The perfect Seychelles itinerary for 5 days

Seychelles was an unforgettable trip for me because I celebrated my 40th birthday there with some of my closest friends. We decided to go all out and stay at a fancy beachside resort, making the occasion even more special. And while we made some incredible memories, I want this blog to focus on the destination itself, not just my personal experiences or the VIP treatment we got at the lovely resort we stayed at, where they were kind enough to upgrade us to a super nice penthouse to celebrate this special landmark birthday.

Seychelles is a stunning country, especially for beach lovers, swimmers, and water activity enthusiasts; however, it is quite on the pricier side. If you weigh what Seychelles offers against the cost, you might find that other destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, or even Zanzibar (if you look at the same continent), offer more bang for your buck.

That said, if you're ready to splurge a bit, Seychelles is a fantastic place to unwind, soak up the sun, or go on beautiful hikes with breathtaking views. It's also perfect for snorkeling and diving, and an ideal spot for honeymooners or anyone celebrating a special occasion. I recommend spending at least 5 days there to fully enjoy the key spots, relax, and dive into some fun activities.

If you're searching for the perfect 5-day Seychelles itinerary, you're in the right place! I'll share a mix of popular attractions and offbeat activities that will let you escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the islands.

Getting to Seychelles

Seychelles is technically in Africa, but the locals don't really like being called Africans. They don't feel a strong connection to the rest of the continent, possibly because of the common stereotypes about Africa being poor, underdeveloped, or unsafe – which don't necessarily apply to Seychelles.

The country offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to most nationalities, including Indians. However, irrespective of the visa requirements for you nationality, there's a pre-registration process called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that you need to complete beforehand. You can apply online through the official Seychelles Electronic Border System website or the Seychelles E-Border app, and it costs about €10.

If you skip this pre-registration, you can still enter Seychelles, but you'll be hit with a €75 penalty – the first of many expensive charges that might end up on your credit card. So, to avoid the hassle and extra cost, make sure to pre-register at least a week in advance.

Best time to visit Seychelles

After a lot of research, we found that April and October are the best months to visit Seychelles. Since my birthday is in mid-October, it seemed like the perfect choice! The weather was lovely for most of the trip, with just a bit of rain on a couple of days, but it didn't last long. The sun is super strong, though, so make sure to pack sunglasses, strong sunscreen, and hats. Otherwise, the heat might catch you off guard and put a damper on your trip.

However, what I didn't find in my research was how choppy the waters could be during our trip! The ferry rides were rough for some people, with a lot of seasickness and constant puking. Plus, a few beaches were too rough for swimming, making it tricky to enjoy the water.

Getting around in Seychelles

A typical question everyone asks is – should you rent a car in Seychelles? We were contemplating the same and since we’ve driven in many countries across the world, and we love doing road trips, we seriously considered renting one in Seychelles too, especially in Mahe. However, at the last moment, we decided against it and rented a car with a driver instead.

Without a doubt, that’s way more expensive to do than renting a car yourself, considering how expensive Seychelles is. Public transport such as buses don’t have an amazing connectivity and apps such as Uber don’t exist. There’s a ride hailing app called Link-Up but we tried it a few times and didn’t find it very efficient in terms of getting us a taxi in time when needed.

Driving is the cheapest way to traverse Mahe but remember that the roads are narrow (in most places, you only have a single lane), traffic can be quite bad in most places, and you certainly don’t want to be driving after 1-2 drinks. So, while driving in Seychelles is doable, it is not enjoyable. I am going to help you with a few apps and contacts of people who will give you a reasonable quote for going around in both Mahe & Praslin in a car, with a driver.

Airport transfers: Most airport taxis will charge about €50 for a taxi ride from Mahe airport to Beau Vallon. This is a shocking amount of money for a 15 km drive. Book your airport transfer on Intui Travel for only €30!

Link-Up: Ride hailing app which is useful in Victoria & Beau Vallon but might need you to wait for 15-20 min to get your ride due to limited availability. It works best when booked in advance. Besides taxis, Link-Up also offers services like grocery delivery, food delivery, and more.

Eli from Delight Transfers (+248 2 564 688): We found an amazing taxi driver in Mahé with reasonable prices and a fun personality. He charged us €165 for a full day tour of Mahé, which you can customize based on your preferences. The price covers 8-9 hours. We also asked Eli to take us from our hotel to the ferry boarding point in Victoria on the following days. He's extremely accommodating and reasonably priced, so you could arrange for him to handle all your transfers during your stay in Mahé.

