The Emerald-Isle Escape of Sun, Sea & Slow-Luxe Living
Sail away to Seychelles – an Indian Ocean dreamscape where sugar-soft beaches meet rose-granite cathedrals, forests hum with rare birds, and lagoons glow electric-blue. From Mahé’s jungle peaks and markets to Praslin’s primeval palms and La Digue’s storybook shores, the islands blend barefoot luxury with rich Creole culture. Slip between snorkel days and sunset sails, feast on spice-kissed seafood, and meet Aldabra’s gentle giant tortoises. Here, time stretches, the water heals, and life finds its easy rhythm.
With Ocean6 Holidays’ curated Seychelles journeys, discover castaway coves, marine sanctuaries, and intimate stays woven with conservation and warm island hospitality.
Seychelles Tourism: A Quick Overview Continent: Africa Official Languages: Seychellois Creole, English, French Dial Code: +248 Population: ~100,000 Currency: Seychellois Rupee (SCR) Time Zone: SCT (UTC+4) Area: ~459 km² land across 155 islands
Highlights of Seychelles
Otherworldly Beaches:
Iconic coves like Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Lazio pair powder-white sands with sculpted granite and crystalline lagoons.
UNESCO Wonders:
Aldabra Atoll (giant tortoises, remote reefs) and Vallée de Mai (primal palm forest, coco de mer) showcase ancient nature.
Marine Sanctuaries:
Protected parks around Sainte Anne, Curieuse, Cousin and Aride teem with coral gardens, turtles, and kaleidoscopic fish.
Creole Culture & Cuisine:
A vibrant blend of African, French, Indian and Chinese influences alive in music, markets, and spice-laced dishes.
Sail, Snorkel, Dive:
Year-round warm waters for reef dives, turtle encounters, SUP, kayaking and dreamy inter-island sailing.
Nature First:
Over 40% of land protected; rare species from black parrots to giant tortoises thrive in a conservation-minded paradise.
Islands of Seychelles
Mahé
The largest island and gateway, crowned by Morne Seychellois National Park. Wander Victoria’s Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, swim Beau Vallon’s long arc, and hike jungle trails to hidden bays.
Praslin
Home to UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai and the legendary coco de mer. Laze at Anse Lazio, hop to Curieuse for roaming tortoises, and snorkel Saint Pierre’s coral heads.
La Digue
A bicycle-and-ox-cart pace where time slows. Photograph rose-granite boulders at Anse Source d’Argent and wade through glass-clear shallows.
Silhouette
A mountainous, forested sanctuary off Mahé with pristine reefs, cloud forests, and low-key luxury hideaways.
Outer Islands (Amirantes & Aldabra)
Far-flung atolls and sand cays for expedition-style castaway escapes, bird colonies, and untouched reefs accessible by charter or select cruises.
Attractions of Seychelles
Vallée de Mai (UNESCO):
A living time capsule of palms and endemic wildlife; look for black parrots and the world-famous coco de mer.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue:
Dreamscape beach where rosy granite meets luminous lagoons – sunset swims are pure magic.
Anse Lazio, Praslin:
A perfect crescent of pale sand and turquoise water; snorkel the rocky points for schools of reef fish.
Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé:
Cloud-forest trails, jungle peaks, and panoramas plunging to sapphire bays.
Curieuse Island & Marine Park:
Walk among free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises, snorkel turtle lawns, and explore rust-red mangroves.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park:
Easy day-trips from Mahé for coral gardens, picnic islets, and relaxed snorkeling.
Aride, Cousin & Bird Island Reserves:
Seabird cities, nesting turtles, and ranger-guided nature walks in thriving sanctuaries.
Shopping in Seychelles
Browse vanilla pods, cinnamon, citronella oils, artisanal hot sauces, island teas, and locally roasted coffee. Pick up pareos, woven baskets, ebony and coconut-shell crafts, and bright Creole art. Coco de mer is strictly regulated – choose certified replicas or permitted art pieces only.
Cuisine of Seychelles
Ocean-fresh abundance defines the table: grilled red snapper, octopus curry, tuna steak with lime and chili, shark chutney, and comforting ladob. Staples include rice, breadfruit, plantain, coconut, and tropical fruits. Street stalls serve samosas and bhajias; beach grills plate today’s catch. Sip fresh coconut, tangy calamansi juices, and island rums at sunset.
