Seychelles Travel Guide | Everything you need to know
Planning a trip to Seychelles? Here’s my 9-day island hopping itinerary across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue with travel tips, costs, visa info, and best beaches and places to visit based on my very recent experience. Make this bucket-list destination feel luxury without spending luxury prices.
The ultimate guide to first time in the Seychelles
Seychelles is one of those places that honestly looks unrealistic before you even get there. Like you see photos and think there’s no way it actually looks like that in real life-but it really does.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the beaches, it was how different each island felt. And the best part? You can actually experience all of that beauty in a pretty budget-friendly way. It still feels super luxurious, just without needing a luxury budget.
It’s one of those trips where you’re constantly thinking, “okay wow… this is actually real.”
During my 9-night trip, I travelled independently across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Instead of staying in one resort, I chose to island-hop and experience as much variety as possible, and it ended up being the perfect way to see Seychelles.
This guide brings together everything from my personal experience: practical travel advice, island breakdowns, itineraries, and honest tips I wish I knew before going.
What's in this guide?
Public Transport
Ferries between Islands
Domestic Flights between Islands
Private Charter
Renting a car
Seychelles Quick Facts
Location: Western Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa
Main Airport: Seychelles International Airport in Mahé
Languages: English, French, Seychellois Creole
Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Driving Side: Left-hand side
115 islands: main tourist islands: Mahé, Praslin, La Digue
Best Trip Length: 7-10 days
Official Tourism Board: Tourism Seychelles
Is Seychelles really expensive?
Simple answer, YES and NO.
Seychelles has a reputation for being one of the world's most expensive destinations, and yes it is expensive but that's only part of the story.
While luxury resorts, private transfers, and dining can really increase costs, it's entirely possible to explore Seychelles without a luxury budget. During my trip across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, I found affordable guesthouses, local takeaway restaurants, inexpensive ferry transfers, and even fresh coconuts for around £2.
The best part? Many of Seychelles' biggest highlights - including its stunning beaches, swimming spots, and sunsets are completely free.
Read my full guide: Seychelles on a Budget: Is it really possible?
Visa Requirements and Entry Rules
Most travellers (including UK, EU, US and many others) do not need a traditional visa in advance.
Instead, you must complete an online Travel Authorisation application within 30 days before arrival and the cost is €10. You can do it yourself, or pay an agency to do this which can cost up to €70. In my case, I applied for this myself online a week before travelling, and it was approved within a 2 days. What you will need is:
A valid passport
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel or guesthouse booking)
Basic travel details (arrival date, flight information, etc.)
How to get to Seychelles?
Most international visitors arrive via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, the country's main gateway. The airport receives direct flights from major hubs in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, making Seychelles easily accessible from most parts of the world.
Emirates (via Dubai)
Qatar Airways (via Doha)
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
Etihad Airlines (via Abu Dhabi)
Air Seychelles (regional and domestic services)
Condor (seasonal from Frankfurt)
Best Time to Visit Seychelles
Seychelles is a year-round destination, it is paradise for those who enjoy the heat as the islands have a warm, tropical climate year-round with temperatures averaging 24°C to 31°C. There are two seasons:
Dry Season (May to October)
Wet Season (November to April)
I travelled in May, which turned out to be a warm and very stable period with excellent conditions for beaches and boat trips throughout. See Seychelles climate overview.
Interestingly, the weather forecast showed rain almost every day before I arrived but in reality, it was usually just short tropical showers in the early morning, followed by long stretches of sunshine and clear skies.
So don’t rely too heavily on weather apps when planning a trip here - the reality on the ground can be very different.
Where to stay in Seychelles? Mahé or Island Hop?
One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Seychelles is whether to stay on one island (usually Mahé the main and biggest island) or explore multiple islands.
From my experience, island hopping is absolutely the best way to see Seychelles. And what surprised me most was how much each island changes the experience:
Mahé: road trips, viewpoints, waterfalls, a mix of everything
Praslin: some of the best beaches in the world, tortoises
La Digue: slow life, cycling, untouched island atmosphere and incredible beaches
If you stay only in Mahé, you miss out on the contrast that makes Seychelles so special therefore I can't recommend it enough to explore a range of islands.
