Discover Everything You Need to Know About the Seychelles

The Seychelles / Les Sesel

Located on the main island of Seychelles, “Mahé,” Victoria is the smallest capital city in the world. This charming town is at the heart of 115 islands, of which 40 are granite islands and 75 are atolls. It was the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who first referred to the Seychelles in his writings. Situated to the northeast of Madagascar, the three main islands (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue) sit atop a massive granite plateau. Neither volcanic nor coral, this granite plateau is composed of some of the oldest rocks in the world, believed to be part of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea. Further north lies the wonderful Bird Island. A living representation of the richness and uniqueness of Seychelles’ nature and wildlife, the reefs surrounding it are among the most beautiful dive sites in the country. Since gaining independence in 1976, Seychellois Creole, French, and English have been the three official languages of the Seychelles.

Climate

It’s warm most of the year, ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, or even better, your lycra suit. Most sunscreens can be harmful to corals, so please choose them carefully. The water temperature averages around 28 degrees Celsius. If you prefer to bring your own wetsuit, a 3mm long or short wetsuit should be sufficient. Remember to pack a light jacket, as short showers can occasionally occur unexpectedly. There is no risk of cyclones as the Seychelles are too close to the equator and are in a protected zone.

Weather Conditions

The Sun

The sun is present all year round and sets around 6:30 PM. Sunscreen protection is recommended. We prefer lycra suits to sunscreens as they do not harm coral life.

No Cyclones

The Seychelles are located 4 degrees south of the equator and thus fall within a cyclone-free zone. However, some tropical rains may still occur. A waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry is advisable.

Trade Winds

The Seychelles do not have distinct seasons but are influenced by two trade winds that divide the year. There is a northwest wind from April to October and a southeast wind from November to March. The end of the trade winds, from October to November and March to April, is the most favorable period for diving. During this time, the sea is calm and visibility in the water can reach 40 meters.

Local Currency

The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee. The exchange rate typically varies between 15 and 25 rupees per 1 euro. More and more businesses accept card payments, but not all of them do. We recommend checking beforehand when making a reservation. Several ATMs accepting Mastercard and Visa cards are available on the main islands. Atoll Divers accepts cash (euros, dollars), rupees, as well as Visa/Mastercard. For daily exchange rates of the Seychellois Rupee, check here: [lien vers le site de la Banque centrale des Seychelles] (https://www.cbs.sc/marketinfo/DailyRates.html). If you pay in local currency, the rates displayed by the Central Bank of Seychelles on the day of payment will apply.

Tourist Visa: Most countries do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Tourists will be granted a three-month visa free of charge upon arrival. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of return.

Other Information

Vaccination: No vaccines are required.

Local Time: GMT +4

Internet: Most hotels and guesthouses offer internet access. However, internet can be expensive and relatively slow, and many restaurants do not provide it. You can purchase a local SIM card (100 SCR) and top it up to get mobile internet.

Water: Tap water is drinkable in most hotels and guesthouses, but it is advisable to buy mineral water for proper hydration.

Electricity: The Seychelles use 220V, 50Hz AC; plugs are generally type G.

Useful Links

Seychelles Tourism Department

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Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority