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Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel
Hotel L'Archipel

About Hotel L'Archipel

At the end of the sandy sweep of the Côte d'Or on Praslin's north-east shore, and above the secluded beach ...

... of Anse Gouvernement, Hotel L'Archipel is an old-school hotel reminiscent of the island's colonial past. Built in 1987 by its Seychellois owner, Louis D'Offay, the hotel's peppermint-painted buildings, panoramic views and colourfully planted gardens lend it a distinctly tropical feel. With a more formal vibe than many of the island's other properties, it attracts a slightly older, European crowd and a smattering of honeymooners.

Hotel L'Archipel has an enviably lovely location and plenty of space, and aside from the Superior rooms, the accommodation has been beautifully thought out. If you are looking for a fairly classic island experience, with a touch of understated elegance, Hotel L'Archipel is a very good option on Praslin.

Our view

Hotel L'Archipel has an enviably lovely location and plenty of space, and aside from the Superior rooms, the accommodation has been beautifully thought out. If you are looking for a fairly classic island experience, with a touch of understated elegance, Hotel L'Archipel is a very good option on Praslin.

Anton Walker

Anton Walker

Seychelles expert

Accommodation

32 rooms and suites

Children

Best for 14+

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Traveller reviews of Hotel L'Archipel

4 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


95%
4 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
3
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
The B familyfromBristol

Arrived 13 Aug 2012, 5 nights

"Wow what a place to stay"

"Absolutely amazing place, I would recommend to anybody, must be seen to be …" Read The B family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr HfromDevon

Arrived 1 Oct 2011, 3 nights

"Hotel L'Archipel review"

"Managemnt were very off hand and seemed only interested in selling excursions. …" Read Mr H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

The W familyfromGermany

Arrived 11 Jun 2011, 4 nights

"Hotel L'Archipel review"

"A delightful Hotel. We had a room just back from the beach with a wonderful view …" Read The W family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr PfromChipping Norton

Arrived 9 Apr 2011, 3 nights

"Trip to Praslin very enjoyable"

"Hotel l'Archipel was lovely with excellent food, service and ambience. …" Read Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Hotel L'Archipel reviews

Hotel L'Archipel: Our full report

At the end of the sandy sweep of the Côte d'Or on Praslin's north-east shore, and above the secluded beach ...

... of Anse Gouvernement, Hotel L'Archipel is an old-school hotel reminiscent of the island's colonial past. Built in 1987 by its Seychellois owner, Louis D'Offay, the hotel's peppermint-painted buildings, panoramic views and colourfully planted gardens lend it a distinctly tropical feel. With a more formal vibe than many of the island's other properties, it attracts a slightly older, European crowd and a smattering of honeymooners.

Spread over the large hillside estate, L’Archipel has 32 rooms and suites: 5 Superior rooms, 18 Deluxe rooms, 7 Senior suites and 2 Family suites. The interiors within each category are broadly similar, but the locations vary from beach to hillside, and some are in the ‘plantation house’ accommodation building, on the hillside just above the hotel’s main area. If you have a strong preference, it's important to specify this at the time of booking.

  • The 18 Deluxe rooms and 5 Superior rooms (60 m2) are in neat semi-detached, stone-and-timber cottages dotted around the hillside on either side of the main area and swimming pool. Beyond the hibiscus bushes and a decked terrace, you’ll find plenty of space inside and around each cottage, which is a real asset. The rooms are all a little dark, and perhaps lacking some comfortable chairs, but all have a king-size bed, a good-size en-suite bathroom (some with a bath; some shower only) and an array of useful mod cons: air conditioning, IDD telephone, stocked minibar, tea/coffee station, safe, hairdryer and satellite television. Where they differ is in style rather than size or facilities: the Deluxe rooms have been refurbished and redecorated to give a more contemporary feel, whereas the décor of the Superior rooms feels very outdated.

    It is important to be aware that some of these rooms can be a reasonable walk, often uphill, from the main building, pool and beach, so less mobile guests may want to think carefully about a stay here. That said, the rooms further up the hillside are often the most coveted for their stunning views and secluded feel.


