Why choose Seychelles for your next trip?
What is so special about this archipelago? Thousands of adjectives could answer this question: turquoise waters, white sands, colorful fish, huge palm trees, luxurious accommodations where we can swear eternal love… indeed, this is true, but what struck me most about these islands is their ability to make us forget the rest of the world and mortals. Worries, stress, and anxiety disappear as soon as you set foot on the islands and the magic begins. This is the best way to convince you that a trip to the Seychelles is a great investment in yourself.
What to visit in the Seychelles?
Mahé, La Digue, and Praslin
These are the three islands with the most hotel infrastructure in the archipelago, although there are also small private islands with hotels belonging to international luxury chains. The largest and liveliest is Mahé, home to the capital Victoria and the idyllic beaches of Anse Intendance and Anse Major. It is also the island that receives all international flights arriving in the country.
The second largest island is Praslin, undoubtedly the one with the most natural attractions, such as the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, famous for the “Coco de mer,” the largest seed on the planet. It is also renowned for its beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which are ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
And finally, a little treasure, La Digue, the most idyllic of the three islands. Beaches such as Anse Cocos, Anse Severe, Petite Anse and, of course, Anse Source d’Argent, undoubtedly the most famous in the Seychelles and named the most beautiful beach on the planet in 2020. It is also famous for its rich seabed, perfect for snorkeling or diving. Beau Ballon Beach on Mahé is one of the largest and most popular beaches on Mahé, yet it has lost none of its charm. It is the place with the most hotel infrastructure and tourist services on the island. It is easy to find good restaurants where you can enjoy fine Creole, Indian, or Italian cuisine.
Visit one of the deserted islands
The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 islands, and although Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the most commonly visited, there are other small uninhabited islands such as Curieuse Island, north of Praslin, famous for being one of only two places where the “coco de mer” grows (the other is Praslin in the Vallée de Mai). The tiny island of Saint Pierre is an idyllic desert island where you can go snorkeling.
Also worth a visit is Cousine Island, a refuge for the giant Aldabra tortoise, one of the emblems of the archipelago. This conservation center is currently home to 78 giant tortoises.
Diving in Seychelles
It is said that these islands are paradise on earth, and I would add that they are also paradise under the sea. Any time of year is good for diving in Seychelles, although April, May, October, and November are especially recommended thanks to good visibility. Sea turtles, sharks, rays, pufferfish, and vibrant corals are easily visible. Those who do not dive can still enjoy the magnificent seabed by snorkeling in the Sainte Anne Marine Park, Coco Island, or practically anywhere in the archipelago.
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Hiking to Anse Major Beach
One of the mountain trails worth exploring leads to the secluded Anse Major beach, undoubtedly the best beach on Mahé. The route is spectacular, alternating between open spaces and dense rainforest completely covered by vegetation and huge granite boulders.
Hiking in Morne Seychelles National Park
Le Morne is the highest peak in the archipelago at 905 meters above sea level. There are three different routes to the summit. The Trois Frères route is fairly easy and offers fabulous views from the highest point (699 meters). The Morne Blanc route is not very difficult, although it is a continuous climb, and offers stunning views. These routes can be completed in approximately 2 hours. For those who wish to reach the peak (905 meters), it is necessary to allow about 5 hours and bring a raincoat in case of rain.
When to go to the Seychelles? Discover the best time to visit the islands
Despite the many uncertainties associated with the current global climate, Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate all year round and almost 12 hours of sunlight due to its position just south of the equator. All but the most remote southern islands lie outside the cyclone belt, there are no extreme weather conditions, and the temperature rarely drops below 75°F or rises above 90°F.
In principle, the dry season runs from June to October (southeast monsoon), and the wet season runs roughly from November to May (northwest monsoon). However, climate change also affects the Seychelles, and, for example, El Niño caused strong gusts of wind and heavy rainfall for three days in August 1997 in the middle of the dry season.
Therefore, three periods characterize the monsoon climate: a cool, dry season, a hot, wet season, and an intermediate period.
From May to October
Between May and October, the southeast trade winds generally bring drier, cooler weather and rougher seas, particularly on the southeast coasts of the islands, along with wind speeds of 10 to 20 knots. During this dry season, the average temperature still reaches 25°C. Visibility in the water is not suitable for diving.
June, July, and August are the coolest months with the strongest winds. It is also during this period that seaweed can be found on the beaches, demonstrating the excellent health of the Seychelles’ seabed.
From November to April
These are considered transition months and are the hottest of the year, with temperatures reaching 32ºC. The absence of wind during these months makes them ideal for snorkeling and diving, as visibility underwater is perfect. March, May, and October often have similar weather conditions.
From December to March, during the wet season, easterly and northwesterly winds blow over the archipelago. This monsoon is the result of strengthening trade winds in the northern hemisphere. The heat becomes oppressive, with temperatures reaching 32°C and humidity once again reigning supreme. The vegetation is more lush than ever. Rainfall is frequent from December to February, although it is generally short-lived.
However, as it is a tropical island, tropical downpours, usually brief, can occur at any time of the year.
Are there any requirements for traveling to Seychelles?
No, there is no visa required to enter Seychelles, however, it is mandatory to apply for a FREE (TA) authorization to enter its territory at the web.
You will need a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure from the country and at least a few blank pages, a return airline ticket, a selfie, a reservation document from the agency or hotel(s), and valid travel insurance.
How to plan your trip to Seychelles?
The Seychelles is an ideal destination to combine with any active trip to Africa. In this case, we recommend spending at least four nights there to enjoy its idyllic beaches. If your trip is exclusively to the Seychelles and you want to visit several islands in the archipelago, you will need at least ten nights at your destination.
We can travel between the main islands by ferry or light aircraft. We put our extensive knowledge of the islands at your disposal to design or advise you on the trip that best suits your travel preferences. To get the most out of your trip, take the time you need and be sure to go on excursions and visits to really get to know the islands. Seychelles is not just about idyllic beaches.
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