About North Island
North Island lodge in the Seychelles is one of the most luxurious and exclusive retreats in the world.
It is beautifully set on an island larger than Monte Carlo, which is also called North Island. Beside the amazing location, North Island is marked out by its stylish design, outstanding service and excellent food. For us, its fascinating ecology – and genuine commitment to ecological restoration – also make it very attractive.
Two of the Expert Africa team have been lucky enough to stay on North Island – and it’s simply amazing. From its design, to its service levels, activities and food, North Island works very hard to exceed expectations and it does deliver a truly stupendous experience. It has a chunky price tag to match, though it's difficult to argue that it doesn't offer value for money. It’s the ultimate in exclusive holidays.
Our view
Two of the Expert Africa team have been lucky enough to stay on North Island – and it’s simply amazing. From its design, to its service levels, activities and food, North Island works very hard to exceed expectations and it does deliver a truly stupendous experience. It has a chunky price tag to match, though it's difficult to argue that it doesn't offer value for money. It’s the ultimate in exclusive holidays.
Seychelles expert
Accommodation
11 villas
Children
Excellent for children.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 95 pictures and 1 videos of North Island to get the candid view.
View galleryNorth Island: Our full report
North Island lodge in the Seychelles is one of the most luxurious and exclusive retreats in the world.
It is beautifully set on an island larger than Monte Carlo, which is also called North Island. Beside the amazing location, North Island is marked out by its stylish design, outstanding service and excellent food. For us, its fascinating ecology – and genuine commitment to ecological restoration – also make it very attractive.
It is no wonder it has received many awards and keeps attracting euphoric travellers. North Island is a spectacular destination for honeymooners but also for families, as all villas will comfortably take a family of four.
The interior design of North Island’s villas is characterised by a tasteful combination of traditional styles from mainland Africa, Zanzibar and Bali and the clean lines and open spaces of contemporary design. Intricate, hand-cut floor and door carvings meet concertina glass walls; shaggy, woven thatching covers a sunken marble bath; coral rock curtains contrast with super-soft cotton bed linen. Each and every detail has been carefully considered, and it shows!
There are eleven villas on North Island:
- Ten thatched Presidential Villas and
- The even larger and more luxurious Villa North Island, which is set separately from the others.
The villas one to ten, also known as Presidential Villas on North Island, are nestled in the tree-line, facing onto Anse d’Est Beach. Each of them measures 450 square metres and can accommodate up to four travellers. Every one has a large master bedroom with a writing area, change-room and dressing table. The massive en-suite bathroom is fitted with a marble bath, an indoor and an outdoor shower.
A completely separate, large second room is furnished with woven coffee tables and deep, slouchy sofa beds in crushed velvets, linen and chenilles. It can be used as study, lounge, theatre or - at an additional cost - to sleep children aged 19 or under. At night it can be transformed into a complete private cinema with projector, screen and surround sound.
Between the two rooms is an open-sided lounge and dining area which leads seamlessly onto the outdoor deck, and to the back of this is the kitchenette, which is used by your butler to help prepare drinks and food, if you choose to eat in your own villa.
The bedrooms are air-conditioned and all rooms possess overhead “punkah punkah" fans and WiFi internet access. From most places in the villa you can enjoy great views over the turquoise water and fresh lawns in front through fully retracting sliding doors. Beside each villa’s private ocean-view plunge pool there are lungers and an umbrella, as well as a shady, open-air sala.
Villa North Island is separately hidden away in the takamaka forest, on a rock spectacularly overlooking the extreme north of the Anse d’est Beach. With 750 square metres, it offers even more uniquely designed space than the other villas as well as a private spa area.
You enter the bedroom suite at Villa North Island via a palm-framed bridge made from two long casuarina trunks. The en-suite bathroom offers fantastic views reaching across Anse d’Est, to Praslin, Mahe and La Digue. Down the staircase you can find a sunken deck with an outdoor shower, which is surrounded by a large granite boulder. A few metres from there around the boulder is a wooden deck with massage beds, also called ‘spa al fresco’, where you can pamper yourself while enjoying the view over the Indian Ocean.
