Is Seychelles safe to visit? Is Seychelles safe for tourists? Yes! Seychelles is safe! How do I know? I’ve traveled to Seychelles over 10 times and explored its islands and beaches.
Seychelles is one of the safest destinations in the Indian Ocean. Known for the most photographed beach, granite boulders, giant tortoises, and one of the best beach honeymoon destinations in the world. Find essential tips if going to Seychelles.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEYCHELLES:
• Hilltop Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Victoria on Mahé)
• Sun Properties & Resort Hotel (I stayed here in Beau Vallon on Mahé)
• Marie Laure Suites (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Bambous River Lodge (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Palm Beach Hotel (I stayed here in Grand Anse on Praslin)
• Chez Bea (I stayed here in Cote’Or on Praslin)
• Cote D’Or Footprints (upscale stay in Cote D’Or on Praslin)
• La Digue Self Catering Apartments (I stayed here in La Passe on La Digue)
• Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel (perfect beachfront location on La Digue)
• Chalets d’Anse Reunion (perfect paradise stay on La Digue)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN SEYCHELLES:
• Mahé: Anse Major hike (I did this fun hike!)
• Mahé: Private Tour on Mahé (I did this)
• Mahé: St. Anne Marine Park with Lunch (I did this!)
• Mahé: Rock pool hike (on my wishlist)
• Mahé: Day trip to Praslin and La Digue (great if you are short on time)
• Praslin: Vallé de Mai and Anse Lazio (I did this!)
• Praslin: cruise to Curieuse and St. Pierre Island (top-rated tour)
• La Digue: Anse Marron (hike to an isolated beach)
• La Digue: Crystal Water Kayaks tour (my favorite!)
I planned my own Seychelles itinerary, visited multiple beaches, explored nature reserves, and got around using ferries, taxis, and local transport (buses and bikes).
Because of that, I feel confident sharing why I believe Seychelles is a safe place to travel.
I felt safe exploring most visited islands like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and here is what you need to know about safety in Seychelles.
Below, you’ll find Seychelles safety tips, common risks, natural hazards (like ocean currents and marine life), and everything you need to stay safe while visiting.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Is Seychelles safe to visit
TL;DR / KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Seychelles is one of the safest destinations in Africa, especially in tourist-friendly areas like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue where most visitors stay.
● Violent crime is extremely rare, but petty theft can happen—most often on beaches or when valuables are left unattended.
● The biggest risks come from natural hazards like strong ocean currents, marine life, and intense sun exposure, so always check conditions before swimming.
● Stick to popular areas, avoid quiet or unfamiliar places after dark, and take simple precautions to stay safe.
● Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, or unexpected incidents, especially on smaller islands with limited facilities.
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Overall safety and crime rate in Seychelles
While no destination is 100 % safe, Seychelles is no exception.
Seychelles is considered one of the safest island destinations in the Indian Ocean. According to Numbeo, it has a low to moderate crime rate. During my time in Seychelles, I didn’t experience any safety issues, even while exploring different islands.
With a higher population of tortoises than people, there are only around 100.000 people. Seychelles relies heavily on tourism, which contributes up to 72% of GDP per capita to its economy.
Visitors come from all around the world, especially Europe, and the islands are popular with couples, honeymooners, and families. Because tourism is so important, there’s a strong focus on keeping visitors safe. Tourist areas like Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are well-developed, easy to navigate, and generally feel relaxed.
Most crime is non-violent and opportunistic, such as petty theft, rather than anything serious. Keep phones, wallets, and cameras secure, and avoid leaving items unattended.
There have been some reports in recent years of drug-related issues, but these rarely affect tourists.
In general, I found locals to be friendly and helpful, especially when asking for directions or advice. That welcoming atmosphere, combined with the low crime levels, makes Seychelles feel like a safe and comfortable destination to explore.
How to avoid common tourist scams in Seychelles
It sucks getting ripped off on holiday, especially when it’s easy to avoid.
Tourism always brings a few opportunistic people, even in places like Seychelles. The good news is that scams are not very common here, but they do happen.
You might come across inflated prices from beach vendors or taxi drivers, or be offered boat trips by fake tour operators, especially around Beau Vallon. There have also been cases of card fraud, unreliable car rentals, or prepaid tours that never take place.
