There are few locations in the world as remote and beautiful as the Seychelles, a group of 115 islands made of coral and granite, nearly a thousand miles off the coast of Africa. The corraline islands are known as the Outer Seychelles, and they are mostly uninhabited, providing amazing opportunities for sailing and scuba diving in completely unexplored wilderness.
The granite Inner Seychelles is home to the bulk of the country’s population and tourist resorts, including the capital city of Mahe and popular islands like Praslin and La Digue. Every year, 150,000 visitors flock to this isolated paradise for all kinds of reasons. If you have a passion for adventure or you’re looking to experience a mysterious and exotic vacation in an untouched paradise, traveling to the Seychelles can change your life.
1. Planning Your Trip
The best time of year to visit the Seychelles can depend on what your interests are and why you’re visiting. As with many locations near the Equator, the country boasts a warm and tropical climate year round. The Seychelles is often an ideal winter retreat, and the months of November through March are bustling with tourists. Since the country offers so many different activities, there are different peak times for tourists interested in bird watching, fishing, and scuba diving. To get to the Seychelles by air, you must fly into the single international airport on Mahe. There are many flights available from mainland Africa, and you can even get a direct flight from London Heathrow to Seychelles International. Once you arrive, you will have access to flights between islands, as well as ferries and helicopters, to take you to your destination.
2. Where to Stay
The region is known for its extremely luxurious resorts and villas, so Seychelles is typically quite pricey. The Independent names the Banyan Tree resort on Mahe as the country’s finest, followed closely by Constance Lemuria on Praslin. Most travelers are curious about more affordable options, and to find the best ones, you may have to do some careful research. Hotels and guest houses are usually located around the main beach areas.
All hotel prices are paid in foreign currency, as it is illegal to charge international tourists in Seychelles rupees. Using a travel agency can help you get more reasonable quotes for accommodations and also help you find the best hotel options for your particular trip.
3. Adventure Sports
The Seychelles is one of the best locations for scuba diving in the world, making it a dream vacation for most diving enthusiasts. The best times for diving are the calm periods between the trade winds, starting in April and October, when the water is warm and visibility reaches up to 30m. But the Seychelles is also a prime spot for many other adventure sports like surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, and even zip lining. In January, the nation is host to an international sailing competition, which is one of the prime activities that can be enjoyed all year round. Anyone who wants to take an island vacation that involves much more than relaxing on a beach will be very happy with their visit to the Seychelles.
4. Observing Nature
It’s hard to imagine spending time in the Seychelles without taking in the amazing environment and unique wildlife population. The Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and features the incredibly rare coco de mer pal and indigenous black parrots. Flocks of seabirds, giant land tortoises, and scores of marine life such as tiger sharks and manta rays are located all around the country. Snorkeling among the coral will reveal an incredible natural world under the water that rivals the one on the surface. It’s little wonder that the Seychelles is home to so many art galleries and professional artists. Whichever of the islands you’re visiting, you are sure to see something breathtaking.
The picturesque beaches of the Seychelles are only a small part of the country’s massive appeal to vacationers. For such a small group of islands, it holds a wealth of possibilities for amazing sights and exciting activities. Arriving in this remote nation really feels like you’re entering another world, and once you leave, you will never be the same. For adventurers or those just looking for a slice of paradise, the Seychelles is all you can ask for and more.
About the author
Amie Gottschalk is an avid travel blogger. Check out more of her writing on the Seychelles. You can follow her on Twitter @amiegottschalk.
By Olivia GrilHey Folks! I'm Olivia from California, United States. I'm a blogger, travel lover, I can travel anywhere, whether it's a new place or already visited. I love meeting new people, clicking photos of every movement, and documenting my adventure. I also, write about travel, travel movies, the best places to visit, etc. Read my stories.
