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Whether you're planning a luxury escape or island-hopping adventure in the Seychelles, there are a few things you'll want to know before you go.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a list of essential things you need to know, from the best time to visit and how to get around, to budgeting tips and local currency.
1. When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
The best time to visit the Seychelles mainly depends on what you plan to do, whether you plan to be out exploring or relaxing in the sun. Its warm year-round thanks to its tropical climate, but the most popular months are usually April, May, October and November.
These are considered transition periods between the northwest and southeast trade winds, which means calmer seas, pleasant weather and good conditions for snorkeling, diving and beach days.
- December to March brings the northwest trade winds, so this means warmer, more humid weather and a higher chance of rain. That said, showers are usually short-lived and you’ll still get plenty of sunshine.
- June to September is the cooler, drier season with southeast trade winds. It's a great time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors, but the ocean can be a bit rougher.
We visited in July as we were mainly going to be doing outdoor adventure activities like hiking and kayaking. We had great weather, it wasn't too humid for outdoor activities and it was sunny and warm everyday!
2. What is the weather like in the Seychelles?
While the Seychelles is sunny and warm for most of the year, the climate can vary slightly depending on the season. Here's what you can expect:
- Transition Seasons (April to May & October to November) – 27°C to 31°C
- Northwest Monsoon (December to March) – 26°C to 30°C
- Southeast Trade Wind Season (June to September) – 24°C to 28°C
3. Do I need a visa to visit the Seychelles?
One of the great things about traveling to the Seychelles is that it’s relatively easy to visit, as most tourists do not require a visa.
Visitors from most countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and most EU nations, are granted a Visitor’s Permit upon arrival, which is valid for up to 30 days.
However, keep in mind you always need a valid passport with at least six months of validity, you'll need proof of your onward or return travel (such as a flight ticket), and sometimes your accommodation booking might be required upon entry.
4. How many days do you need in the Seychelles?
The ideal number of days to spend in the Seychelles really depends on what kind of experience you're after and where you're travelling from. We travelled from the UK (13 hour flight) and stayed for a week, but we would always recommend longer if it's a long flight!
- For a relaxing beach getaway (3-5 days):
If you're just looking to relax on the beach, soak up the sun and enjoy slow days in paradise, 3 to 5 days will be enough. You can explore one or two islands, relax by the water and experience the local culture. - For island-hopping (7+ days):
If you're keen to explore more of what the Seychelles has to offer, a week (or slightly more) gives you time to visit a couple of islands. You can experience different beaches, go diving and do activities like hiking or visiting nature reserves.
Chloe Butcher
5. Which island should I stay on in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles is made up of over 115 islands, but the main islands most people stay on are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. We would recommend visiting all three islands if you have the time, but if you're limited on time we'd suggest Praslin or La Digue!
- Mahé: The largest and most developed island with the capital city Victoria, along with the majority of the Seychelles' hotels and resorts. Perfect for adventure activities like hiking and kayaking.
- Praslin: Known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and famous Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect if you want a quieter, nature-filled stay but with plenty of amenities
- La Digue: With no cars on the island, La Digue offers a slower pace of life, perfect for cycling around the island, exploring secluded beaches and enjoying the stunning landscapes. It’s a great choice if you're looking for a peaceful retreat.
6. Is it safe to travel to the Seychelles?
Yes, the Seychelles is generally a very safe country to visit. It’s one of the safest destinations in Africa, with low levels of crime and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
That said, it’s always wise to travel with some basic precautions (and travel insurance) in mind. Always be mindful of your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach, and use safes in your accommodation if available.
7. Is the Seychelles expensive to visit?
Yes, the Seychelles is known for being a luxury destination so it is generally quite expensive, but that doesn't mean it’s out of reach for more budget travellers.
Prices for accommodation, food and activities can be high, but there are ways to save money when exploring the Seychelles.
