Seychelles holidays
Utterly exquisite private islands, heavenly hideaways and azure waters: the Seychelles epitomises the finest in barefoot beach luxury.
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.
Beach areas & islands to visit in Seychelles
Click below to read more detailed information, where you can stay, and holiday ideas visiting each area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Seychelles in February
Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.
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, February does have 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.
- Warm weather all year round.
- One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
- Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
- Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Seychelles in March
The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.
The calm, 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.
It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.
For wildlife enthusiasts, 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 arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.
- Warm weather all year round.
- Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
- Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
- The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
- Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Seychelles in April
April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.
In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.
- One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
- Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
- Good time of year for birding.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
Seychelles in May
May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.
Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, dry weather.
- Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Seychelles in June
June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
- Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Seychelles in July
July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.
- Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Seychelles in August
Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
- Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
- Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Seychelles in September
September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.
The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.
- Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
- A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
- Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
- It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Seychelles in October
October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.
During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.
For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.
- Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
- A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Seychelles in November
By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.
The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.
Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
- Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
- A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
- Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
- Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
- Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Seychelles in December
December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.
The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.
The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.
Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.
- December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
- Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
- Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
- Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
- Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Seychelles beach & island holidays
Beach & private island holidays in the Seychelles
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$2,620 - US$3,710 per person
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$2,560 - US$3,240 per person
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$4,170 - US$5,930 per person
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$3,420 - US$7,570 per person
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$13,050 - US$22,260 per person
Let us help you customise your trip
All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Where to stay in Seychelles
Ask us for more details of what’s where, and what’s likely to suit you best!
Seychelles holiday styles & special interests
From family adventures to romantic breaks, find ideas here for your perfect Seychelles beach holiday