Getting Between Stops
Fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, connecting through a Gulf, European or African hub.
Between islands, fast ferries run from Victoria on Mahé to Praslin in about an hour, several times a day. Seas can be choppy, especially from May to September, so take seasickness medication if you need it. Domestic flights from Mahé to Praslin take about 15 minutes and are smoother. Ferries run from Praslin to La Digue in about 15 minutes.
Denis Island is reached by a light-aircraft flight of about 30 minutes from Mahé, arranged by the resort. Small planes have strict baggage weight limits, so pack light and use soft bags.
On Mahé and Praslin, rent a small car or use taxis. The Seychelles drive on the left. Roads are narrow and steep. On La Digue, bicycles are the main way to get around.
Where to Stay
On Mahé, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles has hillside pool villas above Petite Anse. MAIA offers private villas with butler service. Guesthouses and self-catering apartments are good value and often family-run.
On Praslin, Raffles Seychelles has pool villas on the north coast. Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island, near La Digue, is a splurge with its own beaches and boat transfers. Smaller hotels and guesthouses on Praslin and La Digue cost far less.
On Denis Island, Denis Private Island is the only resort, with cottages close to the beach and meals included. It costs less than the most exclusive private islands in the Seychelles but still feels remote. If you want even more privacy, North Island and Desroches are pricier alternatives.
When to Go
April to May and October to November are the best months, between the two trade-wind seasons. Seas are calm, the water is clear and snorkeling is at its best.
From May to September, the southeast trade winds bring cooler, drier weather but rougher seas, especially on southeast-facing coasts. Seaweed can wash up on some beaches. Ferries can be bumpy.
From December to March, the northwest monsoon brings hotter, more humid weather with heavier rain, though it often comes in short bursts. This is also a busy time around Christmas and New Year.
The Seychelles are warm all year, so there is no bad time to go. Dengue and chikungunya are present, so use insect repellent. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices before you book.
What It Costs
The Seychelles are expensive, but there is a wide range. As an approximate guide, luxury resorts such as Four Seasons Resort Seychelles cost about $1,500 or more a night for two. Raffles Seychelles costs less, while Six Senses Zil Pasyon is in the upper range. Denis Private Island costs about $1,300 to $2,000 or more a night with meals included, depending on season.
Guesthouses and self-catering apartments cost a fraction of resort prices. Local takeaways sell Creole curries cheaply.
Add ferries, domestic flights, the light-aircraft flight to Denis, bike rental on La Digue, the Vallée de Mai ticket and boat trips. Plan for long-haul flights from the US, which are often the biggest single cost of the trip.
Tips for the Two of You
The Seychelles are casual. Pack swimwear, light clothes, sandals and something slightly smarter for resort dinners. Bring reef shoes, a rash shirt and reef-safe sunscreen, since the equatorial sun is intense.
Some beaches have strong currents, especially Grand Anse on La Digue and Anse Intendance on Mahé during the southeast trade winds. Swim where locals swim, check with your hotel and stay out of the water when red flags fly.
The route works for different interests. One of you might hike the Anse Major trail or go deep-sea fishing on Denis while the other snorkels, reads or books a spa treatment. Cycle together on La Digue and meet up for long lunches. Watch for falling coconuts. Avoid sitting directly under palms.
Make It Shorter or Longer
With a week, skip Denis and spend two nights on Mahé and five on Praslin, with a day trip to La Digue. Or skip Mahé and spend four nights on Praslin and three on Denis.
With two weeks, add three or four nights on La Digue itself, staying in a guesthouse so you can cycle to Anse Source d'Argent early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive. Another option is Silhouette Island, a short boat ride from Mahé, for rainforest hikes and a quiet resort.
For a bigger splurge, swap Denis for a private island such as North Island or one of the outer islands, like Desroches. Mauritius is another option for a combined Indian Ocean trip, with flights between the two islands taking about two and a half hours.
