7 Days in Seychelles
Mahé and Praslin with a day on La Digue — the classic first-time week.
Hero image: Marwa elchazly – bikes in La Digue.jpg by Marwa elchazly, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
7 days in Seychelles is enough to see two islands properly. The most balanced plan is three nights on Mahé and four nights on Praslin, with La Digue as a day trip from Praslin. It keeps transfers to one inter-island crossing each way and gives you the mountains and capital of Mahé, the Vallée de Mai and beaches of Praslin, and the granite boulders of La Digue.
If you are arriving late or leaving early, swap one Praslin night for a final night on Mahé.
Who 7 days in Seychelles suits
- First-time visitors who want variety without constant packing.
- Couples and families who prefer two comfortable bases.
- Travellers who want both beaches and nature.
7 days in Seychelles: the route at a glance
- Days 1–3: Mahé — Victoria, a mountain walk, beaches and a marine park boat trip.
- Day 4: transfer to Praslin by ferry or short flight; afternoon on the beach.
- Days 5–7: Praslin — the Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio, a boat day to Curieuse and St Pierre, and a day trip to La Digue.
Days 1–3: Mahé
Day 1: Arrive and settle in. Base yourself at Beau Vallon for an easy beach and restaurants, or in South Mahé for a quieter stay.
Day 2: Explore Victoria in the morning — the market, clock tower and botanical garden — then take a boat trip into the Ste Anne Marine Park.
Day 3: Start early with a hike in Morne Seychellois National Park, then drive the south coast to Anse Intendance and Anse Takamaka. Check sea conditions before swimming.
Day 4: Transfer to Praslin
Take a fast ferry from Victoria to Baie Ste Anne, or a short domestic flight to Praslin’s airport. Settle into your base and spend the afternoon on the beach. Côte d’Or & Anse Volbert is the most convenient base for boat trips; Grand Anse & West Praslin is close to the airport.
Days 5–7: Praslin and La Digue
Day 5: Walk the paths of the Vallée de Mai in the morning, then spend the afternoon at Anse Lazio.
Day 6: Take a boat day to Curieuse to see the giant tortoises and mangroves, with snorkelling at St Pierre.
Day 7: Cross to La Digue for the day. Hire a bicycle in La Passe, visit Anse Source d’Argent through L’Union Estate, and cycle to Grand Anse on the east coast if time allows. Check the time of the last ferry back.
Fly home from Mahé on day 8 — or, if your international flight leaves early, transfer back to Mahé the evening before.
Boat days and day trips for the Praslin leg
Organised boat trips and La Digue day trips that fit days 5–7, each with its own guide page on this site.
Where to stay
- Mahé: see where to stay on Mahé.
- Praslin: see where to stay on Praslin.
Places to stay at Côte d’Or for the Praslin nights
A few properties listed on this site at Côte d’Or & Anse Volbert, a convenient Praslin base for boat trips and La Digue day trips.
Variations on 7 days in Seychelles
- More beach time: stay two nights on Mahé and five on Praslin.
- Stay on La Digue: spend days 6–7 on La Digue instead of Praslin, returning via Praslin.
- Rough seas: fly the Mahé–Praslin leg during the south-east trade-wind season.
Tips
- Book the inter-island leg early in busy periods.
- Travel light — soft bags are easier on ferries and small aircraft.
- See Seychelles Island Hopping for how the connections work and Travel Planning for the seasons.
Official visitor information, including events and practical updates, is published by the Seychelles tourism board at seychelles.travel.
Is 7 days in Seychelles enough?
A week is the most popular trip length, and for good reason: it is long enough for two islands without feeling rushed, and the transfer between them costs only part of one day. What you give up is a proper stay on La Digue — a day trip shows you Anse Source d’Argent and the village, but not the quiet mornings and evenings. If that matters to you, swap two Praslin nights for La Digue, or extend to the 10-day itinerary.
For 7 days in Seychelles with children or less appetite for travel days, consider staying on Mahé and Praslin only, using organised day trips for the smaller islands and keeping evenings close to your accommodation.