What you do seek? If it is an authentic, unprocessed, unplugged way of life, an unparalleled experience of nature and timeless beauty, then welcome to your happy place. Known for its exquisite beaches, brilliant white sand lapped by crystal clear water, Seychelles is renowned as the perfect honeymoon spot. True. Not quite there on the romance front? Never fear as singletons, friends and families find plenty to enjoy in this magical destination.
A thousand miles from the East African mainland, in the Indian Ocean, many of the archipelago’s 115 islands are uninhabited making for a fascinating island hopping experience. Year round temperatures are great, rarely exceeding 32 degrees or falling below 24. At Low Season Traveller however we recommend travelling in May and June for fewest crowds and best deals. There can be showers but nothing like the very wet weather of December and January. May is still on the hot side, with June dropping a little, but the south-east trade winds begin to blow, bringing cooler air. This can make the sea choppy, especially along southern coasts, bringing seaweed to the shore and creating dangerous currents. Hence some south west beaches on Mahé can be too rough for swimming, while the north and east coasts are fine. On Praslin perhaps opt for a beach other than Grand Anse in this period too. Sea crossings can be rough, so if you get seasick you could fly, or bring lots of tablets. On the up side, surfing, windsurfing and sailing are a whole lot more exciting at this time.
Mahé
The largest island is a great hub for visiting neighbouring isles but has plenty to keep you entertained itself. Explore the world’s smallest capital, Victoria, where you can easily walk around on foot, taking in Mission Lodge, once visited by Queen Elizabeth, the stunning National Botanical Gardens, Jardin Du Roi Spice or the Takamaka Rum Distillery. Hike the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park with its waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, granite boulders and jungle trails. After all that, you deserve to relax on one of Mahé’s idyllic beaches, Anse Takamaka or Baie Lazare or Beau Vallon, particularly popular for sunset views.
Praslin and La Digue
These are the two other most popular islands and are far quieter than Mahé. In fact La Digue has barely any motorised transport at all. Famous Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue has been dubbed the world’s most beautiful beach due to its fascinating rock formations, while Anse Lazio on Praslin is another favourite. Visit the UNESCO recognised Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin, where you can find out more about the Coco de Mer palm, which produces the heaviest seeds of any tree, with some weighing as much as 15kg.
Other Islands
Hop for a day trip to Cousin or Curieuse where you can see the Aldabra Giant Tortoise roaming free. Cousin Island is also a great place to see nesting hawksbill sea turtles. Bird lovers should head to Aride with its notable bird population. It boasts more birds than all of the other islands combined, and low season is a perfect time as many species will be nesting, with millions of birds descending on the island during May.
