I just came back from a bridesmaids’ trip to the Seychelles filled with copious amounts of sun, sand, and piña coladas. We spent 6 nights between a private villa and a White Lotus-kind-of-resort on Mahé, the archipelago’s largest island. Though we only stayed one week, we made a lifetime’s worth of precious memories, swam in beautiful, calm, turquoise waters, hiked in lush jungle forests, fed giant tortoises, and lounged on pristine shorelines framed by surreal granite boulders.
It’s even more stunning than the Instagram photos! But paradise comes with a few quirks, so before you pack your swimsuit and floppy hat, there are a few things you should know to make your trip smooth and unforgettable.
Here are my top tips for anyone visiting Seychelles:
Get Your Travel Authorisation
Don’t forget to apply for your Travel Authorisation (TA) before your trip to Seychelles! It’s a quick and easy online process you can complete on the Seychelles government website up to 10 days before your flight. You’ll need your passport info, a selfie, flight and accommodation details, and to pay a fee.
The application usually gets approved within 24 hours, and you’ll receive a digital permit you can print or save on your phone. This is mandatory for all visitors, so make sure you have it handy to show immigration upon arrival.
It Is An Expensive Place
The Seychelles isn’t exactly a budget backpacker haven. The archipelago has a very high cost of living, as almost everything is imported. As a result, accommodation, food and drink, and activities are on the steeper side. Accommodations range from luxurious villas and high-end resorts to hostels and self-catering apartments. While you can always opt for something less expensive, rates are still higher than in many other locations around the world.
Cash Is King
Credit cards are gaining traction around the Seychelles, but smaller businesses only accept cash, so make sure you come prepared. Unless you spend your entire time in an upscale resort, you will definitely need cash for most purchases, from transport to food to activities and souvenirs.
The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR), but US Dollars and, especially, Euros are widely accepted. You can exchange your currency for rupees at the airport or at any bank in Victoria, the capital of Mahé. ATMs are available on the main islands, but they can be limited to the more remote ones. Also, they don’t always work, so plan accordingly. I, for instance, encountered a bit of an issue regarding my BBVA Visa card.
Contactless Payment Not So Much
While some hotels and restaurants in popular tourist areas offer contactless payments, not many do yet, so make sure you carry your physical debit/credit card with you. There are daily limits for contactless transactions, typically around SCR 1,000 (around €230), with a lower limit per transaction (around SCR 350 or €80). You might be asked to enter your PIN for transactions exceeding these limits.
Getting Around
Getting around the Seychelles depends on where you are! On Mahé and Praslin, the major islands, buses are cheap, plentiful, and cover most areas. Renting a car gives you more freedom, but be prepared for narrow, winding roads and driving on the left.
Hiring a driver or getting a taxi is convenient for short trips but can be pricey, so negotiate fares beforehand.
For island hopping, ferries are the best option, with Cat Cocos the most popular company. They’re reliable and comfortable, although booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Domestic flights are quicker but much more expensive.
If You Can Afford It, Hire a Boat
One of the highlights of our trip to Seychelles was the day we hired a boat from Victoria to take us on a snorkeling trip around Mahé. We saw colorful fish, had a delicious lunch prepared for us by one of the crew members, and sailed to the most amazing Robinson Crusoe-style beaches – some tiny patches of sugar-white sands framed by lush jungle and gin-clear waters only reachable by water. It was magical!
Pack Wisely
Seychelles is all about beachwear and casual attire. The weather is hot and humid year-round and stays warm throughout the evenings, so opt for light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers, and don’t forget your swimsuit(s). The dress code is generally relaxed, but remember to respect local customs and cover up when visiting religious sites.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season from November to March, bring a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear. A pair of hiking boots will come in handy if you’re planning on exploring the hiking trails.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, toiletries, snorkeling gear, and any medicines you may need throughout your trip. Stores and pharmacies are quite limited in certain areas, and the selection won’t be vast.
Also, keep in mind that the Seychelles uses the British three-prong plug. If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type, you’ll need to pack a travel adapter.
But Leave Space for Souvenirs
Seychelles offers a variety of beautiful and unique crafts that you won’t find anywhere else. From locally-produced spices and artwork to colorful textiles and handcrafted jewelry made from shells and pearls, there are plenty of options to choose from. I couldn’t resist bringing home a bunch of seashell necklaces, some beautiful hand-painted bowls made from coconuts, and some aromatic vanilla tea made from the finest vanilla pods grown on the islands. My only regret? Not grabbing a bottle (or two) of the local Takamaka rum!
The Seychelles International Airport has a duty-free shopping area with a decent selection of souvenirs, but for the best prices and most authentic finds, head to the Victoria Market or explore the charming local shops.
Protect Yourself and the Coral Reefs
Due to its location near the equator, the sun is very strong in the Seychelles, so be sure to wear sunscreen with a high SPF every day, even if it is cloudy.
However, traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs and marine life. Using reef-safe sunscreen helps minimize environmental impact and protect the pristine underwater habitats of Seychelles. Additionally, it’s a responsible and eco-friendly choice that supports the conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in the islands.
Roaming Charges
Roaming charges can be very expensive in Seychelles. One gigabyte of mobile internet can cost an average of 5.43 US dollars, which is one of the most expensive in Africa. Consider buying a prepaid SIM card with a data plan at the International Airport upon arrival. This will be a much more affordable option than using your phone’s roaming service. The two main mobile service providers in Seychelles are Airtel and Cable & Wireless.
I didn’t get one and only used hotel WiFi for basic tasks, but if you’re someone who can’t stay away from the phone too long, I would highly recommend it.
There Are Bats Everywhere
…literally everywhere. And they are huge! You could see them hanging in trees around the resort and even majestically soaring over the beach in broad daylight, which was shocking.
Despite their size, I quickly learned that not only are they harmless, but they also play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal within the island ecosystems. Apparently, the islands are home to nine species of bats, some of which you can only find in Seychelles.
The ones I was spotting were the Seychelles fruit bats, also known as the flying foxes (Pteropus seychellensis) due to their furry, rusty orange bodies. They are native to the islands and known for their loud calls and impressive wingspan, which reaches up to one meter.
While I wouldn’t call myself a bat enthusiast (truth be told, I’m usually terrified of them!), this was quite an experience, and it definitely added a whole new dimension to the island vibes!
Don’t Come for the Nightlife
If you’re looking for a wild party scene, you won’t find it here. The nightlife in Seychelles is more about enjoying the beautiful surroundings and relaxing with a drink in hand than about partying all night long. Many resorts and hotels have beach bars and restaurants offering live music and stunning views of the ocean, but they usually close before midnight.