WHY NOT HOLIDAY IN SEYCHELLES?
More than 116 picture perfect islands, glistening in the sun. Green emerald islands scattered around a turquoise ocean, shining like precious stones. These islands are the Seychelles, most beautiful of all the islands in the world. Picture yourself on these islands. The lazy days, the yachting, diving, exploring, island hopping, relaxing. The culture. The blissful lifestyle. It is a dream…..
TOP DESTINATIONS
Mahé - The biggest of the Seychelles islands and also the economic and cultural hub of the inner islands. It’s capital, Victoria, is the only major port in the Seychelles and is set against an awesome backdrop of 1000m high granite peaks. Victoria is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, and also the only town in the country - every other settlement is a village.
La Digue - One three central islands in the Seychelles made granite. One of the main attractions on La Digue is rock climbing. The great block and cliff-faces offer some magnificent climbing opportunities.
Cerf Island - lies off the north coast of Mahé in the Seychelles. Fifteen minutes by boat from Mahé, this small island appears as an apparition in its surreal and lush unspoilt beauty. Dazzling white beaches sparkle like diamonds in a crown. Cerf Island was named after the French frégate “Le Cerf” ("the deer") which arrived at Port Victoria on 1 November 1756. On board was Corneille Nicholas Morphey, leader of the French expedition, who claimed the island by laying a Stone of Possession on Mahe, Seychelles’ oldest monument, now on display in the National Museum, Victoria.
Bird Island - The Seychelles' most northerly island, once known as Lie aux Vaches, because of the sea cows that thrived there. This is a privately owned island that stands at the forefront of Eco tourism as there are several conservation programmers running on the island. Bird Island is one of the principal nesting sites for the sooty tern and also hosts populations of lesser noddie and fairy terns. From May to November the spectacular colony of Sooty Terns can be seen raising their young. Marine life here is varied and interesting.
WHEN TO GO
The Seychelles offer some wonderful opportunities for windsurfing and sailing and the best time for these activities are at the start and end of the trade winds, usually around May and October. Diving is best in March, April, May, September, October and November. The islands are at their busiest in December, January, July and August and consequently accommodation is most expensive accommodation during those months
BEACHES
Anse Aux Pins and Turtle Bay - This long stretch of coastline has narrow beaches and shallow waters that lie close to the coastal road. It’s a wonderful walk with all sorts of marine life to be seen trapped in rock pools.
Anse Intendance – This beach is half a mile of powder white sand and enormous breakers. The waves are larger than most of the other beaches as there is no reef, making it suitable for surfing. It is also a fabulous beach for sunbathing.
Anse Lazio - The best beach on Praslin and one of the best in the country. The beach has soft, white sand, granite boulders water that is a gorgeous turquoise colour and snorkelling at the quiet end of the beach. There's even a really good restaurant at the end of the beach road.
Lazio - The beaches east of Lazio are protected by a beautiful reef, which makes the water like a giant Jacuzzi - it's warm, shallow and safe.
MOVING AROUND
Air - The local carrier runs frequent flights to Praslin, Frégate, Desroches, Bird and Denis Island, and on occasions charter flights to other islands. Helicopters also fly to a few of the other islands.
Ferries - Run regularly between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Other islands can be reached by chartering a boat.
Bus - A service operates throughout Mahé, and there's a limited service available on Praslin.
Car and Taxis - Car hire is available and taxis run on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the fares are set by the government.
Walking and Cycling - Bicycles for hire can be found on Praslin and La Digue, but not so much on Mahé. Walking is probably the best way to get around on most of the islands, distances are relatively short and the scenery is beautiful.
NATIONAL FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS
Subios - This festival is held for 3 weeks in November to celebrate Seychelles' underwater world. It attracts internationally recognized underwater experts in filmmaking, conservation and photography. Competitions are held in photography, painting and video to help promote awareness of the delicate beauty of the natural world underwater. Hotels on Mahé and Praslin host presentations by the experts and admittance is free.
Festival Kreol – This is the major non-Christian event in the Seychelles and was set up to preserve and promote the Créole culture. It is held every year around the end of October. The festival lasts a week and is an exciting celebration of Creole culture, ranging from its cuisine, fashion, art and music to traditional Creole dance. The festival draws in Creole artists from all over the world to take part in exciting street theatre performances.
Beau Vallon Regatta – Held in August/September the regatta comprises of Yacht races, a swimming competition and tugs-of-war on the beach.
