Travel Guide: Uk To Seychelles

Seychelles is a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, secluded bays, white sand, and crystal clear waters. It is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. The best times to visit Seychelles are April, May, October, and November, when the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists.

Seychelles is a visa-free country, meaning that no visa is required for entry, except for passport holders from Kosovo, as Seychelles does not recognize the State of Kosovo. However, all visitors must have a valid passport, a valid return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

The main island, Mahé, is home to the capital city of Victoria and the famous Anse Intendance beach. Praslin, the second-largest island, also boasts several acclaimed beaches and the Vallée de Mai. La Digue, a quiet island where bicycles are the main mode of transport, has the unspoiled Anse Source d'Argent beach.

Alphonse Island, located in the outer islands, is a private resort known for its year-round sunshine due to its remote position in the Indian Ocean. It offers luxurious accommodations, a nature reserve, and a rich ecology, making it a haven for biodiversity.

Best months to visit Seychelles

The Seychelles has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and some rainfall all year round. However, the best months to visit the Seychelles are April, May, October and November, as these months are typically drier and less windy than the others.

The Seychelles has two trade winds that affect the islands each year: the northwest trade wind, which blows from November to March, and the southeast wind, which blows from May to September. These winds cause seaweed to build up on some beaches, so it is important to consider when choosing your hotel location. The shoulder season months of October and November, and March and April, typically offer the best weather.

The temperature in the Seychelles is around 30°C (86°F) all year round, with a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers, and sea breezes that disperse the humidity. However, the Seychelles' positioning, just seven degrees south of the Equator and away from large land masses in the Indian Ocean, makes it very hard to predict the weather or rely on online forecasts.

From May to October, the season in the Seychelles is more soothing, so you will enjoy the cool breeze more than the heat, especially if you get a house in the hills. From November to April, the Seychelles is very hot and mostly still, making the weather hot and sticky.

The Seychelles in April is one of the warmest times of the year to visit, with little breeze and rainfall. It is also the driest and therefore one of the best months to visit.

The Seychelles in October is when hawksbill turtles start laying their eggs, and it is less windy at this time of year.

The Seychelles in May follows on from April, with hot temperatures and slightly less humidity. The southeast trade wind begins in May, so it is better to visit the west coast of the island.

The Seychelles in November marks the start of the northwest trade winds, so it is better to stay on the east side of the islands. Hawksbill turtles continue to lay their eggs, and it is hot and humid.

Seychelles' two seasons

Seychelles has two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. However, like any tropical place, you can expect rain throughout the year. The wettest months are generally December, January, and February, while the driest months are June, July, and August.

From May to October, the season is more soothing, with a welcome sea breeze providing relief from the heat. This is generally considered the best time to visit the Seychelles, with calmer weather conditions and temperatures similar to midsummer in Central Europe. The transitional period in April and October/November takes away the sea breeze, so the Seychelles feels hotter during these months.

From November to April, Seychelles is very hot and humid, with little to no wind. However, this period is still a popular time to visit, especially for those looking to go diving or snorkelling. The months of April, May, October, November, and December offer increased underwater visibility due to the trade winds, making them ideal for underwater activities.

One notable exception to the typical Seychelles weather is Alphonse Island, a private resort located in the outer islands. Thanks to its remote position in the Indian Ocean, Alphonse boasts its own microclimate, with wall-to-wall sunshine and half the annual rainfall of the main Seychelles islands. So, if you're looking for guaranteed sunshine, Alphonse is your best bet.

Currency and payment methods

The local currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). The currency is available in coins valued at 5, 10, 25 cents, and 1 and 5 rupees. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 rupees. Typically, 1 Euro is equivalent to about 15 Rupees, so one Rupee is approximately 0.06 Euros.

ATMs are common in Seychelles, but they are mostly found in Victoria, and it can be challenging to locate them in more remote areas. It is recommended to withdraw money from ATMs or exchange cash directly in Seychelles to avoid higher fees abroad, which can result in a less favourable exchange rate. There are also two ATMs at the airport where you can withdraw cash upon arrival.

