Scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands located off the eastern coast of Africa. While picturesque beaches of the islands main attraction, these beauties draw in guests from around the world for diving, world-class resorts, and fishing! How do you get to this tropical paradise? Direct flights connect the Seychelles with China, France, Germany, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. From the US, you’ll need to take a connecting flight from South Africa, Europe or the Middle East. The Seychelles International Airport, outside of Victoria, is the only international airport in the Seychelles.

Best Times to Visit: The best times to visit Seychelles are April, May, October and November. These months during shoulder season allow for fewer tourists and warm temperatures. These are also the best months for diving visibility.

Things to do:

Spend the day exploring the beautiful water. The Seychelles are known to be the premiere diving and/or snorkeling destination in the Indian Ocean. There is excellent diving off Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the three main islands, as well as off the other inner and outer islands. Don’t worry if you aren’t a great swimmer – there are places to go for every level or expertise. Disclaimer: Diving in the Seychelles heavily hinges on the weather conditions, currents and direction of the wind. However, diving can be sampled during all seasons as there are always sheltered conditions. The seas are calmest from April to May and October to November.

Toss a line. It only makes sense that water this beautiful is teeming with fish! Just about any resort, tour operator, or dive centre will be able to set you up with a fabulous charter to the open waters. Job-fish, groupers and red snappers are most commonly caught, but you’re also a good chance of reeling in a tuna, sailfish, or marlin.

Parasailing along the coast. If you are wanting truly picture perfect views of this beautiful place, consider taking a parasailing ride! You can fly solo or tandem with a partner. Beau Vallon Beach is a great spot for this – be sure to check out the Beau Vallon Aquatic Sports Center. They’ll strap you into your harness and you’ll be airborne in no time, wind conditions permitting.

Take a sunset sail. Since this destination is best experienced by water, it is only right to end your night sailing those same beautiful waters while watching the sunset over the horizon. If you want a longer expedition, there are day to week long cruise options available through certain hosts. The best months for cruising are April and October; the worst are January, July and August. 

Feature Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Banyan Tree Seychelles

• Be sure to enjoy the ride. Time in the Seychelles move slower than in America, so do not get in a rush.

• Ask before snapping pictures with the locals. Always respect the wish of locals. Ask permission to photograph and don’t insist or snap a picture if permission is denied.

• Keep you clothes on. Although beachwear is fine for the beaches, you will cause offense and may experience pestering if you dress in skimpy clothing elsewhere. Nude bathing is forbidden.

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