Daily itinerary: sink your feet into the sand, feast on coconuts, hug a giant tortoise, crash a stranger’s wedding, gaze at the ocean from a yacht — then do it all over again. That’s life on the Seychelles: where the sound of the waves makes everything else fade away. On the islands, you can move as slowly as a tortoise, be as open as the ocean, and as warm-hearted as the locals.
- Relax on the beach
- To go diving
- Hiking in the mountains
- Go fishing
Choose a hotel for yourself
Interesting on Seychelles Islands
- French, Seychellois Creole, English language
Azure ocean waves, white sand, and palm trees under a cloudless sky — this is how the famous island beaches appear to those who choose a tour to the Seychelles. A combination of stunning tropical nature, almost untouched by civilization, and world-class service turns the Seychelles into a paradise for luxury holidays. It’s a destination perfect for couples in love, diving enthusiasts, and those seeking pure relaxation on the beach.
General Information
The Seychelles is a country surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean, located north of Madagascar. Its territory consists of over a hundred granite and coral islands, though only about a third are inhabited. The capital, Victoria, is located on the largest island — Mahé.
There are no high mountains on the Seychelles (the highest point is under 1,000 meters), but lush tropical forests and unique plant life have been preserved — including the famous coco de mer palm. The local fauna lacks large animals but boasts a great variety of birds and giant tortoises. Around 40% of the country's territory is protected as nature reserves.
The Seychellois economy is largely dependent on tourism, so the islands are home to many 5-star hotels and all the necessary infrastructure. The country is very safe, and the locals are known for their hospitality. By law, all beaches on the islands are public and free for anyone to use.
Climate
Thanks to its subequatorial climate, the Seychelles doesn’t experience cold weather or sharp temperature changes. Air temperatures stay around +27–28°C year-round. The ocean water is also consistently warm at +27°C. There’s hardly any rain during the summer months; the wettest period is from December to February, but even then, showers are brief and quickly give way to sunshine. Although the best times to visit are generally considered to be April–May and September–October, for most travelers, the Seychelles offers a year-round vacation season.
Top Destinations for a Vacation
Most travelers arriving from New Delhi begin their journey on Mahé, where the international airport is located. The island is home to many hotels, major attractions, and nearly 70 beaches. The most famous of these is Beau Vallon, stretching 2.5 kilometers and known for its bars, shops, and breathtaking sunsets. The waters are calm and crystal-clear, and the beach is meticulously clean. A number of hotels are located nearby.
Other popular beaches on Mahé include:
- Fairyland Beach — a secluded spot south of the airport, favored by snorkelers;
- Anse à la Mouche — shallow waters during the day make it ideal for children, while at night, bioluminescent microorganisms cause the ocean to glow;
- Anse Royale — loved for its scenic views, coral reefs, and calm waters;
- Anse Intendance — a quiet, romantic beach that attracts surfers during high wave season and couples or nature lovers the rest of the year;
- Anse Takamaka — a secluded beach on the southwest coast, perfect for honeymoons, sunbathing, and peaceful strolls.
The second-largest and one of the most popular islands is Praslin. It’s famous for the Vallée de Mai national park, home to coco de mer palms; a pearl farm; and great diving thanks to its surrounding coral reefs. There are three major diving centers on the island. Notable beaches include Côte d'Or, Anse Lazio, and Anse Georgette (which also features a golf course). Despite its small size, Praslin offers a wide range of accommodations — from the luxurious 5-star Lemuria Resort to more modest hotels.
La Digue is ideal for travelers who want not only sun and sea but also a deeper connection with nature. The island is largely covered in forest and ringed by coral atolls. Some hotels are tucked into tropical groves for a secluded atmosphere, while others are right on the coast. The main beaches here are Source d’Argent, Grand Anse, and Petite Anse — the last two are known for their stunning pink sand.
Silhouette Island, popular with eco-tourism enthusiasts, is so untouched by modern life that there are no roads — the main form of transport is the bicycle. Visitors enjoy pristine beaches, forest hikes, and visits to the island's turtle sanctuary.
Fregate Island boasts seven beautiful beaches and a single resort consisting of 16 luxurious villas. Those who choose this exclusive destination won’t be surprised by the premium prices — the island offers absolute privacy and top-tier amenities including restaurants, a yacht club, a spa center, two bars, and tennis courts.
Things to Do
While most travelers visit the Seychelles to sunbathe, swim, dive, or snorkel, the islands offer a wide range of additional experiences. Highlights include:
- Fishing — Whether from a large island or a tiny atoll, you’re likely to catch something impressive. Blue marlin and barracuda are common year-round.
- Surfing — Beginners and pros alike will find excellent surf spots on Mahé, Praslin, and Silhouette.
- Excursions — Take a walk through Morne National Park on Mahé, explore the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, tour Victoria’s landmarks, or visit an artisan village.
- Food & Drink — Creole cuisine is centered around seafood and rice, paired with local beverages made from mint, fermented coconut, and sugarcane juice.
- Weddings — For those traveling as a couple, it’s possible to arrange a ceremony on a secluded beach at sunrise or even aboard a yacht.
- Boat Trips — Day cruises, fishing trips, or visits to uninhabited islands offer a perfect way to experience the Indian Ocean.
- Shopping — The iconic souvenir is the massive coco de mer nut, priced from $200. Coral jewelry, local artwork, rum, and island-themed textiles are also popular.
The largest land-dwelling arthropod lives on the Seychelles. Also known as the palm thief or coconut crab, this creature has an impressive strength — scientists have found that it can lift up to 30 kg (66 lbs). Thanks to this ability, it’s great at dragging food and objects around.