Arguably the epitome of paradise on earth, the Seychelles islands are revered as the ultimate tourist destination for their granite beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves and aboriginal forests. Peppered throughout the Indian Ocean approximately 1,600 km off the eastern coast of Kenya, the archipelago of islands beckons travellers from far and wide to discover a world of adventure and leisure experiences alike.

Key Facts About Seychelles

Capital: Victoria
Region: Africa
Best time to visit*: May to September[1]
Population: 99,302 (January 2022)[2]
Time zone: GMT/UTC +4
Number of islands: 115
Size: 455 km2

The Republic of Seychelles is easily accessible via plane when travelling from the United Arab Emirates. The average flight time when travelling from Dubai is 8 hours and 21 minutes, including airport transfers
Residents of the UAE do not require a visa to travel to Seychelles.[3] You will need to provide proof of further travel or return transportation, sufficient funds, and confirmed accommodation while staying on the islands, after which you will be granted a visitor’s permit valid for stays up to 30 days. Stay extensions in 3-month increments can be granted by visiting the Department of Immigration in Seychelles, up to a total length of 1 year.
While the Seychelles islands generally boast excellent weather conditions all year round, the best recommended time to visit is during May to September because of the cooler and drier weather, albeit the temperamental sea conditions. Travellers looking to take advantage of the snorkelling, diving and other watersports activities will want to visit from March to May or September to November when the sea conditions are less challenging.

While previously optional, travel insurance is mandatory when visiting Seychelles. Taking out comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to avoid unforeseen medical emergencies, lost baggage claims, the cost of delayed or cancelled flights, and so forth. Having travel insurance will also give you the ultimate peace of mind while exploring the awe-inspiring archipelago of islands.

You can learn more about Allianz Travel’s single-trip global insurance offering here.

The official currency of the Republic of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). The official languages of Seychelles are Seychellois Creole, English and French, but Seychellois Creole is the most widely spoken language.

There is certainly no shortage of activities with which to keep busy when visiting these illustrious tropical islands! Seychelles boasts some of the most breathtaking azure blue waters, and granite and white sand beaches. We explore a few ways to enjoy immersive experiences in Seychelles below:

  • Take up Watersports Activities

The Seychelles islands offer a plethora of watersports activities for thrill-seekers to enjoy. From snorkelling and scuba diving to jet skiing, there are plenty of ways to soak up the scenic beauty of the marine life, coral reefs and emerald oceans.

  • Rock Climbing, Hiking and Zip-Lining

The abundance of granite outcrops and tropical forests make it easy for adventurers to challenge themselves to rock climbing, hiking and zip-lining activities. Mahé Island is often the top choice for tourists looking to enjoy exhilarating experiences like these.

  • Explore Mahé Island

As the largest island within the archipelago and also where the capital of Victoria can be found, Mahé Island is usually the first stop for travellers visiting the Seychelles islands. Common hotspots on the island include the Victoria Market, Northolme, and the up-and-coming Eden Plaza. Victoria Market is a lively bazaar brimming with bustling activity as vendors sell souvenirs and fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

  • Visit the 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Seychelles islands are well-known for their 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first is Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on the island of Praslin. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the mesmerising variety of flora and fauna, with a rare opportunity to see the flagship “coco de mer” monocot tree species found in only 2 places in the world. It is also home to the rare Seychelles black parrot and 5 endemic palms.

The second is Aldabra, one of the largest atolls—or coral islands—in the world. Aldabra is home to the world’s largest giant tortoise population, and is one of the prime natural habitats for studying ecological and evolutionary processes.

  • Relax on the Beaches

Seychelles has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its signature granite boulders making for a natural wonder and its pristine waters beckoning you to take a dip in the ocean. Lounge about on the warm sandy beaches available throughout the islands while being surrounded by the lush tropical vegetation.

  • Island-Hopping

Visiting the Seychelles islands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, so island-hopping comes highly recommended. Just be sure to keep peak commute times in mind when planning your itinerary.

  • Embark on a Street Food Tour

Seafood is without a doubt one of the most frequently consumed foods in Seychelles, so expect to find plenty of it when you enjoy a city tour. Welcome a tantalising culinary experience as you taste your way through the flavours of the ocean, curries, coconut-filled dishes, and more.

  • Visit the Coconut Plantation House

Discover the 300 hectares of sprawling land when you visit the age-old plantation house that forms part of L'Union Estate on the granitic La Digue island. This national monument is where you can explore the coconut oil mill, Copra house, tortoise enclosure and—of course—the coconut plantations. Culture vultures will appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the restored plantation house that provides a glimpse into what a bucolic estate life was like during the colonial period.

 

About Allianz Travel and Allianz Assistance

Allianz Travel boasts more than 30 years of experience in providing first-class products and services to travellers. With headquarters in Paris and regional offices in over 28 countries, Allianz Travel is the world’s largest travel insurance and assistance company providing comprehensive travel insurance products and services to tourists around the world, including those from the Middle East.

To enquire about how we can assist you with travel insurance for your potential trip to the Republic of Seychelles, visit our website to get in touch with one of our friendly and highly experienced consultants.



References:

  1. https://www.safaribookings.com/seychelles/best-time

  2. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/seychelles-population/

  3. https://www.visahq.ae/seychelles/