Seychelles independently: where to go and essential tips

The Seychelles have long earned a reputation as a paradise for honeymoons and luxury holidays. But this destination is convenient not only for package tourists, but also for independent travellers. An independent trip to the Seychelles can be planned very well, and with careful preparation the budget will be much more modest than it may seem.

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Getting to the Seychelles: what you need to know

You can reach the Seychelles only by air, or by private yacht if you are lucky with your company. For most tourists, this means a connecting flight. There are few direct flights. Most routes include a connection at one of the hubs: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Milan or Nairobi. Travel time with a connection is from 10 to 18 hours, depending on the country of departure.

The archipelago has one international airport, Pointe La Rue International Airport, located on the island of Mahé, 10 km south of the capital Victoria. All international flights arrive here.

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How much does a ticket to the Seychelles cost

The cost of the flight is one of the most significant parts of the budget. On average, expect to pay 700-1200 dollars for a return ticket from European cities. In the high season, July-August and December-January, prices rise by 20-50%.

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Which island to choose in the Seychelles

Tourist life in the Seychelles is concentrated on three main islands and several private islands. For an independent trip, we recommend considering Mahé, Praslin or La Digue as the main islands of the archipelago with developed infrastructure, as well as several private islands with secluded resorts.

Mahé: holidays on the main island of the Seychelles

Mahé is the largest inhabited island, home to the capital Victoria and the airport. Mahé has public transport, roads and the option to rent a car. Tours and excursions are also well organised on the main island, although during the high season trips should be booked in advance.

You can get to Praslin or La Digue not only as part of an excursion, but also independently, as boats and ferries run from Mahé.

Several interesting ideas for what to do on Mahé:

• A day trip to Praslin and La Digue - a classic but long route. It includes the ferry, a visit to the Vallée de Mai reserve on Praslin and Anse Source d'Argent beach on La Digue.
• Sainte Anne Marine Park - several islands located 30 minutes by boat from Victoria. Snorkelling where you can meet turtles and a barbecue on the beach.
• Explore Mahé by rental car: Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka beaches, the Mission Lodge viewpoint and the capital Victoria.
• Hiking - the Copolia and Morne Blanc trails with panoramic views.

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Example of a one-week itinerary with a stay on Mahé:

1. Arrival, time to adapt and the hotel beach.
2. Explore the southern beaches of Mahé by car.
3. A day tour to Praslin and La Digue.
4. A boat trip to Sainte Anne Marine Park.
5. Hiking and a visit to the Takamaka rum distillery.
6. The capital Victoria and the north of the island.

Where to stay on Mahé

The largest and most developed island in the Seychelles offers the widest choice and variety not only of entertainment, but also of accommodation, from budget guesthouses and private villas to five-star hotels.

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Praslin Island: surrounded by a nature reserve

Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles, located 45 km from Mahé. The main reason to come here is the reserve with giant coco de mer palms, one of the symbols of the Seychelles. Praslin's beaches, especially Anse Lazio, are among the most beautiful in the world. The infrastructure is developed, with car, bicycle and scooter rentals and local buses. Curieuse Island is located near Praslin.

What to see on Praslin Island

• Vallée de Mai reserve - the main natural attraction of the Seychelles.
• Curieuse Island - giant tortoises in their natural environment and mangrove forests.
• La Digue - you can visit independently for half a day by ferry and bicycle.
• Fond Ferdinand reserve - less touristy, with a viewpoint.
• Black Pearl Farm, one of the few pearl farms in the archipelago.

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Example of a one-week itinerary with a stay on Praslin:

1. Arrival on Mahé, transfer to Praslin and check-in.
2. Vallée de Mai reserve and Anse Lazio beach.
3. An excursion to Curieuse Island with snorkelling.
4. An independent trip to La Digue with a bicycle ride.
5. Fond Ferdinand reserve and exploring the island.
6. Return to Mahé, visit the capital city of Victoria and the famous Beau Vallon beach.

If you are staying on Praslin:

• Advantages: you live close to the best beaches in the archipelago, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. La Digue is 15 minutes away by ferry and Curieuse, the island of tortoises, is 20 minutes away.
• Disadvantages: fewer restaurants and shops than on Mahé. You need to travel from Mahé, one hour by ferry or 15 minutes by plane.

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La Digue - peace and untouched nature in the Seychelles

La Digue is a small island 6 km from Praslin, about 15 minutes away by boat. There are almost no cars here, and the main forms of transport are bicycles and ox carts. Anse Source d'Argent beach, with granite boulders and turquoise water, is one of the most photographed in the world. The island's infrastructure is modest, so an authentic tropical holiday is guaranteed.

What to see on La Digue and nearby

• Anse Source d'Argent beach - the calling card of the Seychelles.
• Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos beaches - wild and picturesque coastlines.
• A trip to Praslin - Vallée de Mai is a must-see.
• A snorkelling tour to Coco and Félicité islands.
• A hike to Belle Vue - a panorama of the whole island.

