Dangers in Seychelles

Article for those who know little about the country, who are traveling with children, who worry because it’s Africa with all that entails. I’ll talk about the dangers in Seychelles awaiting tourists. This information will help you better prepare and answer many questions that concern you. Believe me, it’s not as scary as some people describe it.

Dangers in Seychelles: General Information

Firstly, this article focuses specifically on natural hazards in Seychelles. For those who want to learn more about the crime rate and safety on the islands, please read the article provided in the link. It contains a lot of useful information about thefts and crimes on the Seychelles, what to expect, and how to stay safe.

In summary, here’s what you need to know about the Seychelles to better understand the natural hazards that may threaten you:

• The Seychelles are part of Africa. More details can be found in the article: “The Seychelles on the World Map.”
• This nation consists entirely of islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1500 kilometers from the nearest continent.
• The Seychelles are situated in the Southern Hemisphere, almost on the equator.

What dangers await tourists: myth or reality?

Here’s a list of dangers in Seychelles that I’m most frequently asked about. I’ll explain whether they’re worth fearing, whether they’re myths or truths. I’ve also included a few dangers that people don’t inquire about and are unaware of until they arrive here.

Tsunamis in the Seychelles

For some reason, many fear tsunamis because the islands are in the middle of the ocean. I’ll explain the situation with tsunamis in the Seychelles and also shed light on other natural dangers in Seychelles:

• Tsunamis are giant waves that result from earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
• The Indian Ocean itself is considered a region of low seismic activity. In this regard, the Pacific Ocean is much more dangerous.
• Moreover, there are no active volcanoes in the vicinity of the Seychelles, not even dormant ones.

It’s important to note:

In 2004, off the coast of Indonesia, the most powerful earthquake in 200 years occurred. A 15-meter tsunami crossed the entire Indian Ocean and reached Africa. Over 30 countries were affected, and around 300 thousand people died or went missing. However, the Seychelles and the Maldives were hardly affected. There were zero casualties from these tsunamis in the Seychelles.

Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that the Seychelles are granite islands with mountains. The highest point is over 900 meters. Even if a tsunami threat were announced in the region, just 200 meters from the shore, you would already be at an elevation of 50 meters above sea level. The threat of a tsunami only exists on islands without hills, such as the Maldives.

Hurricanes and tornadoes: The Seychelles are situated away from the formation of major cyclones. There are no hurricanes here that could reach category 4 or 5 and devastate entire islands, as seen in the Caribbean, for example. Strong winds occur, but destructive hurricanes do not.

In conclusion: There are no tsunamis in the Seychelles, no typhoons or hurricanes, no earthquakes, and no active volcanoes. The only natural hazard is heavy rains that occasionally erode roads.

Are there sharks in the Seychelles

In short, yes, there are. However, what you need to know about sharks:

• There are over 100 species of sharks worldwide, but only 3-4 species are potentially dangerous to humans. These particular sharks are not found near the shores and beaches of the Seychelles.
• The most common sharks in the Seychelles are lemon sharks and reef sharks. They feed on reef fish. These sharks pose no threat to humans. Sometimes, you might even encounter them while snorkeling.
• Almost on all islands, at all beaches, within 500 meters from the shore, there’s a reef at the water’s surface that prevents large, dangerous predators from swimming close to the shore.
• Sometimes, shark pups may swim right at the beach. But unlike bears, with sharks, if you see a cub, it doesn’t mean the mother shark is nearby. Shark mothers forget about their pups a couple of hours after giving birth.

In summary: There are sharks in the Seychelles, but they don’t pose a threat if you don’t plan on swimming far from the shore into the open ocean. And if you’re renting a catamaran, avoid swimming far from the shore.

Stingrays, Stonefish, Sea Urchins, and Other Hazards

I’ll put it this way, it’s essential to be cautious and aware of a few specifics:

• Sea urchins are usually absent from beaches and beautiful Seychellois boulders. They dwell where you’ll be snorkeling: 100-200 meters from the shore in crevices among rocks and amidst seaweed. Just be attentive. Sea urchins pose no threat to you or your child on the beach.
• However, stonefish and stingrays might even be present on a beach where the water is ankle-deep. They bury themselves in the sand, and it’s easy to step on them. Both have poisonous spines that inflict a painful sting if stepped on. While it won’t be fatal, you’ll be bedridden rather than walking. How to avoid it? Don’t swim early in the morning or after sunset. On wild, uninhabited beaches, shuffle your feet in the water as you walk, scaring away creatures. Or wear aqua shoes.

Also, don’t forget here that insurance in the Seychelles is mandatory for all tourists, and a properly functioning insurance policy will save you a ton of money. Medical care in the Seychelles is as pricey as a cruise. Everything about insurance in the Seychelles, what types exist, and where to buy it.

Important to Know:

This applies to the entire region, not just the Seychelles. All marine creatures dangerous to humans live at depth. They come closer to the shore only at sunset and during the night when the sun isn’t active. Therefore, in the tropics, swimming in the ocean after sunset is not advisable. Just accept it as a fact. It’s practically impossible to encounter a stingray near the beach during the day.

Exotic Diseases in the Seychelles: Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika

Let’s start by saying that although this is Africa, there are no exotic diseases here, and no additional vaccinations are needed. But here’s what you need to know as general information:

• Malaria, dengue fever, and Zika are transmitted by mosquitoes, which inhabit the Seychelles, and in large numbers.
• For those unaware: not all mosquitoes transmit these diseases. They are rarely registered in the Seychelles.

