Seychelles Islands

Seychelles’ culture is characterized by the diversity of the people who have come to live there over the years. Through its art and traditions, the archipelago is enriched by African, Asian, and European influences. This results in a curious but harmonious mix in the way of life of its inhabitants.

During your stay in Seychelles, you will observe this multicultural touch in the country’s gastronomy, crafts, and architecture. In general, the way of life of the Seychellois will testify to this happy melting pot. The various religions practiced in the country illustrate this point well. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and local beliefs live side by side harmoniously.

Read more about Seychelles Culture

With a warm, tropical climate all year round, the Seychelles Islands can be visited at any time of year, although certain periods are more suitable depending on the activities desired.

There are two distinct seasons depending on the trade winds. When the trade winds blow from the northwest from October to March, the average wind speed is 8 to 12 knots, while when the trade winds blow from the southeast from May to September, the winds reach 10 to 20 knots, bringing a cool and breezy atmosphere, which is conducive to sailing.

The inter-seasonal transition periods in April and October are generally quite warm with little wind. The best times for diving are in April/May and October/November, with water temperatures sometimes reaching 29ºC and visibility over 30 meters.

• The islands are outside the cyclone zone: storms and severe thunderstorms are rare.
• September to April: the rainy season, when the weather is hot and humid.
• May to October: trade wind season, cooler, drier, and windy.

Temperatures are between 24° and 31° all year round. The evenings are rather cool at certain times, so remember to bring a little wool.

Languages

The common language is Creole, but English and French are spoken throughout the tourist area.

Geography

The Republic of Seychelles is located in the Seychelles and Amiranta Islands, lying off the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean. Seychelles includes 115 islands of granite and coral origin. Seychelles is made up of 155 islands of which 44 belong to the Inner Islands and house over 98% of the population. The other islands are coral islands and belong to 5 coral atolls and the reefs of the Outer Islands.

Seychelles Population

As of October 2021, the population of Seychelles is 99,155. Seychelles have the smallest population of any African country.

Religion

Almost 90% of Seychelles consider themselves Catholics, which does not prevent them from honoring the cult of their ancestors and deifying the forces of nature.

Currency

The national currency is the Seychelles Rupee. You may import unlimited amounts of foreign currency. The export of foreign currency is only allowed up to the amount stated on the customs form. Money may only be exchanged at official places. Several exchange offices at the airport are open on arrival or departure. Your hotel reception also changes money. It is cheaper to exchange money locally than in your home country.

Local exchange rates are cheaper at the bank than at the hotel reception. Re-exchange is only possible with a receipt – always keep it. You are allowed to export a maximum of 100 Seychelles Rupees. You will need Seychelles Rupees mainly for supermarket purchases, souvenir shops, and taxi fares. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, as are travellers’ cheques in euros or US dollars. You can use credit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Time difference

Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT.

Electricity

220-240 volts 50 Hz alternating current is used in Seychelles. Seychelles uses the standard British 13 amp three-pin rectangular plug. Visitors from outside the UK should bring adapters.

Good to know

Depending on the season, seaweed washes up on the beaches. This is not pollution, but a natural phenomenon that testifies to the health of the sea around Seychelles. The hotels make every effort to remove the seaweed from the beaches.

Sports in Seychelles

Hiking

Rocky inclines tempt you to go hiking. Beach sections alternate with dense, tropical nature. Due to the temperatures, it is advisable to set off early. The paths are easy to follow with sturdy shoes. Experienced guides accompany the tours and help with orientation. Hiking destinations on Mahe are the 700-metre-high Trois Freres (north), the Morne Seychellois National Park or the Montagne Brulee. Among the most beautiful routes on the island of Praslin are the paths through the central nature reserve Vallee de Mai and the Salazie Track: it runs from Grand Anse Beach in the south, Praslin’s longest beach, across the island to the other side. The trails are deserted. The best time for hikers is from May to September.

Sailing: Rent a yacht with your own skipper

Sailing is possible all year round. The water is fantastic, the temperatures ideal. From May to September, the winds pick up and reach speeds of up to 20 knots. Local stations rent boats of various sizes, motorised or not, with or without crew. Buoys mark anchorages. If you are travelling without a skipper, you must drop anchor at night. Anchoring on coral reefs is strictly prohibited.

