There are few places in the world quite like the Seychelles. They are located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the Maldives, roughly 800km from the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastline and almost on the equator.
This idyllic archipelago is best known for its gorgeous beaches with their towering granite boulders that have graced screensavers worldwide.
Although made up of more than one hundred islands, only a handful feature on most visitors’ itineraries.
Most people who visit the Seychelles spend their holiday exploring what is known as the Inner Islands, primarily the three largest islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
These three islands are home to the majority of the country’s population as well as its hotels, restaurants and attractions.
The Three Main Islands
Mahé is the largest Seychelles island, home to the international airport, the capital city of Victoria and around 90% of the country’s population. Most visitors begin and end their holiday here.
Despite being the most populous island, it doesn’t feel overdeveloped. There are more than 60 beaches to explore, as well as local markets, quiet fishing villages, gardens and a wide range of accommodation.
Just a short flight or ferry ride from Mahé, Praslin is noticeably quieter and more relaxed. Although it is the Seychelles’ second-largest island, life moves at a much slower pace while some of the country’s best luxury hotels are found here, making it a favourite among honeymooners.
This island is known for its spectacular natural beauty, with its beaches consistently voted some of the best in the world. It’s also home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.
La Digue offers an even more relaxed pace of life. Here, bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, and the famous Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
For many visitors, La Digue represents the very essence of the Seychelles. This is a place to embrace the simple pleasures of island life.
Beyond these three main destinations lie numerous smaller islands. Some are protected nature reserves, others are home to single luxury resorts, while many remain completely uninhabited.
Where To Stay In The Seychelles
For first-time visitors, a combination of Mahé and Praslin offers an excellent introduction to the Seychelles. Each has its own international-standard hotels and easy connections, making a two-island itinerary simple to plan even on a first trip.
A Convenient First (or Last) Night: Eden Bleu Hotel
If your flight lands late or departs early, Eden Bleu Hotel is one of the most practical places to stay as it is conveniently located just minutes from Seychelles International Airport.
Overlooking the modern Eden Island Marina, it also offers easy access to various restaurants, cafés and boutique shops for some retail therapy before departure or a meal on arrival. In addition, the marina also serves as a transport hub for excursions and private boat charters.
Rather than rushing to catch a ferry or domestic flight immediately after an international flight, many choose to spend a relaxing night or two at Eden Bleu, allowing time to recover before continuing elsewhere. That said, spending a few more nights on Mahé is recommended, as the island really does offer so much more to see and discover.
Constance Ephelia: A Family Favourite on Mahé
Although located on the other side of the main island from the airport and thus reached by a 45-minute drive, the resort of Constance Ephelia is one of my favourites on Mahé.
It’s tucked between two beaches, with Port Launay Beach undoubtedly one of the best on Mahé. With water that doesn’t seem to go higher than your waist for hundreds of metres, it offers excellent snorkelling straight from the shore, while the boathouse also offers plenty of water activities and a full dive centre.
As parents, we also loved the kids’ club here, which even has its own pool, wooden jungle gyms and more. It’s your child’s very own piece of paradise.
Dining was another highlight, with some of the most impressive, extensive live-cooking buffets I have experienced anywhere in the world. But with so many restaurants, bars and pools scattered across the expansive property, it requires a few days or even a full week to do this property justice.
Constance Lemuria: Praslin’s Luxury Answer
Its sister hotel on Praslin, Constance Lemuria, is the perfect partner for experiencing the best of both. It is widely regarded as one of the Seychelles’ finest luxury resorts and is home to the only 18-hole championship golf course in the Seychelles, a number of exceptional dining options and an award-winning spa.
Dine with your feet in the sand or perched on the rocks overlooking the ocean, swim in one of three pools that cascade down from the main area, or just relax on one of three beautiful beaches.
With one of the most attentive staff complements anywhere in the Seychelles, everything you need is catered for, and it’s the type of place that really encourages you just to breathe out and appreciate the natural surroundings. Your soul will thank you for it.
For a Quieter Escape: Cerf Island
Those seeking something smaller and more intimate may choose to add on a few nights in a destination like Cerf Island, where only a handful of boutique, locally owned properties provide a more down-to-earth experience just a short boat ride from Mahé.
One of my favourites is L’Habitation Cerf Island, where you can snorkel directly from the hotel’s pier, kayak through the calm waters of Sainte Anne Marine National Park or simply relax poolside.
Once a private house and now owned and run by the same family that once lived here, L’Habitation Cerf is a true home away from home. Every room boasts a view of the ocean, and it’s the type of place where you immediately make friends with other guests, chatting poolside or sharing a drink at the bar.
What makes L’Habitation Cerf Island so memorable, however, is its sense of seclusion. It’s only reachable by boat, and with no roads and limited walking paths on the island, you can really just kick off your shoes, leave your phone uncharged and forget all the worries of daily life.
