Written by the Paramount Gorilla Expeditions team, based in Uganda, with the Seychelles islands compared one by one.
Most visitors choose between three main islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Each has its own character, and moving between them uses part of a day, so most trips combine two rather than all three.
Mahé
The largest island and the location of the international airport. It is often treated as a transit stop, which undersells it. Morne Seychellois National Park offers good hiking in misty forested peaks, and the capital, Victoria, is worth a half-day.
Praslin
A short flight or ferry from Mahé. Praslin is home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage palm forest protecting the coco de mer, the world's largest seed, and to some of the most photographed beaches, including Anse Lazio.
La Digue
A further short ferry hop from Praslin. La Digue moves at a deliberately slower pace, with bicycles and ox-carts as the main transport. Anse Source d'Argent, with its granite boulders, is one of the world's most photographed beaches.
How to combine the Seychelles islands
For trips under about ten days, we suggest Mahé for arrival and hiking, then either Praslin or La Digue for the beach finale. Transfer times and ferry schedules change, so we confirm them for your dates.
Sample Seychelles island combinations
- 5 to 6 days: Mahé only. See Seychelles 5 to 6 Days.
- 7 to 8 days: Mahé and Praslin. See Seychelles 7 to 8 Days.
- 9 to 10 days: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. See Seychelles 9 to 10 Days.
- 11 days or more: the same three islands, with more nights on Praslin and La Digue. See Seychelles 11 to 14 Days.
The crossing from Mahé to Praslin takes about an hour by ferry or about 15 minutes by domestic flight, and La Digue is a short ferry from Praslin.
When to go
The Seychelles has no true bad season. See the best time to visit Zanzibar and the Seychelles. Check entry requirements and diving and snorkelling. Seychelles is generally described as malaria-free, but confirm with your clinic. See vaccinations and malaria.
See also: Seychelles Grand Island Explorer: Mahé, Praslin & La Digue.
See also: Seychelles in 5 to 6 days, Seychelles in 7 to 8 days, Seychelles in 9 to 10 days and Seychelles in 11 to 14 days.
Plan your Seychelles islands trip
Keep planning with our Seychelles holiday guide. Tourism Seychelles publishes official entry and visitor information. We confirm the current fees for your dates in every quote.