Major towns in Seychelles offer numerous exchange offices and banks, and it is wise to compare rates as they can vary. The law in Seychelles mandates that tourists pay for hotels, meals, and drinks in cash using major foreign currency or credit card. The Euro is the most widely accepted foreign currency, and prices are often listed in both Euros and US Dollars. The United States Dollar is also accepted but not as favoured as the Euro.

Credit cards are widely accepted across the islands, and most shops and restaurants accept credit and debit card payments. However, it is always good to check with your hotel or guesthouse if you will be able to pay using your card.

It is important to note that exchanging currencies should be done at a bank, with authorised money dealers, or with your hotel cashier. Engaging in exchange transactions with unauthorised individuals is strongly discouraged and is a criminal offence.

Before leaving Seychelles, it is advisable to spend all your Seychelles Rupees or exchange them back into Euros, Swiss Francs, or US Dollars, as most banks outside of Seychelles do not accept SCR, making it challenging to exchange them once you return home.

Getting around Seychelles

The best way to get around Seychelles depends on which island you are visiting. The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation provides public bus services on Mahé and Praslin, two of Seychelles' three most visited islands. Buses run every day from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; rides cost a flat rate of 5 SCR (approximately 40 cents). If you plan on using the bus as your primary mode of transportation, consider purchasing a SMART Card for 50 SCR (around $4 USD). These pre-loaded cards can hold up to 500 SCR (approximately $42 USD), so you can board the bus without worrying about carrying change.

If you are staying on La Digue, you'll find the island is small and flat enough to easily navigate on two wheels. Most guesthouses provide bike rentals for guests, and several shops loan out bicycles. You can rent a bike for about €10 a day.

If Mahé is your home base, you'll find numerous car rental agencies to choose from. Driving in Mahé can be challenging, as the roads are steep and tight turns are common. You must also drive on the left side of the road. Stay safe by driving slowly, and keep your eyes on the road. A car will also come in handy if you're staying on Praslin, but convenient hotel shuttle services and extensive bus routes make having your own wheels a luxury rather than a necessity.

There is no single taxi company servicing the Seychelles islands. You'll find independently owned cabs on Mahé and Praslin, and a few operators on La Digue. You can hail a cab from the street in more populated areas like Victoria, or call a driver directly. A 20-minute taxi ride will cost around 35 euros.

If you plan to explore more than one of Seychelles' many islands, riding the ferry is your best bet. Cat Cocos provides daily transportation from Mahé to both Praslin and La Digue, with trips lasting between an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the route. Expect to pay between 835 and 1,060 SCR (around $70 to $88 USD) each way. Meanwhile, Inter Island Ferry offers more frequent daily transport between Praslin and La Digue. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 240 SCR (approximately $20 USD) each way.

Air Seychelles, a reputable inter-island carrier, offers transport between Mahé and Praslin (there is no airport on La Digue). A one-way trip takes roughly 15 minutes and flights depart roughly every hour. Prices vary depending on the departure time and the season. For a more luxurious journey, book a private flight between the islands with ZilAir, which flies helicopters between all the Inner Seychelles Islands. Prices start around 4,715 SCR ($398 USD) per person.

Entry requirements

To enter Seychelles, you must present a valid passport and proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. A visitor's permit is issued on arrival to those who meet the following criteria:

• Do not hold a valid permit to reside in Seychelles
• Hold a valid return or onward ticket
• Have a passport valid for the period of the intended stay and until their return to their country of origin or residence
• Have a minimum of US$150 or the equivalent in other currencies per day

If you are travelling through another African country on your way to Seychelles, you may be required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination if you travel through an infected area within six days prior to your arrival.

The Seychelles is a visa-free country, except for passport holders from Kosovo, as Seychelles does not recognise the State of Kosovo.

Frequently asked questions