Island Hopping Seychelles: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary

Seychelles International Airport sits on Mahé, the largest of the country’s 115 islands. From there, a network of fast ferries connects the three main islands in under two hours, which means a first-time visitor can cover all three in a single trip without spending half their holiday in transit. The classic route — Mahé → Praslin → La Digue — gives you mountains and markets, ancient palm forests, and car-free island life, all within a week.

This itinerary assumes you’ll rent a car on Mahé and Praslin (the easiest way to reach beaches and trailheads) and rely on a bicycle on La Digue. It also builds in a final night on Mahé so you’re not watching the ferry clock on departure morning — a detail that matters more than most guides let on.

Days 1–2: Mahé — Markets, Mountains, and a Marine Park

Mahé is the country’s hub. Its capital, Victoria, is one of the world’s smallest capitals, and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market is worth a morning stop for fresh spices, vanilla, and local handicrafts. A few blocks away, the clock tower — a miniature replica of Big Ben — marks the centre of town.

Beau Vallon Beach, on the northwest coast, is Mahé’s most popular stretch. The water is calm enough for swimming, and a handful of restaurants line the shore. The Boat House Restaurant sits right on the sand and serves fresh seafood in a casual setting — an easy first-night dinner after a long flight.

On day two, take the Sans Souci mountain road south from Victoria. The Copolia Trail starts near the road’s highest point — a strenuous 90-minute to two-hour hike up granite boulders that rewards you with views over the east coast, St Anne Marine National Park, and, on a clear day, Praslin in the distance. Don’t leave valuables in your car at the trailhead; theft from parked cars has been reported.

Further along Sans Souci, Mission Lodge sits at a viewpoint that was once a school for children of liberated slaves. A short detour to the SeyTé Tea Factory lets you tour the production line and taste local teas — aim for a weekday morning visit before the early-afternoon closing.

Afternoon option: a half-day boat safari through St Anne Marine National Park, five protected islands a short cruise from Victoria. The boat stops at Moyenne Island, where giant tortoises roam a lush nature reserve, and at Cerf Island for a Creole BBQ lunch. Snorkelling gear is provided. Several operators run these trips, and hotel pickup is usually included. For a guided option, this St Anne Marine Park cruise on GetYourGuide covers the key stops with lunch included.

Note: Most St Anne tours run 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and return you to Victoria mid-afternoon, leaving the evening free for a walk along Beau Vallon.

Day 3: South Mahé — Rum, Rock Formations, and Quieter Beaches

South of the airport, Mahé’s coastline is less developed than the north. The road loops past a string of beaches — Anse Intendance, wide and dramatic with powerful waves that make swimming risky, then Anse Bazarca and Anse Grand Police, which see few visitors except locals on weekends. Currents here can be dangerous at certain times; heed any warning signs posted on the sand.

Petite Anse sits below the Four Seasons resort but is open to non-guests. Sign in at the security gate, park, and walk down. There’s no charge for the beach itself, though loungers and the bar are for hotel guests only — bring your own water and snacks.

For dinner, La Gaulette Restaurant, near the southern beaches, is a top-rated local spot for fresh seafood in a relaxed setting. It’s closed Mondays, and reservations are recommended during peak season. Alternatively, drive back toward Beau Vallon for more restaurant options.

Day 4: Praslin — The Valley of the Coco de Mer

The Cat Cocos ferry from Victoria to Praslin takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Several sailings run daily; book ahead, especially in peak season. Once on Praslin, a rental car gives you the most flexibility — distances are short, and the main road connects the ferry jetty at Baie Sainte Anne to the beaches and the national park.

Vallée de Mai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, is under 20 hectares — one of the smallest natural sites on the UNESCO list. It is the only place where the Coco de Mer palm grows naturally. The female trees produce the largest seed in the plant kingdom; a single fruit takes six to seven years to mature on the tree and another two-plus years to germinate after it falls. The park’s shaded trails wind through dense palm forest, and the endemic Seychelles black parrot is often visible in the canopy. Adult entry is around SCR 410–450. Plan for about two hours on site.

Base yourself near Côte d’Or Beach on the east coast, where several guesthouses and small hotels are within walking distance of restaurants and the jetty for next day’s boat tour.

Day 5: Praslin — Curieuse and St Pierre by Boat

A full-day boat trip from Praslin typically runs from about 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes lunch, soft drinks, and hotel transfers to Baie Sainte Anne jetty. Two of the most common stops are Curieuse Island and St Pierre Islet.

Some trips also stop at Cousin Island, a bird sanctuary where you can spot Seychelles magpie robins, fairy terns, and white-tailed tropicbirds. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A guided Curieuse and St Pierre island-hopping trip on GetYourGuide covers the key stops with lunch and transfers included.

Note: After the boat returns in the late afternoon, catch the 15-minute Cat Cocos or Cat Rose ferry from Praslin to La Digue to start day six on the island itself rather than backtracking in the morning.

Day 6: La Digue — Bicycles and Boulders

The ferry from Praslin to La Digue takes about 15 minutes. La Digue has very few cars — most visitors get around by bicycle. Hire one at the jetty or through your accommodation for roughly SCR 100–150 per day. The island is small enough that you can cycle end-to-end in about 30 minutes.

Anse Source d’Argent is the island’s signature beach — smooth granite boulders sculpted by millennia of wind and tide, shallow turquoise water, and pale sand that photographs pink in certain light. Access is through L’Union Estate, a former plantation where vanilla and coconut oil are still produced. The entrance fee is around SCR 150 per day. Peak crowds hit mid-morning; arrive early or come back late afternoon for fewer people and better light.

