Plan for 7-10 days, budget SCR 5,000-10,000 per person, and visit from May to October for perfect weather. Jump directly to top attractions, the planningĀ guide, or the FAQ.
Key Takeaways
- Seychelles shines with granite beaches, rare palms, and giant tortoises; focus on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
- Best time: May-October for dry weather; fly into Mahe via Air Seychelles.
- Budget: SCR 200-500 daily for food/transport; book via Agoda or Booking.com.
- Safety first: Stick to marked trails, use reef-safe sunscreen, and carry cash as cards are spotty.
Discovering Seychelles’ Top 10 Tourist Attractions
I’ve wandered these islands for years, from hidden coves on La Digue to misty peaks on Mahe, and let me tell you, Seychelles’ top 10 tourist attractions deliver paradise without the crowds of more commercial spots.
Ratings here pull from thousands of TripAdvisor reviews and my own visits, where I timed queues, tested snorkel spots, and noted peak hours. Start with these icons for an unforgettable trip.
1. Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue: World’s Most Photographed Beach
Rating: 4.8/5 from 5,000+ reviews. This beach stole my heart on my first dawn visit; powdery sand meets iconic granite boulders framing turquoise lagoons perfect for calm swims. Unlike busier spots, arrive by 7am via bike from La Digue’s ferry to beat tour groups.
Snorkel the right side for colorful fish schools, but watch currents beyond the boulders. Pro tip: Rent bikes at La Digue Visitor Center (phone: +248 423 470) for SCR 100/day. View Map Directions
2. Vallee de Mai on Praslin: UNESCO Coco de Mer Paradise
Rating: 4.7/5. Walking these ancient palm forests felt like stepping into Jurassic Park; the endemic Coco de Mer palms drop nuts weighing up to 20kg, a rare sight I photographed during a solo 2-hour loop trail. Open 8am-5pm daily; entry SCR 115/adult.
Spot Seychelles black parrots at dusk. Book guided walks via Seychelles Tourism. Personal insight: Pair with nearby Anse Lazio for a full day.
3. Anse Lazio on Praslin: Pristine Powder Sands and Snorkeling Haven
Rating: 4.9/5, often called the world’s best beach. My favorite sunset spot; calm waters let me snorkel with turtles while granite outcrops frame postcard views.
Free entry, busiest 10am-3pm. Pro tip: Park at the Veuve Reserve entrance and walk 10 minutes to avoid crowds. Nearby eateries serve fresh grilled fish for SCR 150.
4. Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahe: Epic Hiking Trails
Rating: 4.6/5. Summit this 905m peak for 360-degree views; I hiked the 3-hour trail spotting rare birds and waterfalls after rain. Free entry, trails open dawn-dusk.
Wear sturdy shoes; guided tours via TripAdvisor from SCR 500. Emergency: Carry water, as there are no facilities en route.
5. Beau Vallon Beach on Mahe: Vibrant Local Scene
Rating: 4.5/5. Evenings here buzz with markets and kite surfing; I joined locals for sunset volleyball. Water sports SCR 200/hour. Dine at Chez Plume. Map: View Map
6. Curieuse Island: Giant Tortoise Sanctuary
7. Ste. Anne Marine National Park: Snorkel Coral Reefs
8. Victoria Market on Mahe: Creole Culture Hub
9. Anse Intendance: Wild Surf Beach
10. Silhouette Island: Untouched Eco Retreat
Ultimate Planning Guide: Stay Safe, Save Money, Get Around
Best Time to Visit Seychelles Islands
May to October brings dry trade winds and 28Ā°C temps; I prefer June for fewer rains. Avoid December-April cyclones. Check seychelles.travel for updates.
How to Reach Seychelles and Island Hop
Fly into Mahe (SEZ) via Air Seychelles from Dubai or Nairobi. Ferries: Mahe-Praslin SCR 300 (1.5 hrs, Cat Cocos). Bikes on La Digue SCR 100/day. Rent cars on Mahe via Kayak from SCR 500/day.
Typical Costs Card
Meals: SCR 100-300. Accommodation: SCR 1500/night budget via Vrbo. Tours: SCR 500-2000. Fuel: SCR 25/liter.
Suggested Budgets and Money-Saving Hacks
For solo travelers: SCR 5000/week (hostel, local eats). Couples: SCR 8000 (mid-range). Luxury: SCR 20,000+. Hacks: Cook with market buys, use Airtel SIM (SCR 100/10GB), book ferries early on TripAdvisor.
Pros and Cons Card
Pros: Pristine nature, friendly locals, no mass tourism.
Cons: High costs, limited ATMs, rainy seasons.
Where to Stay: Top Picks by Island
Mahe: Beau Vallon guesthouses SCR 1200 via Booking.com. Praslin: Near Anse Lazio. La Digue: Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie. Book early for peak season.
Must-Do Tours and Length of Stay
7-10 days ideal: 4 Mahe, 3 Praslin, 3 La Digue. Tours: Snorkel Ste. Anne (GetYourGuide), tortoise feeding Curieuse. Sunset cruises are SCR 800/person.
Stay Safe: Local Pro Tips and Emergencies
Reef-safe sunscreen only; strong currents at some beaches. Police: 999, Hospital Mahe: +248 438 6000. Drink bottled water. My tip: Download offline maps.
Personal Insights: A Local’s Real Experiences
“On my last trip, I biked La Digue at sunrise, avoiding all crowds at Anse Source d’Argent. Locals shared fresh coconut water for free, reminding me why Seychelles feels like home.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Seychelles Travel
What is the best time to visit Seychelles for beaches?
May-October offers dry weather and calm seas perfect for Anse Lazio swims.
How much does a trip to Seychelles top attractions cost?
Budget SCR 7000/person for 7 days, including ferries and entry fees.
Is Seychelles safe for solo travelers?
Very safe; stick to trails and use licensed taxis.
What islands to visit first in Seychelles?
Mahe for arrival, then Praslin and La Digue by ferry.