Almost half of the total land area of the Seychelles is protected and most of its islands are designated marine sanctuaries, which goes some way to explaining why the archipelago is so pristinely well preserved. Naturally, Seychelles is a dream destination for aquatic pursuits like diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing, but visitors will also find that the virgin jungles and granite peaks provide a playground for hikers, bird-watchers and rock climbers.The islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the most developed for tourists, with many luxury hotels, some cultural attractions, and myriad activities on offer. Here travellers will find stunning beaches, the Morne Seychellois National Park, and the UNESCO-listed Vallee de Mai.Keen fishermen should head to Desroche Island, Alphonse Island and Farquhar Atoll, while surfers will love Anse Intendance. Some of the best islands for birders include the aptly named Bird Island, the Aride Island Nature Reserve and Cousin Island. Nature lovers will also relish the wildlife on Curieuse Island, Silhouette Island, and the UNESCO-listed Aldabra Atoll, to name just a few.
The mile-long beach encircling beautiful Beau Vallon Bay on the northern coast of Mahé Island is the most popular beach resort area in the Seychelles, boasting several hotels, a casino, and a selection of scuba diving and water sport centres. Beau Vallon also has a number of dive sites within the bay, including two wrecks and several coral reefs; the bay is known for its clear waters and enviable visibility. The Marine Park of Bay Ternay is also easily accessible from Beau Vallon. The bay is home to three major hotels, some of the island's oldest and most famous: Le Meridien, Fisherman's Cove; the Berjaya Beau Vallon; and the Coral Strand. There are, however, many other hotels in the area, and numerous restaurants.
With crystal clear waters and wonderful underwater reefs, wrecks, boulders and sea life, it is no surprise that one of the main activities in the Seychelles is exploring this underwater world. The islands have a selection of dive sites ranging from those suitable for snorkellers and novice divers through to those preferred by experienced scuba enthusiasts. Highlights include the wreck of the Royal Navy tanker Ennerdale, the grey reef sharks off Marianne Island, and the spectacular coral life around The Sisters, Trompeuse and the Outer Islands.There are dive operators on most of the islands, although many scuba enthusiasts believe that the best way to explore the islands is aboard a charter boat. Diving is possible throughout the year, but the best times are March to May and September to November, when the prevailing winds are at their mildest and visibility is at its best. Visibility is generally more than 100 feet (30m), and water temperatures are often as high as 80°F (29°C). Divers can expect to see whale sharks, granite formations, soft and hard corals, turtles and giant stingrays, to name just a few highlights. Diving or learning to dive is the perfect holiday activity in the gorgeous Seychelles.
The century-old Botanical Gardens at the south end of Victoria extend for six hectares (15 acres), and are planted with a wide variety of indigenous and exotic trees, including the Seychelles islands' unique 'coco de mer' palms. For those staying on the island of Mahe and not travelling much further afield, the botanical garden may present the only opportunity to see this highly unusual plant, which is found nowhere else in the world. The orchid garden is also particularly lovely. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop in the gardens. The National Botanical Gardens provide a cool, green oasis in the city, the perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic.
Address : Mont Fleuri Road, Victoria
Website : www.bgci.org
Admission : SCR 100
A treat for nature lovers, guided tours are offered from Victoria harbour to the St Anne National Marine Park, which covers six islands off the coast of Mahé, near the city. The islands included in the park are Ste Anne, Ile Moyenne, Ile Ronde, Ile Longue, Ile Cachee and Ile aux Cerfs. The park encompasses one of the most important nesting sites for Hawksbill turtles, and beneath its clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, the glory of the coral reefs can be enjoyed. Glass bottomed boat trips and sunset cruises are also available, and the national park is a beautiful and popular spot for wedding photos. All Marine National Parks in Seychelles are open daily, including public holidays.
Admission : SCR 200; free for children under the age of 12.
Having the dubious honour of being the smallest capital city in the world, Victoria may also be considered one of the most charming, and this quaint capital is easily explored on foot. The best place to soak up the friendly atmosphere is at the busy daily market (closed on Sundays), where local crafts are sold alongside fish, fruit and vegetables. A hint of the French and British colonial history is still palpable, reflected in historical buildings like the courthouse and main post office. Among the colourful houses, visitors can also spot a cathedral and the Victoria clock tower, a replica of the clock first erected at Vauxhall Bridge in London in 1897. The city is also home to many artists, and works by talented locals are popular buys at local galleries.
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