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Example of a one-week itinerary with a stay on La Digue:

1. Transfer from Mahé, check-in and bicycle rental.
2. Anse Source d'Argent beach and L'Union Estate park.
3. Explore the eastern beaches of Grand Anse and Petite Anse.
4. A trip to Praslin - the Vallée de Mai reserve and Anse Lazio beach.
5. A snorkelling tour or a hike to Belle Vue.
6. Transfer to Mahé, a walk and shopping in the capital of the Seychelles.

If you are staying on La Digue:

• Advantages: the most authentic and atmospheric island. Complete immersion in Creole life. Praslin is nearby, so you can combine trips to both islands.
• Disadvantages: limited infrastructure. The longest transfer, by ferry from Mahé to Praslin and then from Praslin to La Digue. No car rental, only bicycles.

The main accommodation options on La Digue are guesthouses and villas. There are also several atmospheric boutique hotels, such as Le Repaire Boutique Hotel or Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront.

Tip: it is quite convenient to combine the Seychelles islands. To see as much as possible, divide your Seychelles holiday between the three main islands, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. This is fairly easy because transfers in the Seychelles, compared with the Maldives, do not take much time.

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Transfers between islands in the Seychelles: what you need to know

Ferry: the main way to travel between the archipelago's principal islands. The Cat Cocos high-speed ferry runs daily between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. One-way prices:

• Mahé - Praslin: from 70 dollars.
• Mahé - La Digue: from 82 dollars, usually with a connection on Praslin.
• Praslin - La Digue: from 15-20 dollars.

Tickets for children under 11 are cheaper, and children under 2 travel free. Book in advance, especially during the high season.

Boats and speedboats: small local vessels are used for short crossings, for example from Praslin to La Digue or for excursions to smaller islands.

Domestic flights: Air Seychelles operates flights between Mahé and Praslin almost every hour. The journey takes 15 minutes. The minimum price is from 130 dollars one way.

Helicopter: Zil Air provides helicopter transfers to most private islands. For 2-4 passengers over a distance of up to 15 km, the price is about 400-600 dollars.

Getting around the island

• On Mahé, the most convenient option is to rent a car for 60-100 dollars per day. The roads are good, the island is small and all attractions are accessible. Driving is on the left. A public bus costs about 1 dollar per trip. A taxi costs about 3 dollars per kilometre. A 20-minute journey costs 35-40 dollars. Ordering a taxi through your hotel is more convenient and cheaper.
• On Praslin, you can rent a bicycle, scooter or car. The local bus runs less frequently than on Mahé.
• On La Digue, transport is not needed because the island can be explored by bicycle. Rental costs about 10-15 dollars per day.

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How much does a trip to the Seychelles cost

Let us summarise the financial side. The largest budget items are the flight, travel between islands or tours, food and accommodation.

Flight to Mahé. From 700 to 1200 dollars return. During the high season, prices can rise to 1300-1800 dollars.

Transfers and trips. Car rental on Mahé, if you choose the main large island, will cost about 60-100 dollars per day. Ferries between the islands for independent trips cost about 60-80 dollars one way per person.

Food. Meals from takeaway cafés cost 10-25 dollars, while dinner in a local restaurant costs about 30-55 dollars per person.

Accommodation. The cost of an apartment or a room in a guesthouse ranges from 90 to 165 dollars, while small boutique hotels cost up to 350 dollars per room per night. Rooms and villas in premium hotels cost up to 1100 dollars. The price depends on the meal plan, room category and additional services.

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Where to exchange money in the Seychelles and other details

The local currency is the Seychellois rupee, SCR. The exchange rate is approximately 13-15 SCR for 1 euro or dollar.

Useful information:

• You cannot buy rupees outside the Seychelles, so bring euros or dollars and exchange them locally. Euros are preferable.
• Exchange offices are available at the airport, in banks and in hotels. The best rate is at official bureaux de change, and the worst is in hotels.
• Small islands and remote areas may not have ATMs, so take enough cash in advance.
• Before departure, exchange any remaining rupees back.
• Hotels, restaurants and operators accept Visa and MasterCard, but sometimes add a 3% card processing fee.
• Small guesthouses and street cafés accept cash only.
• Tipping is not officially customary in the Seychelles. Restaurants sometimes add a 10-15% service charge to the bill.

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Practical tips for organising a holiday in the Seychelles

Swimming and beaches. Many beaches in the Seychelles have strong currents and sharp reefs. Warning signs and lifeguards may not be present. Ask local residents whether a particular beach is suitable for swimming. Special water shoes are essential because sea urchins are common. Topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited.

Communications. Hotels have Wi-Fi, but the speed is unpredictable. The best option is a local SIM card from Cable & Wireless or Airtel, which can be purchased directly at the airport. An internet package is inexpensive and removes dependence on hotel Wi-Fi.

Languages. There are three official languages: Creole, English and French. Everyone in tourist areas speaks English.

Safety. The Seychelles are a calm and safe destination with a low crime rate. However, standard precautions still apply. Valuable items can usually be left in the hotel safe.

Sun protection. SPF 50+ is essential. Under the equatorial sun, you can burn in 20 minutes even in cloudy weather. Do not forget a hat.

Health. Cases of dengue fever occur on the islands, so good insect repellent is essential, especially during the wet season. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.

Nature. There are fines for littering on beaches or in forests. For safety during walks in the tropics, follow rule number 1: look, take photographs, but do not touch.

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