Good News:

• The islands are 1500 km from Africa, and these diseases do not reach here/do not fly here.
• For example, malaria: from 2020 to 2023, zero deaths were recorded.
• Cases of dengue fever or malaria are recorded, but it’s within 10 people a year, statistical insignificance in other words.
• Today, all these diseases—yellow fever, malaria, Zika, and dengue fever—are easily diagnosed and treated. Medications are available in every clinic in the Seychelles. Again, don’t forget about the mandatory insurance. I don’t understand how people can travel to exotic countries for vacation without insurance.
• What Else to Bring to the Seychelles Besides a plug-in repeller?

In summary, there’s no need to worry at all. Plugging a repeller into a socket will fully protect you at night. During the day, these mosquitoes aren’t around, only in the jungle, and any slight breeze at the beach completely blows them away; these mosquitoes are tiny. And even if you’re bitten by such a mosquito, the likelihood of contracting malaria tends toward zero, remember that.

Are There Snakes in the Seychelles?

In summary, the main points:

• There are snakes, 4 or 5 species.
• Only 1 or 2 are venomous. But you won’t encounter them; they’ll flee long before you notice them.
• They live in the jungle and pose no threat to humans in the Seychelles.

Dangerous Insects, Predators

The Seychelles islands almost entirely developed in a closed ecosystem without human interference until the 16th century. For those interested, read an informative article: history of the Seychelles, where you’ll learn what remains as a legacy from the French and the English.

Endemic birds, animals, and insects inhabit here. It was on the Aldabra Island in the Seychelles where giant land tortoises were first discovered, which today are called Seychellois.

Evolution in the Seychelles wasn’t particularly aggressive, and humans didn’t bring anything dangerous here. As a result:

• There are no venomous insects or spiders here. There are large Nephyla spiders, which you’ll undoubtedly encounter, but they only look scary; in reality, they’re the gentlest creatures you can even hold in your hands, harmless to humans.

• There are no predators in the natural environment on land. In the ocean, yes, but I’ve already talked about that.
• Scorpions, venomous centipedes, massive cockroaches—yes, they exist. But it’s unlikely they’ll get into your room. Sometimes it feels like they overdo it with insecticides in the Seychelles.
• The only unpleasant insect in the Seychelles is the sandfly. It lives on beaches in cold sand, very tiny, bites inconspicuously and not painfully. But many people have an allergy to its bite. After a day, the bite area looks terrible, a huge swelling in shades of blue-red, and it’ll itch for two weeks. Flies aren’t present on all beaches; it’s often a seasonal occurrence. To prevent bites, simply apply a thick layer of sunscreen. Avoid lying on the sand when it’s cold. And if you’ve been bitten, immediately apply something very hot to the bite area (hot water, a heated spoon). If you didn’t do this and it’s already itching, then it’s all individual. Some find antihistamines sufficient, while others consult locals and buy ointment from the pharmacy. Usually, locals know how to deal with sandflies.

Ultraviolet

Now, this is one of the real dangers in Seychelles, something that can knock you out for three days in just 15 minutes, especially pay attention to children.

Important to know:

The Ultraviolet (UV) Index allows you to assess the danger of solar ultraviolet radiation to human skin. What’s crucial here is that the most intense UV radiation (read: the most dangerous and active sunlight) is precisely at the equator. This is because the sun’s rays hit the atmosphere at a direct angle, which is the shortest distance to the Earth’s surface.

The World Health Organization has developed a scale to make it clearer for us. When the UV Index reaches 3-4, being in the sun is entirely safe. Levels between 5-6-7 are considered the orange zone, and one needs to be cautious not to get sunburnt. Anything that scores 8+ is considered an extreme level. When the UV Index reaches 10 and above, it’s not recommended to even step outside; moving only in the shade is advised.

In our latitudes of Central Europe—on an ordinary sunny summer day, the UV Index is around 5-6. There are periods of scorching heat when the asphalt melts, and the temperature hits 30-35 degrees Celsius, during which the UV Index at noon might reach 7-8.

Important:

In the Seychelles, at the equator, on any sunny cloudless day, the UV Index reaches deadly levels of 12-14. These are extremely high values. You can actually get sunburnt in 15-30 minutes to the point of blistering.

It’s crucial to have sunscreen with the maximum SPF, headgear, always carry water with you. And most importantly, actively protect yourself from the sun, especially in the first few days when your skin isn’t yet tanned. Otherwise, trouble awaits.

In conclusion: if you know all the nuances, natural hazards in Seychelles won’t threaten tourists. In 99% of cases, being forewarned means being forearmed. There are no venomous insects, predators, natural disasters, tsunamis, or hurricanes here. One of the most significant dangers in Seychelles for tourists, especially those who haven’t been to the equator before, is the sun. You can get so severely sunburnt on the first day that you’ll end up calling an ambulance and lying with a fever for the next 3-4 days. Pay special attention to children. And don’t go for a swim in the ocean after sunset.

The hazards in Seychelles aren’t actually that widespread.

IMPORTANT: essential links to organize your dream trip to the Seychelles:

• FLIGHTS: Aviasales – direct flights and best deals.
• CAR RENTAL: Mahe and Praslin, no deposit required – DiscoverCars.
• TOURS and EXCURSIONS:
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  • Viator – 150 + activities in Seychelles.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA.
• HOTELS, VILLAS, APARTMENTS:
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  • Booking – the most popular service for booking accommodation.
  • Agoda – the main competitor of Booking.
• PACKAGES: from budget to luxury – Expedia.
• AIRPORT TRANSFER: Intui.
• INTERNET: eSIM of local telecom operator – Airalo.