An archipelago of 115 islands, Seychelles is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Beaches dotted with palm trees, azure waters of the ocean, and lush jungles are all part of a vacation in Seychelles. This is the home to giant tortoises, turtles, manta rays, and beautiful sights. Everything in Seychelles comes together to create a paradise for tourists. If you are planning an island hopping tour in Seychelles, this guide will come in handy.
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Must-visit destinations
Not all islands in Seychelles are inhabited. La Digue, Praslin, and Mahe comprise the economic and touristic hub of the country.
Mahe
This is the largest island in the country. Home to the international airport, Mahe is where 90% of the population resides. All vacations generally begin in Mahe, and tourists can take boats or connecting flights to travel to other islands. Mahe is a holiday destination in its own right. The island is home to around 70 beaches, resorts, and national parks. Hiking, rock climbing, diving, and visiting national parks are some of the things you can do here.
Praslin
The main highlight of Praslin is Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Things to do in Praslin are aplenty, and the island is home to places like Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas as well. You’ll find the most beautiful beaches here, all dotted with granite boulders. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are some of the most famous beaches here; these two beaches are considered two of the best beaches in the world.
La Digue
Known for its slow-paced atmosphere, La Digue is the perfect island to relax and unwind. This is the third-largest island in the country. The island boasts some of the most photographed beaches in the world; one such beach is Anse Source d’Argent. The beach is found on the west coast of the island, and you’ll find a scattering of granite boulders here. Finding transport in La Digue can be tricky; motorised transport is not an option; most people travel around by scooter.
Private islands
Seychelles is home to a few private islands. Some of these islands are owned by hotel chains. The list of private islands includes Denis Island, North Island, Desroches, and Silhouette Island.
Island hopping combinations
Most visitors prefer to stay on a remote island while island hopping. The most popular island-hopping combinations are Denis and Silhouette; Praslin and La Digue; Mahe, La Digue and Praslin; Denis and Mahe; Mahe and Silhouette; and Mahe, Silhouette and Praslin. In addition to exploring islands, island hopping packages include sailing, cruising, and water sports.
Internal flights
You can travel between two islands by helicopter or plane. From Mahe to Praslin Island, Air Seychelles offers internal flights; the journey will take about 20 minutes. You can also get to Silhouette Island, North Island, Denis Island, and Desroches by flight.
Boat
You can hop between islands by boat or ferry. Getting around by boat or ferry is less expensive than internal flights. Inter-Island Ferry Services, Seyferry, and Cat Cocos are the main service providers. From Mahe to Praslin, the boat ride is about one hour; from Mahe to La Digue, the journey takes about one and a half hours. From Praslin to La Digue, it’s only 15 minutes; from Praslin to Round Island, the travel time is only five minutes.
Transport on islands
Cars and taxis are available, but they are not easy to find. Hotels and resorts usually arrange transportation for their guests. Tourists can also explore the islands on foot or by bike; bikes are the common method of transportation on islands. What’s more, Mahe and Praslin offer bus services at incredibly low rates.
Sailing and cruising
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to sailing and cruising in Seychelles. From catamarans to luxurious yachts, you can choose from a diverse range of options. Most boats have diving and snorkelling gear as well. While cruising is expensive, it is the best way to island-hop.
