01 · Coastal landscapes
Vallée de Mai
Praslin’s UNESCO-listed palm forest protects coco de mer and native wildlife. A park visit requires an arranged shore excursion.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
Granite islands, forest trails and protected shores
The destination is the experience
The Seychelles combine granite islands, tropical forest and low coral islands. Small-ship routes can reach beaches and nature reserves, while the inner islands and distant atolls offer very different access and wildlife experiences.
A journey through Vallée de Mai and the surrounding region brings the landscape into focus. Your ship connects the coastal places while guided excursions reveal the details that are easy to miss from the deck.
Choose the actual stops on the program, not just the destination name. Routes that include La Digue can offer a different balance of nature and culture from those centred on Sainte Anne islands. Activities, permits and walking demands vary by voyage.
When to go
Best time to travel: seasons & weather
Match your Seychelles route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.
Shore-excursion season in Seychelles at a glance
ExcellentGoodOff-season
Excellent, peak season (Mar – May & Oct – Nov)
Calm transition months: clear water, gentle winds and ideal conditions for island walks, giant tortoises and seabird reserves.
Good, shoulder season (Jun – Sep & Dec – Feb)
Trade-wind seasons bring rain (Dec to Mar) or breezier, drier days (Jun to Sep); excursions still run.
Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.
Peak season · Mar – May & Oct – Nov
Calm transition months: clear water, gentle winds and ideal conditions for island walks, giant tortoises and seabird reserves.
Shoulder season · Jun – Sep & Dec – Feb
Trade-wind seasons bring rain (Dec to Mar) or breezier, drier days (Jun to Sep); excursions still run.
| Typical pattern | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore conditions | Variable | Variable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Peak | Peak | Variable |
| Rain / snow · mm | 251 | 145 | 99 | 144 | 220 | 108 | 74 | 62 | 171 | 115 | 192 | 310 |
| Cruises | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Local conditions differ between coastlines and islands. The chart represents Victoria, Mahé, not every stop on a voyage. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.
Air temperatures through the year
Average daily highAverage daily low
Temperatures in Victoria, Mahé barely change through the year: daytime highs stay close to 28°C in every month, and even the coolest month (August) averages around 26°C. Nights typically fall about 2°C below the daytime high, so evenings stay mild. Pack for consistent warmth rather than seasons.
Victoria, Mahé · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, rounded for planning; not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.
Wildlife on land & along the coast
Meet the locals
The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.
Calmer-weather months
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Accessible island reserves
Visit island reserves to see introduced tortoises grazing grassland and woodland.
Inter-monsoon months
Seychelles Black Parrot
Praslin's palm forest trails
Walk Praslin's Vallée de Mai and nearby trails to listen and look for this dark parrot.
Year-round, calmer Apr–May & Oct–Nov
White-tailed Tropicbird
Wooded coastal slopes
Watch wooded coastal slopes and island margins for birds circling above nesting terrain.
Inter-monsoon months
Seychelles Fruit Bat
Coastal woodland & garden trees
Look up at dusk near large garden or woodland trees on the main granitic islands.
Breeding season, check locally
Lesser Noddy
Authorised island-reserve paths
Walk authorised reserve paths through coastal woodland to see nesting and roosting noddies.
Year-round, varies by island
Green Sea Turtle
Sandy nesting shores
Look along sandy shores and sheltered bays, though key rookeries are often remote.
Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.
Show all other animalsEvery shore tells a different story
Shore excursions worth planning around
These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day program.
02 · Local heritage
La Digue
Granite boulders, island lanes and beaches
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
03 · Guided exploration
Curieuse
local transport and shoreline access vary.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
04 · Nature ashore
Aride
Giant tortoises and coastal trails on an island visited under conservation rules.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
05 · Island experiences
Sainte Anne islands
A protected seabird island with seasonal landing restrictions and controlled access.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
06 · Route highlights
Mahé highlands
Near-Mahé islands offer beaches and protected-water outings where allowed.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
Granite & coral islands
Ancient granite islands differ sharply from low coral atolls and sandy cays.
Palm forests
Coco de mer palms, coastal woodland and humid uplands support island endemics.
Island reserves
Reserve access is managed; island landings may be limited by permits, tides and nesting seasons.
Choose places before cabins
Which Seychelles route is right for you?
Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
Inner granitic islands
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue routes combine villages, palms and granite coastlines.
Nature-reserve circuit
Choose confirmed Curieuse or Aride visits for reserve-focused shore days.
Outer-island voyages
Distant coral islands require longer, specialist programs and additional permissions.
Your base between shore days
Seychelles cruise ships
Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.
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Flights & arrival
How to get to Seychelles
Fly into Mahé (SEZ), usually via the Gulf hubs or Addis Ababa.
SEZ
Flight gateway
Mahé · Seychelles International
Ports on Mahé or Praslin are reached by short transfer, domestic flight or ferry. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Mahé with your operator before booking.
Connections & onward transfers
Onward journey
Ports on Mahé or Praslin are reached by short transfer, domestic flight or ferry.
Before departure
Arrive one day early.
Arrive early, protect your departure
We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.
- Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
- Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
- Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
- The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.
Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.
Before you set sail
A little preparation makes a big difference
Pack for the landings
- Grippy walking shoes and suitable footwear for wet landings
- Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen and refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket and a wind layer for boat transfers
- Binoculars and a camera, with no flash around wildlife
- Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure
Respect the destination
- Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
- Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
- Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
- Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
- Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.
Good to know
Seychelles cruise questions
When is the best time for a Seychelles cruise?
Calm transition months: clear water, gentle winds and ideal conditions for island walks, giant tortoises and seabird reserves. Trade-wind seasons bring rain (Dec to Mar) or breezier, drier days (Jun to Sep); excursions still run. The climate chart describes Victoria, Mahé; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Seychelles route should I choose?
Inner granitic islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue routes combine villages, palms and granite coastlines. Nature-reserve circuit: Choose confirmed Curieuse or Aride visits for reserve-focused shore days. Outer-island voyages: Distant coral islands require longer, specialist programs and additional permissions.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. Visits such as Vallée de Mai or La Digue require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Seychelles?
The region supports species such as Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Seychelles Black Parrot, White-tailed Tropicbird. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Seychelles?
Your cruise visits Seychelles. Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling.Official entry guidance
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.