Discover 
Seychelles

The Seychelles looks exactly like the screensaver

Giant granite boulders frame powder-white beaches, the water is impossibly clear, and giant tortoises wander through the gardens. Scattered across the Indian Ocean off East Africa, its 115 islands are among the most beautiful, and most exclusive, places on earth.

This is a destination for honeymoons, milestone birthdays and once-in-a-lifetime escapes. Spend your days snorkelling coral reefs, cycling between deserted bays on La Digue and hiking through palm forests found nowhere else in the world, then dine on Creole seafood as the sun goes down.

It's the ultimate aspirational island holiday.

Exclusive Holiday Getaways members can dream big in our weekly holiday giveaways. Membership also unlocks member rewards and supports our charity partners.

How to Get There from Australia

There are no direct flights from Australia. Most travellers connect through Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) or Abu Dhabi (Etihad) to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé.

  • Total travel time: usually 18 to 24 hours from the east coast, including a connection

  • From Perth: shorter, with connections via the Middle East or Asia

The Seychelles is six to seven hours behind Australian eastern time.

Getting Around the Seychelles

Ferries: the Cat Cocos ferry links Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

  • Domestic flights: Air Seychelles flies between Mahé and Praslin in about 15 minutes, with charters to private islands.

  • Hire car: the best way to explore Mahé and Praslin. Driving is on the left, and roads are narrow and winding.

  • Bicycles: the main way to get around La Digue, where there are very few cars.

Best Time to Visit

The Seychelles is warm year-round, around 26–31°C, and sits outside the cyclone belt.

April to May and October to November: the calm months between the trade winds, with the clearest water for snorkelling and diving. Often considered the best time to go.

May to September: cooler, drier and breezier, with choppier seas on some beaches.

December to March: hotter and more humid, with more rain, but still lots of sunshine.

Things to Do

Mahé

  • Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance: long sweeps of sand, from lively Beau Vallon to wild, secluded Anse Intendance.

  • Victoria: one of the world's smallest capitals, with a colourful market and clock tower.

  • Morne Seychellois National Park: hike through rainforest to mountain viewpoints.

  • Sainte Anne Marine Park: snorkel and glass-bottom boat trips around coral reefs.

Praslin

  • Vallée de Mai: a UNESCO-listed palm forest, home to the giant coco de mer nut and rare black parrots.

  • Anse Lazio: regularly named one of the world's best beaches.

  • Curieuse Island: walk among giant Aldabra tortoises.

La Digue

  • Anse Source d'Argent: the Seychelles' most photographed beach, famous for its sculpted granite boulders.

  • Cycling: pedal between beaches, cafés and plantations on an island with almost no cars.

  • Grand Anse and Petite Anse: dramatic beaches reached by a short jungle walk.

On and Under the Water

  • Snorkelling and diving: turtles, rays and reef sharks in clear, warm water.

  • Island-hopping cruises: sail to deserted islands for swimming and a beach barbecue.

  • Fishing: world-class deep-sea and fly fishing.

 

Where to Stay

Mahé: the widest choice, from beachfront resorts at Beau Vallon to luxury hideaways on the quieter south coast.

Praslin: relaxed beach hotels and boutique villas close to Anse Lazio and the Vallée de Mai.

La Digue: small guesthouses and boutique lodges with a slow, barefoot pace.

Private islands: some of the world's most exclusive resorts, for the ultimate splurge.

Self-catering villas: a good way to manage costs in an expensive destination.

Budget Guide

The Seychelles is one of the pricier destinations in the Indian Ocean. As a rough guide per person, per day, excluding flights:

  • Budget: around A$200–300 for guesthouses, self-catering and buses

  • Mid-range: around A$400–700 for a beach hotel, restaurant meals, ferries and a boat trip

  • Luxury: A$1,500+ for five-star resorts and private islands

Combining a self-catering villa with a few nights at a resort is a smart way to balance the budget.


Past Giveaways

Picture yourself on Anse Source d'Argent. Explore our latest holiday giveaways for your chance to win a dream island escape.

FAQs

No visa is needed, but every visitor must apply online for a Seychelles Travel Authorisation before arrival. It costs about EUR 12 per traveller, and you should apply at least 48 hours before you fly through the official government platform. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket and confirmed accommodation.

It's one of the world's top honeymoon destinations, with secluded beaches, romantic villas and private island resorts.

It's worth it. Most visitors split their time between Mahé and Praslin, with a day trip or a few nights on La Digue.

The Seychelles rupee (SCR). Cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, and euros are often accepted by tour operators. Carry some rupees for markets and smaller cafés.

EHG Experiences

Make your
next Holiday aReality

Turn daydreams into departures. Become a member today and make your next getaway a reality.

Never miss an offer or update

Subscribe and be the first to receive our news and exclusive offers.

Download Our
Mobile App

Download the EHG App to manage your account and use the interactive map to
easily find local deals and discounts near you.