Exploring remote boulder-framed coves, swimming side by side with turtles, nature hikes through the jungle where you can see the ancient and endangered coco de mer tree… On a tailor-made vacation to the Seychelles with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Seychelles specialists know the islands inside and out, and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Spend a day hopping between sandy coves and palm-shrouded islets on a catamaran trip. Take a guided hike through the islands’ mountainous, granite interiors and take in the vanilla growing wild and the rare animal species, such as the black parrot. Take a private tour of the island of Praslin, passing by traditional Creole homes and stopping for lunch on a secluded hillside, surrounded by mangrove forests and the calls of sunbirds and the blue pigeon. Visit Victoria, the capital on Mahé with its family-run rum distilleries, botanical gardens and artist studios.
Pristine waters framed by palm groves. Sugar-sand beaches that look out onto bright green islands. Vibrant coral reefs teeming with hawksbill sea turtles, angelfish and manta rays. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.
Suggested tours for the Seychelles
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to the Seychelles could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Where to stay in the Seychelles
We know that where you stay is an important part of your trip. That’s why we’ve hand-picked the best properties in the Seychelles, from beachside hideaways to activity-filled family resorts.
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L'Archipel
Seychelles -
Constance Ephelia
Seychelles -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Denis Private Island
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CaranaBeach Hotel
Seychelles
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Seychelles, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your vacation in the Seychelles
Seychellois Creole, English, and French are spoken in the Seychelles. The most commonly spoken language is Seychellois Creole, a French-based creole spoken natively by about 95% of the population.
The currency of the Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee (SR or SCR). You’ll find ATMs on larger islands and credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels and at larger restaurants and shops. Euros, Great British pounds, and US dollars are also widely accepted.
In the Seycehlles, you should try bourzwa griye (grilled red snapper), kari koko zourit (octopus curry), boulet pwason ek friyapen (fish balls and breadfruit), bouillon blanc (fish soup), and satini rekin (shark chutney). Fish and seafood are the staple ingredients in most dishes, many of which have clear Chinese, Indian, and French influences. Seafood is often cooked in coconut milk with garlic, ginger, lime, and chilies and accompanied by rice, breadfruit, plantain, or sweet potatoes.
A typical Seychellois dessert to look out for is ladob (plantain, cassava, or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk with nutmeg, vanilla, and sugar). Cold spiced tea and the locally brewed SeyBrew beer are the most popular drinks.
In restaurants in the Seychelles, a service charge of 5-10% is often added to the bill and you won't be expected to leave an additional tip.
You should wear lightweight cotton clothes in the Seychelles. The equatorial sun is strong year-round, so bring sunglasses and a sun hat, too. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable everywhere, although many hotels and restaurants require men to wear long pants in the evening.
For the latest travel advice for the Seychelles, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
In the Seychelles, you can enjoy powder-soft sands, turquoise seas, vibrant coral reefs, boat trips, and hikes through lush jungle. Giant boulders frame the sugary-white sands of small coves where palm trees sway in the breeze and turtles, manta rays, and angelfish flit through the water.
You could spend your days by the pool or on the beach, hop between islands on a catamaran trip, or visit botanical gardens, rum distilleries, local markets, or artists’ studios. If you’d prefer something more active, you can surf, kayak, sail, or dive, hike into the islands’ mountainous interior in search of the ancient coco de mer or sail between islands in search of a perfect beach.
In the Seychelles, you can stay in five-star resorts, boutique hotels, restored historic buildings, and Creole guesthouses. You could also opt for a private island getaway where you’ll stay on an idyllic island escape with just a handful of other guests.
Alternatively, you could stay in an exclusive beachside resort with a spa, choice of restaurants, and tailored service, opt for a small boutique hotel with more local character, or choose a self-catering villa on the waterfront. To get some ideas, take a look at our collection of places to stay in the Seychelles.
With 115 islands it can be hard to choose where to go in the Seychelles, but most visitors head for Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue, or hop between several islands. The largest island in the archipelago, Mahé, is also the busiest, but outside the capital, you’ll find plenty of secluded coves and beaches to explore and a range of hiking trails in the Morne Seychellois National Park.