All of North Island’s villas have been individually handcrafted using local stone, wood and glass by craftsmen from the Seychelles and all Africa. They are built of materials from the rehabilitation process as far as possible. Felled alien and dead indigenous trees have been aesthetically integrated into the buildings’ roofs, balustrades and stairways. As a result, all common areas and villas on North Island blend effortlessly into their surroundings. They are raised more than one metre above the ground in order to catch the refreshing island breezes.
North Island’s common areas include:
- a common dining area,
- a private dining sala,
- a double-sided bar,
- a picnic area on the beach,
- a Gym & Spa,
- a main pool,
- the Dive and Activity Centre,
- a library and
- a boutique.
Next to the lounge is the library which provides a range of interesting books and a computer with Internet access. Talks about North Island’s fauna and flora, history and environmental programmes are given here on alternate days. Situated on the east beach of the island, this former copra shack built of coral blocks is also a relaxed venue for some pre-dinner drinks and a chat.
Only a few metres beside the library on the beachfront there is another former copra shack, which nowadays is the well-equipped Dive and Activity Centre. It includes indoor and outdoor tuition areas and changing rooms. Most activities on North Island, such as scuba diving or boat cruises, are coordinated from here.
Behind the activity centre, gifts, books, jewellery, clothes, designer swimwear, homeware, arts and crafts are for sale in North Island’s boutique, which feels a bit reminiscent of a souk.
Above the central piazza and just a short walk from there along the granite outcrop you can get into some exercise or relax in the main swimming pool. The 45m long infinity pool is beautifully tucked away between tall, lush palms, while still allowing lovely glances onto the beach and the sea below. Its marble stone blends softly into North Island’s rocks.
Further up North island’s mountain, you reach the air-conditioned, well-equipped Gym and North Island’s luxurious Spa, both of which have great views over the Indian Ocean
At the spa, the staff aims at providing not only excellent but also highly personalised treatments that incorporate both the ‘Dr. Hauschka’ skincare range and many local products. Here, travellers can pamper themselves from head to toe. Typical options for facial skin care are cleansing and revitalising treatments or eyebrow and eyelash tinting. Holistic body treatments include e.g. hot stone and back, shoulder and neck massages as well as a special ‘Dr. Hauschka’ treatment. As finishing touches, North Island’s spa offers manicure, pedicure and waxing.
On request, guests can also enjoy treatments in the privacy of their villa on North Island. Note that spa treatments are charged as an extra here; they are not included.
On the other side of the island, on north end of the West Beach of North Island, you can find the very cool Sunset Bar. This rustic bar is a lovely place to enjoy North Island-style snacks and cocktails while watching the sunset – and while it has a trendy, relaxed vibe there are rarely more than a few people here.
Even though the island’s villas are often full, North Island usually feels empty to the visitor. Be it a very quiet Sunset Bar, or a main piazza that only has a few tables occupied, our experience is that it always feels as if you have the island largely to yourself. This is due to a combination of North Island’s size, and because many people spend the majority of their time enjoying the space and luxury in their own villas.
Geographics
- Location
- North Island, Seychelles
- Ideal length of stay
- Best at least 5 nights; some people stay for months!
- Directions
- North Island is about 20 to 30 minutes by helicopter from Mahe Airport. You will be welcomed on the helipad, which is at the north end of the island.
Alternatively boat transfers (usually by a private catamaran) can be arranged if flight times allow. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- The cuisine at North Island lodge combines a Créole base influenced by French, Indian and African flavours with flares from all over the world, e.g. Italy, Spain, Japan and England.
North Island’s chef usually explains the lodge’s culinary concept to travellers, who are encouraged to tell him about their meal preferences. This way an extensive daily menu is prepared. However, this is merely a suggestion; guests on North Island receive meals prepared completely on individual request. You can ask for what you like, and usually they will be able to prepare it for you.
All dishes contain very fine natural products, which are often grown locally. The vegetable and herb gardens on North Island and the rich fishing grounds around the Seychelles provide the cuisine with the freshest ingredients.
When we last stayed on North Island the food was excellent, particularly with regard to sea food and 'sushi' starters from freshly-landed fish. We often took the chef's suggestions, however, when we requested specific dishes of our own choice several times, they were beautifully prepared, too. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Dining is very flexible in time and location on North Island. You can enjoy your meals for example against a backdrop of rocks, forest and the sea in the common dining area, next to the lily pond in the private dining sala, in the Sunset Bar or in the shade of a tall takamaka tree on the beach. You are free to choose the place you like best!
