Best times to visit Seychelles for...
- Snorkelling - Year round
- Surfing & Windsurfing - May to September
- Sailing - Year round
- Fishing - October to April
- Diving - February to May & September to November, but best visibility in April & October
- Turtles - October to February (peak Dec) for laying eggs; mid-January to April for hatchlings
- Bird watching - April/May for breeding season; May-September for nesting of Sooty Terns; and September/October for migration
- Walking & Hiking - May to October
Family Holidays: Seychelles for families
A family holiday in Seychelles offers many unique qualities and provides great experiences that will last long in your children's memories. Of course, there are many white sand beaches for safe and enjoyable fun in the water and the opportunity for wonderful shell collecting as well as superb snorkelling.
Many hotels in Seychelles also provide Kids Clubs and a daily programme of activities that focus greatly on the local fauna and flora as well as the local way of life. From feeding Giant Tortoises to treasure hunts and painting shells, there is much fun and interaction to be had.
1. Excursions & Walks
Seychelles remains a well-preserved sanctuary for a host of endemic species of flora and fauna.
Walking in the Seychelles:
On Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and silhouette-island-island as well as on several neighbouring islands, there are well-marked nature trails to introduce hikers to the spectacular and unique natural treasures of these islands. Guided walks cover a variety of scenic routes and will reveal such endemic treasures as the rare Seychelles Scops Owl, insectivorous Pitcher Plant and the Jellyfish Tree.
With almost 50% of the country’s limited landmass protected, Seychelles remains a well-preserved sanctuary for a host of endemic species of flora and fauna ... among which are to be found some of the rarest specimens on earth.
Fishing:
Seychelles has some of the richest fishing grounds in the world and you do not have to venture far from the shore to break fishing records. Seychelles’ waters already boast world records for pacific bonito and dog-tooth tuna while the Outer Islands have become the epicentre of salt-water fly-fishing.
The main fishing season runs from the second week in September to the second week in May. The climate is tropical and rain can occur in almost any month. In late December and January, you may have a day or two where clear skies and rain alternate. Fishing during these weather patterns, however, has proven to be extremely productive. No matter what time of the year you fish please ensure that you have a lightweight 100% waterproof rain jacket for the occasional downpour.
Sailing:
A dazzling array of granite and coral islands, all located outside the cyclone belt, makes Seychelles a year-round sailing destination.
The easy sailing distances between the inner islands offers a myriad of beaches, golden sands, hidden bays and secret coves. The outer islands, mainly coral cays and atolls, are virgin territories featuring stunning lagoons and unparalleled opportunities for big-game, bottom and fly-fishing.
Fleets of professionally maintained and operated monohulls and catamarans are available for charter, either crewed or bareboat, with many other styles of vessels available for scenic cruises, snorkelling trips and island-hopping excursions.
2. Snorkelling & Diving:
The Seychelles is made up of 115 of the most beautiful islands in the world. The granite islands of the Seychelles are laying on a submerged plateau just 4 degrees south of the equator, in a sea rich with fishes and coral, the Indian Ocean.
The Marine Life in the Seychelles can be found on the beautiful coral reefs. With a rich variety of corals, an abundance of exotic fishes, such as the always playful Bat Fish, colourful Butterfly Fishes, Parrot Fishes among numerous other tropical fish species. And of course Hawksbill Sea Turtles and even the magnificent Green Sea Turtle can be seen, while having a rest on the reef, or enjoying a meal.
3. Weather:
The Seychelles have a tropical climate and generally the weather is warm and humid, averaging 29°C throughout the year - making the Seychelles a superb year round holiday destination.
Between May to September, the temperature drops slightly due to the trade winds from the southeast. During this period, some south and east facing beaches are prone to more seaweed.
Between December and March, the northwest trade winds bring more heavy spells of rain, along with warmer weather and a higher humidity. However, even during these 'wetter' months, there is usually around 6 hours of daily sunshine.
Not with glitz and glitter but by a fusion of magical natural setting and simple elegance. You’re never far from a stunning beach to die for – or to dive from (diving, like all other water sports, is well catered for). Special, too, is the islands’ rich wildlife (with rare endemic species) and exotic flora like the unique Coco de Mer double coconut. Delicious Creole seafood and curries play their own memorable part in the Seychelles Experience.