Huge granite boulders line the beaches in Praslin, where the forest is home to endangered plant and animal species including the rare coco de mer, while La Digue is smaller and the rhythm of life is slow and traditional.
If you choose to visit smaller islands, such as La Digue, Dennis Island, or Bird Island, you might want to pair a stay in these tranquil getaways with some time on one of the larger islands to access more activities and have a wider variety of things to do.
It takes around 18 hours to fly from the East Coast of the US to the Seychelles and around 27 hours from the West Coast.
The time zone in the Seychelles is UTC+4 hours. Daylight Savings Time isn’t observed.
The best way of getting around the Seychelles is by car, bike, or taxi. On the larger islands such as Mahé, you can rent a car to travel to the sights. We can also arrange a private driver for you. On smaller islands, such as La Digue, a bike gives you freedom to explore.
The main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are connected by ferry, and you can also fly between Mahé and Praslin.
US citizens don’t need a visa to visit the Seychelles but will need a digital Travel Authorisation. You can apply in advance on the Seychelles Electronic Border System website and will then be issued with a visitor permit on arrival.
Citizens of other countries should check their visa requirements. We recommend using our partner Visa Central to do so.
Your doctor can provide you with immunization advice for the Seychelles, but you should also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Check that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and six months beyond your planned departure date from the Seychelles and that it has one double unstamped page.
The Seychelles in pictures
Our expert guides to traveling in the Seychelles
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to the Seychelles. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate the Seychelles at its best.
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Island-hopping in the Seychelles
Your trip to the Seychelles could take you across the Indian Ocean by light aircraft or ferry to visit wildlife lodges where tortoises roam free, refined private retreats or islands brimming with local life — as specialist Matt discovered on his island-hopping trip.
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Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide
Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide
Deciding between the Indian Ocean’s Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius can be a challenge. Our specialists compare the trio in this guide, concentrating on what sets each destination apart, as well as tips for couples, honeymooners, families and those eager to snorkel or dive.
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Where to go in the Seychelles Where to go in the Seychelles
Where to go in the Seychelles
Beach specialist Savina explains why you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one base, in this island-by-island guide to the Seychelles. If you extend your reach, there’s trekking on Silhouette, turtle encounters on Denis Island and long walks along Cote D’Or Beach, just for starters.
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The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean
The best cuisine across the Indian Ocean
Cuisine across the Indian Ocean ranges from home-cooked curries to à la carte tasting menus served on a private sandbank. Focusing on Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles, our specialists explore each region’s culinary signatures, and the best ways to sample them.
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Luxury vacations in the Seychelles Luxury vacations in the Seychelles
Luxury vacations in the Seychelles
A tropical idyll known for its luxurious hotels, the Seychelles can leave you wondering where to start. A true sybarite, Hidden Beaches specialist Vicky has hand-picked island retreats where your experiences can range from tailor-made spa treatments to private helipad dining.
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Honeymoons in the Seychelles Honeymoons in the Seychelles
Honeymoons in the Seychelles
White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters where you can snorkel with turtles and tropical fish make the Seychelles an ideal choice for a honeymoon. Seychelles specialist, Hannah, highlights some of her top places to stay, what to see and do, and the possibility of including a safari in Africa.
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What to do in the Seychelles: our highlights guide What to do in the Seychelles: our highlights guide
What to do in the Seychelles: our highlights guide
Although renowned as a honeymoon destination, the Seychelles offers a wonderful beach break experience for both families or those seeking to unwind with that little bit of extra luxury in mind.
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Head to head: Mauritius vs the Seychelles Head to head: Mauritius vs the Seychelles
Head to head: Mauritius vs the Seychelles
World renowned as idyllic beach escapes, these two Indian Ocean islands are quite distinct: here's how to choose between them.
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Family vacations in the Seychelles Family vacations in the Seychelles
Family vacations in the Seychelles
Though a popular honeymoon destination, don’t overlook the Seychelles for a family vacation. Our Country Specialist Jack explains why he wants to encourage families to explore these tropical islands.
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Other popular destinations
Still looking for ideas? If the Seychelles has captured your interest, we think you might also like these destinations.