Laurent Taxi Service in Praslin (+248 2 510 652): We did the same on our 1-day trip to Praslin. He charged us €80 for about 4-5 hours.

Where to stay in Seychelles

Most flights land either in Mahe, the capital, or Praslin. You can start your journey from Mahe. The island itself is about a 2-hour drive from North to South, so not a very big one. You can choose to stay anywhere as long as you’re driving or have access to a car to take you around. However, if you wish to stay in the most happening (yet not too crowded) part of the island, then Beau Vallon is your best bet!

Recommended hotels:

1. Pineapple Beach Villas: Self-catered, beautiful beachside luxurious property but located a bit far from restaurants & supermarkets. Best for those looking to stay away from hustle & bustle, prepare their own meals, enjoy some relaxation time & are driving so that they can be connected to facilities such as supermarkets, etc easily.
2. Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa: Beach resort located right in Beau Vallon, walking distance from several groceries, supermarkets, shops & restaurants. The resort has a lovely swimming pool, gym, spa & direct access to the public beach with dedicated sun loungers for their guests.
3. Coral Strand Smart Choice: This is an extremely reasonably priced, no-frills hotel located right next to Savoy, so it enjoys the advantages of having direct access to the Beau Vallon beach, supermarkets & grocery stores, shops & restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a low budget option in the perfect, well-connected location, then this is it!
4. Others: Kempinski Seychelles Resort & Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa are also amazing resorts, though slightly pricier than the other options above.

The perfect Seychelles itinerary for 5 days

Day 1: Mahe North (Beau Vallon Beach, Anse Major Trail OR Copolia Trail)

Start your Seychelles adventure by exploring North Mahé. If you're staying in a hotel in Beau Vallon, you're ideally situated to discover the best spots in this area. Begin your day at Beau Vallon Beach, where you can relax on the beautiful sands. For lunch, grab a picnic from one of the roadside shacks or enjoy a meal at a beachside restaurant while taking in the stunning views.

Recommended Restaurants at Beau Vallon (and beyond):

• Boat House Restaurant: A popular spot known for its excellent food and amazing vibe, located right on the beach. Note that they serve food only during meal hours, so plan accordingly to avoid missing out on their delicious offerings.
• Wooden House Café: Just a 2-minute walk away, this relaxed restaurant offers great seafood and drinks.
• La Plage Restaurant: Another fantastic option along Beau Vallon Beach, known for its great vibe and decent food. Their breakfasts are particularly recommended.
• The Beach Shak: A bit further along the beach, this spot is famous for its cocktails and cool atmosphere.
• Ocean View Bar & The Lower Deck at Hilton: A luxurious and slightly pricey option, perfect for watching the sunset with some sundowners on an ocean deck. Enjoy live music, a romantic setting, and relaxed vibes.
• Del Place: Although not located in Beau Vallon, Del Place is just a short distance away and is considered the best restaurant in Mahé. Due to its popularity, reservations are essential, especially during busy meal hours, as wait times can extend up to 2 hours without one. The restaurant features live music in the afternoon and evening and offers the finest cocktails and seafood on the island. While it is quite pricey, the experience is well worth it!

In the afternoon, head for one of the lovely hikes the island has to offer. The two most popular ones are the Copolia Trail and Anse Major.

Copolia Trail

The Copolia Trail is a relatively easy hike, taking about 45 minutes to an hour one way. This trail is in the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé Island. The trail is 1.6 km long and offers a moderate challenge with an elevation gain of about 488 meters. The path is mostly shaded by trees, making it a great choice if you want to avoid the sun. At the end of the trail, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the east coast of Mahé, the Indian Ocean, and even the Seychelles International Airport. The trail is also home to unique flora and fauna, including endemic palms and the carnivorous pitcher plant. Choose this if you’re short on time, want to put least effort & get best views at the end.

Anse Major

Anse Major is another popular hike, but it takes longer—about 2 hours each way. This trail is located on the north-west coast of Mahé and is approximately 6 km long with an elevation gain of 270 meters. The hike offers equally stunning views and leads to the secluded Anse Major Beach, which is perfect for a peaceful day trip or picnic. The trail is more exposed to the sun, so it's advisable to start early in the day to avoid the midday heat. The beach itself is divided by granite rocks and features coarse sand and a tranquil lagoon. Choose this if you have more time and don’t mind hiking for a few hours.