Why to Sell Seychelles?
The Seychelles comprise of 115 granite and coral islands, 41 Inner granite Islands and 74 coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands. These beautiful secluded Islands are perfect for honeymooners or for those wanting to get away from it all, with the opportunity to explore lush island interiors or find a secluded beach. Any visit to the Seychelles is incomplete without island hopping – it is recommended to spend your time on at least two islands to get a true contrast of this beautiful country. Whilst the shopping may not be world class Creole handicrafts and foodstuffs make for superb gifts. Buy mother-of-pearl and shell jewellery, basket ware made from raffia and palm and bamboo woodwork, not forgetting the Seychelles’ quintessential souvenir, the coco-de-mer nut.
Top Destination to Visit in Seychelles
1. Mahé Island Seychelles
No visit to Seychelles would be complete without a couple of nights on the main island of Mahé...
Mahé Island in Seychelles is the largest island in the archipelago with lush tropical hillsides rising to around 3000 feet and also location of the International Airport.
Although there are many modern hotels on Mahé, most have been constructed to blend into the Seychelles tropical scenery, so the island still remains relatively unspoilt. Hiring a car is the best way to explore the island at your own pace. Roads are quite good with driving on the left, but take care at hair-pin bends especially at night. The spectacular scenery in the north of the island has to be seen to be believed, followed by a leisurely drive along the west coast, taking in many picturesque bays. A drive over the mountain peak of 'Sans Souci' and through the Tea Plantations, also affords spectacular views.
The best way to explore Victoria, Seychelles' capital is simply to wander around. The market - selling fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, spices as well as arts & crafts - is open every day except Sunday, but the best time to get a feel for the place and the people is to visit on a Saturday morning when locals descend for their weekly shopping! Opposite the Cable and Wireless building you will find small arts and craft kiosks, while to rest your weary legs why not enjoy a Seybrew (local beer) at the 'Pirates Arms'? A visit to the Botanical Gardens in Victoria is the only other location apart from the Vallée De Mai on Praslin, where the 'Coco De Mer' tree grows, and here you can also see Giant Tortoises.
The north west coast by Beau Vallon, is often regarded as the best beach on Mahé, but there are of course numerous other stunning beaches such as Grand Anse, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance, to name but a few. Whilst on Mahé Island, why not go for a Glass bottom boat trip in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park; or visit the tiny Moyenne Island, also in St. Anne Marine Park? Another must is to take a drive around Mahé, either in your own hire car, or with your own personal driver. For the ultimate experience, take a scenic Helicopter trip around the island's coast.
For authentic Creole cuisine, why not visit Marie-Antoinette in the capital Victotia; this long-established restaurant, owned and run by Madame Fonseka, is well worth a visit. Alternatively, one of Mahé Island's most popular restaurants is La Scala, run by Sylvana and Gianni, and always serving delicious fresh fish (usually caught personally by Gianni!!
2. Praslin Island Seychelles
"Quieter and less developed than Mahé, Praslin boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation..."
Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles group, and just 7 miles by 2, is only a fifteen minute flight by an 18-seater 'Twin Otter' aircraft from Mahé. Alternatively, it is one hour by sea on the 'Cat Cocos' ferry - an air conditioned catamaran, with up to three return crossings a day. Praslin Island is somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation and lush coconut groves.
Almost 100 years ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited Praslin and became convinced he had found the original Garden of Eden. He developed this theory when he saw the strange shape of the infamous 'Coco de Mer'. This enormous coconut is shaped like a female pelvis, which he then identified with Eve. These nuts only grow naturally on the giant palm trees in the Vallée de Mai National Park. They can be seen on the nature trails through the forest, along with the insect-eating pitcher plant, vanilla orchids, as well as rare birds - the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon and the black parrot, many indigenous to Praslin.
Praslin Island in the Seychelles is famous for its white sandy beaches. Two to mention are Anse Lazio, frequently voted one of the world's best beaches, and also the fabulous Cote d'Or beach. Most beaches offer safe bathing and excellent snorkelling among the living corals, which are home to an amazing nine hundred species of fish. One can hire a bicycle, a taxi, go on an organised trip round the island, or hire a car for a day or two.