Getting around Seychelles
Getting around Seychelles is actually very easy. Your experience will usually involve a mix of ferries, car rentals, and bicycles depending on which island you are on.
Mahé: Public bus, taxi, car rental, private transfer
Praslin: Public bus, taxi, car rental, private transfer
La Digue: Bicycles and private transfers only as it's a no-motor island
Public Buses in Seychelles (The big blue bus)
Another option for getting around Seychelles is the public bus system, which runs on both Mahé and Praslin. The buses are easy to recognise as they are usually big blue buses, operating on the main roads only. This is the cheapest way to get around the islands and is commonly used by locals.
Cost:
A single bus ride costs around 8–12 SCR per ride (approx. £0.50 – £0.70 GBP)
How it works:
You need a bus travel card
You can top it up in local shops or at the bus terminal in Victoria (Mahé)
You just tap it when you enter the bus
Is it worth it?
Great for budget travel
Not always on time
Covers main routes only
Not the fastest, but very local and authentic experience
Ferries Between Islands (Most popular option)
The most common way to travel between the main islands (Mahé, Praslin and La Digue) is by ferry. This is what I used during my trip, and it’s by far the most budget friendly option for most travellers.
I used the Cat Cocos ferry service, which runs multiple times daily and is very easy to book online in advance. Transfers between islands start with approx. €15 depending on the route.
Personally, the ferry was my best option because:
Budget-friendly compared to flights
Reliable and frequent
The most common way to island hop
Relatively short journeys between islands
Here you can find the ferry timetable, it is advised to pre-book in advance.
If you are visiting Seychelles for 7–10 days, ferries are the most practical and cost-effective way to island hop.
Domestic Flights Between Islands
It is also possible to fly between islands using domestic flights with Air Seychelles.
However:
They are significantly more expensive than ferries
Not necessary for most travellers
Mainly used for short luxury trips or tight schedules
My overall recommendation for getting around Seychelles
The best combination I found was:
Ferries between islands
Rent a car in Mahé & Praslin (full guide on how to rent a car in Seychelles here)
Rent a bicycle in La Digue
Use the local bus for an experience only
This mix gives you the most freedom while still keeping costs reasonable.
Private Boat & Catamaran Transfers
For a more luxury experience, you can also hire private boats or catamarans between islands.
This is usually used for:
Private island hopping
Luxury holidays
Special occasions or group trips
It’s a beautiful way to see Seychelles from the water, but it is the most expensive option, we are talking thousands!
9-Days Island Hopping Itinerary
If you’re planning a 9–10 day trip to Seychelles, this is exactly how I structured my island-hopping route, and why I wouldn’t change it.
Rather than staying in one resort, I split my time across all three main islands:
3 nights in Praslin
3 nights in La Digue
2 nights in Mahé
I flew from Dublin to Mahé via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways. After arriving early in the morning, I headed straight to the ferry terminal and caught a boat from Mahe to Praslin with Cat Cocos ferry
Looking back, this route worked perfectly. Each island offered something completely different — Praslin had some of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles, La Digue had that slow, laid-back island lifestyle everyone talks about, and Mahé added road trips, viewpoints, and hidden beaches.
If you’re visiting Seychelles for around 9-10 days, I would highly recommend splitting your time across all three islands instead of staying in one place.
Honest thoughts about my Seychelles experience
Honestly, my brain has been completely rewired after visiting Seychelles.
For the longest time, I thought it was one of those destinations I'd only ever see in magazines-a luxury island paradise that was way out of my budget. But actually being here showed me that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. You can absolutely travel around Seychelles on a budget and still have an experience that feels incredibly special.
Seychelles isn't just a beach destination - it's really an island-hopping destination. Praslin gave me some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, La Digue had that relaxed, slow-paced island life that everyone talks about, and Mahé offered stunning viewpoints, road trips, hiking trails, and a bit of everything else.