Always book activities through licensed operators or trusted companies. I can recommend MC Seychelles Travel & Tours for car rentals or private drivers on Mahé and Praslin, Crystal Water Kayaks on La Digue, Oceanbird and Christopher Pillay (Tel: +248 251 5558, Email: chris@oceanbird.sc) for tours to St. Anne and Moyenne, and Curieuse Island excursions.
If you’re unsure, it’s safer to book popular Seychelles tours through platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tripadvisor.
Check prices in advance, confirm what’s included, and avoid paying large amounts upfront unless you trust the provider. I usually book ahead and pay on the spot when possible. For some tours, you can pay in SCR or EUR.
Use secure payment methods, keep an eye on your transactions, and don’t hand over your card unnecessarily. A little caution goes a long way and helps you avoid unnecessary stress on your trip.
Safe areas and accommodation tips in Seychelles
Most of the main islands — Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — are very safe for visitors.
I never had any issues during my stay, whether exploring beaches, villages, or hiking trails. Everything felt relaxed and easy to get around.
Unlike many destinations, Seychelles doesn’t really have “danger zones” or areas to avoid. Still, it’s best to take basic precautions. Avoid quiet or poorly lit areas at night, especially in more remote places. In some parts of the islands there are no street lights, so having a headlamp or using your phone light can be helpful.
Stay in well-known and tourist-friendly areas. Beau Vallon and Victoria on Mahé, Côte d’Or on Praslin, and La Passe on La Digue are all good options. They’re easy to navigate, have plenty of accommodation choices, and feel safe and comfortable.
Book accommodation with good reviews and ratings. I’ve stayed in places where the staff were welcoming and happy to share advice about transport, nearby sights, places to eat, and anything to be aware of. That local insight made the stay feel even more relaxed and enjoyable.
ALSO READ:
• Where to stay in Seychelles: Areas and Hotels for every Budget & Style
• 10 Best luxury hotels in Seychelles for an unforgettable stay
• Where to stay in Mahe Island, Seychelles: Areas and 15 best Mahé hotels
• Where to stay in Praslin Island, Seychelles: Areas and 10 Best Praslin hotels
• Where to stay in La Digue Island, Seychelles: Areas and 10 Best La Digue hotels
Useful Seychelles safety tips regarding natural hazards
Some of the biggest risks in Seychelles come from nature rather than crime, so it’s important to know how to react, not just what to avoid.
Beach and Ocean safety
Seychelles is famous for its postcard-perfect beaches, but (surprisingly to many) not all beaches are safe for swimming.
Strong waves, sudden drop-offs, and powerful currents can make certain areas dangerous — even when the water looks calm. On several of my trips, I’ve heard reports of tourists drowning, which shows how important it is to stay cautious.
On Mahé, Beau Vallon is generally the safest and most popular beach for swimming. However, Anse Intendance and Grand Anse often have strong waves and currents, so swimming there is not advised.
On Praslin, Anse Lazio and Côte d’Or are usually calm and swimmable, although conditions can still change.
On La Digue, Anse Severe and Source d’Argent are shallow and protected, while Grand Anse and Petite Anse (on the east side) are known for strong currents and are not safe for swimming.
ALSO READ:
• Best Mahe Beaches
• 10 Best beaches on Praslin island, Seychelles
• 10 Best beaches on La Digue island, Seychelles
Because of underwater drop-offs and changing sea conditions, even calm-looking beaches can have strong rip currents and undertows. Therefore, it is recommended that you always swim in designated areas, check ocean conditions, and pay attention to warning signs.
WHAT TO DO IF CAUGHT IN A RIPTIDE OR RIP CURRENT:
• Stay calm and do not panic.
• Do not fight the current.
• Swim PARALLEL to the shore to escape the rip tide/rip current.
• Signal for help if needed by waving your arms and shouting.
• If you can’t escape, float or tread water and save energy until help arrives.
• Once out of the rip tide, swim back to shore at an angle, not directly against the current.
Shark safety
Before you panic, you should understand that sharks are a normal component of a healthy ecosystem. But that does not mean you will encounter them.
I’ve seen a few small sharks (size of my arm) in shallow water on Anse Lazio near the rocky, boulder-filled edges. Those do not pose any threat to humans.
