Seychelles Visitor Guide: Things to Do, Best Beaches, Where to Stay, Weather, Entry Requirements, Health and Sea Safety (Tourivo)
Welcome
Welcome to Tourivo. Seychelles is a warm, tropical island destination known for beaches, island hopping, nature trails, and Creole culture. This guide answers the most common tourist questions: what to do, where to go, where to stay, how to get around, what season is best, and important entry, health and sea-safety information.
1) Top Things to Do in Seychelles
Island Hopping (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue)
The most popular way to experience Seychelles is to split your stay across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Mahé has the capital and many beaches, Praslin is famous for nature and calm beach areas, and La Digue is slower-paced and ideal by bicycle.
Boat and Catamaran Experiences
Boat trips are one of the best ways to see Seychelles:
Catamaran day cruise (shared or private)
Private speedboat charter (day trip)
Catamaran overnight charter (multi-day island hopping)
Sunset cruise
Fishing charter
Snorkeling and Diving
Seychelles has reefs and marine park areas. Options include:
Snorkeling trips (group or private)
Scuba diving for certified divers
Discover scuba diving for beginners
Diving courses and refreshers
Nature and Hiking
If you enjoy viewpoints and rainforest trails:
Copolia Trail (Mahé)
Morne Blanc Trail (Mahé)
Anse Major Trail (Mahé)
Praslin is also famous for Vallée de Mai, a unique UNESCO-listed forest.
Culture and Local Experiences
For local life and authentic culture:
Creole food experiences
Local markets and craft shopping
Photography tours
Village and cultural stops during an island tour
2) Best Beaches in Seychelles (By Island)
Mahé
Beau Vallon: swimming, sunsets, restaurants nearby
Anse Royale: popular family beach, often calmer in many conditions
Port Launay: scenic bay, great for relaxing
Anse Intendance: dramatic scenery and stronger waves in some seasons
Praslin
Anse Lazio: famous and very beautiful
Anse Georgette: stunning and more limited access
Côte d’Or (Anse Volbert): long beach, good base for tours
La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent: iconic rocks and turquoise water
Grand Anse: very scenic and can have strong currents
Sea safety tip: Ocean conditions change by season, wind, and tide. Follow warning signs and ask locals, your host, or your operator which beaches are safest for swimming during your visit.
3) Where to Stay in Seychelles
Resorts and Hotels
Best for travelers who want full-service amenities, restaurants, and beachfront comfort.
Guest Houses
Great value and a more local experience. Many are family-run and can help arrange transport and tours.
Self-Catering Apartments and Villas
Ideal for families, groups, longer stays, and guests who prefer privacy and flexibility.
Tip: If you have limited time, stay on one island (often Mahé) and do day trips. If you have more time, split your stay between two or three islands.
4) Popular Day Trips and Tours
Curieuse Island day trip (often combined with snorkeling)
St. Anne Marine Park snorkeling trip
La Digue day trip (bike rental and beach exploration)
Private Mahé island tour (beaches, viewpoints, local stops)
Vallée de Mai tour (Praslin)
5) How to Get Around
On Mahé and Praslin
Airport transfers
Taxi and chauffeur services
Private driver for island tours
Bus transport (cheapest option, limited flexibility)
Between Islands
Ferry transfers between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
Inter-island flights (Mahé to Praslin)
Tip: If you arrive late or have luggage, booking airport transfers in advance makes your arrival easier.
6) Food, Restaurants, Spa and Shopping
Seychelles offers Creole cuisine, seafood, cafés, beach bars, spas, and souvenir shopping. Many businesses are walk-in, so you can explore freely. If you want curated options, use Tourivo Directory to discover restaurants, spas, souvenir shops, and local services.
7) Weather, Rainy Seasons, Sea Conditions, and Best Season
Seychelles is warm year-round. What changes most is rain, humidity, and wind.
Main seasons
Northwest monsoon (roughly December to March): typically warmer and generally wetter
Southeast trade winds (roughly May to September): typically cooler and windier; seas can be choppier on some coasts
Often preferred calmer months
Many travelers prefer April–May and October–November for calmer conditions and pleasant weather.
Note: Conditions vary by island and coast. If you are booking snorkeling, diving, or boat trips, ask your operator what will be best during your dates.
8) Entry Requirements: Travel Authorisation and Visa
Do I need a visa?
Seychelles is visa-free for most travelers, but you must still meet entry requirements.
Do I need Travel Authorisation (TA)?
Yes. All travelers are required to apply for Seychelles Travel Authorisation (TA) before arriving. Always apply through the official government system.
9) Travel Advisory (General)
Travel advisories can change. Some advisories note that services and medical infrastructure can be more limited on smaller islands compared with Mahé, so plan accordingly for higher-risk activities and travel insurance.
10) Health Advice: Mosquitoes and Chikungunya (Plus Dengue/Zika)
Mosquito-borne illnesses can occur in Seychelles. The most important protection is mosquito bite prevention.
Mosquito prevention tips
Use mosquito repellent (follow label instructions)
Wear long sleeves and pants especially at dawn and dusk
Stay in rooms with air-conditioning or screens
Reduce standing water around accommodation when possible
If you are pregnant, travelling with infants, or have medical concerns, check official health guidance before travel.
11) Jellyfish, Sea Stings, and Sea Safety
Jellyfish and seasonal sea stings can occur depending on currents and conditions. Ask locals or your tour operator if sea stings are active in the area during your visit, and follow local guidance on the safest swimming locations.
12) Helpful Travel Tips
Currency: Seychelles Rupee (SCR). Cards are widely used, but cash is useful for smaller shops.
Clothing: light clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and good walking shoes for hikes.
Sundays and public holidays: some services operate limited hours.
Respect nature: avoid touching coral, do not leave litter, and follow protected area rules.
13) Book with Tourivo and Discover Local Businesses
Use Tourivo to:
Book tours and activities (group or private)
Book boat and catamaran charters (day or overnight)
Arrange transfers and transport
Find restaurants, spas, souvenir shops and tourist services (walk-in listings)
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Book Tours and Activities
Book Boat and Catamaran Charters
Book Transfers and Transport
Find Walk-In Businesses
If you need help choosing the best plan for your trip, contact Tourivo with your travel dates, the island you will stay on, and the type of experience you want.