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Heaven Awaits in the Seychelles
For luxury holidays Seychelles has it all. The islands enjoy a warm tropical climate year round with temperatures rarely falling below 24 degrees, or rising above 32 degrees centigrade.
- October to March there are Northwest trade winds when the sea is generally calm with warm tropical weather. Southeast trade winds come May to September when the weather is generally drier and cooler, with choppy seas particularly on south-eastern coasts.
- As the islands of the Seychelles are outside the cyclone belt, high winds and thunderstorms are rare. Heavier rain tends to be mid December to mid January, with heavier showers extending from November to February.
- At particular times of the year, certain beaches are not suitable for swimming due to strong underwater currents. We will be happy to advise you which islands and resorts are best for your time of travel.
Best Times for Particular Activities
- Scuba Diving – March to May and September to November
- Bird Watching – April (breeding season), May to September (nesting of Sooty Terns) and October (migration)
- Hiking / walks and trails – May to September
- Surfing / windsurfing – June to September
- Fishing – October to April
- Sailing – Year round
- Snorkelling – there is seaweed on Praslin’s north and north west coast between May and September.
With worldwide weather becoming more erratic and harder to predict we cannot be held responsible for a disruption to your holiday due to bad weather.
Island Hopping
Island Hopping is an excellent way to make the most of your Seychelles luxury holiday as it gives you the chance to discover more than one aspect of the Seychelles. Many islands are just tiny coral atolls, studded in the Indian Ocean and offer an amazingly secluded castaway experience. Each has its own treasures to explore and atmosphere to enjoy.
Choose to travel by plane, boat or helicopter and Beachcomber’s knowledgeable team who know everything there is to know about Seychelles luxury holidays will be pleased to assist in tailor making your own individual island itinerary. For inspiration, we’ve included four of our most popular trips.
Getting Around
Air Seychelles domestic flights have good reliable connections between the islands. Mahé is the hub of most flights around the Seychelles.
Mahé to Praslin: 15 mins – frequent daily flights
Mahé to Denis: 30 mins – 6 flights weekly, excluding Wednesdays
Mahé to Bird: 30 mins – 1 flight per day
Mahé to Desroches: 30 mins – 5 flights weekly
Travelling by Boat
Arriving by boat can add to your island experience, but the sea can be rough at times. We recommend boat transfers between the inner islands, not for longer journeys. Praslin to La Digue offers daily transfers by motor schooner.
Helicopter Transfers
What better way is there of starting one of our Seychelles luxury holidays that to get around the islands by helicopter, it’s quick, exciting and the views on arrival can be spectacular. Mahé to Frégate, Cousine and North Island is by helicopter transfer only.
Check in/check out
It is not always possible to have your room ready immediately on arrival. Your check in is 2pm, and check out by 10am. If however the hotel has rooms available, they will be able to allocate this to you. We recommend that you have your swimwear handy when you arrive, and make use of the complimentary facitlies where you will be able to shower and change, and store your luggage.
What to pack
Light clothing for tropical conditions. It is advisable to carry a change of light clothing for disembarkation when coming from a cooler climate. Swimwear, shorts and tee shirts are suitable during the day, and casual eveningwear is expected for the evenings. To ensure our Seychelles luxury holidays are everything you envisioned our hotels opreate a smart casual dress code so jackets and ties are not required for your comfort.
Walking shoes for those who are adventurous and looking to explore some of the trails and walks available.
You will need to take sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and high UV protection sun cream. Even on an overcast day the tropical sun is strong.
Cameras and plenty of film are essential for recording your holiday memories. Batteries for cameras are not readily available, and film can be expensive.
Currency
The Seychelles Rupee is divided into 100 cents. Visitors are required to use only foreign currency when making payments in hotels, or other hospitality related expenses such as any excursions. Small incidental purchases in restaurants outside hotels, shopping (excluding duty free shops) and taxi fares are payable in local currency. All major credit cards are accepted.
Time
Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT.
Visas
There are no visa requirements to enter the Seychelles. You will need a passport valid for 6 months after your return date, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Health
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from infected areas. There is no malaria risk in the Seychelles.
Opening Hours
Banks – Monday to Friday 0800 to 1400, and on Saturday 0800 to 1100. All banks handle travellers cheques and foreign exchange transactions. Passports are required for all transactions and nominal commissions may be charged.
Shops
The main shopping area is on Mahé at Victoria. They are open weekdays 0900 to 1600, and on Saturdays 0800 to 1200. Shops are closed on Sunday.
Language and Culture
There are three national languages in the Seychelles, Creole, French and English.
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, but there are also Anglican and other Protestant churches, as well as smaller Muslim, Hundu and Baha’i communities based on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Places of Interest
Excursions can be booked through our ground handlers Masons or alternatively you can ask at your hotel.
- Victoria is the capital of Mahé and Seychelles, and one of the smallest capitals in the world. It can be easily explored on foot in less than a day.
- National History Museum contains many historical artefacts and often has exhibitions on display. Open Monday to Friday 0830 to 1630, and Saturday 0830 to 1200. Small entry fee is charged.
- National Culture Centre is home to the National Library, the National Gallery and the National Archives. Open Monday to Friday 0800 to 1630 and Saturday 0830 to 1200.
- Natural History Museum contains a collection of shells and insects, including some of the biggest beetles in the world! There are also rare preserved artefacts of the now extinct Seychelles Crocodiles! Open Monday to Friday 0830 to 1200. Small entry fee applies.
- The Botanical Gardens were established 100 years ago, and now cover 6 hectares. Guided tours are available and worthwhile. Be sure to see the land tortoise pen, the Coco-de-mer tree, and the elephant apple tree.
Open Monday to Sunday 0600 to 1800. - Day trips and excursions – most of the resorts offer day trips and excursions to other islands. You can book boat or helicopter trips and visit some of the other beautiful beaches of the Seychelles.