The “Inner Islands” are the waters around Mahe with the beautiful bays of Beau Vallon, Baie Ternay, Port Launay or Anse Soleil and the small islands of the Marine National Park off the east coast of Mahe.

A good base is the marina of the capital Victoria. The sailing destination from Mahe is the neighbouring island of Praslin with the paradisiacal bays of Anse Lazio, Anse a la Farine, or Anse Petit Cour, and the smaller islands around them.

Four nautical miles from Praslin is the area of the island of La Digue with small Robinson bays such as Reunion or Anse Source d’Argent.

Bottom and deep-sea fishing

The grounds around Seychelles are among the richest fish in the world. International deep-sea fishing competitions are held several times a year. Deep-sea anglers prefer the months of June to October. The other months are worthwhile for fly fishing or bottom fishing. In principle, fishing is allowed almost everywhere along the coasts. You don’t have to go far out to sea to hook a fish.

Even near the coast, edible fish such as job fish or red snapper are abundant. Experienced crews accompany anglers out to sea and provide the equipment to catch wahoo, sailfish, or swordfish. Some hoteliers arrange contact with locals. Without much fuss, you can accompany the fishermen as they earn their living.

Diving a colourful spectacle

Water temperatures are perfect all year round. Diving depths vary between 8 and 20 metres near the coast. At sea, they reach 40 metres. Professional diving centres are available on the tourist islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. The best time for diving in April, May, October, and November: calm water, clear visibility. December and January offer similar conditions – except for the more turbulent water surface.

If you are travelling around the “Outer Islands”, be prepared for rougher seas with thicker neoprene. In return, you will encounter reef sharks, silvertip tetras, and giant groupers gliding silently through angular canyons. The highlight is a dive on the granite walls of the Aldabra Atoll – a UNESCO natural heritage site.

In the underwater landscapes of the Inner Islands, you will encounter butterflyfish, sailfin, and soldierfish close to shore and come across the delicate coral architecture. Wreck diving is only possible in a few places. The best diving sites in the Inner Islands are around the southern islands.

 Snorkelling – Rich coral growth

Snorkelling season in Seychelles is all year round with water temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. The dreamlike water clarity from March to May and September to November allows wide views of mysterious coral plants, sea turtles, and schools of fish. Popular spots for snorkelling on Mahe Island include Ste. Anne Marine National Park (north), Beau Vallon Bay, Turtles Rock on the east coast, and Anse Soleil Bay in the south. Favourite areas on Praslin are Anse Lazio, Anse La Farine, and Anse Boudin.

Windsurfing: The south-east monsoon helps – ideal May-September

Among connoisseurs, Seychelles is now considered an insider tip. The best time for surfers is from May to September – the time of the southeast monsoon. This is when the wind and temperatures are at their best. The top spots on Mahe are: Grand Anse, Anse aux Poules Bleues and Carana Beach. On Praslin: Anse Kerlan and on La Digue: Grand Anse. On-site surf schools rent equipment.

Clothing

We recommend that gentlemen bring long trousers for dinner. Otherwise, light cotton clothing is ideal. A light cardigan or sweatshirt for cooler evenings will suffice.

Health prophylaxis and tips

Read the latest COVID19 travel regulations to enter Seychelles. No vaccinations are required for travellers from Europe.  Seychelles are malaria-free. Nevertheless, there are mosquitoes. Most accommodations, therefore, have air-conditioning, mosquito nets, or provide the so-called coils (smoking spirals).

You can bring mosquito repellent to apply (lotions or gels) from home, but they are also available locally. Sun protection is important. Choose a high sun protection factor and apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. The effect and intensity of the sun are the same as on bright days.

Medical and health care is good throughout the country. In the large towns on the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, clinics and private practices provide care. There is a hospital in the capital Victoria. It is recommended that you take out health insurance abroad.

Tips

Tipping is not necessarily expected, but for good and attentive service, a tip is appropriate. Tip the staff you would tip in other countries.

Entry formalities

NO VISA is required for entry to Seychelles. However, the following documents must be presented to satisfy immigration requirements at Seychelles International Airport:

• A passport valid on the date of entry and exit from Seychelles
• A return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of accommodation and contact details
• Check the latest COVID19 travel information

Seychelles embassies and consulates

Follow the link to see a list of diplomatic missions like foreign embassies, high commissions, and consulates in Seychelles.