Located at least 450 kilometers off the coast of Africa with some islands a 1,000 kilometers further, the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago offers a wide variety of scuba diving and snorkeling sites, unique bird watching opportunities and outstanding sailing conditions.
In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Seychelles:
Table of contents
Where to stay?
I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Seychelles as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.
Most visitors will find the three main islands, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, as the primary destinations for tourist. There are another eight inner islands and only two outer islands that have accommodations.
The archipelago has a small liveaboard industry that provide divers the opportunity to visit dive sites only accessible by liveaboards.
Activities and excursions in Seychelles
The Seychelles are very remote and have limited activities. Its remoteness has given it some unique nature, Many people come here for bird watching.
The large number of undeveloped islands are also ideal for hiking and nature walks.
The strong trade winds at different times of the year also draw sailors to the area.
Best time to visit Seychelles
The islands are only a few degrees south of the equator giving them warm weather year round. The trade winds have the greatest impact on the weather. While most activities can be done year round , here is a list of some of the best times for different activities.
- Scuba Diving: March – May / September – November
- Bird Watching: April (breeding season), May – September (nesting of Sooty Terns) October (migration)
- Hiking: May – September
- Sailing and Snorkeling: year round
Health and Safety
The country poses no unique health problems. Health care is available on the islands where tourist are found. However, medical insurance including medical evacuation is highly suggested.
Scuba Divers should also have dive insurance, the Country has just one recompression chamber.
If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Seychelles, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Where is Seychelles located in the world?
The Seychelles archipelago, sits 480 kilometers off the coast of Africa with 115 islands spanning a distance of over 1,100 kilometers.
How to get to Seychelles?
The following airlines list flying into Seychelles:
- Air Austral
- Air France
- Air Seychelles
- Condor
- Emirates
- Etihad
- Kenya Airways
These airline fly direct to the following cities and using their hubs to connect to other locations. Flights may not always be daily.
- Addis Ababa
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Mumbai
- Colombo
- Paris
- Johannesburg
Please note that many of these airlines have code share agreements, which means a single plane could be listed under different flight numbers
Do I need a visa for Seychelles?
Seychelles has no requirements to obtain a visa before arriving in the country. Tourist are given permission to enter the country for one month. They may extended that permission for two months for a total of 3 months. They may further extend in three month intervals provided the visitor has not taken employment. The following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport:
- A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation; including contact details
- Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Getting Around
There is local air service multiple times a day to Praslin, four other islands may be reached by infrequent air service or charter flights.
There is an extensive ferry service that connects the occupied islands.
The larger islands have bus service
Seychelles is a remarkable destination for those who are interested in sailing, nature and scuba diving. It does not have a large tourism industry, so it only draw those who are serious about diving, sailing or nature
Seychelles Photos
Scuba diving
You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Seychelles Diving
Diving Reviews for this region
Seychelles
Seychelles offers pristine dive sites in a relaxed laid back destination.
Liveaboard Reviews in Seychelles
SY Sea Bird
Silhouette Cruises, based in the Seychelles, were founded in 1997. With their fleet of sailing vessels they offer some of the most stylish, elegant and comfortable ways to enjoy a cruise of wonderful islands of the Seychelles. SY Sea Bird is one of the
SY Sea Star
SY Sea Star. Sleek. Luxurious. She is owned by Silhouette Cruises, based in the Seychelles, who were founded in 1997. They offer some of the most satisfying ways to enjoy an adventure cruising the wonderful islands of the Seychelles – the ‘jewel of the
MV Galatea
The Seychelles islands are a magical place to visit and dive and there are few better ways to tour the area and experience it’s blue waters and stunning reefs than the MV Galatea. Sometimes known as the ‘jewel of the Indian Ocean’, the Seychelles are a
SY Sea Shell
Silhouette Cruises, based in the Seychelles, were founded in 1997. Unlike many of the more ‘modern’ vessels on which you may spend a liveaboard trip, SY Sea Shell and her sister vessels of Silhouette Cruises are traditional sailing vessels. The vessels
SY Sea Pearl
Unlike many of the more ‘modern’ vessels on which you may spend a liveaboard trip, SY Sea Pearl and her sister vessels of Silhouette Cruises are traditional sailing vessels. Silhouette Cruises, based in the Seychelles, were founded in 1997. The vessels
If you have been to Seychelles before, please share your experiences, ideas and feedback (Hotel, Excursions, General Feeling,…) in the comments section below, by doing so you will help fellow travellers to plan their next trip