Both trails offer unique experiences and are well worth the effort for the stunning views and natural beauty they provide. End the day with a nice dinner at one of the restaurants recommended above.

Day 2: St Anne Marine National Park + Cerf Island

This is a full day organized tour that can be booked via GetYourGuide, TourHQ or even the travel desk of your hotel. It departs from Victoria (but you might be able to arrange for a pickup from your location for an additional price) around 10 am and returns around 4 pm. This is a great way to spend the day for those looking to combine some relaxation time with adventure (snorkeling, diving, etc.).

Start your adventure at Eden Island Marina, where you'll board a glass-bottom boat to explore the vibrant underwater world of a unique and protected tropical coral reef. This relaxing excursion offers a full day of marveling at the Marine Park's dazzling turquoise waters and stunning scenery.

Snorkeling enthusiasts will be thrilled by the unforgettable experience of observing a diverse array of fish species in their natural habitats. You can even try your hand at fish feeding, making for an interactive and memorable encounter with marine life.

After your underwater adventure, disembark on Cerf Island to savor a delicious Creole BBQ. The island provides the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a flavorful meal amidst beautiful surroundings. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Cerf Island.

End the day with a nice dinner at either Eden Island or one of the other restaurants recommended above. Beau Vallon beach is the best place to catch the sunset!

Day 3: Praslin (overnight)

On the third day of your perfect 5-day Seychelles itinerary, take the Cat Cocos ferry to Praslin Island. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey:

• Book in Advance: It's advisable to book your ferry tickets in advance to secure your spot.
• Travel Time and Cost: The Cat Cocos is a fast ferry that takes about 1 hour to travel from Victoria port in Mahé to Praslin. An economy seat costs €72 per person, per way. You can also opt for a VIP seat for a more luxurious experience.
• Punctuality and Traffic: The ferry departs promptly at the scheduled time. Traffic in Mahé can be heavy during office hours, so if you're taking an early morning ferry, leave well in advance to account for traffic and ensure you don't miss the ferry.
• Comfort on Board: The ferry is air-conditioned, but you can choose to sit on the open deck if you prefer. Note that no food or drinks are served on board, so bring your own refreshments.
• Seasickness: It's not uncommon for passengers to experience seasickness during the ride. The staff is prepared with paper bags for those who need them. If you're prone to seasickness, take the necessary precautions and bring any required medication.

Things to Do and See in Praslin

Ideally, staying overnight in Praslin is the best way to fully experience the island. While some people try to visit both Praslin and La Digue in one day, I strongly advise against it unless you're very short on time. Both islands are beautiful and unique, each deserving at least a full day to explore.

Try to catch the earliest ferry from Mahé to make the most of your day in Praslin. Start your day by exploring Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, perhaps the most popular spot on this island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient forest is home to the famous Coco de Mer palm, endemic to Seychelles. You will love the peaceful walk through the lush greenery and laugh at the shapes of both male & female fruit of the Coco de Mer tree! Keep about 2 hours to explore in leisure.

From here, you can head to Cote d'Or Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Praslin but not my favorite, to be honest. It’s a long beach which offers several water sports, so if that’s what you’re looking to do, then this is the place to be. You can grab a lunch and a drink at one of the restaurants along the beach. If you’re short on time, you can skip this beach and head directly to Anse Lazio!

Anse Lazio turned out to be my favorite beach in all of Seychelles. The colors of the water were a treat for the eyes, and the white sandy beach, not too crowded, with a few restaurants & bars that allow you to take the food away for a picnic on the beach made this the perfect spot for both relaxation & swimming.

If you have some extra time, visit a hidden gem called Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve. This place is six times larger than Vallee de Mai and needs more time to explore but is also less crowded and more offbeat. You will find a lot of Coco de Mer here too and its only possible to explore this place with a guided tour, which is available for €10 including the entrance. The highlight of this place vs Vallee de Mai is the hike to the viewpoint, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Praslin and the surrounding islands, including Curieuse, La Digue, and even Mahé on clear days. You need to climb about 700 steps to this viewpoint, but the climb is well worth the effort for the stunning views.

