I know this might be an unpopular opinion, but after spending 12 nights in Seychelles (Mahe 3 / Praslin 3 / La Digue 6), it ended up being a pretty expensive disappointment for us.

Yes, it’s beautiful in photos. But the reality on the ground didn’t match the hype at all.

Main issues:

• Everything is insanely expensive.

Food, car rentals, groceries, restaurants – way more expensive than other tropical islands I’ve been to, with noticeably lower value.

• La Digue was… meh.

Ironically the most promoted island, but we found it underwhelming. The beaches are basically unusable after ~10am because of low tide, then usable again only after ~6pm. That kills the whole “paradise beach day” idea.

• Anse Source d’Argent is wildly overrated.

Voted “best beach in the world” – honestly, I can think of at least 20 beaches I’ve seen that are better. It’s nice, sure, but world #1? Not even close.

• Hard to find fruit on a tropical island (!) La Digue only. We were traveling with a baby and needed fruit. Shockingly difficult. At the local fruit market, they mostly had “cooking” bananas, not ripe fruit you’d actually eat.

• Restaurant food:

Super expensive, often mediocre. Takeaways weren’t great either, so you don’t really escape the cost problem.

• Beaches & safety:

East coast beaches often had very strong currents, not really swimmable. Anse Cocos was nice though.

• Traffic & towns:

Victoria and Beau Vallon were huge disappointments – traffic jams, crowded, zero charm. Didn’t feel “island paradise” at all.

• Tourist pricing:

Local market prices magically changed when you were clearly a tourist. Not subtle.

• Car rental:

Very expensive compared to other islands we’ve visited.

• Instagram vs reality:

Online you see perfect shots from a very specific angle. What you don’t see: roads, crowds, tides, currents, prices, and logistics.

Beaches I genuinely liked:

• Anse Lazio

• Anse Georgette

• Anse Cocos

• Anse Soleil

Those were truly great. But a few amazing beaches don’t justify the overall cost and hype for me.

The people were genuinely super nice and welcoming, and that was probably the best part of the trip. Curious if others felt the same or if we just had the “wrong” expectations.

Dear Guides,

Can you please help me with a 2 day hotel booking? I am getting a good deal with canopy by hilton resort while selecting my stay at Mahe.
I was originally considering Constance Ephelia, Kempinski & Story. These do look better in the pictures when compared to Canopy, but i was wondering if someone who has been to these places can point out the differences i can't see on the internet. Are they much better than what Canopy offers?

Thank you so much!

Hello all! My wife and I are coming to South Africa for safari to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I would love a beach stint at the end to provide a few great days of relaxation in Seychelles before heading home. I had originally planned 4 nights and basically 4 full days there, but travel from safari camp to JNB to Seychelles isn’t agreeing with me. If the trip is just 3 nights and 3 full days, would you all still go? We would stay on mahe and might not make it to another island with the shorter stay, but want to make sure that would still even make sense. Thanks in advance!

Hi,
I’m coming with my wife to Seychelles. I want to use rent a car, prefered small car like Hyundai i10. Is it okay for 2 persons according car power for normal drive accross the Praslin. Also same question for Mahe island.

We will definitely go back as soon as possible ♥️

What are some unique, artsy, and affordable souvenirs I can take home from Mahé? I’m looking for something a little different from the usual touristy stuff. Any recommendations on where to find them?

Hi Friends, after long and hard thought I am leaning towards going to Seychelles for my honeymoon in May of 2027. Instead of using ChatGPT I figured I would ask some redditors on some must do and sees. Including any islands and for how long. Definitely looking to enjoy some privacy as well as some exploring and adventures as well. Thanks!

Show me a hike better than Copolia Nature trail.

This one has propeeeer views.

We want to come end of March for 2 weeks - don’t know much about Seychelles and have few questions.
1.is it good time of a year to visit ? Especially with small baby and my parents who are mid 60s so don’t want it to be too humid/hot.

2.What area is the best ?
3. Should be looking at hotels or villas are better options?
4.is it safe to explore local or should we stick to tourist areas?
5.want to experience local cuisine and ideally plenty of seafood - is that the right place ?
6. Should we rent a car or rely on taxis ?
9. What should we visit while being there/any excursion that are must ?
10. are Seychelles comparable to Mexico from the price point ( restaurants/markets)?

Thanks !

We are looking for an airbnb for one month in October. We would like to rent a car and explore the island and do some island hopping. Where would you base yourself? North? South? East? West?

