The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, but nearly every first trip centres on three granite islands: Mahé, with the capital Victoria and the international airport, Praslin, home of the Vallée de Mai, and La Digue, famous for Anse Source d'Argent. They sit close together, but each has a different character, and the biggest planning decision is how to divide your nights between them. Here is how to approach it.
How many days
Seven nights is the comfortable minimum for seeing all three islands without rushing: three on Mahé, two on Praslin and two on La Digue is a classic split. With five nights, choose two islands, usually Mahé and either Praslin or La Digue. With three or four nights, stay on Mahé and take a day trip. The Praslin and La Digue day trip from Mahé is a long, early day, so treat it as a sampler rather than a substitute for an overnight stay.
Getting between islands
Fast catamaran ferries link Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and there are short domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin. Ferries can be disrupted by rough seas, particularly during the south-east trade winds from about May to October, so avoid tight connections on the day of an international flight, and book ferries in advance in busy months. On each island, taxis, hire cars and organised tours are the main options, and on La Digue bicycles are the standard way to get around.
What to book ahead
Hotels fill early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays, and the better small properties sell out months ahead. Book inter-island ferries or flights, any marine park or snorkelling day, and a guided hike such as the Copolia Trail in advance, especially if your dates are fixed. A private Mahé island tour is worth arranging a few days ahead for a first overview, and a Sainte Anne Marine Park reef safari is a good full day on the water.
Where the headline sights fit
On Mahé, plan a morning in Victoria for the market, Clock Tower and Botanical Gardens, a beach day at Beau Vallon in the northwest, and a wilder visit to Anse Intendance in the south. The Copolia Trail in Morne Seychellois National Park gives you a forest hike and a view over the capital. On Praslin, the Vallée de Mai UNESCO reserve and Anse Lazio fit comfortably into one day. On La Digue, cycle to L'Union Estate and Anse Source d'Argent, and leave time to wander the quieter coves.
Seasons and weather
The Seychelles is warm all year, with no true winter. From about December to March the north-west monsoon brings hotter, wetter weather and more rain, though sunny spells are common, and some beaches can see rougher seas or seaweed. From about May to October the south-east trade winds bring drier, breezier, slightly cooler weather, with calmer water on the northwest coast around Beau Vallon but rougher seas in the south, such as at Anse Intendance. April-May and October-November are transitional months with lighter winds and are popular with divers and snorkellers. Check conditions before any swim and follow local flags.
Practical tips
The currency is the Seychelles rupee, and many hotels and tour operators also quote in euros or dollars. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but small shops, markets and some taxis prefer cash. Prices are high by regional standards, especially for food, drinks and accommodation, so budget accordingly. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest, bring plenty of water for hikes, and respect marine and nature reserve rules, such as not touching coral or smoking in reserves. Check current entry requirements and any travel authorisation for your nationality well before you travel, since rules can change.
Where to stay
Beau Vallon on Mahé is the easiest base for first-timers, with beach dining and activities. Praslin works well at Anse Volbert or Grand'Anse, and La Digue rewards at least one night so you can enjoy the beaches outside the day-tripper window. See our where-to-stay guide for hotel picks.
