Can you fly direct to the Seychelles from the UK?
Yes, you can fly direct to Mahe from London Heathrow with British Airways. Indirect flights are also available from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, which usually involve a stopover in Addis Ababa, Abu Dhabi or Doha. Flights to Praslin are available, but it’s more common to arrive in Mahé when traveling internationally.
When is the cheapest time to fly to the Seychelles?
The cheapest time to fly to the Seychelles is typically during the shoulder seasons of April to May and October to November, during the transition between the wet and dry seasons. It's still lovely and warm, with possibly some light rain, and it's still ideal for snorkelling too.
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?
Located just four degrees above the equator, the Seychelles offers ideal tropical weather all year long. The temperature ranges between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius due to the trade winds in this part of the world.
Starting in October, temperatures begin to rise slightly. March tends to be the hottest month of the year; temperatures can get up to 31 degrees Celsius on average. Be sure to check out Seychelle’s International Fishing Competition in November as well as the traditional celebration of Creole heritage, the Festival Kreol in October. The Festival Kreol takes place over the course of a week and includes traditional art, dancing, costumes, parades and foods. When searching for Seychelles flights, keep in mind that these holidays may impact the price of flights.
From May to September, the winds pick up, alleviating the heat. The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held each January. The ‘SUBIOS Underwater Festival’, is also a must-see, as it showcases Seychelles’ extraordinary underwater world through a series of films, shows, talks and competitions.
A taste of paradise
The Seychelles is made up of 115 unique islands, ranging from well-developed, touristic sites to remote and untouched islets. Divided into two categories, the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands each have their own special characteristics. Located just north of the equator, this tropical archipelago is 50 per cent national park, making it a sanctuary to magnificent flora and fauna found only in this part of the Indian Ocean.
The inner islands
Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are three of the main Inner Islands where most of the population lives. Cheap flights to Seychelles often fly into Mahé. The beaches of Mahé are fantastic. For a good swimming spot, check out Beau Vallon. Anse Intendance’s magnificent, granite rock formations are a sight to behold (and quite popular with kids).Take a relaxing boat ride to visit the beautiful Vallee de Mai on the island of Praslin to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest seed, the coco de mer. While visiting Praslin, be sure to check out the secluded and breath-taking beach, Anse Georgette. Thought to be the most beautiful of the Inner Islands, La Digue boasts the picturesque Anse Source d'Argent - a beautiful beach you've probably seen in an advert or as a screensaver.
Life on the outside
The Outer Islands have five island subgroups created by a combination of atolls and reef islets. Just south of Mahé is the largest of the Outer Islands, Alphonse Island. A favourite for nature lovers, Alphonse Island is famous for bird watching, fishing and nesting grounds for sea turtles. If you head further south, you’ll find yourself in the Farquhar Atoll, a chain of coralline islands that give refuge to ships from stormy seas and day-trip adventure seekers. In addition to being the largest raised coral atoll in the world, Aldabra is also home to the largest population of giant tortoises. While there is no lodging on this island group, one can still experience natural beauty at its finest and most pristine condition through day trips and tours.