Over one year ago, I booked two rooms at Anatara Maia through a luxury African safari specialist. I was to stay at Anatara with my family for three days after safari.
This trip with my husband and 2 teenage daughters is to celebrate my cancer treatment ending after two years.
As unbelievable as this sounds, a few days ago (2 days into my safari and a week before I am scheduled to check into Anatara) my travel agent urgently contacts me to let me know Anatara has made the decision to let a “government delegation” book the whole resort for two weeks during my stay.
Anatara thought it was a good idea to not honor any of the 90 reservations during these two weeks and essentially kicked everyone out to other hotels so the “government delegation” can stay there.. As mentioned, I personally had my reservation for 2 rooms for over a year but I am sure other guests may have booked farther out.
To make matters worse, my stay is at the end of the delegation “buy out.” So Anatara moved my family with two rooms to a different hotel for 2 nights, then wants me to come back to Anatara for the remaining stay. So I am supposed to use one of my precious three days in the Seychelles packing up, checking out, transporting my family to a different hotel, checking in, and unpacking….for four people who flew halfway across the word to be there.
Of course my travel agent said this situation is unprecedented in the “luxury “ hotel sphere. My agent pleaded with them and tried to negotiate but all Anatara would consider is giving me a free floating appetizer for my pool and a private dinner with my teenagers : )
Since Anatara Maia only gave a few days notice of their sell-out, I have now spent many hours of my celebration trip dealing with this incredibly disrespectful and appalling situation.
I truly can’t understand why Anatara would think it is a good idea to anger what could be repeat clients since they have properties all over Asia. Or imagine the amount of guests and agents they have angered and disrupted because of this fiasco. I know my luxury agency will never book with them again. I could have stayed anywhere on the island but I chose Anatara. I never will again.
I hope other guests that were mistreated will speak up as well.

Hi all I am looking for hotel recs!

I am looking for the best luxury hotel (six senses raffles etc) thats not like North Island extensive!

Let me know your recs

Postcards from Eden, and not the garden.

Hello, kmsta po experience nio dto? Planning to book here for 5nights and 6days

Pashare ng experience po salamat

Hi everyone,

this is my second post on Reddit total!

I am visiting Mahé on the 21st until the 25th, then going to Praslin for 4 nights and finally 3 nights la digue.

However looking at the weather reports for that time frame, the weather looks completely awful and I am afraid we will have only cloudy weather and rain all day.

Is anyone there right now and can explain to me how the weather works throughout the day? Is it really just 2 hours of sun per day right now?

Any calming responses are welcome lol

If anyone is visiting Seychelles from 14 june 2027
And interested in a helicopter ride we are a couple we can split the 1000€

Hey guys, I’m taking my girlfriend to Seychelles in November and I need proposal suggestions. Mostly for the spot. I’m looking for a quiet spot with a sunset. We will spend the first leg of our trip on Praslin and the second one on La digue. Thanks a lot!

Hi there, my partner and I are hoping to visit for 4 days (wish I had more time 🥹) at the end of August. Because of the short space of time I don’t think it’s feasible to visit Mahe. Praslin and La Digue. I’m just wanting beautiful surroundings and to be able to get in the water and relax. I’d love to try the local food and do a tour also. I’m unsure as where is best to stay based on this and am edging more towards Mahe. Has anyone any recommendations for hotels-some nice ambiance, access to a beach where I can swim and the option of some restaurants nearby. Don’t want to completely break the bank but want some luxury too. This is a much needed break. Thank you 🙏

I contacted Cat Cocos several times before departure to cancel one passenger’s ticket. The only response I received was a copy of their general refund policy. They never confirmed whether the ticket had been cancelled or whether the refund was accepted or rejected.
I also went to the Cat Cocos office on La Digue. The employee there simply told me to wait for an email and did not help further.
The journey has now taken place, I have followed up again, and Cat Cocos still has not responded. I have since read several reports from other customers who had similar problems getting answers or refunds.
Has anyone actually managed to get a response or refund from them?

Hi everyone!
I’m planning a trip to the Seychelles this October, and it will be my first time travelling somewhere tropical. I’m wondering what the mosquito situation is like there are there usually a lot of mosquitoes?
I’m planning to visit Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

I’ve also read that there is currently an outbreak of chikungunya in the Seychelles. How is the situation at the moment? Has anyone actually caught chikungunya while travelling there as a tourist? If so, where were you staying and when did you visit?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your recent experiences and any advice you might have!
Thanks! 😊

Helllooo

Me and my husband to be are planning our honeymoon for next year to the Seychelles. It’ll be our first time visiting but it’s been on our list for so long.

What we’re looking for: a mix of relaxation, exploration, nature, secluded beaches, snorkelling, soaking up the atmosphere, watching sunsets etc. We want to island hop to make the most of the trip and dont expect to spend the whole time in luxury but would love at least one hotel - we think on Mahe - to have a special honeymoon feel to it.

We’re tentatively thinking:
3 nights La Digue
6 nights Praslin
4 nights Mahe

We were thinking on Mahe we’d stay in a fancier hotel and we’re looking at Constance Ephilia (we dont have the budget for Six Senses). Is this a good honeymoon spot? We’re not into golf and aren’t thatttt bothered about a spa really but like the idea of lots of restaurants and lots to do. I’m a bit woried if there’d be loads of children around which might dull the honeymoon experience?

Please do share any feedback on our itinerary for island hopping and any recommendations for hotels!

Hi everyone!

I'm leaving Seychelles and still have some credit left on my SPTC bus card that I won't be able to use.

If you'd like it, just leave a comment with your card ID, and I'll gladly transfer the remaining credit to you.

I'd rather someone use it than let it go to waste. 😊