During our last stay on North Island we chose to dine a couple of times in our villa, once over at West Beach, and several times in the main piazza. The latter seldom had more than a dozen other diners, and so always felt very quiet. - Drinks included
- The list of beverages on north Island is split into two: one section of wines which are included in the cost, and a separate 'reserve' list, for which there are extra charges.
To our slight surprise, the 'included' list was very extensive – with both, a range of interesting offerings from the Old and New worlds, and some excellent and eclectic vintages from slightly offbeat areas, from Alsace to Chile. Even committed wine buffs will find enough to explore for a week or so at North Island Lodge. The 'included' list also contains common spirits and cocktails as well as soft drinks.
Only the more costly and esoteric spirits – like old whiskies and cognacs – are found on North Island Lodge’s reserve list. That said, the separate 'reserve' list was vastly extensive with a number of first-growth clarets – often available for different vintages – and a strong selection of top-end vintage champagnes. If you want to drink Petrus, Margaux and Dom Pérignon, you can do so on North Island; given the quality of the wines on offer, the prices for them were very fair.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The lounge of each sumptuous, stylish beach villa at North Island can easily sleep two children. It serves the top end of the market for family beach holidays in the Seychelles, so come for a beautiful setting, excellent service and ultimate exclusivity!
- See ideas for Family holidays in Seychelles
- Honeymoons
- Seychelles honeymooners here are spoiled with stunning beaches, luxurious villas, absolute privacy, outstanding service and many romantic extras. No wonder even Prince William and Kate spent their beach honeymoon on the stylish North Island in the Seychelles!
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Seychelles
- Beach holidays
- North Island’s private villas are all close to one of four powdery white sand beaches here, lapped by the Indian Ocean’s clear, turquoise water. An amazing location, excellent service and food make this one of the best beach stays in the Seychelles!
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Seychelles
- Birdwatching
- North Island may be of special interest to birdwatchers in the Seychelles for the 25 endangered Seychelles white-eye which were reintroduced here in 2007. There are now about 60; the world population is only about 300!
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Seychelles
- Diving & snorkelling
- With clear water, a variety of fish and experienced dive masters, North Island’s luxurious private villas make a superb base for diving and snorkelling holidays in the Seychelles. Guided scuba dives start from the well-equipped Dive and Activity Centre.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Seychelles
- Wellbeing
- North Island in the Seychelles has a top-notch Spa, set on a mountain with stunning views. It offers highly personalised treatments incorporating local products and the ‘Dr. Hauschka’ skincare range; many can also be enjoyed in the luxury of your own private villa.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Seychelles
- Private villas & houses
- North Island is the amazing location of one of the world’s most exclusive retreats. Each of its 11 private villas sleeps up to four guests, and comes with a butler and a buggy. It’s the ultimate in private beach villas in the Seychelles!
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Seychelles
- Luxury
- Arriving by helicopter, you know that North Island is a world-class retreat. It offers an unparalleled sense of luxury, but it’s never stuffy or formal. You’ll find artisan-made furniture, service and food made to suit you and natural beauty supported by excellent conservation work.
- See ideas for Luxury in Seychelles
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome here; every villa has a separate room which can function as bedroom for up to two children. There are substantial rate reductions for children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- The North Island team is exceedingly focused on the needs of their guests, and we’d expect them to be very helpful indeed, doing whatever they can to help children enjoy their time here.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes, North Island is very flexible; it's a superb place for a family holiday.
Communications
- Communications
- There is satellite television, a DVD/CD system and wireless Internet access in each of the villas.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There are first-aid trained staff, and a doctor is a short helicopter flight away, on Mahe Island.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- North Island is a remote private island, and there is nobody here who is not connected to the lodge. Security measures are generally redundant.
- Fire safety
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Full laundry service is included.
- Accepted payment on location
- Credit cards, US Dollars, Euros, and GB Pounds are accepted as payment for extras.
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North Island's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of North Island.
When to go to North Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit North Island in North Island
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
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