Seychelles — Inner Islands
Is it safe to travel to North Island?
Yes — a private island with no public access and no crime to speak of. The considerations are the ocean, the remoteness of medical care and the transfer itself.
Reviewed 16 September 2026 · iLuxuryTravels Editorial
North Island is a private conservation island with a single small resort community and no public access, so the crime question effectively disappears. The Seychelles as a nation is politically stable and among the safer destinations in the Indian Ocean; the petty theft that does occur is a Mahé beach and car-park issue, not an island one.
The ocean requires attention. Currents around the island can be strong and conditions vary sharply between the sheltered and exposed sides depending on the monsoon; swim where the team directs, and take the snorkelling briefings seriously.
Care is close for small things and far for large ones — serious cases go by helicopter or boat to Mahé, roughly thirty kilometres away. Insurance with evacuation cover matters. The southeast monsoon from May to September brings wind and seaweed on some beaches; the northwest monsoon from December to March brings warmer, calmer water and more rain.
North Island safety: the questions people actually ask
- Is it safe to travel to the Seychelles?
- Yes. The Seychelles is politically stable and one of the safer Indian Ocean destinations. Opportunistic theft occurs on Mahé beaches and at car parks; on the private islands it is not a factor.
- Is it safe to swim at North Island?
- Yes, in the areas the team recommends on the day. Currents differ by side of the island and by season, so always ask before swimming out or snorkelling from the beach.
- Are there sharks in Seychelles waters?
- Reef sharks are present and harmless to swimmers. Incidents are extremely rare. Follow the resort's guidance and avoid swimming at dusk or in murky water after rain.
- What happens in a medical emergency?
- The island has first-aid capability and a link to medical services on Mahé, with evacuation by helicopter or boat. Comprehensive travel insurance including evacuation is essential.
- When is the best weather window?
- April and October are the transition months, with the lightest wind and the calmest water. May to September is windier; December to March is warmer and wetter.