7-day Beach Holiday in the Seychelles

Seychelles is a paradise archipelago of 115 islands situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  The archipelago teems with world-class dive sites and other natural wonders, but with 7 days, you will only be able to explore a small part of it. However, with careful planning and prioritizing, you will be able to maximize your time and see some of the major island destinations. This 7-day itinerary is for those who are short on time, but still want to get a good taste of what Seychelles has to offer in one week or less.

Things to know before travelling in Seychelles:

Language – French, English and Creole are the three official languages in Seychelles. Creole, the first language, is French-based and is spoken by the majority of the population. English is widely spoken so you can absolutely get by without speaking Creole. Like in any other countries, speaking at least some Creole phrases or attempting to learn is greatly appreciated by the locals.

Currency exchange – The Seychellois Rupee (SCR) is the official currency of Seychelles. Exchanging money in Seychelles is easy and follows the same standard to elsewhere in Africa. Most major establishments like hotels and restaurants in major tourist and business destinations accept credit cards. The best way to get local currency is to use the ATMs, which are widely available in Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, and withdraw in Seychellois Rupee to get the best rate.

Transportation – In Seychelles, everything is accessible by bus, rental car, ferry, boat or domestic flight, so if you are looking into visiting islands away from Mahé Island, you have to consider which option suits your preference and budget. Cat Cocos is a catamaran, which operates between Mahé and Praline four times daily. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and one way economy class ticket costs 43 euros. Inter-Island Ferry Services, on the other hand, operates between Praslin and La Digue. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes and one way economy class ticket costs 12 euros.

Accommodation – There are plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses providing friendly island hospitality in Mahé Island, Praslin and La Digue. Instead of spending that extra dollars on an exclusive island resort, you may stay in cheaper lodges or inns and just go on a day excursion to see the other islands.

Day by Day Itinerary 7-day Beach Holiday in the Seychelles

Day 1: Mahé Island

Take an international flight to Victoria, Seychelles’ capital city and main economic hub. It is best to get an early morning arrival so you could fight off your jet lag before you go exploring in the afternoon. Get settled and eat at one of the many restaurants in Victoria. You can try some of the top rated restaurants like Del Place Bar and Restaurant, The Maharajas, Coral Asia Sushi Restaurant and Anchor Cafe. If you arrive late at night, get a good night sleep so you have energy for a whole day of adventure the next day.

Where to stay on Mahe Island:

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino – Seychelles (Beau Vallon, Mahe Island 550)

Chez Batista Villas (Takamaka, Mahe Island)

Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel Seychelles (Beau Vallon, Mahe Island)

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (Baie Lazare, Mahe Island)

Day 2: Mahé Island to Praslin Island

Wake up to a delicious breakfast on your private room or get a slice of authentic island life in local bars and restaurants, and try the local delicacy Caris masala. After breakfast, check off the next thing on your wanderlust Wishlist, which is to see the colorful coral reef fish, corals and other marine species. You can either go on a snorkeling day excursion or go on a diving adventure before you head to your next island destination, Praslin.

Day 3: Praslin Island

Discover the beauty and diversity of the underwater world or just get away from it all in Praslin Island. You may also explore Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, one of Seychelles’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Vallée de Mai is home to various endangered species like Seychelles sunbird, black parrot, Seychelles blue pigeon, bronze gecko and the tiger chameleon. It is also here that you will see the largest seed in the world, the Coco de Mer. You may avail a tour from a local travel agency in Praslin to appreciate the natural splendour of Vallée de Mai while learning from a knowledgeable guide.

Where to stay on Praslin Island:

Constance Lemuria (Anse Kerlan, Praslin Island 00284)

Acajou Beach Resort (Cote D’Or | Praslin Island, Anse Volbert, Praslin Island)

Berjaya Praslin Resort (Anse Volbert, Praslin Island)

Day 4: Praslin Island to La Digue

After breakfast in Praslin Island, board the boat and venture into La Digue, the third largest inhabited island of the Seychelles. Set on its own steep granite island with postcard perfect beaches, La Digue provides great swimming, snorkeling and beach experience plus greater privacy. The island has all the necessary facilities like bars, eating and dining facilities which will surely give you a fantastic beach holiday.

Day 5: La Digue

On day 5, enjoy La Digue’s diversity and beautiful beaches. The island boasts some of the most photographed beaches in the world like Anse aux Cèdres, Anse Banane, Anse Bonnet Carré and Anse Cocos. For people who want to be away from the world for a while and those who want to spend some time in a hammock with views that look like screen savers, then La Digue is for you!

Where to stay on La Digue Island:

Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie (Anse Sévere, La Digue Island)

Le Repaire Boutique Hotel (Anse Reunion, La Digue Island)

La Digue Island Lodge (Anse Reunion, La Digue Island)

Casa De Leela (Anse Reunion, La Digue Island)

Day 6: La Digue to Mahé Island

On your sixth day in Seychelles, avail a day excursion to the islands of Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur, commonly referred to as The Sisters Islands. Grande Soeur is a fantastic destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving. For lunch, enjoy a customary lunch in the island. Lounge on the beach and savor local specialties and signature favorites. Please note, Grand Soeur is a private island managed by Le Chateau de Feuilles, which charges visitors an entrance fee. Return to Mahé Island in the afternoon.

Day 7: Mahé Island

Head to the airport in time to check in for your international flight home. It’s totally up to you whether you’d extend your stay in other islands of Seychelles, combine the trip with a stopover in Dubai or a Safari Adventure in South Africa. The decision is all yours!

Have you been to The Seychelles? Do you have any tips or suggestions to share? If so, you can leave your comments below.