Question 1

What is the "Beau Vallon Watersports Overcharging" scam in Mahé?

Accepted Answer

Watersports operators along Beau Vallon beach on Mahé's northwest coast regularly quote one price to attract customers and then add undisclosed charges for equipment rental, fuel surcharges, or "guide fees" at the end of a jet ski ride, snorkeling trip, or diving session. Price boards are sometimes absent or only displayed in Seychellois Rupees while the operator collects in euros or dollars at a disadvantageous exchange rate. Disputes at the beach can turn confrontational. Agree on the total price in writing or photograph the rate board before any activity begins. Confirm whether the quoted price is per person or per boat, and whether fuel and equipment are included. Pay only after the activity is complete if possible, or use operators recommended directly by your hotel.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Coco de Mer and Souvenir Fraud" scam in Mahé?

Accepted Answer

The coco de mer palm nut is Seychelles' most iconic souvenir, legally harvested only in Praslin and La Digue and sold with a government-issued certificate. Street vendors on Mahé, particularly near Victoria Market and along Independence Avenue, sell small coco de mer items, carved shells, and "locally sourced" gemstones that are either fake, mass-produced imports, or coco de mer products without the mandatory export certificate — which means they will be confiscated at Seychelles customs on departure. "Seychellois garnet" sold by unlicensed vendors is frequently synthetic or sourced from outside the islands. Purchase coco de mer products only from the Seychelles Marketing Board outlet or licensed souvenir shops that provide an official government export certificate with each nut. Reject any vendor who cannot produce this certificate on request.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Charity Collectors Near Victoria Clock Tower" scam in Mahé?

Accepted Answer

Individuals posing as collectors for local orphanages, wildlife conservation projects, or disaster relief funds approach tourists around the Victoria Clock Tower (known locally as Lorloz) and along Francis Rachel Street in the town center. They carry clipboards with donation sheets and sometimes show laminated ID cards that appear official but are not linked to any registered Seychellois charity. Cash collected is kept by the individual. Decline all unsolicited street charity requests. If you wish to donate to a Seychellois cause, do so through the Seychelles Community Foundation or a verifiable registered charity. Legitimate collectors do not approach tourists on the street.

Street Scams in Mahé

Beau Vallon Watersports Overcharging

Fake Coco de Mer and Souvenir Fraud

Fake Charity Collectors Near Victoria Clock Tower

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