Car Hire Seychelles

Driving

The Seychelles consists of 15 wonderful islands that can be found in the Indian Ocean, just off the East African coast. While the Outer Seychelles are uninhabited, the Inner Seychelles play host to white sand beaches and turquoise waters lined by resorts that have made this destination one of the most desired in the world. With a vehicle, visitors can fully explore each island in detail.

Driving Tips for the Seychelles

Roads in the Seychelles between the main cities are well maintained. Rural roads might be mountainous and narrow, but signage is usually adequate. Driving in remote areas requires care, but the scenery is well worth it.

Driving licences: UK drivers who have held their licence for at least three years are able to drive here with their UK photo licence for up to three months or with an International Driving Permit for up to a year.

Which side do the Seychelles drive on: the left.

Speed limits:
Motorways: 49mph (80kph)
Rural areas: 40mph (65kph)
Built-up areas: 24mph (40kph)

Alcohol limits: 0.08 per cent, as in the UK. Fines are common for drivers who exceed this limit.

Driving age: between 16 and 21 years, depending on the island.

Seatbelts: compulsory for every passenger, whether in the front or rear. The country currently has no child seat laws.

Mobile phones and GPS: drivers should not use their mobile phones while driving. GPS is allowed but isn't required due to the miniscule size of some islands.

Cost of fuel in the Seychelles: slightly less expensive than in Britain.

Car hire and fuel payment: credit card payments are accepted at the majority of petrol stations and at all international car hire firms. British card holders must notify their card suppliers before using their cards here.

Insurance: third-party insurance is provided with car hire; however, excess insurance is recommended for those that plan to travel extensively around the country.

Traffic and parking: roads around islands such as Mahe see a low volume of traffic. In some cities, including Victoria, parking is free.

Transport

Taxis
Taxis are a popular means of transport either for short trips or a full day. Taxis for tourists or non-residents are charged at around £0.95 per kilometre.

Buses
Mahe boasts an extensive bus network and a flat fee of around £0.15 for all journeys. On Praslin, buses are efficient and cost the same as on Mahe. Travel is mainly provided between the airport, Grand Anse, Baie Ste Anne, Vallee de Mai, Mont Plaisir and Anse Volbert. On both islands, buses run every 15 minutes in the day and are provided by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation.

Ferries
Domestic travel between Mahe and Praslin is supplied by Cat Cocos via a high-speed catamaran and is available twice or thrice daily at around £70 per person. Cat Cocos also supplies travel between Praslin and La Digue for £8 per person. Same-day return trips are possible on this route.

Airports
The only international gateway that the country has is Seychelles International Airport, which is located on the outskirts of Victoria, Mahe. Although there are no direct flights from the UK, connections are possible at the likes of Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. UK nationals aren't required to arrange a visa prior to travelling here. Inter-island flights depart regularly for Praslin as well as Denis Island and Bird Island (Inner Corallines), and Fregate Island, Deroches Island, Arros Island and Alphonse Island on a charter basis. Taxis run the seven-mile route from the airport to the city, as do buses and tour coach services.

Explore

Exploring the Seychelles

Victoria hosts the country's only international airport, so the majority of visitors to Seychelles begin their time here. The capital city on Mahe has managed to retain its colonial charm over the years and is home to attractions including the Natural History Museum, the clock tower (modelled on a British counterpart in London) and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market.

Another popular destination on the island of Mahe is Beau Vallon – arguably the country's most popular resort and the epitome of Indian Ocean bliss. Here, tourists can enjoy world-class accommodation and dining, as well as stays in quaint fishing coves.

Although not as frequented as Victoria or Beau Vallon, Takamaka is also enjoyed by visitors to the islands. It is Mahe's second largest town and provides great access to other highlights including Cerf Island, Sainte Anne Island and Marnelle Island.

Praslin is often the next choice for visitors to the island nation. Here, the main draws are islands such as Aride Island, the Cousin Islands and Curieuse Island.

Last but not least is La Digue, which can be travelled to easily from Praslin. Snorkelling and visiting the local reserves are popular activities here and tourists usually enjoy the islands here, which are much quieter than Mahe or Praslin.

Weather

The Seychelles experience a hot and humid climate, with yearly temperatures hanging around 29°C. Thankfully, the heat is often lessened by ocean breezes close to the beach, meaning the weather is never too hot or sticky. The warmest season runs from November to March, but this is also when the northwest islands experience their monsoons. The country is cooler between May to September, but this is when the southeast experiences rain.