Making the most of Victoria Mahe
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
A permanent map-and-souvenir Kiosk stands near the pier. Walk past port authority offices and through the covered walkway to the road; the car park, where Taxis can be found, is about 300m away and likely has temporary tent-like curio shops. Turn right for downtown. The Clock tower is 1.5km from the pier..
Ships dock at Port Victoria. The town centre is about 20 minutes away on foot or a short taxi ride, with Taxis generally available at the pier.
A free local map is offered when leaving the ship. Sim cards are available at the port, but costly.
Talking about pricey, everything here is very pricey!
When the dock is busy, short-distance rides can be hard to obtain. Wait until the rush has passed.
A printable map for taking with you.
Mahe, the archipelago's largest island, is home to the capital Victoria. Its steep, magnificent mountains create a backdrop few capitals can match.
Modern and indigenous architecture mix in town, the business and commerce centre thanks to extensive port facilities.
Victoria's noteworthy places include the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and open-air market.
The Botanical gardens are a 20 minute walk from the ship, in the opposite direction to downtown. Visitors can walk among Giant Tortoises. Admission is a little over 18 Euros per person.
The town's history is short: a British East India ship discovered it only in the early 17th century. The first settlement begin in 1770, when French citizens and slaves landed to begin agricultural activities. Britain assumed charge of Seychelles from France in the first quarter of 19th century, ruling until independence in 1976. French language and culture endured despite strong British influence. Today Albert Renè of Seychelles People's United Party leads the country, now in his 24th year of rule.
Getting around
Taxis are popular for both short journeys and day rental, and can be obtained almost anywhere.
No meters are used, although quoted prices seemed fair. A 3 hour northern-island tour costs 70 Euro or $90US.
For travel farther away, many transportation options are available here.
Nearby places
Mahe has 68 pristine white-sand beaches and more beaches and tourist facilities than any other Seychelles Islands. Its green-clad mountains and palm-fringed beaches make beautiful, remote Mahe an island of abundance, with pleasant surprises around every trail bend.
For the west coast's most beautiful view, stop high on Morne Blanc Mountain at the Seychelles Tea and Coffee Company.
Food and shopping
Good purchases include straw items, local-artist paintings, spices, island tea, red and black coral jewelry, T-shirts, wood carvings and the very heavy coco de mer double coconut. Victoria town centre has various small shops, while an open-air market takes place every morning in Victoria's main section.
Money
The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the islands' currency. ATM machines generally offer the best conversion rates, while airports and banks also conveniently exchange money. 1 Euro= 8 rupees.
Staying connected
In the Seychelles, Creole is official, while English and French are also spoken.
Open WiFi is almost absent downtown. Connections that are available, including one near the post office, either connect without Internet access or do not connect at all. The Seychelles Yacht club welcomes visitors for drinks and food and provides free Wifi—unless it is busy with many guests; before buying, check whether you can connect and ask at the counter for the password.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1200. Some shops close from 1200-1300 on weekdays.