Seychelles Indian Ocean Islands
Introduction to the Seychelles Islands
For tourists Seychelles is an idyllic tropical island getaway; an isolated sanctuary in the Indian Ocean.
Seychelles is an archipelago of some 115 islands in the West Indian Ocean, located on the equator off the coast of East Africa. It’s home to lovely palm fringed beaches, sheltered bays, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoise
Lush tropical vegetation, pristine beaches, rich marine life coupled with a modern tourism infrastructure makes the republic of Seychelles a must visit place.
The climate is tropical. Warm humid weather conditions prevail with temperatures that range from 24 – 33 degrees Celsius. Since the islands are located outside the cyclone belt, severe weather conditions are rare. Many small and larger boats are moored in various bays without harbor protection.
The 3 main inner islands are Mahe, Praslin (pronounced Pralin) and La Digue and best for a first visit. You refer to the map below.
These granitic islands have beautiful beaches including Anse Intendance in Mahé, Anse Lazio in Praslin and Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue. These islands have an established tourism infrastructure with good transport, great hotels, apartments, guest houses, restaurants, banking facilities and more.
You can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, beach walking, sun-bathing, swimming, boating, big-game fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
The Seychelles cuisine is also fantastic.
Hotels offer amazing buffet feasts and there are several to-rated restaurants.
Covered in tropical vegetation, their mountain landscapes are perfect for hiking and are filled with terns, vasa parrots and turtles. The Seychelles is home to several national parks and nature reserves.
It has a small but welcoming population of around 100000 people. The people mostly humble, friendly and helpful. The main languages are Creole, English and French.
Culture
The island has a rich history of French and British occupation infused with people from Africa, India and China. This explains the multi-ethnic roots of the countries vibrant society. Due to its colonial past, French and British are dominate influences. The local Creole language is an adaption of the French language and infused with words and phrases of African and Asian origins. Creole, English and French are the official languages.
You will always enjoy great food in Seychelles. The creole cuisine is is tasty rendition of different cultures fused together. With influences from India, China, Africa and Europe you get culinary delights such as curries, seafood, meats, vegetables, fruits, coconut milk and more.
Seychelles is of course mainly about nature and climate. About half of the country consists of protected marine parks and nature reserves. With its tropical climate, thick forests, luscious vegetation, sandy beaches, cosy bays and warm Indian ocean waters and rich marine life, Seychelles earns it mark as tropical island paradise.
The Seychelles has been an independent state since 1976. Located on the equator, the Seychelles is closer to Madagascar than to the African or Indian continents. The Seychelles is divided into two large groups : the inner islands and the outer islands.
The 3 main inner islands
Mahe Island
Mahe is the main island and home to the capital city, Victoria. Most visitors will arrive by commercial flight at Seychelles International Airport (Aéroport de la Pointe Larue – in French).
Mahe is the commercial hub of the Seychelles and home to the international airport and a bustling port.
Most of the commercial facilities are concentrated in the North of the Island. To the the south there are several quaint and charming seaside villages.
There are no major highways or high rise buildings. When you arrive in Seychelles you will already feel you away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Mahe offers a wide choice when it comes to accommodation. From self-catering apartments to 5 star hotels and resorts, from nice guesthouses to fancy villas.
Eden Island is great place to stay. It has a modern marina, small shopping mall, 5 star hotel, well appointed apartments and a choice of restaurants. It is also with in easy reach of attractions and infrastructure, such as the harbor, airport, beaches, markets, botanical gardens and esplanade.
The green virgin forests cascade down lush mountain sides to beautiful beaches where you can leave your footprints in the soft sand.
Main attractions in Mahe, Seychelles
- Beaches – there are 65 + beaches
- Victoria Town – walk the town, visit the market
- Coastal villages
- Botanical Gardens
- Museums
- Eden Island
- La Plaine St Andre Distillery
- Local bazaars
- Art galleries
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Shopping mall,
- Harbor
- Airport
Activities
- Fishing
- Diving, snorkelling, swimming
- Boat charters and cruises
- Marine excursions
- Walks and trails
- Rock climbing
- Ziplining
- Island hopping
- Eating and dining out
- Spa and wellness treats
- Golf
Praslin Island
The second largest island in size, is 60 minutes from Mahé by ferry and 20 minutes by plane. On ferry you will arrive at Baie Sainte Anne Jetty.
The Vallée de Mai National Park is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique site has a forest coconut trees. Here you also find the unique Coco-de-mer which has a shape resembling the female pelvis. The leaves of these coconut trees shelter several rare plants and many birds.
Praslin also has some fantastic beaches, great hotels, restaurants and small shops.
Main attractions include the harbor, Vallee de Mai, Anse Lazio and other beautiful beaches, Black Pearl Farm Gallery, Heritage Route, Pirate Treasure Trail and Praslin Museum. There is also a championship golf course at Lemuria Resort.
Activities include going to the beach, fishing, diving, swimming, boating, walks and trails, great cuisine, island hopping.
La Digue Island
La Digue is the 4th largest island in archipelago. Bicycles are a major form of transport on this sleepy island. Here you will find true Seychelles tranquillity and harmony. The Ferry ride from Praslin to La Digue is a quick 15 – 20 minutes.
La Digue is also home to pristine beaches.
Small sops, leafy vegetation, meandering avenues all add to the charm and allure of this island, famous for bicycles and oxcarts.
There are also nice hotels, small restaurants and shops. French colonial style architecture is prevalent.
A great way to explore the island is on bicycle or by oxcart.
Enjoy a drink at a beachfront restaurant or bar
Main attractions include pristine beaches, L’Union Estate, Veuve Reserve, National Monuments, Harbor, Large Granite Boulders, art galleries.
Main activities include cycling, oxcart tour, boating, diving and snorkeling, fishing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, Seychelles cuisine, spa and wellness treats.