We spent mornings paddling to deserted beaches where, more often than not, we had the entire stretch of sand to ourselves. Afternoons saw us jumping off the pier to view colourful reef fish as they darted through healthy coral, while one unforgettable snorkelling session rewarded us with an incredible encounter with a sea turtle.
Back at the hotel, unhurried evenings were spent enjoying beautifully prepared Creole-inspired dinners featuring fresh seafood and local flavours. And when we did want to get out and explore, Mahé was easily reached in just 10 minutes with the hotel’s shuttle boat.
Getting Between The Islands
One of the greatest advantages of visiting the Seychelles is how easy it is to explore more than one island during a single holiday. Although the archipelago stretches across a vast area of the Indian Ocean, the three main islands are well connected.
Nearly all international visitors arrive at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, with many resorts on the main island including private transfers in their rates. To get to a small island, most hotels will offer transfers via their own private boat.
The high-speed Cat Cocos ferry connects Mahé with Praslin several times a day, with the crossing taking around one hour and costing significantly less than the domestic flights. The same ferry network also connects Mahé with La Digue via Praslin.
If you’re prone to seasickness, however, it’s worth noting that crossings can become choppy and motion sickness tablets are recommended.
For those short on time or seeking spectacular aerial views, domestic flights are the quickest way to travel between Mahé and Praslin. Regular flights operate throughout the day, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes.
Although brief, the flight is widely regarded as one of the most scenic in the world, offering breathtaking views of the islands scattered below. Just be sure to check baggage restrictions before departure, particularly if carrying diving equipment, golf clubs or photography gear.
Luxury Transfer
For those looking to add a touch of luxury, nothing beats a helicopter transfer for an unforgettable perspective of the islands from above. Zil Air offers scenic flights and private transfers between the islands’ most luxurious hotels, transforming a simple transfer into one of the highlights of your trip.
Having experienced a transfer with Zil Air ourselves, it’s difficult to imagine a more spectacular way to arrive or depart. Flying low over tiny private islands, coral reefs and impossibly clear lagoons offers a perspective that simply can’t be appreciated from the ground or sea.
Beyond the unforgettable views, helicopter transfers can also save valuable holiday time as you don’t have to rely on ferry schedules or road transfers.
The Best Time to Visit the Seychelles
The Seychelles is a year-round destination. Thanks to its tropical climate, temperatures remain remarkably consistent throughout the year, typically ranging between 24°C and 31°C. Trade winds have the most influence over the weather and sea conditions.
From April to May and October to November, conditions are generally calm with warm seas, making these months ideal for snorkelling, diving and island hopping while underwater visibility is at its best.
The southeast trade winds, from May to September, bring slightly cooler temperatures and wind and some beaches can experience rougher seas, but rain is rare.
Between December and March, the northwest trade winds bring warmer, more humid conditions with occasional tropical showers.
Good to Know
Visa information: Visitors to the Seychelles do not require a traditional tourist visa, regardless of nationality. Instead, you need to fill in and pay for an online travel authorisation before arrival, providing a valid passport, proof of accommodation and details of onward or return travel.
Currency: The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR), although many hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses also accept major credit cards, Euros and US Dollars (notes from 2009 and older are not accepted). Drawing a small amount of Seychellois Rupees is useful for markets, small cafés and local shops.
Communication: English, French and Seychellois Creole are all official languages, making communication straightforward. Mobile coverage is excellent across the main islands, and a local SIM card or e-SIM is relatively easy to obtain, but most hotels, restaurants and cafés offer Wi-Fi, although speeds can vary depending on your location.
What to Pack
Pack dresses, shorts, t-shirts and your swimsuit, which you’ll likely spend most of your day in. Lightweight clothing is ideal throughout the year, but it’s worth packing a light waterproof jacket for occasional tropical showers, particularly between December and March.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to explore hiking trails or nature reserves, while water shoes are useful to safeguard your feet from sharp corals. Reef-safe sunscreen is also essential to help protect both your skin and the fragile marine environment.
Also be sure to check the dress code of your resort, as many require proper shoes, trousers and collared shirts for their fine dining establishments.
Visit Seychelles Tourism for more tips, tricks and trip planning information.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- Mauritius: The Paradise You Didn’t Know You Were Missing
- The World’s 15 Most Breathtaking Island Destinations
Author Bio: Janine Avery was born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa, and says there is nowhere she would rather call home. She is a lover of all things nature and loves to explore new places, enjoying any form of travel from basic tenting to lazing in luxury lodges. She also loves to dabble in digital marketing, spreading messages on social media, and taking audiences on a journey through her travel stories.
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
- Seychelles Travel Guide: Best Islands, Top Stays and How to Get Around - August 20, 2026
- Beyond Kruger: Safari by the Sea in St Lucia, Where Hippos Roam - April 27, 2026
- Johannesburg Is Worth More Than a Layover - April 22, 2026