Shark encounters are extremely rare in Seychelles, but they have occurred in the past. Sharks are creatures of habit and often frequent a particular area, especially one where they have had success hunting, so avoid areas where there has been shark activity. You will see shark signs even on popular beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.
For a pleasant experience, choose to swim on clear and sunny days at high tide. Avoid river estuaries (they bring food from the island to the ocean) and areas where people are fishing.
SHARK SAFETY TIPS:
• Swim close to shore and in waist-deep water.
• Avoid swimming too far off the shore, especially if you are alone.
• Avoid swimming at dawn and dusk (when the sharks are most active).
• Avoid swimming in areas where there are river outlets (where ocean and river mix sharks look for food).
• Avoid swimming where people are fishing.
• Avoid swimming where large schools of fish are present.
• Always swim or surf in groups! Never alone!
Coral and marine life safety
As in any tropical destination, coral reefs in Seychelles are beautiful, colorful, and full of lively fish and marine life. But they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.
I learned a very valuable lesson when I lived in Australia, and it’s something I still follow in every tropical destination.
In the ocean, you touch with your eyes.
Which basically means: don’t touch anything.
Never touch coral or marine life while swimming or diving, especially if you don’t know what it is. Some corals can burn, sting, or cut your skin, and certain marine animals defend themselves when disturbed. Wearing water shoes or protective swimwear can help prevent injuries.
In Seychelles, you should watch out for sharp coral, sea urchins, jellyfish, stingrays, and stonefish, which are often hidden in shallow water or near rocks. Instead of stepping normally, shuffle your feet to avoid stepping directly on something.
If you get stung by a jellyfish or brush against fire coral, act quickly. Rinse the area with seawater (not fresh water), remove any tentacles or fragments carefully, and apply vinegar if you have it. Do not rub or scratch the skin, as this can make the reaction worse.
If you step on a stonefish or get stung by a stingray, the pain is intense and the venom can be dangerous. Get out of the water, soak the affected area in hot (not scalding) water for 30–90 minutes, and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Sandflies and mosquitoes
Sandflies (also called beach flies or biting midges) are tiny and often not visible, but their bites are itchy and can last for days. They are most active at sunrise and sunset, especially on beaches, in shaded areas, or near vegetation. Avoid sitting directly on the sand for long periods, use insect repellent, and consider wearing light clothing in the evenings. If you do get bitten, anti-itch cream or antihistamines can help reduce the reaction.
Mosquitoes are more common, but I personally never had a big issue with them. That said, it also depends on the time of year you visit. While the risk is low, diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus do exist in Seychelles. The best protection is prevention.
Use repellent regularly, sleep in air-conditioned rooms or use mosquito nets, keep windows closed where possible, and cover your skin in the evenings. If you develop symptoms like fever, headaches, or joint pain after being bitten, seek medical advice.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Always apply sunscreen first, let it absorb for about 10–15 minutes, and then apply insect repellent on top.
Sun and weather
Don’t have too much fun in the sun.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. The ocean breeze in Seychelles can be very deceptive, and the sun is strong year-round. UV levels are high even on cloudy days, which means you can get burned without realizing it (I’ve tried and it’s not fun!).
Limit your time in direct sun during peak hours, stay in the shade, wear a hat, and protect your eyes.Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply every few hours, and drink a lot of water throughout the day.
At certain times of the year, the weather can change quickly. Seychelles has a tropical climate, and sea conditions can shift fast, especially if you’re planning boat trips or island hopping. Rough seas and strong winds are more common between November and April, which can affect swimming, snorkeling, and ferries between islands.
The best time to visit Seychelles depends on what you want to do, but calmer seas and better beach conditions are typically found during the transition months (April–May and October–November).
Transport safety in Seychelles
Getting around Seychelles safely has been a key part of my island adventures.
The main roads on Mahé and Praslin are paved but quite narrow, steep, and winding. If you’re renting a car, remember they drive on the left side, and you’ll need an international driving permit. Also be extra careful, especially during sudden tropical downpours when roads get slippery fast.
