Island-hopping tours and cruises Explore Seychelles on one of our fantastic island hopping tours that cover a combination of inner and outer islands, or on one of our catamaran cruises that visit many of the inner islands.
Sightseeing
Seychelles is renowned for the careful conservation of the environment and the beauty of its national parks.
Accommodation
The islands’ wide range of resorts offers everything from sophisticated luxury and romantic getaways, to good family accommodation with lots of activities. Sainte Anne and Frégate Islands each have just one resort.
Family activities
Some resorts offer activities catering to children aged four years and above. Children and adults, will be fascinated by the giant tortoises that have lived for hundreds of years on these paradise islands. Attractive walking trails are found on most islands and the magnificent beaches make idyllic picnic spots.
Shopping
Local crafts, curios and beach wear are available in the gift shops of most resorts.
Sports and leisure
Water sports – snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, deep sea fishing and boat cruising; golf, trekking and bird watching. Washed up seaweed can hinder swimming at certain times of the year.
Honeymoon
The islands are perfect for a honeymoon – and are ideal for any romantic couple!
Visas:
All visitors holding a valid passport, return tickets, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds are issued a 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
Health requirements:
Visitors to Seychelles travelling from yellow fever infected areas should have a valid certificate against yellow fever.
Travel insurance:
Adequate holiday and travel insurance is vital. Emirates Holidays offers a comprehensive insurance package to enable you and your family to travel with peace of mind. Please contact your nearest Emirates Holidays office or your travel agent for details of our HolidayGuard Travel Insurance cover.
We also recommend that water sports enthusiasts cover themselves in case of an accident while scuba diving, water-skiing or participating in any other water sport. An extra premium is required for these covers.
Currency:
Seychelles Rupee (SCR) divided into 100 cents.
Notes in denominations of SCR100, 50, 25 and 10.
Coins in denominations of SCR5 and 1 and 25, 10, and 5 cents.
Approximate exchange rate:
AED1 = SCR1.68
EUR1 = SCR8.28
USD1 = SCR6.15
Please check the rate of exchange prior to travel.
Banking hours -
0800 to 1400 hours, Monday - Friday,
0800 to 1100 hours, Saturday.
Visitors should keep all receipts as proof of having changed their foreign exchange at a bank. This proof will be necessary when converting rupees back to foreign exchange. Visitors are required to use only foreign currency in making payment in hotels, and for other holiday related expenses. All major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted throughout Seychelles, whereas American Express and Diners Club are only accepted in certain places. Exchanging money may only be done at banks, authorised money dealers at Seychelles International Airport or with the hotel cashier. It is illegal to enter or leave the country with more than 2,000 Seychelles Rupees without authorisation.
Clothing:
As Seychelles is warm and very humid throughout the year, light cotton and linen attire is ideal. T-shirts, beachwear, light skirts, cotton shirts, slacks and shorts are recommended. It is advisable to wear sun cream even on an overcast day, sunglasses and a hat will also help protect you. Most restaurants and hotels require that long trousers be worn during the evening.
Airport information:
Seychelles International Airport is approximately 10 kilometres south of Victoria on Mahé island. The airport telephone number is 384000.
Customs:
At customs, as a rule, all baggage is screened electronically. It is convenient to have luggage keys handy in case inspection of luggage is required. Duty free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits or wines and 250 ml perfume. A special permit is required for the export of coco de mer nuts.
Passengers older than 12 years of age must pay a departure tax of USD40 per person. Some airline tickets may have this cost already included in the price.
Emergency telephone number:
Ambulance, fire and police - 999
Hours of work:
Business: 0800 to 1600 hours, Monday - Friday.
Shopping: 0900 to 1600 hours, Monday - Friday,
0800 to 1200 hours, Saturday.
Public holidays (fixed):
1st January - New Year’s Day
1st May - Labour Day
5th June - Liberation Day
18th June - National Holiday
29th June - Independence Day
15th August - The Assumption Day
1st November - All Saints Day
8th December - The Immaculate Conception
25th December - Christmas Day
Public holidays (moveable):
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Corpus Christi
Time zone:
GMT + 4 hours.
Language:
The official languages in the Seychelles are Créole, English and French. Créole is often spoken amongst the locals. English and French are spoken by most people.
Tipping:
The service charge is usually included within the price of a meal, however for good service an extra tip of 5 - 10 per cent can be given. It is polite to tip the room boy and porter upon departure.
Electricity:
220-240 volts, 50 cycles AC.
Safety tips:
It is advisable to carry minimum cash on you, in smaller denomination bills. All valuables and passports should be kept in the safety deposit boxes provided by all the resorts.