If you're planning your first trip to Seychelles, I'd really recommend not staying in just one place. Each island has its own personality, and you'll miss so much if you only visit one. If you can, spend at least 1-3 nights on each island to get the full experience. Looking back, island hopping was hands down the best decision I made, and it's what turned a great trip into an unforgettable one.
La Digue... My Favourite Island
After three nights in Praslin, we caught the morning ferry to La Digue and literally immediately understood why so many people fall in love with the island.
The first thing you'll notice is how different life feels here. There are very few vehicles, and most visitors get around by bicycle. We rented bikes for our entire stay and spent three days exploring the island at our own pace.
One of the highlights was visiting L'Union Estate, the historic plantation where you'll find giant tortoises, vanilla plantations, old colonial buildings and access to the famous Anse Source d'Argent.
We visited Anse Source d'Argent at both sunset and during the day, and it genuinely lived up to the hype. The granite boulders, turquoise water and white sand create one of the most photogenic landscapes I've ever seen.
Beyond the famous beach, some of my favourite memories were simply cycling around the island, stopping at local cafés, watching giant fruit bats flying overhead and discovering quieter beaches like Anse Severe and Anse Patates.
La Digue felt slower, simpler and more authentic than anywhere else we visited in Seychelles, and it ended up being my favourite island of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seychelles
Can I book Seychelles independently or do I need a travel agent?
Yes, you can easily book Seychelles independently without a travel agent. I booked my entire trip myself including flights, ferries, accommodation, and car rentals. Everything is available online and very straightforward to organise. Travel agents are only really useful if you want a fully packaged luxury holiday, but they are not necessary for most travellers.
Is it easy to drive in Seychelles for tourists?
Yes, it is relatively easy to drive in Seychelles, especially on Mahé and Praslin. They drive on the left-hand side and roads are generally quiet, although some coastal and mountain roads can be narrow. If you are confident driving, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the islands at your own pace.
Which island is best to stay in Seychelles?
There is no single best island to stay in Seychelles, it depends on your travel style.
Mahé is best for convenience, airport access, and variety of activities
Praslin is best for beaches and nature
La Digue is best for a unique, slow-paced island experience
In my experience, island hopping between all three islands is the best way to see Seychelles.
How do you travel between islands in Seychelles?
The most common way to travel between islands in Seychelles is by ferry. The main ferry route connects Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue with regular daily departures. It is affordable, reliable, and the most popular option for island hopping. Flights are available between islands but are much more expensive and usually unnecessary for short trips.
Is Seychelles expensive?
Yes and no. Seychelles can be expensive when staying in luxury resorts and luxury areas.
However, it is possible to make this a budget friendly holiday and save costs significantly by:
staying in guesthouses instead of hotels
using local takeaway restaurants
travelling by ferry instead of flights
Your overall budget depends heavily on your travel style and where you choose to stay and eat. You can spend £5 for a takeaway dinner, or £40 for one meal in a fancy restaurant.
How many days do you need in Seychelles?
Most travellers need at least 7 days in Seychelles, but 9 to 10 days is ideal. This allows enough time to visit Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue without rushing and gives you a proper island hopping experience.
Do you need a visa to visit Seychelles?
Most travellers including UK, EU, US, and many other nationalities do not need a traditional visa for Seychelles. Instead, you must apply for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation online before arrival. It costs around €10 and is usually processed quickly if your documents are correct.
Is Seychelles safe for tourists?
Yes, Seychelles is considered a very safe destination for tourists. I felt comfortable travelling independently across all three islands, including walking around during the day and evenings exploring beaches and local areas. Normal travel precautions still apply, but overall it is a relaxed and safe country to visit.
Do you need vaccinations for Seychelles travel?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for most travellers visiting Seychelles. Exceptions may apply if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
It is always best to check official travel health guidance before your trip, but for most visitors no special vaccinations are needed.
Is La Digue worth visiting in Seychelles?
Yes, La Digue is one of the most unique and beautiful islands in Seychelles and is absolutely worth visiting. There are no cars, most people get around by bicycle, and the beaches are some of the most photographed in the world. It has a much slower pace and an authentic island feel compared to Mahé and Praslin, and for many travellers it becomes the highlight of their trip.