Seychelles

Cool jungles, giant tortoises, and achingly idyllic beaches

Overview

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.

Low Season Months

Jan
27°C
290mm
5hrs
Feb
26°C
250mm
6hrs
Mar
28°C
190mm
7hrs
Apr
28°C
170mm
8hrs
May
28°C
150mm
8hrs
Jun
27°C
140mm
8hrs
Jul Aug Sep Oct
26°C
160mm
7hrs
Nov
27°C
170mm
7hrs
Dec

Featured Hotels

Top Experiences

FetAfrik

A colourful festival celebrating Seychellois African roots and Creole culture with a weekend of music, dance, fashion, food, and artistic expression. Takes place in late May on Mahé.

Diving and Snorkelling

If you tire of picture postcard beaches, take to the water and look out for angel fish, butterfly fish, sea turtles and manta rays or, around the outer islands, grey reef or silver tip sharks.

Cycling in La Digue

The island is virtually free of motorised transport and by far the best way to get around is to hire a bike. Rental places are everywhere. The road follows the coast for one gorgeous view after another.

Insider Tips

  • Traditionally some restaurants close in June for staff holidays and maintenance so check before getting your heart set on a place to dine.
  • It is thought that notorious pirate Olivier Levasseur once hid treasure worth over £100,000 on a Seychelle isle. It has never been found. Take a spade.
  • If you fancy seeing creatures of the deep without a soaking, try one of several glass bottom boat experiences run by professional crew and often with lunch included.

Good To Know

  • On Praslin follow a track behind the grounds of the Chalets D'Anse Forbans to Anse Marie Louise. It seems hardly anyone comes here so you’ll be likely to have this beautiful place to yourself.
  • If hiking, set off early and avoid the midday heat. Before departure, visit Victoria’s Botanical Gardens to collect information about landscape, flora and fauna to get the most out of your trek.
  • Sportsmen and women can combine a holiday with the FINA open water swimming challenge, the Seychelles marathon or the new Nature Trail Run. Take part or just watch.

Food & Drink

Oscars on Mahé

£££

Superb beach views. Try the grilled red snapper or the best tuna steak on the planet.

The Fish Trap on La Digue

££

Great ambiance and live entertainment every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Octopus Curry

££

Local speciality made with coconut milk, aubergine and spices. Wash it down with a cold Seybrew beer.

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