Seychelles 🇸🇨

untouched beaches and quiet island life

Video from the country

✔️ Pros

  • exceptionally scenic beaches with iconic granite formations
  • rich biodiversity, including giant tortoises and endemic bird species
  • quiet, uncrowded islands ideal for relaxation
  • excellent snorkeling with clear water and healthy reefs
  • peaceful villages and a slow-paced island atmosphere

⛔ Cons

  • expensive destination, especially food and accommodation
  • limited infrastructure outside the main islands
  • few cultural activities
  • petty theft on empty beaches can be an issue
📷 Photo albums
instagram Mahé, Praslin, La Digue instagram Cerf Island

☑️ What to Do

🏖️ Relax on iconic white-sand beaches
🐢 See giant tortoises roaming freely on islands
🤿 Snorkel along coral reefs with clear visibility
🥾 Hike to viewpoints in mountains and along secluded trails
🚤 Visit several islands, each with its own landscape and mood

📊 Country Rating

Nature
10
exceptional beaches, granite formations, and rich biodiversity
Infrastructure
7
surprisingly good for remote islands, though some services are limited
Affordability
3
generally expensive; manageable when staying in apartments and using public transport
Safety
8
very safe overall, though petty theft on empty beaches does occur
Friendliness
9
generally welcoming and relaxed local communities
Tranquility
10
quiet islands with many secluded and uncrowded places
Culture
3
limited cultural attractions; life revolves mostly around small coastal villages
Unique experiences
9
world-famous beaches and a distinctive island atmosphere
Weather
9
warm year-round with seasonal rains
Long stay
3
beautiful but costly; limited variety for extended stays

📝 Notes

🏝️ Island Types and Atmosphere

Seychelles follows a calm, slow rhythm of life. Mahé offers the most services and infrastructure, while Praslin and La Digue feel smaller, quieter, and more intimate. Many beaches remain nearly empty, especially early in the morning or outside peak travel seasons. If you value privacy and untouched nature, Seychelles delivers this naturally—without crowds or loud tourism.

🐢 Wildlife and Nature

Giant tortoises roam freely on several islands, especially in protected areas. Birdlife is diverse, with many endemic species found nowhere else. On Praslin, Vallée de Mai feels more like an ancient forest than a typical tourist site. Snorkeling is consistently rewarding across the archipelago, with clear water and calm, shallow reefs.

🌤️ Climate and Seasons

The climate is warm throughout the year, with two main seasonal patterns:

  • Drier season (May–September): slightly cooler, breezy, and well-suited for hiking; the ocean can be rougher.
  • Wetter season (October–April): calmer seas and better snorkeling conditions, with occasional tropical showers.

🚤 Getting Around

Island-hopping is an essential part of the Seychelles experience. Travel typically involves:

  • ferries between the main islands
  • short domestic flights
  • boat trips for excursions and nearby islands

💰 Costs and Practical Notes

Seychelles is an expensive destination. Food, accommodation, and transport are often priced above average due to the islands’ remote location. Staying in apartments or guesthouses and using public buses on the main islands can significantly reduce overall costs. Despite the expense, the experience focuses on nature, quiet beaches, wildlife, and slow island life, making Seychelles especially rewarding for travelers who value tranquility over entertainment.

Itineraries

Main Seychelles Islands

Main Seychelles Islands

Mahé, Cerf, Praslin, and La Digue at a relaxed pace