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Seychelles may be a compact archipelago, but don’t let its size fool you — it’s full of incredible adventures at every turn! From its legendary beaches to craggy mountains, national parks, and more, the archipelago has something for almost every type of traveler. Having spent a lot of time in the Seychelles, I’d say that a 5 day Seychelles itinerary is more than enough to take in all the top sights.
With a mix of casual Creole charm and luxury, Seychelles has a unique vibe which never fails to captivate me. This is definitely the kind of destination where you can enjoy both adventure and relaxation at the same time.
But enough talking and let’s check out all the incredible sights that await in The Land of Perpetual Summer!
Before you go: Visiting the Seychelles
I know you’re super stoked to head to the Seychelles, but here are a few things to know before planning your trip.
How to Get to Seychelles
Contrary to popular belief, the archipelago is a well-connected destination with flights from major international hubs. You’ll find two major airports in Seychelles: Praslin Island Airport on Praslin and Seychelles International Airport on Mahe.
Seychelles airport is directly connected to cities like Mumbai, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Paris, London, Doha, and more. If you’re coming in from Australia or North America, you’ll most likely transit through Europe or the Middle East. The airport is also served by major airlines like British Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways.
Seychelles International Airport is less than 20 minutes from Victoria, Mahe’s historic capital. You’ll find taxis right outside the airport, but I strongly suggest you negotiate the fare beforehand since taxis in Seychelles are not metered.
Along with the main airport on Mahe, you’ll also find 14 small airports spread across the archipelago. These are mostly used for inter-island flights.
(Source: Cat Cocos)
When is the best time of year to visit the Seychelles?
Here’s the good news: unlike other Indian Ocean Islands like Mauritius, Seychelles lies outside the cyclone belt, so intense cyclones are a bit rare.
Owing to the tropical climate, the island does receive brief rain showers all year long but rest assured that these usually pass quickly. Blue skies are plenty, with warm days and that famous Indian Ocean sunshine.
The two main seasons are the southeast monsoon (May to September) and the warmer, more humid northwest monsoon (November to March). If you’re into snorkeling and scuba diving, I recommend that you visit during the northwest monsoon since the calm conditions offer better underwater visibility.
Travel tip: To protect the fragile marine ecosystem, I strongly recommend that you swap your regular sunblock or lotion for reef-friendly products.
Ultimate 5 Day Seychelles itinerary
Now that you know what to expect, here’s a 5 day Seychelles itinerary to make sure you have an incredible time exploring the archipelago. You may find other 5 day Seychelles itineraries, but I can assure you – as an Indian Ocean local – this is the best one on the internet.
Seychelles itinerary day 1: Arrival in Mahé and Beach Fun
Since it houses the island’s main airport, you’ll most likely touchdown on Mahe which is also the most populated island in Seychelles.
You’ll find heaps of mid-range hotels to choose from near Victoria, including Eden Bleu Hotel, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa, and Hotel La Roussette. Now, if your plan is to drop anchor in a luxurious oceanfront resort, you can always check out STORY Seychelles, Fisherman’s Cove resort, and Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie on La Digue island.
After unwinding with a swim, head into Victoria for some sightseeing. Known as one of the smallest capital cities in the world, Victoria is home to plenty of eye-catching colonial architecture, including the iconic Clock Tower. This popular structure is actually a perfect replica of London’s Vauxhall Clock Tower.
One of my favorite spots to visit in Victoria is Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, a super lively spot where you can sample fresh fruits and local delicacies while taking in that distinctive Creole atmosphere.
Speaking of local specialties, Victoria is practically teeming with great Creole and Cajun restaurants. Some of my regular favorites include: The Boat House, Maison Marengo, and Marie Antoinette (my absolute favorite place to eat in the Seychelles).
Seychelles itinerary day 2: Time for island hopping
Did you know that Seychelles is made up of 115 islands? As you can expect, island hopping is super popular over there. You’ll find both private and shared boat ferries just about everywhere – perfect for an island-hopping adventure on the second day of your Seychelles itinerary.
Just a quick heads-up though: ferries do fill up super quickly in peak season (May to October). I always recommend visitors book rides well ahead of time. Alternatively, you can always consider booking an island-hopping tour to take in the most sights in less time. If the sound of organising island-hopping logistics is too stressful, this tour is for you!
