Seychelles Tour Packages

Cradled in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar, the Seychelles archipelago unfurls over 115 islands of powdery white beaches, granite boulders sculpted by time, emerald forests, and lagoons in shades of turquoise you have to see to believe. For Indian travelers, it’s an easy hop for a tropical holiday that blends barefoot luxury with Creole culture, rare wildlife, and some of the world’s most photogenic beaches. Expect year‑round warm weather, calm island vibes, and a pace that invites you to slow down, breathe, and savour the moment.

Type of Destination

• Nature and beaches: Iconic shores like Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Lazio.
• Honeymoon & luxury: Private‑island resorts, villas with plunge pools, secluded coves.
• Adventure & outdoors: Diving, snorkeling, sailing, hiking granite peaks.
• Cultural & culinary: Creole markets, rum distillery, music and dance (moutya), Indian and Creole food influences.
• Family‑friendly & wellness: Safe, clean, and relaxed with great spas and calm bays.

Prime Season and “Snow” Season

• Prime seasons:
  • April–May and October–November: Light winds, calmer seas, superb for snorkeling/diving and beach days.
  • June–August: Cooler and drier with southeast trade winds—great for hiking and surfing on wind‑facing coasts.
• Snow season: None. Seychelles is tropical year‑round with no snowfall.

Languages Spoken

• Seychellois Creole (Kreol Seselwa) – widely used in daily life
• English – common in tourism and services
• French – also official
  Tip for Indians: English is enough almost everywhere; you’ll often find staff familiar with Indian cuisine and vegetarian preferences.

Local Transport Options

• Public bus (SPTC) on Mahé & Praslin: Inexpensive, extensive daytime routes.
• Taxis & ride services: Easy to arrange via hotels or taxi stands.
• Self‑drive rental cars (left‑hand drive): Best freedom on Mahé/Praslin; carry your licence/IDP.
• Bicycles: Quintessential on La Digue.
• Inter‑island ferries: Fast catamarans connect Mahé–Praslin–La Digue.
• Domestic flights: Short hops (e.g., Mahé–Praslin ~15 minutes).
• Boat charters/water taxis: For island‑hopping, snorkeling trips, sunset cruises.

How to Reach

• By Air:
  • Main gateway: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), Mahé.
  • From India: Nonstop services operate seasonally at times; otherwise one‑stop connections via major hubs such as the Middle East or East Africa. Typical total travel time from Mumbai/Delhi is ~4.5–5 hrs nonstop (when available) or ~7–10 hrs with a connection.
  • Inter‑island: Praslin Airport (PRI) for quick domestic flights.
• By Sea: Cruise ships and private yachts call at Victoria harbour; not a regular passenger route from India.
• By Rail/Road: Not applicable internationally; within islands, sealed roads link beaches, towns, and trailheads.

Best Time to Visit (for Indian travelers)

Summer (April–June)

• Weather: 26–30°C; lighter winds in Apr–May, calm seas and excellent underwater visibility.
• Crowds & costs: Moderate; shoulder to high around school holidays.
• Why go: Best mix of sun + snorkeling/diving; sunsets are glorious.
• Packing tips: Light cotton/linen, reef‑safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), sun hat, rash guard, water shoes, compact rain layer.

Monsoon/Trade‑Wind Season (July–September)

• Weather: 24–28°C; drier but windier (southeast trade winds). Some beaches on windward coasts have stronger surf and seaweed.
• Crowds & costs: Lower to moderate; good value on stays and activities.
• Why go: Hiking, surfing, kitesurfing; cooler nights; fewer mosquitoes.
• Packing tips: Light windbreaker, dry bags for boat trips, anti‑slip sandals, motion‑sickness bands if you’re ferrying.

Winter (October–March)

• Weather: 25–31°C; October–November calm and superb for water clarity; November–January wetter with brief tropical showers; festive peak late December–early January.
• Crowds & costs: High around Christmas/New Year; otherwise moderate.
• Why go: Diving/snorkeling (Oct–Nov), turtle nesting, cultural festivals.
• Packing tips: Umbrella/light rain jacket, quick‑dry wear, extra power bank, mosquito repellent.

