Holidays to the Seychelles

Main Islands:

Mahe – On arrival into the Seychelles take sometime to stay in Mahe. Here you can immerse yourself into the local Creole culture. Why not visit the market and buy some local spices, head into some local museums or churches to soak up some culture and then head out to the beach to sit back and relax. Mahe is surrounded by the glistening blue waters of the stunning Saint Anne Marine Park. Experience the nature that it has to offer, and those who may feel more adventurous can take advantage of the mountain trecks and nature trail Mahe has to offer. Watersports are also particularly good in North Mahe, where you can also experience great diving.

Praslin – Take a 15 minute domestic flight or an hour long ferry from Mahe to reach Praslin (or a helicopter to one one the islands 3 helipads, if you want a special scenic arrival). Here you will be surrounded by the nature and beauty of Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin’s own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will encounter  the endemic Seychelles Black Parrot and the largest nut in the world, the Coco De Mer, which can weigh 35kg! Praslin is particularly known for its farming and cultivation of local produce as well as being famed for Land Tortoise.  Relax on one of Praslin’s many beautiful beach areas such as Anse Lazio. For those golf loving travellers, Praslin does have one course allowing for the combination of sports alongside the natural beauty that the island has to offer.

La Digue – To access La Digue, the best option is a day trip from Praslin: just 15 minutes by ferry (although there is also one helipad on the island). The island of La Digue used to be home for local slaves. The island gives a very different vibe, with much more authentic and laid back atmosphere where the locals work on “Island time”. Here you can visit the vanilla plantation or the cinnamon factory and immerse yourself into the local history that the island has to offer. No vehicles are allowed here so the best way to get around is to hop on a bike.

Main International Airports:

Seychelles International Airport located on Mahe.

Capital:

Victoria, Seychelles

Time zones:

+3hrs from BST

Flying Time:

10hrs 38minutes from London

Language:

English, Seychellois Creole and French

Currency:

Seychellois Rupee

With 115 inhabited islands to visit, the Seychelles is a perfect island hopping destination which is what makes it stand out. While a lot of the islands are still undiscovered, they maintain a natural beauty and offer something for everyone. The main standout for Seychelles is that it is such a diverse destination, its more then just a beach location. With untouched white sandy beaches and remote islands, why not take a stroll through the Mangroves, snorkel and dive in the crystal clear waters and then after all that why not take the opportunity to stargaze in the clear unpolluted night sky. For those nature lovers, with its huge population of bird species, over 1000 species of Flora 7 Fauna as well as Giant Aldabra Land Tortoise which can be found on all 3 of the main islands, it’s an ideal destination.

As a very undiscovered destination the offer to experience the Creole culture and wildlife, combined with the paradise of the islands untouched beaches offers a perfect combination for those wanting to explore an then relax.

Fun Fact: 

Bird Island is home to the heaviest land tortoise living in the wild, Esmeralda, who tips the scales at 670 pounds!

Generally Seychelles follow the Christian calendar in terms of Holidays and Celebrations.

Seychelles Sailing Cup – End of January

See catamarans, yachts, and traditional pirogues gather, ready to take part in the Seychelles Sailing Cup on Praslin.

International Deep Sea – March

The International Deep Sea Fishing Festival in the Seychelles is a thrilling annual event that attracts anglers from around the world. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, this festival showcases the country’s rich marine biodiversity, with participants competing to reel in impressive game fish like marlin, tuna, and sailfish.

Carnaval International de Victoria – 3 days in February

The Carnaval International de Victoria in the Seychelles is a vibrant celebration of culture, colour, and creativity. Held in the capital, Victoria, this lively festival brings together performers from around the world, showcasing dazzling costumes, energetic parades, and a fusion of global traditions.

Seychelles Art Festival – May 

The Seychelles Art Festival is a lively showcase of the islands’ diverse artistic talent and cultural heritage. Showcasing a fusion of traditional and contemporary art, the festival brings together local and international artists through exhibitions, live performances, and creative workshops.

Praslin culinary & arts fiesta – 3 days in September

The Praslin Culinary & Arts Fiesta is a three-day celebration held in September, showcasing the best of Seychellois cuisine, art, and culture. From delicious Creole dishes to stunning local artworks, the festival highlights the island’s rich heritage through food tastings, live cooking demos, art exhibitions, and cultural performances.

Festival of Assumption – August

The Festival of the Assumption is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in the Seychelles, held every August on La Digue Island. This vibrant festival honours the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, bringing together locals and visitors for a mix of religious ceremonies, traditional music, dance, and festive gatherings.

Seychelles is a year round destination. May to September you will tend to find lower humidity at around 25 degrees, this is also know as dry season so is the best time to visit Seychelles. From October to March you can expect a higher humidity and from Mid December to February is when you can expect to see tropical rain.

Being out of the cyclone belt means that Seychelles is a year round destination with temperatures ranging from 62 to 32 degrees.