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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Mahe, Seychelles

Climate-Appropriate Attire

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal year-round due to high humidity and warm temperatures. For the rainy season (October-April), a Lightweight, packable rain jacket or Umbrella is useful. During the windy season (May-September), a Light jacket or long-sleeved top may feel comfortable for evenings near the coast.

Layering & Cultural Dress

  • Layering is not usually necessary beyond a light cover-up for Sun protection or a thin layer for air-conditioned indoor spaces.
  • When visiting religious sites (churches, temples), dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees.
  • Smart casual attire may be necessary at upscale restaurants or resorts in the evenings.

Activity-Specific Attire

For beach activities, pack Swimsuits, board shorts, and Rash guards for sun protection. Hiking calls for lightweight shorts or pants and Moisture-wicking shirts.

Footwear for Exploration

Footwear Focus

Beach Footwear

Essential for sandy shores and shallow waters, protecting against coral fragments or sea urchins.

Flip-flops or Water Shoes

Walking Comfort

Comfortable sandals or breathable walking shoes are perfect for city exploration and everyday outings.

Sneakers or Sandals

Trail Ready

For national park trails, sturdy footwear provides grip and support on uneven terrain.

Hiking Shoes or Boots

Required Documents

Your Travel Essentials

Ensure you secure all necessary documents before your journey to Seychelles.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid passport (6+ months validity), pre-approved Travel Authorisation (print/digital), onward/return flight tickets, accommodation confirmations.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Policy number, emergency contact details, and coverage summary (digital and physical copies).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If renting a car and your license is not in English or French.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable) and a list of prescription medications.
  • Printed/Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, hotels, tours (cloud storage and email copies).
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family/friends, embassy/consulate details.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: Rarely offer discounts in Seychelles, but may be carried.
  • Sufficient Funds: Rarely checked but officially SCR 150 per day or similar.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Plug Type: G (British standard - three rectangular pins). Voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with Type G compatibility is a useful addition.

Mobile & Internet

  • GSM network compatible. Check if your phone is unlocked for international SIM cards.
  • Local providers: Airtel Seychelles and Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Both offer prepaid tourist SIM cards with data packages.
  • For data connectivity, consider Airalo for eSIM options.

Photography & Utilities

A Waterproof camera (e.g., GoPro) proves useful for snorkeling or diving. A standard camera works well for landscapes. A Waterproof phone pouch protects your phone from water and sand. For camera and electronics, explore options from B&H Photo.

Portable Power & Apps

Data Security & Connectivity

Secure Your Data

Always back up important photos and documents to cloud storage before and during your trip.

VPN for Public Wi-Fi

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Like NordVPN or ExpressVPN adds a layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Offline Maps & Translation

Download offline maps for Google Maps and language packs for Google Translate to assist with navigation and communication without internet access.

Health & Wellness Items

Your Personal Pharmacy

Prepare your health and wellness items for your trip. A destination-specific First aid kit from Adventure Medical Kits is recommended.

Kit Contents

Tropical Health Protection

Protect yourself from the tropical environment. Effective insect repellent and sun protection are paramount.

Sun, Bugs, & Water

  • Insect Repellent: Use high-DEET or picaridin insect repellent.
  • Sun Protection: Pack reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+ recommended) and After-sun lotion.
  • Water Purification: Tap water is generally safe, but a Portable water filter (LifeStraw) provides an extra layer of safety, especially for hiking in remote areas.

Special Health Focus

Motion Sickness

  • Bring Motion sickness medication for ferry rides between islands or boat excursions.
  • Acupressure wristbands are a non-medication option.
  • Ginger candy or ginger tea can also assist.

Personal Hygiene

  • Personal hygiene essentials: Specific brands of toiletries or feminine hygiene products may have limited local availability.
  • Hand sanitizer is always a good inclusion for on-the-go cleanliness.
  • Travel-sized dental care items are simple to pack.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

Having your own Mask and snorkel can lead to better hygiene and fit. Fins are often available for rent. Consider a compact Travel snorkel set if you prefer your own gear.

  • Snorkel and Mask
  • Reef-safe Sunscreen
  • Water Shoes
  • Underwater Camera

Hiking Essentials

For trails in Morne Seychellois National Park, pack a Small backpack, a reusable water bottle, and sturdy Hiking shoes. Some trails may have small entry fees or require a local guide.

  • Small Backpack
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Sturdy Hiking Shoes
  • Insect Repellent

Specialty Gear

A Dry bag is useful for boat trips and protecting electronics from water and sand. A 20L dry bag offers a versatile size for many uses. Surfboards and paddleboards are available for rent at popular beach areas.

  • Dry Bag (e.g., 20L)
  • Travel Towel (quick-dry)
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Consider Bringing

  • Your own snorkel mask for better fit and hygiene.
  • High-quality hiking boots if you plan extensive trekking.
  • Specific brands of toiletries or medications you cannot do without.
  • A portable water filter for hiking in remote areas.

Consider Renting

  • Snorkel fins and dive equipment from tour operators or dive centers.
  • Surfboards and paddleboards, available at popular beach areas like Beau Vallon.
  • Cars for exploring Mahé, as local rental companies are plentiful.
  • Bicycles on La Digue, where they are the main mode of transport.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

For long flights, a Neck pillow, an Eye mask, and Earplugs greatly enhance comfort. Security items offer peace of mind. A discreet Money belt secures passports and larger cash amounts. A Small padlock is useful for luggage or hostel lockers.

Reusable & Eco-Friendly

Region-Specific & Practicalities

Victoria and Mahé have specific needs that enhance your visit. Small denomination local currency is useful for bus fares and market purchases. While many accommodations provide beach towels, a quick-dry travel towel is always useful. Plan for items difficult or expensive to purchase locally.

Smart Inclusions

  • Certain medications or specialty dietary items that may have limited availability.
  • High-quality specific outdoor gear if you plan specialized activities.
  • Books, entertainment, or offline content for downtime.
  • Consider items for accessibility if you have mobility needs, as infrastructure may present challenges.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste from single-use bottles.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For market visits and souvenir purchases.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine ecosystems from harmful chemicals.

Travel Utensil Set

For takeaways to avoid single-use plastic cutlery.

Unique to Victoria/Mahé

Mahé Must-Haves

  • Small denomination local currency for bus fares and market purchases.
  • A Beach towel (many accommodations provide, but a Quick-dry travel towel is also useful).
  • Unlocked mobile phone for a local SIM card for convenience.

Considerations

  • Certain medications or specialty dietary items that may be difficult to find locally.
  • High-quality specific outdoor gear if you plan specialized activities not easily rentable.
  • Digital copies of all important documents stored securely in the cloud.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light: Luggage restrictions on inter-island flights are common. Consider laundry services at your accommodation.

Roll clothes: Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles, maximizing suitcase capacity.