Looking for a practical Seychelles guide to plan your own vacation in this paradise? Then you will surely appreciate my articles with verified tips from our own vacations in the Seychelles. We fell in love with this island country 10 years ago, and when we returned here after COVID, it was clear that we would want to return here again and again. This country has so much beauty to discover and where to spend relaxing moments on vacation.
Seychelles Guide
The Seychelles are an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and are synonymous with still largely untouched tropical beauty, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This paradise consists of 115 islands, most of which remain uninhabited and protected as nature reserves.
>> COMPARE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SEYCHELLES <<
The main island of Mahé, where the capital Victoria is also located, serves as a gateway for travelers from all over the world. The Seychelles maintain their uniqueness not only thanks to the picturesque scenery, but also strict environmental measures. More than half of their territory is protected, making them one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the world.
Find accommodation on Mahé by map:
This tropical archipelago is an ideal destination for nature lovers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and luxury vacations away from the crowds. This is also why we fell in love with the Seychelles. Planning a vacation will take you more time than to other popular destinations, and although a vacation in the Seychelles can be planned so that it doesn’t ruin your bank account, it is definitely not among the cheapest destinations. And that may be one of the reasons why crowds of tourists don’t flock here, like to Thailand, for example.
The Seychelles have a tropical climate with pleasant temperatures year-round between 24 and 32 °C, with the period from May to September bringing drier weather, ideal for outdoor activities. Travelers can admire rare species of flora and fauna, including endemic giant tortoises and the iconic Coco de Mer coconut palm, which grows only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. The Seychelles are not only a paradise for recreation, but also an example of sustainable tourism, which aims to protect this unique piece of the world for future generations.
You might also be interested in:
- What souvenirs to bring from the Seychelles
- The most photographed beach in the Seychelles
- 5 accommodation tips on La Digue
Entry requirements for the Seychelles / Seychelles Guide
Citizens of the Czech Republic can stay in the Seychelles without a visa for up to three months within a period of six months from the first entry. Before traveling, it is necessary to obtain an electronic travel authorization through the online portal https://seychelles.govtas.com/, where you need to upload a copy of your passport, a photo, proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay, a return ticket, and prove sufficient financial resources – this is proven by entering a credit or debit card.
I personally recommend booking the ferries in advance so that your dates are not sold out. This happened to our Italian neighbors on Praslin during our last vacation in the Seychelles, and according to their story, it cost them a lot of worries and, of course, extra money.
Seychelles Guide – Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Cerf Island
This part of the Seychelles guide is dedicated to general information for planning a vacation in this island country. Guides to individual islands, including tips for trips and specific accommodation, can be found under these links:
Flights to the Seychelles / Seychelles Guide
Flights to the Seychelles have been commonly around 18-25,000 CZK in the last year. If you find a price for flights with a good transfer under 18,000 CZK, I consider it a promotional price. I personally got used to buying tickets indirectly from airlines since COVID. So I compare prices as standard through one of the comparators, such as Skyscanner, and then buy tickets directly from the airline.
Ideally, I follow flights to the Seychelles from these airlines:
- Qatar Airways (our 1st choice for flights to the Seychelles)
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
We found it useful to look for flights from Vienna and, surprisingly, also from Prague.
If it happens to you, as it happened to us, that your luggage is delayed somewhere along the way, they will deliver it directly to your accommodation, even if it is on a different island than Mahé. This is how both of our delayed luggage were delivered directly to Praslin.
Seychelles – Praslin – our luggage is flying / photo: dovolenkářka
What is the weather like in the Seychelles and when is a good time to vacation there / Seychelles Guide – weather
As I have already mentioned, you can fly to the Seychelles for a vacation practically all year round, as the country lies outside the tropical storm zone. The Seychelles have a tropical climate with temperatures around 24–32 °C throughout the year. However, even so, the year can be divided into dry and tropical months. The period from May to September is dry and cooler, which is ideal for activities such as diving and snorkeling. This period is popular mainly with Europeans and families with children who fly here for vacation during the summer holidays. Expect higher occupancy and prices for services.
The period from October to April is warmer and more humid, with a higher probability of precipitation, but also with calmer seas, which is suitable for swimming and water sports. Personally, we liked the months of December and April for a vacation in the Seychelles. Statistically, I consider January and February to be the worst months with the highest number of rainy days, but of course it can vary every year. On the contrary, we had the most beautiful vacation in the Seychelles during Easter in April.
Seychelles Guide – Dining
The Seychellois cuisine is a unique blend of African, French, and Indian influences, which is reflected both in traditional dishes and in dining options on the islands. If you are looking for an affordable option, the best choice are takeaway stalls, which you can find on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. These small, mostly family-run businesses offer authentic Creole dishes, such as grilled fish with rice and lentil dhal, curry with meat, fish or seafood, or fried bananas, with prices significantly lower than in restaurants.
On the other hand, for a luxurious gastronomic experience, it is worth visiting renowned businesses and restaurants in better resorts. On Mahé, The Rockpool with modern Creole cuisine and a wonderful view of the ocean is among the best, on Praslin, gourmets have come to love Les Rochers, where fresh seafood is served in an elegant environment, and on La Digue, Le Nautique Waterfront Restaurant stands out, offering fine dining right by the sea.
Regardless of your budget, I believe that everyone will find something in the Seychelles, whether it is simple local cuisine from the hands of locals, or first-class delicacies served in exclusive resorts.