  • The seven Senior suites (65m2) are arguably the nicest option for couples staying at Hotel L'Archipel. Named after islands in the Seychelles, four of these suites are in the central 'plantation house' whilst others are set apart slightly further down the hillside. They are very spacious inside and well-proportioned for two people. The open-plan bedroom and small lounge area are a pleasant place to relax, watch TV and read during the midday heat.

    Standard to all are a large double bed, sleek wood furniture, including a writing desk for postcards home, and a mix of contemporary art and prints on the walls. You’ll also find modern wall and bedside lights, air conditioning, satellite television, a safe and a mini-fridge. The suites in the plantation house have ceilings beautifully panelled in timber, while some of the newer suites have more standard white ceilings with recessed lighting. All the Senior suites, however, have tiled floors to help keep the rooms cool. At the back of the room, there’s an en-suite bathroom with toilet, as well as a walk-in shower and bathtub, while at the front is an ocean-facing terrace with patio furniture where you can opt to enjoy your breakfast.
  • The two Family suites (120m2) are on the penthouse floor of the 'plantation house' building,. These suites are vast, characterised by terracotta-tiled floors, wooden furniture and spacious balconies. They are certainly the largest of the rooms available at Hotel L'Archipel.

    Each of the suites has a master bedroom, with a contemporary four-poster bed, dressing table and satellite television. Towels masterfully shaped into quirky animal figures are a lovely touch. Off the master bedroom is a very large en-suite bathroom with a corner bath, separate shower and toilet, as well as a timber dressing room with ample wardrobe space. There is a separate lounge with a plasma TV, stereo and minibar, and access to the large veranda. Off the lounge, in what is actually the entrance hall, is a second 'bedroom' with two single beds. There is also a further dressing area, toilet and shower room. The rooms are naturally air-conditioned but also have ceiling fans.
At the centre of the property is the grand-looking main building, with its large arched windows and multi-level terraces. On the upper level is the poolside bar, offering aperitifs and after-dinner drinks at candlelit tables under the stars. Immediately adjacent is an inviting hillside infinity pool with views down to the lovely sandy beach below. Overlooking the bay from high arched windows on this upper level is the formal La Feuille d'Or restaurant. Downstairs, the less formal La Gigolette restaurant serves casual breakfast buffets, à la carte light lunches on the beach, and buffet dinners. On our most recent visit in July 2015, the hotel was in the process of building a beach bar, with a view to completion that season.

On our last visit, we found that the service overall was somewhat variable: at times very good indeed and at others, slow and perfunctory rather than bad. And as in many Seychellois hotels, extras were expensive.

In the evening, there may be live entertainment, usually twice a week. During our most recent stay this included an engaging and lively local moutya band performing – and encouraging guests to join in – traditional Seychellois dances and music. We thoroughly enjoyed it and certainly worked up an appetite to enjoy the delicious Creole cuisine. On a previous visit, an engaging guitarist wandered the tables, playing an eclectic muli-lingual mix of Creole and European classics.

The beach at L’Archipel is lovely, and although it’s public, like all beaches in Seychelles, it feels quite private and secluded. There are sunloungers for the sun-worshippers, while the more energetic can arrange aquatic activities at the hotel's watersports centre: paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, diving, snorkelling and island boat trips to the superb beach at Anse Lazio or perhaps rocky Saint-Pierre islet for some gentle but rewarding snorkelling. Although there is no spa at Archipel, in-room massages can be arranged with a day’s notice.

Geographics

Location
Praslin Island, Seychelles
Ideal length of stay
From three nights to a week
Directions
If you're arriving by plane (approx 20 minutes from Mahé), Hotel L'Archipel is a pleasant 30-minute drive from the airport across the island, through the Vallée de Mai National Park. Alternatively, if you arrive by ferry in Baie St Anne from either Mahé or La Digue, you can follow the clearly marked signs from the jetty towards Côte d'Or; it’s a ten-minute drive and you will see the Hotel L'Archipel entrance sign on your right.

You can arrange a hire car for collection at the port or airport, or the hotel will organise a meet-and-greet transfer.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
There are two restaurants at Hotel L'Archipel: La Gigolette for casual breakfast buffets, à la carte lunches on the beach, and buffet dinners, and La Feuille d'Or for formal dinners.

