Seychelles

Tour Guide

The ideal time depends on your priorities. April-May and October-November offer the best overall conditions with light winds, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility—perfect for snorkeling and diving. June-August brings cooler, drier weather with southeast trade winds, ideal for hiking and surfing. December-March can be wetter with brief tropical showers but features great diving conditions in October-November. For Indian travelers, avoid the monsoon period back home (June-September) by visiting during Seychelles' calmer months. Peak season pricing occurs around Christmas/New Year, so shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) offer the best value with optimal weather conditions.Read also Best time to visit in Seychelles

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé is the main gateway. From India, you have seasonal nonstop flights (typically 4.5-5 hours from Mumbai/Delhi) or one-stop connections via Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi (7-10 hours total). Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad offer reliable connections. Air Seychelles sometimes operates direct seasonal routes. Book well in advance for better prices, especially during peak seasons. Once in Seychelles, domestic flights connect Mahé to Praslin (15 minutes), while ferries serve the main islands. Inter-island transfers should be pre-booked, particularly during peak periods.

Indian passport holders typically receive visa-free entry to Seychelles with a Visitor's Permit issued on arrival. However, you must meet standard requirements: valid passport (6+ months validity), confirmed return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. The initial permit is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended. Requirements can change, so always verify current entry conditions with the Seychelles embassy or official tourism website before traveling. Ensure your passport has blank pages for entry stamps and carry printed copies of hotel bookings and return tickets as immigration may request them.

Transportation varies by island. On Mahé and Praslin, public buses (SPTC) run extensive daytime routes at low cost. Rental cars offer the most freedom—driving is on the left with narrow, winding roads requiring caution. Taxis are readily available but more expensive. On La Digue, bicycles are the quintessential transport method, creating a charming, eco-friendly experience. For inter-island travel, fast catamarans connect Mahé-Praslin-La Digue, while domestic flights offer quick hops. Boat charters and water taxis provide access to smaller islands and snorkeling spots. Book inter-island transfers in advance during peak seasons, and always allow buffer time between connections and international flights.

Seychelles offers accommodations across all budgets. Ultra-luxury resorts include Six Senses Zil Pasyon and Anantara Maia with private villas and world-class spas. Mid-range options feature boutique hotels like Coco de Mer Hotel on Praslin and Story Seychelles on Mahé. Budget travelers can choose government-licensed guesthouses offering authentic local experiences. Stay on Mahé for hiking, nightlife, and cultural attractions; Praslin for Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio beach; La Digue for bicycle culture and Anse Source d'Argent. Many resorts are on private islands for ultimate seclusion. Book early for peak seasons, and note that even luxury resort beaches remain public by law.

Don't miss Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue—iconic granite boulders and crystal-clear waters create a photographer's paradise. Vallée de Mai on Praslin is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the legendary coco-de-mer palms and rare black parrots. Anse Lazio on Praslin consistently ranks among the world's top beaches. Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé offers hiking trails like Copolia with stunning panoramic views. Visit Curieuse Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises and explore mangroves. Victoria's Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market showcases Creole culture and spices. Beau Vallon beach provides watersports and vibrant evening markets. Each island offers unique experiences, from cultural immersion to pristine nature encounters.Read also Top places to visit in Seychelles

Seychellois cuisine blends Creole, French, Indian, and African influences. Must-try dishes include octopus or fish curry in rich Creole spices, grilled red snapper with Creole sauce, and smoked fish salad with lime and chili. Vegetarians will find dhal, vegetable curries, rice, and roti widely available. Don't miss ladob (sweet plantain dessert in coconut milk), breadfruit chips, and banana fritters. Takamaka rum is the local spirit worth tasting. Fresh tropical fruits like breadfruit, jackfruit, and starfruit are abundant. Many restaurants cater to Indian palates with familiar spices and vegetarian options. Local markets offer the most authentic Creole flavors, while resorts provide international cuisine alongside traditional dishes.