Public buses are cheap, but they get crowded, have no space for luggage, and don’t always run on time. I’d only use them if you’re not in a hurry. 🙂
You can also use taxis (there is no Uber in Seychelles), hire a private driver, or book a guided tour if you don’t feel comfortable driving. I’ve found Google Maps works well, but I always download maps to use them offline, even if I use an unlimited eSim data package from Holafly.
I’ve used ferries for all my island hopping in Seychelles, and a couple of times the ride was rough. The one-hour ferry from Mahé to Praslin is known for strong waves.
If you’re prone to seasickness, sit on the back of the ferry or outside at the back for fresh air, take medication in advance, and avoid heavy meals before departure. Boats can also be delayed or canceled in bad weather.
On La Digue, cycling is the main way to get around. During my last visits, I noticed a few electric bikes, but most rentals are still basic. I share a few tips to rent a bike in my things to do on la Digue post.
Tips for staying safe in Seychelles
Staying safe in Seychelles is mostly about using common sense and being aware of your surroundings.
Seychellois people are friendly and welcoming, and you can generally wear what you want on the beach. Unlike destinations such as Zanzibar, Barbados or the Maldives, where modest dress is expected in public areas, Seychelles is mostly Christian and relaxed, so wearing a bikini or swimwear on all beaches is perfectly acceptable. Being polite and respectful in interactions will still help you avoid misunderstandings and keep your experience positive.
Just in case things don’t go as planned — from delayed ferries to minor injuries — get travel insurance. It gives you peace of mind and can save a lot of money if something goes wrong.
I personally use yearly travel insurance from Slovenia, but you can also use SafetyWing, which covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. The great thing about them is that you can buy coverage even if you are already abroad.
Emergency Numbers in Seychelles
Seychelles is very safe, but as the saying goes, better be safe than sorry.
Here are the key emergency contacts to save before your trip:
• Primary emergency number: 999 / 112 (police, fire, medical)
• Police (crime-related incidents only): 133
∘ Central Police Station (Mahé): +248 428 8000
∘ Beau Vallon Police Station (main tourist area on Mahé): +248 428 8096 / +248 428 8097
∘ Praslin Police Station: +248 423 3251
∘ La Digue Police Station: +248 423 4251
• Emergency / Ambulance: 151
∘ Main Seychelles Hospital (Victoria): +248 438 8000
• Fire and Rescue: 999
• Embassy / Consulate: Check the nearest embassy for your country before traveling
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, staff can also help you quickly in an emergency.
I always keep emergency numbers saved on my phone and on a small piece of paper. Make sure the paper is easy to reach and find, and consider making multiple copies.
You can also quickly locate police stations, hospitals, and other emergency services with my custom Seychelles Google Maps locations, along with my recommended points of interest and products. This way, you can quickly locate help and navigate the island safely.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP
Use your mouse or fingers to ZOOM in and ZOOM out. For more info about the place, click the icons on the map.
If you wish to SAVE this map for later use, click the small grey star ‘⭐’ next to the map title. Map will be automatically added to your Google Maps account. To view it, go to ‘Saved’, then select ‘Maps’, find a map or click ‘Open My Maps’. You can also find it in your Google My Maps Account under ‘All’ or ‘Not Owned’ or ‘Recent’.
Final thoughts: Is Seychelles safe to visit?
Absolutely! Seychelles is safe to visit.
During my trips to Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, I never had any problems, whether I was hiking, exploring villages, or swimming at beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Lazio. It is one of the safest destinations to visit in Africa.
Families, solo travelers, and couples will all feel welcome. You can comfortably wear a bikini on the beaches, as most of the risks come from nature — strong currents, coral, and marine life — rather than people.
Just like anywhere, simple precautions go a long way: keep your belongings safe, swim in designated areas, follow safety signs, and consider travel insurance for peace of mind.
Now that you know Seychelles is safe, you can plan your trip with confidence, and check out my other Seychelles travel guides on the best time to visit Seychelles, things to do in Mahé and Praslin, the best La Digue beaches, which eSim to use, what to pack, and how to plan a perfect Seychelles trip.
➤ What you should read next
• Best time to visit Seychelles for weather and activities
• Where to stay in Seychelles: Areas and Hotels for every Budget & Style
• 10 Best things to do in Seychelles Islands
• How to get around Seychelles
• How to plan a trip to Seychelles
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