Places to Visit (Don’t Miss)

1. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue – Pink‑grey granite boulders, glassy shallows, and golden light near sunset—a photographer’s dream.
2. Vallée de Mai, Praslin (UNESCO) – Pristine palm forest, home of the coco‑de‑mer, the world’s heaviest seed, and the rare Seychelles black parrot.
3. Anse Lazio, Praslin – Consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches; great for swimming and lounging.
4. Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé – Trails like Copolia and Morne Blanc reveal cloud‑forest flora and jaw‑dropping coastal panoramas.
5. Beau Vallon, Mahé – Long, lively beach with watersports, sunset cruises, and Wednesday night market vibes.
6. Curieuse Island & St. Pierre Islet – Meet giant Aldabra tortoises, explore mangroves, and snorkel gin‑clear reefs.
7. Victoria & Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market, Mahé – One of the world’s smallest capitals: creole spices, tropical fruit, and local life.
8. L’Union Estate, La Digue – Vanilla plantations, traditional copra mill, and gateway to Source d’Argent.
9. Anse Intendance & Baie Lazare, Mahé – Wild, wave‑washed beauty; seasonal surf.
10. Fond Ferdinand, Praslin – A quieter alternative to Vallée de Mai with superb viewpoints.

Things to Do

• Island‑hopping trio: Mahé’s mountains, Praslin’s UNESCO forest, La Digue’s bicycles and bays.
• Snorkeling safaris: St. Pierre, Coco, Curieuse, Anse Major, Port Launay Marine Park.
• Hike & nature watch: Copolia sunrise, Anse Major coastal trail, Nid d’Aigle (La Digue).
• Sunset cruise or sailing day: Catamaran to hidden coves with onboard BBQ.
• Creole culture & cuisine: Market tours, Takamaka Rum tasting, Creole cooking classes.
• Spa & wellness: Ocean‑view massages and yoga decks at top resorts.
• Birding & turtles: Aride/Cousin islands (seasonal) and turtle nesting patrols (ethically run).

Adventure Activities

• Scuba diving: Year‑round, with top visibility in Apr–May and Oct–Nov; granite pinnacles, turtles, rays.
• Sea kayaking & stand‑up paddleboarding: Explore calm lagoons and mangroves at your own pace.
• Surfing & bodyboarding: Anse Intendance, Grand Anse (Mahé) when the swell is up; best in the trade‑wind months.
• Zip‑lining & rock adventures (Mahé): Canopy ziplines and granite slab scrambles at resort adventure parks near Port Launay.
• Kitesurfing & windsurfing: Southeast trade winds (Jun–Sep) at spots like Anse Royale/Anse aux Pins.
• Deep‑sea fishing: Seasonal runs for sailfish, wahoo, tuna; charter boats from Mahé/Praslin.

Cuisines to Try

• Octopus or fish curry (Creole style)
• Grilled red snapper or jobfish with Creole sauce
• Smoked fish salad with lime and chili
• Ladob (ripe plantain dessert cooked in coconut milk)
• Breadfruit chips and coconut chutneys
• Banana fritters and coconut nougat
  Vegetarian note: Dhal, veggie curries, rice, roti, and tropical salads are widely available.

Dining Places (Curated Picks)

• Marie Antoinette, Victoria (Mahé): Classic Creole set menus in a colonial house.
• Del Place, Port Glaud (Mahé): Lagoon‑side seafood and sunsets.
• La Scala, Bel Ombre (Mahé): Romantic Italian fine dining; great for honeymoons.
• The Boathouse, Beau Vallon (Mahé): Casual Creole buffet and beach vibes.
• La Plaine St. André – Takamaka Rum Distillery (Mahé): Distillery tour + Creole plates.
• Les Lauriers, Cote d’Or (Praslin): Live‑fire grill and salads; beloved buffet dinners.
• Cafe des Arts, Cote d’Or (Praslin): Stylish beachfront seafood.
• Fish Trap or Le Repaire, La Digue: Island‑casual with fresh catches and pizzas/veg options.

Resorts & Stays (Across Budgets)

• Ultra‑Luxury: Six Senses Zil Pasyon (Félicité), Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas (Mahé), Four Seasons Seychelles (Petite Anse).
• Luxury: Constance Lemuria (Praslin; has a famed 18‑hole golf course), Raffles Seychelles (Praslin), Hilton Seychelles Labriz (Silhouette Island).
• Upscale: Hilton Northolme (Mahé), Kempinski Baie Lazare (Mahé), Mango House Seychelles (Mahé), Story Seychelles (Beau Vallon).
• Mid‑range & boutique: Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites (Praslin), La Digue Island Lodge (La Digue), Le Relax Hotels (several islands), Villas de Mer (Praslin), Chalets d’Anse Forbans (Mahé).
  Tip: For value, look at government‑licensed guesthouses—authentic, comfortable, and closer to local life.

Nightlife

• Eden Island Marina (Mahé): Boardwalk‑style bars with DJs and waterfront cocktails.
• Katiolo (Mahé): Open‑air dance floor under the stars—Seychelles’ classic club vibe.
• Beau Vallon evenings: Beach bars, live music, and the weekly Bazar Labrin street‑food night.
• Casinos: Try your luck at licensed casinos around Victoria/Beau Vallon.
• Resort lounges: Sunset‑hour specials, Creole drums and moutya performances on select nights.

