Seychelles

Introduction

Thousands of miles from anywhere, these beachcomber islands rank amongst the world’s most visually stunning. Turquoise waters, white beaches, coconut palms and forested wilderness – the original Garden of Eden.

Mahé is the biggest of the islands and boasts the famous Beau Vallon beach and although most people come here for a kick-off-your-shoes, beachbased holiday, many of the Seychelles’ unique plants are found here – some of them nowhere else in the world. Slower-paced Praslin, home to the legendary coco de mer, is a particular favourite.

There are many other islands to discover, such as the exclusive private paradise of Frégate, North Island and crescent-shaped Denis Island, all offering unforgettable swimming and that special Seychellois charm that blends the best of African, Asian and European cultures.

Regional Info

HIGHLIGHTS

Island Hopping
The Seychelles is great for island hopping between one of the many islands featured. Famous for having some of the best beaches in the world with powder soft white sands whilst others are framed by age old granite boulders. As well as offering opportunities to find national monuments, artists studios, marine parks or simple pure relaxation.
Bird Watching
The islands are a major attraction for bird watchers due to the millions of birds nesting in the Seychelles and Bird Island. Now much of the area has become nature reserves and sanctuaries making it a paradise for birds.
Watersports
Hotels in the Seychelles offer excellent watersports from water-skiing, snorkelling and sailing all on the stunning beaches. Desroches is especially good for diving with sea cliffs, caves and tunnels and St Anne National Marine Park is a favourite for snorkelling, which encompasses six islands of the coast of Mahe.
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, Mahe
Aside from exotic palms, the gardens are home to a wide variety of orchids, spice and fruit trees most of which can only be seen in this garden. There are also resident giant tortoises from Aldabra some of which are over 150 years old.
Deep Sea Fishing
Marlin can be caught from October to December off the coast of Denis Island. At the edge of the Seychelles continental shelf the sea floor drops away rapidly making it a favourite for fishing.
Vallee de Mai
This World Heritage Site is a beautiful primeval forest is home to over 6000 Coco-de-mer trees, considered to be among botanical wonders of the world. Its also boasts many other indigenous trees and plants and is also the last habitat of the endangered Black Parrot
Kywn House - Victoria Mahe
SENPA, Esplande Craft Kiosks - Victoria Mahe
Sir Selwyn Clarke Market - Victoria Mahe
Seychelles Natural History Museum - Victoria Mahe

EVENTS

January | Seychelles Sailing Cup
The races will commence from Eden Island and continue round the Seychelles taking in many islands including Praslin, Sainte Anne and La Digue.
March | International Fishing Competition
April | May - Seychelles Arts Festival
A week-long event featuring the works of local artists and workshops, visitors can also learn about traditional instruments of the Seychelles.
May | June - Festival of Classical Music
A joint venture between Seychelles and Kenya and will feature professional musicians, choristers and soloists, both vocal and instrumental, from several countries.
September | Mahe - Praslin Windsurfing Race
An annual event starting from Victoria Harbour.

LOCAL SPECIALITIES

Handicrafts
Locally made produce include basketwares, wooden ornaments, pottery and jewellery made from shells.
Tea
Although tea growing is on a small scale in the Seychelles local tea can be bought in shops or whilst visiting the tea factory on Mahe.
Cinnamon
Grows wild on all the islands and can be bought as oils or quills.
Seychellois Creole cuisine
Influenced by African, Chinese, English, French and Indian traditions making it truly international. As may be expected seafood dishes feature predominately in local cuisine.
National Food Specailities
Kat-kat banane, Coconut curries, Chatini requin, Soupe de tectec, Bouillon brede
National drinks
Seybrew - a German style lager made locally

TRAVEL TIPS

CLIMATE
The weather is generally warm and humid with pleasant, even temperatures and year-round sunshine however showers can be expected at any time. Heavy rains are more likely to occur between Novemberand February.

LANGUAGE
Creole is the official language with both English and French being spoken

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +4 hours

CURRENCY
Seychelles Rupee. Credit cards accepted are VISA, American Express and MasterCard only.

FLYING TIME
Approx 9 hours non-stop or 13 hours including one stopover

Honeymoons & Weddings

Island Escapes

Multi-Centre Holidays