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Seychelles

The islands of the Seychelles are a magical, dream holiday destination.

Seychelles

Seychelles holidays

Utterly exquisite private islands, heavenly hideaways and azure waters: the Seychelles epitomises the finest in barefoot beach luxury.

Seychelles

The idyllic islands of the Seychelles are enduringly beautiful: dense green, cloud-forested mountains rise high out of the cerulean sea, while palm-shaded coves are filled with silky-soft, white sand and the smoothest of granite boulders. Remote coralline atolls surround lagoons teeming with tropical marine life and the sky and sea swim in myriad shades of blue. It is simply divine.

Lying about 1,500km east of mainland Africa, this archipelago nation - officially the Republic of Seychelles - is a scattering of 155 lush emerald isles in the Indian Ocean. Simultaneously glamorous and elemental, Robinson Crusoe and ‘the beautiful people’ feel equally at home on these seductively secluded shores. It’s spellbindingly serene and scenic.

With incredible geographical variety within the archipelago, and a host of efficient ferry and plane transfers, island hopping is thrilling. From hiking though primeval jungle in Praslin’s Vallée de Mai to diving spectacular marine reserves; world-class bird-watching on Bird Island and enchanting encounters with giant Aldabra tortoises on North and Fregate Islands; kite-surfing on spectacular Beau Vallon beach or sailing into the sunset, Seychelles offers as much action as you desire, and always with a picture-perfect beach on which to simply to kick back and admire the view.

Boutique hotels and personal guesthouses are heavenly havens hidden by lush planting and bounded by sparkling seas. Be it on the pristine shoreline or tucked into the palm-forested slopes, their exquisitely pretty gardens of bougainvillaea and frangipani, broad panoramic terraces and jaw-dropping infinity pools ooze exotic style and indulgence. Romantics and adventurers are understandably drawn to the blissful escapism and Indian Ocean waves.

Seychelles is absolutely as aspirational and enchanting as it looks.

Speak to one of our Experts to start planning your dream Seychelles holiday.

Beach areas & islands to visit in Seychelles

Click below to read more detailed information, where you can stay, and holiday ideas visiting each area.


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Praslin Island

3 places to stay

Although it is Seychelles' second largest island, Praslin is still small. It occupies just 38 km² and has around 6,500 residents; it also has a more laid-back vibe than nearby Mahé and a stunning coastline.

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Mahe Island

2 places to stay

Mahé is the largest island in Seychelles. Dense cloud forest covers large parts of the mountainous interior while the coastline is strung with sweeping sandy beaches and picture-perfect coves.

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North Island

1 places to stay

North Island is the most exclusive island in the Seychelles – and one of the world's top island hideaways; expect stunning private beaches, serious luxury and excellent service.

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Bird Island

1 places to stay

The Seychelles northernmost island, Bird Island, is fringed by sandy beaches and turquoise seas. However, the primary reason to stay here is the bird life, which is simply astounding.

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Desroches Island

1 places to stay

Desroches Island is a smart private island with some beautiful accommodation. It's fringed by stunning beaches, and beyond them coral reefs – with excellent snorkelling and diving.

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La Digue Island

1 places to stay

The fourth-largest inhabited island of Seychelles, La Digue's population of just over 2,000 people enjoy a decidedly unhurried existence. A trip here is like stepping back in time.

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Denis Island

1 places to stay

Denis Island is a relaxed island retreat with lovely cottages and villas. It edges are dotted with beautiful beaches, and beyond them coral reefs – with excellent scuba diving and snorkelling.

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Fregate Island

1 places to stay

Fregate Island is one the larger private islands in the Seychelles. Come for beautiful beaches and top-class service and food as well as interesting forests and great coral reefs.

Our top beach holidays in Seychelles

Here are 5 great Seychelles holidays to inspire you.


Itinerary image

Boxfish Island Holiday

8 days • 2 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.

US$3,010 - US$3,680 per person

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Squirrelfish island holiday

6 days • 2 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Combine laid-back La Digue and a hidden corner of Mahé Island, staying in two very luxurious hotels with the option to simply do nothing or explore these stunning islands.

