Seychelles: Indian Ocean island holidays

Seychelles combines natural elements found nowhere else. They offer the only mid-ocean granite islands on Earth, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and endemic species from the coco de mer to the Aldabra giant tortoise. Built around a high-value, low-volume model, Seychelles delivers a genuinely wild experience alongside sophisticated luxury. The result is a destination that protects what makes it extraordinary and lets travellers be part of that story.

Seychelles is a year-round destination shaped by two trade wind seasons. May to October is peak season, bringing drier and cooler conditions with excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling. April, May, October, and November are shoulder months — warm, settled, and often better value. November to March is the green season: warmer days, short tropical showers, lush scenery, and sea turtle nesting on select islands. There is no universally wrong time to visit.

A minimum of seven nights is recommended to explore Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue with any depth. For guests combining Seychelles with an East African safari, 10 to 14 days total allows a satisfying balance between bush and beach. Longer stays open up the outer islands and a more exploratory character.

Most nationalities receive a visitor's permit on arrival and do not require an advance visa. However, all visitors must obtain an e-Border Travel Authorisation before arrival. A valid passport, confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds are also required. Entry requirements can change; always verify directly with the Seychelles immigration authority or your travel consultant before travelling.

On land: giant Aldabra tortoises, the critically endangered black paradise flycatcher (veuve), Seychelles Magpie Robin, Seychelles warbler, Seychelles kestrel, and the extraordinary coco de mer palm.

In the water: whale sharks (typically September–November), manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and diverse reef fish year-round. Cousin Island Special Reserve near Praslin offers guided visits to some of the archipelago's most important endemic bird colonies.

Vallée de Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Praslin Island, protecting the near-natural habitat of the coco de mer palm, found wild in only this forest and on nearby Curieuse Island. The coco de mer produces the largest seed in the plant kingdom, weighing up to 18 kilograms. Walking through Vallée de Mai, with its enormous palms filtering cathedral light and endemic birds calling overhead, is one of the most distinctive nature experiences available in the Indian Ocean.

The coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) is a rare palm tree native exclusively to the Seychelles islands of Praslin and Curieuse. It is world-famous for producing the largest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom, which can weigh up to 18 kg (40 pounds). The massive, double-lobed seed famously resembles a human pelvis or buttocks, earning it the Creole nickname coco fesse. Unlike regular coconuts, coco de mer seeds do not float; if they fall into the ocean, they sink to the bottom.

Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site more than 1,000 kilometres southwest of Mahé — one of the world's largest raised coral atolls, comprising four coral islands enclosing a shallow lagoon. It is home to approximately 125,000 giant Aldabra tortoises, the largest population on Earth. Access is tightly controlled and visitor numbers strictly limited to protect its exceptional ecological integrity. It represents one of the last places where nature operates almost entirely on its own terms.

Seychelles International Airport on Mahé receives long-haul and regional flights from London, Paris, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Nairobi via direct or one-stop routing.

Between the inner islands, regular ferry services connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Helicopter transfers and light aircraft serve more remote destinations and provide spectacular aerial perspectives. Private yacht charters offer the most exploratory option, allowing travellers to shape their itinerary around their own interests. On La Digue, bicycles are the primary means of getting around the island.

Yes — and this is one of the most rewarding travel combinations in the region. Seychelles sits naturally at the end of an East African journey: gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the Great Migration in Tanzania or Kenya, and the Indian Ocean as the final chapter. The routing avoids exhausting long-haul connections, and the transition from bush to beach is one of those experiences that stays with a traveller long after the trip ends. Africa Geographic designs these combinations regularly.

Seychelles offers excellent diving across a range of experience levels. Notable sites around Mahé include Shark Bank and the Ennerdale wreck. Praslin and La Digue offer coral gardens and granite formations supporting diverse marine life. Sainte Anne Marine National Park near Victoria is rewarding for both snorkellers and divers. Whale shark encounters between approximately September and November are managed by operators under protocols designed to protect the animals. Dive costs and site availability vary by season; confirm with your operator when booking.

Seychellois cuisine draws on Creole, French, Asian, and African culinary traditions, with seafood at the centre. Grilled red snapper with local spices, octopus curry, and ladob, plantain or breadfruit slow-cooked in coconut milk, are among the staples. The Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, Mahé, is the best introduction to local ingredients and daily life. Beau Vallon Beach hosts a Wednesday evening market with food stalls, music, and a relaxed local atmosphere.

The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Hotels, resorts, and hospitality expenses must be settled in foreign currency; Pounds Sterling, US Dollars, and Euros are most widely used. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted at established properties. Cash in SCR is useful for markets, taxis, and smaller shops. ATMs are available on the main islands; banking hours are typically Monday to Friday, 08:30–14:30, and Saturday, 08:30–11:00.

1. Our safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 105 days before you travel.

3. Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.