I can also recommend a visit to the island of Praslin where you can explore the famous Vallée de Mai. Also known as the smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world, this national park is speckled with the rare Coco de Mer palm trees. Keep your eyes open for rare bird species and tropical plants.
After exploring the park, head over to Anse Lazio, which just so happens to be one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. I’d say that it can even rival those stunning shorelines in Mauritius and Milos.
If you’ve got some time to spare, hop over to La Digue, a scenic island that’s best explored by bicycle. The island is especially famous for its giant granite boulders dotted across the insanely beautiful shoreline.
Seychelles itinerary day 3: Hiking and wildlife
Next up on your Seychelles itinerary is the expansive Le Morne Seychellois National Park which covers nearly 20% of Mahe island!
If you’re an avid trekker, be sure to check out the Copolia Trail which is quite popular among locals and tourists alike. This 1.6km trail is moderately challenging, but it takes you through misty outcrops and lush rainforests on the way to the scenic summit. On the way, you’ll also encounter rare flora like the carnivorous Pitcher plant which is unique to the Seychelles.
Once you’ve reached the granite platform at the top, you will be greeted with amazing 360-degree views of the ocean and Victoria. On a clear day (which is practically every day in Seychelles!), you’ll also enjoy unblemished views of neighboring islands like Cerf and Ste. Anne.
If you’re not too tired after your hike, you can always make a quick stop by the Seychelles Botanical Gardens in Victoria. Dating back to 1901, this charming garden is steeped in local history. Here, you’ll find cinnamon trees, rare orchids, towering palmists, and resident giant Aldabra tortoises. Some of the tortoises are nearly two centuries old!
Fans of the great outdoors will love a visit to Anse Intendance. This secluded wild beach is something of a hidden gem in Seychelles. Located on the southwestern coast of Mahe Island, this white sand beach features a thickly vegetated hill and granite rocks. Because of the wild waves, the lagoon isn’t super swimmable, but it’s a great spot to surf or just chill over a few drinks.
If you’re in the mood for swimming, you can always check out nearby Takamaka and Baie Lazare beaches, both known for their calm conditions.
Seychelles itinerary day 4: Marine park and cultural exploration
Seychelles may be famed for its land-based national parks. But if you’d like to learn more about the underwater ecosystem, be sure to check out Sainte Anne Marine National Park. The park stretches across a cluster of 6 islands just off the coast of Victoria.
Dating back to 1973, Sainte Anne is the very first marine park established in the Indian Ocean. You’ll find plenty of glass-bottom boats departing from Victoria’s harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for the reef fish, bottlenose dolphins, nudibranchs, and even hawksbill turtles.
During your visit, you’ll also spot plenty of colorful reefs and learn more about the park’s conservation efforts. Best of all, visitors are allowed to dive in the park.
After returning to Victoria, you may wish to check out the Natural History Museum centered around the local geological history and biodiversity. This is the perfect place to learn more about those iconic granite boulders and the evolution of the Coco de Mer Palm Trees. You’ll also find artifacts dating back to Seychelles’ colonial days, such as ancient navigational instruments and other objects recovered from shipwrecks.
On day 4 of your Seychelles itinerary, you can also head to Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the only Hindu temple in Seychelles. With a colorful facade, this temple is famous for its intricate sculptures. Depending on when you’re visiting, you may even get to attend a traditional festival.
Seychelles itinerary day 5: Rum and nightlife
As the last day of your Seychelles itinerary unfolds, be sure to check out the Takamaka Rum Distillery, located in a historic plantation house on Mahe.
And if you’re wondering why a distillery (of all things!) made the list, wait until you see the place for yourself. In addition to producing the yummiest rum in Seychelles, Takamaka Rum Distillery is also a heritage site that houses a museum, historical ruins, and a medicinal garden. You’ll also find two giant Aldabra tortoises – aptly named Maka and Taka.
While you can always embark on a self-guided tour, I’m more partial to the guided tour. An experienced guide will take you through the place’s rich history while providing plenty of insider titbits. Oh, and did I mention guided tours are entirely free?
Now, if you’ve got a late-night flight, you can always treat yourself to one last hurrah before leaving the island. I recommend that you check out Katiolo, a beach club near Seychelles International Airport. With scrumptious food and even more delicious rum-based cocktails, this open-air club has everything you need for a perfect send-off.
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