Cycle east to Grand Anse, a wilder beach with powerful surf, then continue to Petit Anse one cove over — a smaller, quieter spot. For the more adventurous, a trek to Anse Cocos on the southeast tip requires a short footpath but rewards you with natural rock pools for swimming.

The Veuve Reserve, a protected patch of forest near the island’s centre, is the best place to spot the Seychelles paradise flycatcher — an endemic bird that was listed as critically endangered before conservation efforts established new populations on other islands. It remains vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Dinner options on La Digue include Lo Lan’s Beach Bar for casual beachfront dining and Natural Bar Grill & Drinks for grilled seafood in a relaxed garden setting.

Day 7: La Digue to Mahé — The Journey Out

The ferry route back is La Digue → Praslin → Mahé, totalling about 1.5 hours across two legs. Morning or afternoon departure depends on your flight time and how much more of La Digue you want to see. If your flight leaves late, fit in a final swim at Anse Severe or a last loop through L’Union Estate before you go.

Spend whatever time remains on Mahé at a beach close to the airport — Anse Royale or Anse Takamaka are both within a 20-minute drive of the terminal. Grab souvenirs at the airport’s gift shops or, if you have a few hours, revisit a favourite spot from earlier in the trip. The key rule: be at the airport with time to spare, not racing a ferry that might run late.

Getting Around, Best Time, and Entry Essentials

The Cat Cocos and Cat Rose ferries are the backbone of island hopping. Mahé to Praslin takes about 1 hour 15 minutes; Praslin to La Digue takes 15 minutes. Book tickets in advance through the Cat Cocos website, especially for early-morning sailings and during peak months. Each passenger is allowed one large bag plus one hand bag; extra luggage may cost additional fees.

On Mahé and Praslin, renting a car is the most practical way to reach beaches and trailheads. Small cars start at around €50 per day. Drive on the left. On La Digue, bicycles are the default — most guesthouses can arrange one. Public buses serve both Mahé and Praslin with flat fares around SCR 12 per ride, but they run on fixed schedules and don’t reach remote beaches. Taxis and organised tours fill the gaps.

Best Time to Visit

Seychelles is a year-round destination. The southeast trade winds (May–September) bring drier, slightly cooler weather and a steady breeze that churns the sea — snorkelling visibility drops but sailing conditions improve. The northwest monsoon (November–March) is hotter and more humid, with short afternoon showers and calm seas. April and October, the inter-monsoon periods, often deliver the calmest and clearest conditions across all three islands.

Seaweed accumulates on whichever coast the wind blows toward. During the northwest season, north- and west-facing beaches on Praslin (including Anse Lazio) can collect seaweed; during the southeast season, south- and east-facing beaches on both Mahé and Praslin are more affected. Your hotel can advise on current conditions week to week.

Entry Requirements

Visas are not required, but all visitors must obtain a Travel Authorisation through the Seychelles Electronic Border System before departure. Apply online ideally two weeks before your flight — upload your flight booking and accommodation details, pay the roughly €11 fee, and receive the authorisation by email. Airlines check this before boarding. The official portal is seychelles.govtas.com.

Money and Safety

The Seychelles rupee is the local currency. ATMs are widely available on all three main islands, and cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. High-end properties often quote prices in euros or US dollars and accept those currencies directly.

Violent crime is uncommon, but petty theft has increased in recent years. Never leave valuables visible in a parked car or unattended on a beach. Several popular Mahé beaches have police patrols, but the simplest precaution is to leave passports, cash, and electronics in your accommodation safe. Tap water on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue is treated and safe to drink — though La Digue’s water has a noticeably hard taste, and bottled water is easy to find.

Before You Go — Seychelles Island Hopping

How many islands should I visit in 7 days?

Three — Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — is the ideal number for a first visit. Each island feels distinctly different, and the ferry connections make the moves straightforward. Staying on just one or two islands leaves you with a lopsided view of what the archipelago offers.

Can I skip the rental car and rely on taxis and buses?

Yes, but you’ll lose flexibility. On Mahé, a rental car lets you reach south-coast beaches like Petite Anse and Anse Intendance on your own schedule. On Praslin, a car is less essential — taxis can cover the short distances — but having one means you can visit Vallée de Mai in the morning and Anse Lazio in the afternoon without waiting for a driver. La Digue works fine on a bicycle either way.

What’s the biggest mistake first-timers make with the ferry schedule?

Booking a same-day island move in the late afternoon, then missing dinner or sunset because the ferry was delayed. The other common error: scheduling a morning flight out of Mahé without spending the previous night on the island. If your flight departs before noon, stay on Mahé the night before — don’t risk a ferry from Praslin or La Digue that morning.

Is the seaweed season a deal-breaker?

No, but it affects which beaches work best. During the southeast season (May–September), stick to north- and west-facing beaches like Beau Vallon on Mahé and Anse Lazio on Praslin. During the northwest monsoon (November–March), head to south- and east-facing shores. Your accommodation can tell you the current conditions a few days before you arrive.

What’s the minimum budget for a 7-day island-hopping trip?

Ferry tickets between the three islands run roughly $120–150 total. Accommodation varies widely — guesthouses on La Digue start around $120 per night, while mid-range hotels on Mahé and Praslin range from $230–500 per night. Add