Accommodation
Luxury resorts and private island stays can cost hundreds (or thousands) per night, but there are also guesthouses, boutique hotels, and self-catering apartments available at much more affordable rates.
- Luxury resorts and private island stays: €350 - £1000 + per night
- Mid-range hotels and self-catering apartments: €100-£300 per night
- Budget rooms and apartments: €50 + per night.
Food
Eating at hotels and restaurants is usually quite expensive, but you can find local takeaways (called “snack shops”) and Creole eateries that serve great food for a fraction of the price.
- High end restaurants: from €50 per person
- Casual restaurants: from €20-£30 per person
- Cafe's: from €10-€15 per person
- Local takeaways: from €3-€5 per person
For example, lunch at our hotel restaurant in Praslin cost around £10-£20, while we enjoyed a delicious local Creole curry in La Digue for just £4, and a veggie wrap from a local takeaway in Mahé was only £3.50.
Transport
Taxis can be expensive but buses on Mahé and Praslin are cheap and reliable. Renting a car on Mahe and Praslin is also quite affordable and you can rent bikes for cheap on La Digue.
- Taxis: From €30 for a 20-minute journey
- Buses: SCR 7 (€0.50) per trip
- Car Rental: Around €40–€60 per day
- Bikes: Free or from €5-€10 per day
Activities
Many of the best things to do, like hiking, beach hopping and snorkeling, are free or low-cost. But guided tours, boat trips, and excursions will add up quickly if you do several.
8. What currency is used in the Seychelles?
The official currency of the Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR).
You can exchange foreign currency at the airport, banks or official exchange bureaus. ATMs are also available on the main islands (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue).
While some places may list prices in euros or dollars, you’ll usually pay in rupees, so having local currency on hand is helpful.
9. How do you travel between islands in the Seychelles?
Getting around the islands is simple with options like ferries, domestic flights and private boat charters. Ferries are the most popular and affordable way to travel between the main islands, while flights are faster. For a more customized experience, private boat charters are also available.
Chloe Butcher
10. Do you need cash or is card payment accepted everywhere?
Cards are accepted in most places in the Seychelles, but not everywhere, so it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when exploring more local or remote areas.
Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, larger restaurants, supermarkets and tourist shops. However, small businesses, local markets, beach vendors and takeaway food stalls often prefer cash or may not accept cards at all.
ATMs are available on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, though they can sometimes run out of cash, so it’s smart to withdraw enough when you find a working one.
Taxis usually expect cash payments, so keep some rupees handy if you're not using public transport or hotel transfers.
11. Do they speak English in the Seychelles?
Yes, English is one of the official languages of the Seychelles, alongside French and Seychellois Creole (Kreol Seselwa).
English is widely spoken across the islands, especially in hotels, restaurants and tour companies, so you shouldn't have any issues or language barriers if you can speak english!
Creole is the most commonly spoken language among locals in everyday conversation, but most people switch to English easily when speaking with tourists.
12. Can you drink the tap water in the Seychelles?
Yes, tap water in the Seychelles is generally safe to drink, especially on the main islands like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. It is treated and meets World Health Organization standards.
Most hotels in the Seychelles provide complimentary bottled water, so this is what we drank most of the time. Otherwise, you can also buy bottled water from a shop.
If you want to reduce plastic waste, consider bringing a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter, which is perfect for refilling during hikes or day trips
13. What plug type is used in the Seychelles?
In the Seychelles, the standard plug type is Type G (three rectangular prongs), the same as in the United Kingdom.
If you're coming from a country that uses a different plug type (like most of Europe, the US or Australia), you'll need a UK-style adapter.
We always recommend bringing a universal travel adapter with multiple plug options and USB ports, so you can use it worldwide!
14. What should I pack for a trip to the Seychelles?
For a trip to the Seychelles, pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, comfortable shoes for exploring and a few evening outfits for dinners. Don't forget to bring hats, suncream, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle! For a detailed packing list, check out our full guide here.
Rory Watson
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