Shopping

• Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market (Victoria): Spices, vanilla, tropical fruit, and crafts.
• Domaine de Val des Prés (Au Cap, Mahé): Craft village for local artisans.
• Eden Plaza & Camion Hall (Victoria): Boutiques and souvenirs.
• Take home: Takamaka rum, Seychellois tea and cinnamon, coconut‑shell crafts, artisanal soaps and essential oils, local art.
  Note: Buying/exporting coco‑de‑mer requires an official permit and certificate—purchase only from authorized sellers.

Off‑beat Places (Hidden Gems)

• Anse Major Trail (Mahé): Coastal hike to a secluded, snorkel‑friendly cove.
• Cap Ternay & Port Launay Marine Park (Mahé): Lagoon‑calm waters with abundant reef life.
• Sauzier Waterfall (Port Glaud, Mahé): Jungle cascade perfect after a morning beach session.
• Fond Ferdinand (Praslin): Quieter, interpretive walks and sweeping island views.
• Coco & Félicité Islets: Dreamy snorkel stops on small‑group boat trips.
• Grand Anse–Petite Anse–Coco Trail (La Digue): Wild coast and dramatic surf.
• Aride or Cousin Island Reserves: Bird sanctuaries with guided eco‑visits (seasonal access).

Festivals & Events (Typical Months)

• Festival Kreol (October): A vibrant celebration of Creole music, dance, food, and identity.
• La Digue Feast of the Assumption (15 August): Island‑wide religious and cultural festivities.
• Seychelles Independence Day (29 June): Parades and concerts in Victoria.
• Seychelles Ocean Festival (December): Marine conservation and underwater imagery events.
• Hindu Temple Festivals (Victoria, dates vary): Processions and celebrations at Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple.

Key Experiences (Must‑Do)

• Stand beneath the towering palms of Vallée de Mai and spot a coco‑de‑mer.
• Cycle La Digue to Anse Source d’Argent for a golden‑hour swim and photos.
• Snorkel with turtles off Curieuse/St. Pierre or in Port Launay.
• Hike Copolia at sunrise for sweeping views over Mahé and the marine park.
• Toast the sunset on a catamaran cruise, then dine on a Creole seafood feast.

Travel Tips for Indians

• Entry & documents: Seychelles is generally visa‑free for Indian passport holders; a Visitor’s Permit is issued on arrival subject to standard requirements (passport, return ticket, accommodation, sufficient funds). Always check the latest official guidance before you travel.
• Currency: Seychelles Rupee (SCR); cards widely accepted. Euros are common in tourism pricing; carry some local cash for markets and buses.
• Time zone: UTC+4 (Seychelles is typically 1 hour 30 minutes behind India).
• Connectivity: Local SIMs (Airtel/Cable & Wireless) at SEZ airport and in town; good 4G coverage on main islands.
• Power plugs: Type G (UK style), 220–240V; carry a universal adapter.
• Driving: Left‑hand traffic; narrow, winding roads—drive cautiously.
• Health & safety: Tap water is treated on main islands but many prefer bottled; carry reef‑safe sunscreen and insect repellent. No malaria.
• Marine etiquette: Don’t touch coral or turtles; avoid standing on reefs; use biodegradable sunscreen.
• Ferries & flights: Pre‑book inter‑island connections in peak periods; allow buffer time between ferry and international flights.
• Dietary needs: Vegetarian/vegan options are widely available; Indian restaurants present in main hubs.

Interesting Facts

• The Seychelles is made up of 115 islands, including the world’s only mid‑ocean granitic islands.
• Coco‑de‑mer produces the heaviest seed on Earth—up to ~30 kg.
• Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world.
• The Aldabra Atoll is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting thousands of giant tortoises.
• Moutya, a traditional Creole drum dance, is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• There’s no winter or snow—just warm tropical weather all year.
• Many beaches are public by law, even when fronted by luxury resorts.

Quick Planner for Indians

• Flight time: ~4.5–5 hrs nonstop (when available), ~7–10 hrs one‑stop from major Indian cities.
• Ideal first‑timer route: Mahé (3 nights) → Praslin (3 nights) → La Digue (2 nights).
• Budgeting: Expect premium pricing vs. India; guesthouses and shoulder seasons offer best value.
• Must‑pack: Passport, travel insurance, reef‑safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light rain layer, waterproof phone pouch, snorkel mask if you like your own fit.

With its emerald peaks, sugar‑soft sands, and culturally rich Creole heart, the Seychelles is an easy‑to‑plan, high‑impact tropical escape from India—perfect for honeymoons, family getaways, or that dream island‑hopping adventure.