Interesting Facts About Seychelles
Smallest African Nation:
Tiny in landmass yet mighty in biodiversity and beauty.
High Human Development:
Among Africa’s highest HDI and per-capita GDP, with services and tourism leading.
Conservation Leader:
Over 40% of land protected and vast marine areas zoned for sustainability.
Coco de Mer:
The world’s heaviest seed grows in Praslin’s Vallée de Mai and on Curieuse.
Giant Tortoise Stronghold:
Aldabra hosts ~150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises in a remote atoll wilderness.
Creole Heartbeat:
Seychellois Creole culture blends African, French, Indian, and Chinese threads.
Location of Seychelles
Seychelles unfolds across the Somali Sea in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and ~1,600 km east of Kenya. Mahé hosts the capital Victoria; Praslin and La Digue sit a short hop away, while coral atolls arc far into the blue.
Best Time to Visit Seychelles
Seychelles is a year-round destination – choose your window by sea conditions and clarity.
March-May
Weather:
Warm, calmer seas, rising humidity; lush greens after showers.
Showers pass quickly; plan flexible beach-and-trail days.
How to Get to Seychelles
By Air
Fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé via major Middle East and African hubs. Swift domestic flights link Mahé and Praslin; scenic helicopters reach select islands.
By Sea
High-speed ferries connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Resort boats and expedition yachts access marine parks and outer isles; private charters elevate island-hopping.
By Road on Mahé & Praslin
Good paved networks; rentals and taxis are easy. Drive on the left and pause often – the views demand it.
Do: Explore Vallée de Mai, swim Anse Lazio, boat to Curieuse for tortoises and mangroves. See: Saint Pierre islet’s snorkeling halo, Côte d’Or’s mellow beach cafes.
La Digue
Do: Cycle to Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse, visit vanilla plantations and artisan workshops. See: Granite labyrinths, aquamarine shallows, slow-life island lanes.
Silhouette & North of Mahé
Do: Guided rainforest treks, reef dives, spa-and-sea days in secluded bays. See: Untouched slopes dropping to coral-ringed shores.
Outer Islands (Amirantes, Aldabra)
Do: Expedition snorkeling and diving, birding colonies, sustainable fly-fishing, stargazing on empty sands. See: Endless lagoon blues, turtle tracks at dawn, remote atoll horizons.
Suggested Experiences with Ocean6 Holidays
Seychelles Trio: Mahé, Praslin & La Digue (7-10 Days):
City-meets-jungle on Mahé, UNESCO palms and Lazio swims on Praslin, bike-slow beach days on La Digue.
Sail & Snorkel Escape (6-8 Days):
Catamaran hop through Sainte Anne and Curieuse, moor off secret coves, chef-fresh seafood under the stars.
Guided reef circuits in peak-vis seasons, drift dives, turtle patrols, and coral-care citizen science.
Outer Isles Expedition (8-12 Days):
Fly or cruise to select atolls for wild beaches, seabird skies, and once-in-a-lifetime remoteness.
Practical Tips
Sun & Sea Care:
Use reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, and hydrate often; midday sun is intense.
Cash & Cards:
SCR is handy for markets and snacks; cards widely accepted at hotels and restaurants.
Protected Paradise:
Do not remove shells, corals, or coco de mer; follow guidance in reserves and marine parks.
Getting Around:
Left-hand driving on compact roads; on La Digue, bicycles rule. Ferries and short flights make island-hopping easy.
Wildlife Respect:
Give turtles and tortoises space; no flash at night nests; never touch coral while snorkeling.
Why Seychelles with Ocean6 Holidays
We stitch together the soul of Seychelles – secluded stays, seamless hops, conservation-minded guides, and intimate, local-flavoured moments. From sunrise swims beneath jungle peaks to barefoot dinners on powder sand, we handle the details so you can simply float between shades of blue.
Ready to slow the world to an island heartbeat?
Explore our Seychelles packages and let the isles of sun, sea, and serenity welcome you ashore.
August 12, 2025
August 12, 2025
August 12, 2025
June 17, 2025
June 16, 2025