US$2,860 - US$3,140 per person

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Damselfish island holiday

5 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Laid-back luxury on the private Denis Island. Surrounded by protected waters with commendable focus on sustainability, this is perfect spot to disconnect from the world after a safari.

US$4,640 - US$5,560 per person

Our travellers' 10 most recent Seychelles reviews

All are published in full; none have been edited. Click the button below to browse all 36 reviews.


96%
36 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
31
Good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs C from Leyburn

Arrived 24 Oct 2022, 31 nights

"My Oct 2022 trip"

"We had a great trip …" Read Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs SA from Norfolk

Arrived 22 Sep 2022, 17 nights

"BIrd Island and La Dige again"

"a week of having a whole sun drenched island to ourselves …" Read Mr & Mrs SA’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T from Bangkok

Arrived 31 Mar 2022, 9 nights

"My Mar/Apr Seychelles 2022 trip"

"a great trip thanks to your excellent services & thoughtful advice throughout.. …" Read Mr T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Seychelles reviews

When to go to Seychelles

Our month-by-month guide to the best time for visiting Seychelles


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seychelles in January

January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
  • Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
  • Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
  • Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Map of Seychelles | Google Maps | Expert Africa

See Seychelles in different ways, with different styles of maps. Click on the buttons below.


Reference map
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Seychelles beach & island holidays

Beach & private island holidays in the Seychelles


Showing 1-5 of 5
Name
Duration
Cost
Most popular
Itinerary image

Boxfish Island Holiday

8 days • 2 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.

US$3,010 - US$3,680 per person

Itinerary image

Squirrelfish island holiday

6 days • 2 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Combine laid-back La Digue and a hidden corner of Mahé Island, staying in two very luxurious hotels with the option to simply do nothing or explore these stunning islands.

US$2,860 - US$3,140 per person

Itinerary image

Damselfish island holiday

5 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Laid-back luxury on the private Denis Island. Surrounded by protected waters with commendable focus on sustainability, this is perfect spot to disconnect from the world after a safari.

US$4,640 - US$5,560 per person

Itinerary image

Triggerfish island holiday

4 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Desroches is beautifully rugged and remote island atoll with stunning villas, slick Four Seasons service and exciting array of adventures above and below the waves.

US$3,580 - US$5,440 per person

Itinerary image

Hawkfish Island holiday

4 days • 1 locations
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Frégate is an idyllic private island skirted by white sand and coral reefs that’s home to just 17 villas and incredible wildlife. The perfect mix of romance, indulgence, adventure and conservation.

US$14,770 - US$18,320 per person

Showing 1-5 of 5

Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa

All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.


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Where to stay in Seychelles

Ask us for more details of what’s where, and what’s likely to suit you best!


Le Sans Souci

Le Sans Souci

A gem set on the mountainside above Victoria; Le Sans Souci is ideally located for exploring the walking trails in the forests and mountains of Mahé's interior.


93% (12 reviews)
Bird Island Lodge

Bird Island Lodge

The beautiful Bird Island has one fairly simple lodge and sometimes over a million very relaxed sea-birds; come for these amazing creatures, not the creature-comforts.


93% (11 reviews)
Coco de Mer Hotel

Coco de Mer Hotel

Coco de Mer Hotel is a cheerful place on the south-west coast of Praslin, which is very well run. More for families than honeymooners, it offers good value and plenty of activities.


96% (9 reviews)
Constance Ephelia Resort

Ephelia Resort

The luxurious Constance Ephelia Resort is set on the quiet western coast of Mahé, overlooking Port Launay Marine National Park.


98% (8 reviews)

Seychelles holiday styles & special interests

From family adventures to romantic breaks, find ideas here for your perfect Seychelles beach holiday


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Diving & snorkelling

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays

Family holidays

Our collection of incredible family safaris

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

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Talk to a Seychelles Expert

These members of the Expert Africa team have been to Seychelles and can advise you from their own personal experience.
Start a conversation with them today to help plan your trip.


Megan Green

Seychelles specialist

I grew up in South Africa and lived in Namibia before heading to the UK I've spent 7 days researching in Seychelles.

Lucy Copson

Destination manager, Seychelles

I've spent 8 days researching in Seychelles.

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