue blend barefoot luxury with Creole culture, serving up effortless island-hopping and quick access to those iconic beaches you’ve seen (and secretly saved). Drift further out and the outer islands deliver true castaway seclusion, where your footprints might be the only ones on the sand for days. 

Nature isn’t a side act here, it’s the headline. Vallée de Mai shelters the legendary coco de mer in an ancient forest that feels like it’s been waiting for you for centuries. On Aldabra Atoll, one of the world’s most extraordinary wild places, giant tortoises still rule the land.

What sets Seychelles apart is not simply its beauty, but its intent. With vast stretches of land and ocean formally conserved, tourism helps fund the work that keeps it that way - marine patrols, turtle monitoring, coral restoration, and endemic species recovery. Here, luxury does not come at nature’s expense; it exists because nature is protected.

Why Choose Seychelles for Luxury Travel?

Seychelles is luxury travel with breathing space - where the islands are the experience and days follow sea and sky, not schedules. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs alongside whale sharks, sail between islands, or arrive by helicopter to a hidden villa.

Luxury here is defined by space and privacy, secluded five-star accommodation (from boutique retreats to ultra-exclusive private islands), and effortless personalised service. It’s not an economy destination, but it offers standout value through low guest numbers and a conservation-led approach, where protecting the natural world is part of the experience.

Better still, Seychelles pairs seamlessly with East Africa. Combine a Seychelles holiday with Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda. Track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, then trade dust for ocean spray without complicated long-haul routing.

How Long Should I Stay in Seychelles?

We recommend a minimum stay of seven nights to explore the Seychelles. For travellers combining the islands with an African safari, 10 to 14 days allows time for both adventure and rest, creating a natural rhythm from bush to beach.

When to Visit Seychelles?

Seychelles is a year-round destination, with the best time to visit shaped mainly by trade winds, and whether you’re chasing diving and snorkelling, wildlife, or quieter travel.

May to October (Peak Season): 

Drier, cooler, lower humidity with reliable sunshine and generally excellent sea conditions. Best time to visit Seychelles for diving, snorkelling, marine life, and active island exploration.

April, May, October & November (Shoulder Season): 

Warm, settled weather with fewer crowds and often better value. Ideal for island-hopping and safari and beach holidays.

November to March (Green Season): 

Warmer days with short tropical showers, lush scenery, and dramatic light. Sea turtle nesting season on select islands makes this a standout for photography and tranquillity.

What to Do in Seychelles?

Island-Hopping by Helicopter and Yacht

Moving between islands reveals the true scale of the archipelago. Helicopter transfers offer striking aerial perspectives, while private yacht charters allow slower exploration; sailing between Praslin and La Digue, anchoring in secluded bays, and snorkelling rarely visited coral gardens. More adventurous travellers can reach remote outer islands such as Aldabra and Cosmoledo.

Marine Encounters: Snorkelling, Diving, and Whale Sharks

Marine encounters peak from September to November when whale sharks - the largest fish in the ocean - migrate through waters around Mahé and Praslin, while Seychelles protects some of the Indian Ocean's healthiest coral reefs. Dive operators here follow strict protocols to protect the sharks, so encounters feel respectful rather than intrusive.

Discover wild Seychelles on land

Day tours from your base resort open up UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Vallée de Mai on Praslin (home to the rare coco de mer palm), bicycle rides through La Digue past vanilla plantations and beaches like Anse Source d'Argent, and snorkeling trips to Curieuse Island with giant Aldabra tortoises and healthy coral reefs.

Cultural Connections: Creole Heritage and Island Life

Beyond the beaches, Seychellois cultural connections await in Victoria's Creole Institute and markets, or in experiences like traditional coconut oil pressing on La Digue and cooking classes where you'll prepare octopus curry and ladob with local families. These aren't staged performances; they're invitations into daily life, offered by people who genuinely want to share their culture.