Those who have been following us for some years know very well that I travel with a gluten-free diet. I consider the Seychelles to be one of those countries where I have no problem eating naturally gluten-free. A long time ago, we fell in love with Indian cuisine, which is largely naturally gluten-free, and therefore it is our certainty anywhere in the world. We also liked the Indian restaurant on Mahé – in the resort on Beau Vallon – I recommend booking dinner in advance.
As for daily meals, you will hardly find all-inclusive resorts here. The most widespread option here are Self Catering apartments with an equipped kitchen, where you can prepare your own food, or go to the aforementioned Take Away stalls or restaurants. If you can’t imagine having to cook on vacation, I recommend choosing hotels and resorts with at least half board.
Seychelles – Transport
Transport in the Seychelles is a unique experience in itself and varies depending on the island you are on. On Mahé, the largest and busiest island, you can move around in several ways. The most flexible option is car rental, which is our favorite choice. We rent a car for the entire duration of our stay. Renting a car is ideal for those who want to discover hidden beaches and mountain scenery on their own, at their own pace. However, you have to expect narrow, winding roads and driving on the left.
During our last vacation in the Seychelles, it paid off for us to have our accommodation arrange the car rental. If you are buying flights, like us, at the last minute and therefore looking for a car rental just a few days before arrival, I recommend this option – booking a car at the hotel, also try it.
An alternative are buses, which are operated by the state company SPTC and which represent an affordable way to travel, although timetables are not always reliable. Keep in mind that there is a rule here that the driver will not take you on the bus with a suitcase or oversized backpack. Otherwise, as for regular bus rides, I recommend purchasing a bus pass. For faster and more comfortable transport, you can use taxis, but prices are relatively high, so it is good to agree on the price in advance.
Praslin, the second largest island, offers similar transport options as Mahé, but on a smaller scale. Again, there is bus transport and a pass, which is very cheap compared to a taxi. For greater freedom of movement, it is possible to rent a car, and unlike Mahé, the roads are not so steep and densely populated. We tried both options on Praslin and here too we lean towards renting our own car for a greater sense of freedom. An interesting option is also taxis, which can be used for shorter transfers or all-day trips.
Seychelles – Praslin – first bus ride / photo: Dovolenkářka
From Praslin you can get to smaller islands such as Curieuse or St. Pierre by boat, which is an unforgettable experience with wonderful views of the surrounding lagoons. I recommend either negotiating private trips with local fishermen, or booking a trip in one of the local tourist offices, or online in advance.
The smallest of the three main islands, La Digue, boasts the fact that you still almost won’t find cars here. The main means of transport are bicycles. Most visitors rent a bike immediately upon arrival at the port, or have it arranged at a better price at the accommodation. Thanks to the rented bike, you can set out to discover picturesque beaches and traditional Creole villages. There are also taxis in the form of electric vehicles, which are mainly used by tourists with larger luggage or those who prefer comfort.
Since La Digue is a small island, you don’t even need a paper guide to the Seychelles, many places can be easily walked with a map on your mobile phone, which gives traveling a special charm and allows you to enjoy the slow, peaceful pace of island life.
Electrical sockets
The Seychelles use British three-pin type G sockets with a voltage of 240 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. If you are traveling from the Czech Republic, you will need an adapter, because Czech type C and E plugs are not compatible with these sockets. You can buy an adapter before departure, or get it on the spot. Some hotels also provide it to guests for rent.
Seychelles Guide – Money and payments
The Seychelles use the local currency, the Seychellois rupee (SCR), but in some cases euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD) can also be used. Personally, we paid in euros on the spot in some accommodations. On the other hand, we were surprised that the taxi driver on Mahé demanded Seychellois rupees from us. I recommend withdrawing from an ATM, or exchanging euros – dollars right at the airport, after arrival. Alternatively, withdraw money from ATMs on the islands. We also used the services of a bank on La Digue to exchange euros for payment in take away and in the bakery.
As for the payments themselves, almost all supermarkets and shops allow card payments. There is no need to exchange and withdraw large amounts of money in the local currency. Similarly, larger hotels and restaurants accept cards, but this option may not always be available on smaller islands or in smaller businesses. So keep that in mind and always have some cash with you.
Seychelles Guide – Holidays and days off
The following public holidays are celebrated in the Seychelles in 2025:
- January 1st and 2nd (Wednesday and Thursday): New Year
- April 18 (Friday): Good Friday
- April 21 (Monday): Easter Monday
- May 1 (Thursday): Labor Day
- June 5 (Thursday): Liberation Day
- June 18 (Wednesday): National Day
- June 29 (Sunday): Independence Day
- August 15 (Friday): Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- November 1 (Saturday): All Saints’ Day
- December 8 (Monday): Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
- December 25 (Thursday): Christmas
In addition to these public holidays, the Seychelles also host important cultural events, such as the Creole Festival, which is traditionally held at the end of October and celebrates Creole culture through music, dance and gastronomy
Keep in mind that shops, banks and some restaurants may be closed during the holidays.
I hope my Seychelles guide has answered your questions about planning a vacation. If you are interested in tips for trips and places that you should not miss, I recommend reading the individual posts for the given islands – you can find the links in the text above.
If you like my Seychelles guide, I would be happy if you follow me on FB, IG and Pinterest: Dovolenkářka / @dovolenkarka
Save the practical guide to the Seychelles on Pinterest so you can easily find it:
