Article: Common Misconceptions About the Seychelles.
Facts that set the record straight, we tackle the most common myths surrounding the Seychelles.
Seychelles often carries an air of mystery, wrapped in postcard images of granite boulders and powdery white sands. While its beauty is undeniable, many of the ideas people hold about these islands are shaped by assumptions or half-truths that have been repeated over time. From its accessibility and affordability to the experiences on offer, Seychelles is frequently misunderstood, it’s time to separate myth from reality.
1. "You have to travel between islands by helicopter" – One of many options
While helicopter transfers are available and a scenic option, they are by no means the only way to travel between the islands. The Seychelles has a well-organised ferry system that connects the main islands—Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue—making island hopping both easy and affordable. There are also small domestic flights operated by Air Seychelles, which provide quick and convenient access to the more remote islands. Whether by ferry, plane, or helicopter, exploring the different islands of the Seychelles is straightforward.
2. "You pronounce Seychelles as Seashells" – Incorrect
One of the more amusing misconceptions is that the Seychelles is pronounced “seashells.” The correct pronunciation is "Say-shells" (sey-shels), which derives from the French colonial period. Named after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, a French finance minister in the 1700s, the name was later changed by the British to ‘Seychelles’.
3. "Pirates run the islands" – Pure Myth
While the Seychelles’ remote location in the Indian Ocean may evoke images of pirate adventures from centuries past, the reality today is far different. The modern Seychelles is a peaceful and secure destination, known for its luxury resorts, thriving tourism industry, and tranquil way of life. The local government takes safety seriously, and piracy is not an issue on the islands.
4. "The food is boring" – Absolutely Untrue
In our experience, and that of our clients, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Seychelles boasts a rich culinary scene, heavily influenced by its Creole heritage. The cuisine is a vibrant fusion of African, French, Indian, and Chinese flavours, offering an exciting variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the high-quality of both local eateries and high-end restaurants at resorts, where the focus is on fresh, sustainable ingredients that highlight the islands’ natural bounty.
5. “You can’t get to the Seychelles from the UK” - Indirect, but accessible
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Seychelles, which often leads to the misconception that the islands are difficult to reach. Most routes connect via the Middle East with a short layover, and while return timings can sometimes be less convenient, careful planning and working with a Seychelles specialist makes the journey manageable.
6. “Crime is a big problem in the Seychelles” - Low crime rates and considered safe
The Seychelles is considered one of the safest destinations in the Indian Ocean, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community, but like anywhere, petty theft can occur. For travellers, awareness is the key, keeping belongings secure and checking the UK government website for the latest safety updates is always advisable.
7. “The weather is unpredictable and too unreliable for a beach holiday” - Not in our experience
As a tropical destination, Seychelles experiences quickly changing weather conditions, it may be raining on one island while another is bathed in sunshine. The northwest monsoon (December to March) brings heavier rainfall, but temperatures remain warm year-round. Sudden showers are part of the landscape and rarely last long.