It's best to stay overnight in Praslin for 2 reasons:

• The last ferry departs around 5 or 6 pm on most days, which limits your time on the island, and you also miss the sunset/ opportunity to enjoy a nice local meal on the island
• La Digue is only 15 min away from Praslin. In terms of the time as well as cost of going to La Digue, it makes a lot more sense to do it from Praslin than Mahe on the next day.

Day 4: La Digue

If you stayed over in Praslin the previous night, you’re only a 15-min ferry away from La Digue, perhaps the highlight of Seychelles as it is home to one of most Instagrammable spots not only in the country but in the world! If you decided to return to Mahe, then prepare for a long 1.5-hour ferry journey from Mahe to La Digue. Most ferries will take you via Praslin; the direct ferries are a lot more expensive!

La Digue is a very small island that is best explored on foot or on bicycles! You will have several options to rent bicycles as soon as you get off the ferry, and they cost as less as €6 for the whole day. Here’s what you can do on your 1 day in La Digue:

• Anse Source d'Argent: The #1 beach of Seychelles, famous for its stunning granite boulders, clear turquoise waters, and soft white sand. Avoid the crowds if you arrive here early in the day, and spend 2-3 hours either relaxing, swimming or rent a glass bottom kayak to enjoy the lovely spot.
• Anse Source d’Argent is located within L'Union Estate, a historical plantation that offers a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Here you can explore the old plantation house, vanilla plantations, and the traditional copra mill. Don't miss the giant tortoise pen where you can see these magnificent creatures up close.
• If you’re looking to explore other beaches on the island, head to Grand Anse Beach and/ or Anse Cocos. Grand Anse is a beautiful beach, though not very swimmable due to the strong currents. Anse Cocos is a secluded beach that can only be accessed via a hiking trail that takes about 30 min each way.

Most people don’t spend a night at La Digue but if you have an extra day on hand, feel free to do so! There is only one resort on the island but there are several homestays & lodges. The last ferry leaves around 6 pm on most days so if you wish to have more time on this gorgeous yet cozy island, then spending a night here makes sense!

Day 5: Victoria & Mahe South

On your last day in Seychelles, explore South Mahe.

You have the option of exploring Victoria on other days when you’re taking the ferry from Mahe to either Praslin or La Digue as the ferry port is a 15-min walk from the city center. Victoria is a delightful mix of historical charm and modern development, with several cafes, restaurants, boutiques, gardens and even a South Indian Hindu temple! The vibe here is amazing and you can take a nice photo in front of the “I love Seychelles” sign installed in the center of the town.

If you didn’t manage to get the time to do that on another day, you can start Day 5 of your Seychelles itinerary by exploring Victoria and then heading to Anse Intendance, a stunning beach which is perfect for sunbathing and photography, but not really for swimming due to strong currents. You can spend 1-2 hours just relaxing here, before you head to Takamaka Bay Distillery, a local popular rum which you can buy across various liquor shops in Seychelles, but you can tour the distillery and enjoy some tastings while you learn more about the production of rum.

If it is of interest to you, from here you can head to the Spice Garden, where you can take a guided tour to see a variety of spices, fruits, and medicinal plants. The restaurant on site has a beautiful view, you can enjoy a meal here before you head to the Craft Village, where you can shop for some handmade souvenirs. At the end of the day, head to Petite Anse, one of the best beaches in Mahe. It’s powder-soft white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, framed by lush green hills and dramatic granite boulders, create a picturesque and serene environment. This beach is less crowded compared to other popular beaches in Mahé, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

If you have an extra day in Seychelles

If you have an extra day in Seychelles, I highly encourage you to spend it in Praslin and take a day trip to Curieuse Island, known for its striking red earth, which contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery and the turquoise waters surrounding it. You will find Coco de Mer trees here too, but the highlight of this island is the significant population of giant Aldabra tortoises; over 300 of these magnificent creatures roam freely on the island! You can spend the day visiting the tortoise sanctuary, where you can observe and interact with the giant tortoises; snorkeling or diving to experience the vibrant coral reefs and encounter a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish; or hiking the trail that takes you from Baie Laraie to Anse José, passing through mangrove forests and offering stunning coastal views. Read more about this trip here: How to Visit Curieuse Island & St Pierre From Praslin.