A limited bar menu is available for poolside snacks (expensive and uninspiring toasted sandwiches and ice creams) and drinks during the day, and the beach bar serves tropical cocktails to sun-worshipping guests.
.
On our most recent visit, we enjoyed a fabulous Creole buffet at La Feuille d’Or, and a table d’hôte dinner in the less formal atmosphere of La Gigolette.

Though the atmosphere actually felt quite relaxed on the Creole evening, La Feuille d’Or is otherwise distinctly formal, with guests generally making an effort to dress smartly.

On the table d’hôte evenings at La Gigolette, there are choices for each course, usually including a fish or meat option and a vegetarian choice. We found the quality was very good and portions well-sized.

During our stay, we saw a family with older children in the dining room, though the relatively hushed tone in the formal La Feuille d’Or could make many families with younger children feel slightly uneasy.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available from 7.30am to 10.00pm. A tray charge of SCR140 for room service applies across all room categories.
Drinks included
Wine and spirits are available to accompany all meals, but drinks are not included.

Special interests

Honeymoons
Set at the end of a long beach, Hotel l'Archipel is a sophisticated hotel, with a strong French influence. You can expect good food and a relatively formal atmosphere, with guests usually dressing smartly for meals. It's a lovely choice for an elegant Seychelles honeymoon.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Seychelles
Beach holidays
Hotel L'Archipel on the small cove of Anse Gouvernement, has a smart, French feel and an almost-private beach, making it superb for a beach holiday. It’s also very close to the Anse Volbert Beach, with its beachfront restaurants and activity centres.
See ideas for Beach holidays in Seychelles
Luxury
Guest at the opulent Hotel L’Archipel get the idyllic beach all to themselves at this exclusive, secluded retreat – complete with beach-side dining in classic style. The well-maintained garden provides a place of peace for relaxing and feeling at ease whilst surrounded by beautiful flora.
See ideas for Luxury in Seychelles

Children

Attitude towards children
Hotel L'Archipel accepts children over three years of age
Property’s age restrictions
Children must be over three years old.
Special activities & services
There are no children's activities or dedicated facilities.
Equipment
No special equipment, such as cots and highchairs, is provided for younger guests.
Generally recommended for children
We would not normally recommend this hotel to visitors with younger children. Relatively formal by Praslin standards, it has a rather adults-only feel, with an emphasis on quiet relaxation and fairly reserved, 'proper' behaviour over dinner.
Notes
Should families with younger children choose to stay at Archipel, they should note that children need to be supervised at all times. There are numerous steep drops and stairs, and the pool is not fenced.

Communications

Power supply notes
UK -style 3-square-pin sockets are fitted throughout. International adaptors are normally available from reception.
Communications
There is an IDD telephone in each room and cellphone reception is good. Free WiFi is available in La Feuille d'Or restaurant area only. WiFi is available in the rooms, but for a charge; in July 2015 this was SCR200 (about £10) per device per day, or SCR500 (about £25) per device per week.
TV & radio
Satellite channels on plasma televisions are available in all guest rooms, though these are limited to some news, sport and movie channels. We found reception on many channels quite patchy.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
All rooms have a flushing toilet and shower. Some also have a bathtub.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There is a first-aid kit kept on the property and the hotel has a doctor on call if needed. For more serious incidents, Praslin Hospital in Baie Ste Anne offers health care services 24 hours a day. There is an ambulance available, and a helicopter for emergency transfers to Victoria Hospital on Mahé (daylight flights only), where hospital staff speak French, English and Creole.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The hotel has a security guard at the main gate, and the grounds are patrolled at night.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are located outside the rooms and there are smoke alarms fitted.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money
There is a safe in each room. The hotel can exchange money on request
Accepted payment on location
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Amex) are all accepted. Payments may also be made in cash with euro, pounds sterling, US dollars and Seychellois rupees.

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Hotel L'Archipel's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Hotel L'Archipel.


Other lodges in Praslin Island

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


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When to go to Praslin Island

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Hotel L'Archipel in Praslin 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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