Private Island Resorts

Private island resorts like North Island Lodge combine five-star luxury with serious conservation work, butlers who remember how you take your coffee, chefs who adjust menus based on yesterday's preferences, and dive masters who know where the eagle rays gather at dawn.

Ready to start planning? Our Travel Experts know Seychelles inside out - which islands pair best, which resorts match your style, and how to weave it all into a journey that feels seamless from the first game drive to the last sunset. 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Seychelles

  • April, May, October, and November offer ideal conditions with fewer visitors and better rates. May to October brings peak season weather that is excellent for diving, while November to March offers turtle nesting season and dramatic photography light.

  • Yes, Seychelles is part of Africa. This island nation lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the East African coast, northeast of Madagascar and around 1,600 kilometres east of Kenya - perfectly positioned for seamless bush-and-beach journeys from the continent’s great safari regions.

  • We recommend at least a week to explore all the main islands, namely Mahé, La Digue and Praslin properly. For safari combinations, 10-14 days total is ideal.

  • Most visitors receive a three-month visitor's permit on arrival and no advance visa is required, however, you will need to apply for an e-Border Travel Authorisation. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Enquire at the Seychelles’ embassy in your country for the most up-to-date visa information. It is always advisable to check visa requirements beforehand as your consultant cannot be held liable for any errors.

  • Inter-island travel is part of the experience. Helicopter transfers, light aircraft, boats, and yacht charters connect the islands, while car hire is available on Mahé and Praslin and bicycles define life on La Digue.

  • Yes, driving is on the left, and an international or EU licence is required. Car rental is available on Mahé and Praslin only and is most convenient from the airport. Roads are generally well maintained, though petrol stations often close early, so refuelling during the day is advised. However, public transport is reliable, and most resorts offer shuttle services for local exploration.

  • Seychelles uses the British Type G electrical plug (BS 1363, 230–240V). We recommend travelling with a universal adaptor to ensure all your devices can be used with ease, though adaptors are also readily available locally. On quieter islands such as La Digue, a small torch can be useful after dark, as street lighting is limited in places.

  • Pack light, breathable clothing for a warm, tropical climate, along with swimwear and a light layer for evenings. Seychelles has a relaxed island culture, but modest dress is appreciated when visiting towns, markets, and local restaurants.
    Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are ideal for exploring, and reef shoes are useful for snorkelling. 

    Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection, plus insect repellent and lightweight long sleeves for evenings. A universal travel adaptor (British Type G), personal medication, travel insurance documents, and a small torch for quieter islands such as La Digue are also recommended.

  • Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly more accessible in Seychelles, particularly on Mahé and at most hotels and resorts, though speeds may be slower than in Europe or North America. Mobile coverage is reliable across the main islands, but international roaming charges can be high. For longer stays, a local prepaid SIM or data package offers a simple and cost-effective way to stay connected.

  • Seychelles offers unique granite formations, endemic species, and genuine conservation commitment through low-volume, high-value tourism. The authentic Creole culture blends African, Asian, and European influences.

  • Absolutely, it's one of our most popular combinations. Seychelles' location makes it the natural endpoint for East African journeys, avoiding exhausting long-haul connections.

  • Seychelles is a well-established and traveller-friendly destination. The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR) and carrying some cash is useful for local shops and taxis. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) are widely accepted and payment at hotels, resorts and any other hospitality-related expenses must be made in foreign currency. Pounds Sterling, US dollars, and Euros are most widely used. Currency exchange is available at the airport and at banks - keep exchange receipts if you plan to reconvert on departure. ATMs are found on the main islands, and banking hours are limited (Monday to Friday, 08:30-14:30 and Saturdays, 08:30-11:00). There are no restrictions on importing foreign currency, local currency export is capped, and standard duty-free allowances apply when arriving in Seychelles.

  • Pack insect repellent and wear lightweight long sleeves and trousers in the evenings to avoid mosquito bites. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for activities such as diving, boating, and helicopter transfers. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from an affected country, and most hotels have a doctor on call should you need medical assistance.