Travel Information on Seychelles
No artist’s imagination, no science fiction writer’s pen can prepare you for the diverse flora & fauna of the Seychelles archipelago. No where else on Earth has such unique specimens as the jellyfish tree [with only eight surviving examples]; the wondrous Coco-De-Mer; the Seychelles Paradise flycatcher, as well as 13 species & 17 subspecies of birdlife, making Seychelles a living natural history museum - a role it takes very seriously, which is why almost half of it’s limited land area has been proclaimed as nature reserves. The Vallee de Mai, once thought to be the Garden of Eden, & the legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise & the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles boasts an amazing array of endemic & indigenous species waiting to be discovered along it’s several nature trails. Diving in Seychelles opens the door to a vast & separate world. One that promises a marine extravanganza as diverse & vibrant as it is unique. Seychelles is a living aquarium enjoying year-round temperatuee of 24 to 30 degrees. Colorful reef fish, Octopus, Lobster & Turtle are found around the inner islands, while more adventurous dives offshore include the Ennerdale wreck & rocks that are the playground for larger groupers & Stingray. Whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, are regular vistors to Seychelles waters. The water’s teem with countless species of fish poised to take the bait. Tackle Grouper, Bream, Emperor, Job-fish, or challenge a Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Tuna or Barracuda. One can well understand seafarers who believe that God designed Seychelles with the Sailor in mind, for there is no better way explore to the islands. You can cruise year-round in clear waters well otuside the cyclone belt & discover a wide selection of islands, secluded bays & atolls. The granitic islands of Mahe, Praslin & La Digue together with their satellites form the cultural heart of the archipelago. Gateway to Seychelles & home of the International Airport, Mahe’s lush beauty cascades from towering peaks through tropical forests down to the immaculate beaches, while the nearby St. Anne Marine National Park harbours a rich underwater world. Praslin’s legendary Coco-de-Mer nut grows in ancient giant palms in the wondrous Valle de Mai forest. Time stands still on La Digue where ox-carts hold sway on the paths to the dream beach of Anse La Source d’Argent. The northern-most coral islands of Bird & Denis offer unforgettable sights of turtles, & on Bird Island, of millions of sooty terns, which colonise part of the island every year. East of Mahe lies Fregate, showcase for several species of fauna. For 2 centuries Seychelles has been a melting pot of different races, traditions & religions, fusing ethnic diversity into a colorful, trilingual Creole nation.
Basic facts on travel to Seychelles:
Climate in Seychelles:
Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate all year round with all except the remotest, uninhabited islands lying well outside the cyclone belt. There are no extremes of weather in Seychelles. The temperature seldom drops below 24 degrees C or rises above 32 degrees C. There are two main seasons due to the trade winds:
Southwest Trade winds: May – September; Lower humidity, less rain, cooler temperatures
Northwest Monsoons: November – March; Higher humidity, more rain, warmer temperatures
Between mid-December to middle of January brings very heavy rain.
April and October are the hot months, less windy.
Full country name: Republic of Seychelles
Area: 455 sq km (177 sq mi)
Capital city: Victoria
People: Seychellois (Natives of African, Indian and European origins)
Languages: English, French, Seselwa
President: France-Albert René
Visas: [guide only / check the latest travel requirements from the Seychelles Embassy closest to you]. Visas not required for most visitors to Seychelles, onward ticket required, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for length of stay.
Time: GMT+4
Electricity: 240V
Best time to go to Seychelles
Peak season occurs in January, July, August & December. The best time to travel to Seychelles
depends on what you want to do: May & October are best for Windsurfing and sailing during the start and end of the trade winds. Best time for diving is in March, April, May, September, October and November. The Festival Kreol, which is a kind of a street theatre festival celebrating the Créole culture for a week, occurs annually in late October and gives you a chance to sample Créole cuisine, fashion, art, music and dance. Several Créole artists from all over the world attend this festival.
Attractions in Seychelles:
- Beau Vallon Beach in Mahe [2 miles west of Victoria / largest & most popular in Seychelles]
- Beaches of South Mahe Island [more secluded spots]
- Anse Soleil and Anse Petite Police [very secluded, excellent marine-life]
- Victoria, Capital of Seychelles [One of the smallest capital’s in the world, located on Mahé Island]
- The historical Courthouse and main Post Office in the centre of town
- The Natural History Museum
- The National History Museum
- The Seychelles People's United Party Museum
- The Botanical Gardens [highly recommended for their giant tortoises and orchid garden]
- St Anne Marine National Park [Six islands form the park, excellent snorkeling]
- Moyenne [Best Island from the six at St. Anne Marine National Park, popular excursion]
- Round Island [also at St. Anne Marine National Park, best place for Creole cuisine and simple recreation]
- Vallée de Mai [on Praslin Island – Highly recommended!]
The Vallée de Mai, a Prehistoric forest & World Heritage Site] has the Seychelles' greatest concentration of coco de mer palms named after the famous nut they bear. The Valle de Mai is also special for it’s extremely elusive Seychelles Black Parrot, which is only to be found on Praslin Island. Ancient folklore suggest the Valle De Mai forest to be the Original Garden of Eden further enhancing it’s extraordinary appeal.
- Anse Lazio [The best beach in Seychelles located on Praslin]
Remember the breathtaking pictures from the postcards & travel brochures? - The white sandy beach, smooth sand, rounded granite boulders, dramatic waves and clear turquoise water…that’s what Anse Lazio offers. Eastern Lazio’s beaches are protected by a reef, where the water is shallow, offering good snorkeling.
- Bird Island [Available through arranged excursions only, due to it’s fragile ecosystem. About a mile off Praslin’s coast, a nature reserve hosting several endangered species [such as White-tailed tropic bird, Magpie Robin, Brush Warbler among the rarest to be seen] and a breeding ground for seabirds and turtles. Best time to visit: May-September
- Diving around Seychelles is world-class
- Snorkeling is excellent
- Windsurfing popular on Mahe & Praslin
- Deep-sea fishing [May-December is mostly the best time]
Map of Seychelles
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