Seychelles Travel Information

Seychelles is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and lush tropical forests. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing tropical getaway, or for adventure seekers who want to explore the natural beauty of the islands. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Seychelles:

1. Relax on the beaches

The beaches of Seychelles are renowned for their beauty, with powdery white sand, crystal clear waters and lush vegetation. Some of the most famous beaches include Anse Lazio, Anse Source d'Argent, and Beau Vallon.

2. Snorkeling and diving

The waters around Seychelles are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the coral reefs and see a variety of fish, turtles and even sharks.

3. Visit Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the rare Coco de Mer palm tree. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the island.

4. Take a boat tour

Boat tours are a great way to explore the islands and see the stunning scenery from the water. Visitors can take a tour to see the granite islands, or go island hopping to explore the smaller, uninhabited islands.

5. Visit the capital, Victoria

Victoria is the capital of Seychelles and offers a glimpse into the island's culture and history. Visitors can explore the markets, take a tour of the National Museum and visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

6. Go hiking

Seychelles offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to more challenging hikes. Visitors can explore the lush tropical forests and see unique wildlife, such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin and the Seychelles Warbler.

7. Visit the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

The Seychelles National Botanical Gardens offer a chance to see a variety of tropical plants, including the famous Coco de Mer palm tree. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the plants and their uses.

8. Take a cooking class

Seychelles offers a variety of cooking classes, where visitors can learn about the local cuisine and try their hand at preparing Creole dishes.

9. Go fishing

Seychelles is known for its excellent fishing, with a variety of fish species found in the waters around the islands. Visitors can take a fishing charter and try their hand at catching tuna, marlin, and more.

10. Visit the Marine National Parks

Seychelles has several marine national parks, where visitors can see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish. Visitors can take a boat tour and snorkel or scuba dive in the parks to see the marine life up close.

Climate

The climate of Seychelles is tropical and consistent throughout the year with temperatures averaging between 27-31°C (80-88°F) and high humidity. The islands receive most of their rainfall between December and February. The rest of the year is relatively dry and sunny.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Seychelles depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking to avoid the rain and high humidity, the best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is dry and sunny. If you don't mind some rain and humidity, the best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is warm and the islands are lush and green.

Peak Season

The peak tourist season in Seychelles is between December and January, when temperatures are warm and the weather is dry. This time of year, you can expect crowded beaches and higher prices for accommodation and activities.

Off-Peak Season

The off-peak season in Seychelles is between June and September, when the weather is dry and sunny, but fewer tourists visit the islands. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and get better deals on accommodation and activities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Seychelles offers a wide range of luxury hotels and resorts, many of which are located on the beach or on private islands. These accommodations offer a variety of amenities such as private beaches, spas, and multiple swimming pools. Some of the top luxury hotels and resorts in Seychelles include Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Banyan Tree Seychelles, and Constance Ephelia.

Boutique Hotels

Seychelles also offers a number of boutique hotels that provide a more intimate and unique experience. These accommodations are often smaller and more personal than the larger resorts, and may offer unique features such as private beaches and exclusive guest rooms. Some of the top boutique hotels in Seychelles include Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, Villa Caroline and Le Parc de Mon Plaisir.

Guesthouses and Self-Catering Accommodations

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Seychelles also offers a variety of guesthouses and self-catering accommodations. These options can be a great way to save money while still experiencing the beauty of the islands. Some popular guesthouses and self-catering options include Villa Chante Mer, Villa Chez Batista, and Villa Les Rochers.

Vacation Rentals

There are also a number of vacation rental options available in Seychelles, such as villas, apartments and beach houses. This can be a great option for families or groups of friends looking for more space and privacy. Some popular vacation rental options include Le Bonheur Villa, Anse Soleil Beachcomber and Villa La Digue.

Air Travel

The main international airport in Seychelles is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) located on the island of Mahé. The airport receives regular flights from major cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are also several domestic airports on other islands, such as Praslin Island and La Digue Island, which can be reached by a short flight from Mahé.

Boat and Ferry

Inter-island boat and ferry transportation is available between the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. There are several companies that operate regular ferry services between the islands, and it's a great way to explore the different islands. Visitors can also hire private boats and catamarans for island hopping and day trips.

Car Rental

Car rental is a popular option for getting around the main island of Mahé. There are several car rental companies located at the airport and in Victoria, the capital city. Visitors must have a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years old to rent a car.

Taxi and Bus

Taxis and buses are also available on Mahé island and Praslin island, but they are less frequent on other islands. Taxis are metered and it is best to negotiate the fare before starting the journey. Buses run on a set schedule and are a cheaper option for getting around.

Bicycle and Scooter Rental

Bicycles and scooters are also available for rent on the main islands. This is a great option for exploring the islands at a slower pace and getting to less-visited areas. Visitors should be aware that the roads can be steep and winding in places, so it's important to have a good level of fitness.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.