Praslin has Seychelles' only 18-hole Championship Golf course at Constance Lemuria hotel. It's also an excellent base for day-trips to other islands such as La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse and St. Pierre. These beautiful islands are inhabited by thousands of birds and turtles, and their waters possess beautiful coral reefs - perfects for snorkelling.
3. La Digue Island Seychelles
La Digue's western beach of Anse Source D'Argent is among the most photographed in the world...
La Digue Island is a steep granite island lying 52 kilometres from Mahé and 7km from Praslin. Named after one of two vessels in a French expedition from Mauritius in 1768, it is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles after Mahe, Praslin and Silhouette, with a land area of around ten square kilometres.
The majority of visitors to La Digue arrive by boat at the quaint jetty at La Passe. Frequent ferries make the 25-minute crossing from Praslin. It is a popular, unspoilt destination for people wishing for a taste of the traditional Seychelles. Nowhere else is the water more transparent or the sand so white. Because of its diversity and beautiful beaches strewn with pink granite rocks, La Digue is perhaps the most mythical island in the Seychelles.
La Digue breathes calm and serenity. For the visitor, the main mode of transport is either bicycle or foot power, but the traditional oxcart is also still very much part of the scene and associated with a certain art of living. La Digue Holidays are perfect for relaxation and reflection. On La Digue times passes peacefully, but who needs to rush!
Within an hour's walk, you can reach any point on the island and there are many trails leading to its hilly interior which rises to a height of 333 metres. La Digue's western beach of Anse Source D'Argent is among the most photographed beaches in the world; its granite boulders seem to have been sculpted by a divine hand to adorn this beach of breath-taking beauty. On the south east coast three more exceptional beaches are to be found - Anse Cocos, Grande Anse and Petite Anse. Snorkelling at Anse Patates, the island's northern most point is excellent while the reef-protected shores of Anse Fourmis, Anse Banane and Anse Gaulettes on east La Digue are favourite spots for picnics and sunbathing.
At the charming L'Union estate, situated between La Passe and Anse Source D'Argent on the west coast, visitors have the chance to discover some of the traditional local industries of the past such as vanilla farming as well as witnessing the production of copra and coconut oil. The nearby yard of the local boat-building industry also deserves a visit. One mile south of La Passe lies La Digue Veuve Special Reserve. Covering nearly eight acres, this is where you will find the Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher, one of the rarest and most unique birds in the world. This reserve, established by the Royal Society of Nature Conservation in 1981, is also home to the Seychelles Bulbul, the Seychelles Sunbird as well as two extremely rare species of terrapin.
4. Cerf Island
With more than 100 species of reef fish, crabs, sea urchins, starfish, octopus and many more...
Situated at the entrance of the Sainte Anne Marine Park, Cerf Island measures more than 1.5km long (about a mile) by 1km (¾ of a mile) wide; it reaches a height of 108m (354 feet) and lies 3km east of Mahé Island, or just a 10-minute boat ride.
Cerf Island was named after the French fregate 'Le Cerf' which arrived at Port Victoria in November 1756. Due to Cerf Island's location, in a National Marine Park, the waters around Cerf Island prove a spectacular sight. The deepest point of the Marine Park is 250 metres (820 feet) and has exceptional marine life, with a wide variety of reef fish, crabs, sea urchins, starfish, octopus and many more. Cerf Island is the only island in the marine park to have a small local population who commute to Mahé for their daily business. They live on the opposite side of the island.
Named in Creole after local trees and fish, Cerf Island Resort has a total of 24 spacious villas. All offer beautiful views of the tropical vegetation and patches of the Indian Ocean. From Cerf, there are great sunsets over the main island of Mahé. Cerf Island also makes an ideal choice as part of a Seychelles Island Hopping itinerary, particularly given its close proximity to the main island of Mahé.
The beach is protected by a reef, which makes the water like a giant bath – it’s shallow, warm and safe, and there’s some nice snorkelling at the end of the beach. There’s even a terrific restaurant right on the sand. Buses travel from Grand Anse around the coast to Anse Boudin, a short walk from Anse Lazio.