Getting Around Seychelles
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use buses for Mahé and Praslin. Inter-Island: Rent a car on main islands or ferries for exploration. Beaches: Taxis and bikes. For convenience, book airport transfers from Seychelles International Airport to your destination.
Ferry Travel
Cat Cocos Fast Ferry
Efficient catamaran service connecting Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue with daily schedules.
Cost: Mahé to Praslin €65-75 one-way, journeys 1-1.5 hours between main islands.
Tickets: Book via Cat Cocos website, app, or ticket offices. Online booking recommended.
Peak Times: Avoid mornings and weekends for calmer seas and better availability.
Island Hopper Passes
Mahé-La Digue-Praslin pass offers unlimited travel for 3-7 days from €100-200 depending on duration.
Best For: Multi-island hopping over a week, savings for 3+ island visits.
Where to Buy: Ferry terminals, official website, or agents with e-ticket delivery.
Private Boat Charters
Charter boats connect outer islands like Silhouette or Denis with customized schedules.
Booking: Arrange through resorts or operators weeks ahead, group rates from €150/person.
Main Ports: Victoria Harbour on Mahé, Anse Lazio on Praslin for departures.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring Mahé and Praslin beaches. Compare rental prices from $40-60/day at Seychelles Airport and main towns.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended), credit card, minimum age 23.
Insurance: Full coverage advised for narrow roads, verify collision damage waiver.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 40 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, no major highways.
Tolls: None in Seychelles, but fuel is pricey at $1.50-1.80/liter.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, roundabouts common in Victoria.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid lots near beaches $2-5/day, avoid roadside blocking.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations limited outside Mahé at $1.50-1.80/liter for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation on winding roads.
Traffic: Light overall, but congestion in Victoria during peak tourist season.
Urban Transport
Mahé & Praslin Buses
Public buses cover main routes, single ticket SCR 7-15 ($0.50-1), day pass SCR 50.
Validation: Pay exact fare to driver upon boarding, no change given.
Apps: Limited, check schedules at bus stations or use Google Maps for routes.
Bike Rentals
Bike shops on Mahé and Praslin offer rentals $10-20/day with helmets provided.
Routes: Flat coastal paths ideal, especially around Beau Vallon and Anse Lazio.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours available for beach hopping and light exploration.
Taxis & Local Services
Taxis operate island-wide, fixed rates SCR 20/km, airport to Victoria SCR 500-800.
Booking: Hail on street or call, no Uber but apps like Careem emerging.
Water Taxis: Short boat rides between beaches, $10-20 for quick transfers.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near beaches on Mahé or Praslin for easy access, Victoria for urban base.
- Booking Timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and holidays like Independence Day.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather risks during rainy season.
- Amenities: Confirm air conditioning, sea views, and shuttle services to transport hubs.
- Reviews: Focus on recent feedback (last 6 months) for service and island-specific conditions.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G coverage on main islands, 3G/2G on outer atolls with some black spots.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, ideal for no-SIM phones.
Activation: Download before travel, activate on arrival for seamless connectivity.
Local SIM Cards
Air Seychelles, Cable & Wireless, and MTN offer prepaid SIMs from $10-20 with island coverage.
Where to Buy: Airport, shops, or providers with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for $15, 10GB for $25, unlimited options $30/month available.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, resorts, cafes, and Victoria public spots.
Public Hotspots: Airport and main beaches offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in populated areas, sufficient for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Seychelles Time (SCT), UTC+4, no daylight saving observed year-round.
- Airport Transfers: Seychelles International (SEZ) 10km from Victoria, bus SCR 15 (30 min), taxi SCR 500-800, or book private transfer for $30-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at SEZ airport ($5-10/day) and ferry terminals in main towns.
- Accessibility: Buses and ferries have limited access, many beaches and paths are uneven for wheelchairs.
- Pet Travel: Restrictions on ferries and flights, check quarantine rules for international arrivals.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for small fee SCR 10, ferries accommodate for $5 extra.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Seychelles
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Seychelles International (SEZ): Primary hub on Mahé, 10km from Victoria with bus/taxi links.
Praslin Airport (PRI): Domestic flights from Mahé, 10-min hop $50-80 one-way.
La Digue Heliport: Helicopter access only, scenic but pricey for direct arrivals.
Booking Tips
Book 3-6 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on international fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly via Dubai or Mauritius hubs for connecting savings to SEZ.
Budget Airlines
Air Seychelles, Condor, and Emirates serve SEZ with regional connections.
Important: Include baggage and inter-island fees in total cost calculations.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior, airport processes can be slow during peaks.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Victoria and resorts, fees SCR 50-100, prefer bank machines over tourist spots.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted at hotels and shops, Amex limited to luxury venues.
- Contactless Payment: Growing support for tap-to-pay, Apple/Google Pay in main areas.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small vendors, carry SCR 500-1000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated at restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, skip airport kiosks with high fees.