Are you dreaming of vacationing on a remote island with beautiful beaches, crowd-free sands, coral reefs, and nature reserves? Then look no further than Seychelles, which is a cluster of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off of East Africa. When visiting the islands, most people limit their travels to the 43 Inner Islands and one of the group’s three main isles, which consists of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Or you could charter a private yacht to see the 72 Outer Islands. Whatever you decide, here’s everything you should know about Seychelles.
Best Time to Visit
April, May, October, and November are the best times to visit Seychelles as these are the months between the hot and humid northwest trade winds and the cooler southeast trade winds. Throughout the year, the temperatures average around the 80s. By visiting during the springs and fall, you’ll avoid the touristy months and crowds.
How to Get Around
How you get around Seychelles depends on where you’re based. If you’re in Mahé and Praslin, there’s a bus service available, but if you’re in La Digue, you’re better with a bicycle. Seychelles’ ferry services are ideal for traveling between islands and taxis can be found on all three of the main islands.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
This 5-star hotel located in Mahé includes a private pool, a hilltop spa, and tree-house villas. One of the highlights is a sunset meal on a deserted beach.
The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach
Another option for a 5-star hotel in Mahé is the H Resort which has a natural reef that you can reach swimming 50 meters directory from the beach. In addition to the full-service spa, the hotel has seven restaurants.
Constance Lémuria Seychelles
Located in Praslin, this 5-star hotel offers a private white sand beach, a golf course, a full-service spa, and four dining options.
What Beaches to Visit
Anse Volbert (Praslin)
Anse Volbert is also known as Côte d’Or (“Golden Coast”) and its white sands and crystal clear water make it a favorite among swimmers, snorkels, and sun-seekers. Because its about 1 1/2 miles long, it never feels overcrowded, even though it’s one of the island’s most popular beaches.
Beau Vallon (Mahé)
Beau Vallon’s wide shorelines and calm seas make it an ideal place for water sports and swimming. It’s also surrounded by tons of restaurants, hotels, and shops, so there’s a lot to do besides soak up the sun.
Anse Lazio (Praslin)
The cobalt waters, ivory sands, and giant boulders make this secluded beach feel like a tropical paradise. There’s plenty of underwater life, which snorkelers rave about.
What to Eat
Chatini Requin or Satini Rekin
Also known as shark chutney, this unique dish is made by boiling and mashing shark meat, lime juice, bilimbi fruit, and fried onions and then combining it with spices. It’s served cold and with green papaya, rice, and lentils.
Kat-Kat Banana
This traditional Seychellois specialty features green bananas and fish cooked in coconut milk.
Salade De Palmiste
This palm hearts salad has mangoes, coconuts, green tomatoes, avocados, coriander, red bell peppers, and mint with a sweet and sour dressing made of ginger and lime.
