Known for paradisiacal white beaches and tropical island charm, the Seychelles are the destination for exploration and relaxation. This Indian Ocean archipelago is composed of 115 islands—you’ll never run out of things to do, from snorkeling its shallow reefs, to wandering through the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, to lounging under a palm tree. The country has become a byword for luxurious travel, but a growing number of guesthouses and B&Bs has put the warm welcome offered by the Seychelles into the reach of more visitors.
The Seychelles—located off of Madagascar—are subject to the winds and storms of the Indian Ocean. Between April–May and October–November, these seasonal trade winds die down. This makes for hotter weather, and it also increases visibility below the water if you’re hoping to dive and snorkel. Avoid visiting in the monsoon months of December to February, and base your trip around the activities you want to prioritize.
Most visitors stay on the main island of Mahé, home to 90 percent of the Seychelles' population. It’s an easy island to get around—the capital city of Victoria is condensed and walkable, and the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation runs buses on Mahé and Praslin island. Otherwise, taxis are available (though pricey), and many resorts offer inclusive shuttle services for guests. Renting a car for a day is an option to see the island on your own.
For the smells and tastes of the Seychelles, make a visit to the Victoria Market, (officially the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market), which runs daily. Here, you’ll find tables piled high with locally grown spices—packets of cloves, nutmeg encased in brilliant red mace, and bottles of vanilla whose extract perfumes the air. You’ll also find plenty of fresh seafood, which adds a different sort of scent to things.
