Resorts of the Seychelles. Recreation and entertainment in the Seychelles. Paradise holiday on the paradise islands - video

In the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar (950 km) and slightly south of the equator, it is located paradise on Earth - Seychelles. This republic occupies 115 islands, but only 33 of them are inhabited.

The Seychelles has the richest nature, occupying almost half of the land National parks and nature reserves. Clear ocean waters and endless beaches with pinkish sand will amaze even the most sophisticated tourists with their beauty.

The best resorts of the Seychelles can delight you with a varied holiday. It will be equally comfortable here for lovers of lounging on the beach, diving enthusiasts, extreme sports enthusiasts (paragliders and hang gliders are at their service) and connoisseurs of natural beauty (they can travel on a yacht to uninhabited islands).

Seychelles is definitely made for lovers. Many local hotels specialize in hosting wedding celebrations, and many couples from different parts of our planet have already chosen this place to start their family life.

The most central islands of the republic (La Digue, Praslin, Mahe) are granite, while the remote islands are mainly coral. The capital of the state, Victoria, is located on Mahe.

Beach holiday

The best beach in the republic Anse Lazio located in the north-west of Praslin island. It is characterized by large boulders and white sand that you will not find anywhere else. The beach is always crowded and extremely popular among tourists. Even the residents neighboring islands prefer to relax on it.

Another very beautiful beach - Beau Vallon(located on the island of Mahe). It always has a vibrant nightlife, and tourists have a variety of entertainment (including water activities). There are never high waves on this beach - it is protected by reefs.

We can’t help but mention another beach on Mahe (southwest of the island) - Anse Intendanse. It is located on the territory of the bay of the same name and is a sandy arc stretching for half a kilometer and bordered by coconut palms. From the shore you can admire the beautiful view of the mountains, which are covered with colorful plants.

Holidays for divers

The most popular islands among divers Des Roches and Mahe. In these areas there is not a very strong current, clear waters, quaint colorful corals, a lot of tropical fish, mollusks, crustaceans, you can meet more large inhabitants ocean - turtles and white sharks.

The most eco-friendly resort

This is Cousin Island. It is located west of Praslin. Its area is only 25 square meters. kilometers. This resort is a real reserve of untouched nature. Tourists are brought here by helicopter. It has become a tradition that every person who settled in local hotel, must plant at least one tree.

Which holiday would you choose? best resorts The Seychelles Islands will satisfy all tastes.

You can take a helicopter, schooner or ferry from one island to another. Role within the islands public transport are performed by teams of oxen with their own numbers (similar to automobile ones). You can also rent a car here, but bicycles are more in demand.

The pristine beauty of nature also attracts artists to these places. Films about Tarzan and Robinson Crusoe, “Farewell to Emmanuelle”, “The Blue Lagoon” were filmed here.

Lovers of secluded relaxation can stay on an island-hotel remote from other resorts, which has its own private beach. The service on the islands deserves the highest praise.

Having visited the Seychelles, you will probably want to bring home a memorable souvenir. But keep in mind that products made from turtles, sea shells and corals cannot be exported from the country.

Have you dreamed of visiting a fairy tale? Then fly to Seychelles!

Where to find cheap tours?

Search profitable tours It’s better through a service that compares prices from more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest offers. We do this ourselves and are extremely happy :)

Today I am opening a new and long-awaited column about the Seychelles - a truly heavenly place on Earth and a tropical resort located near eastern shores Africa in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles is one of the prestigious destinations of beach tourism, a place that will be appreciated not only by sunbathers, but also by fans of active recreation. The unique beauty of the Seychelles resorts attracts tourists from all over the world and travelers from Russia who are happy to spend their long-awaited vacation in the Seychelles. So I’ll share everything I know about these incomparable islands: what kind of country the Seychelles is, where it is located, do you need a visa to visit, what language do they speak there, what kind of money is used, how long does it take to fly there and what are the prices? for air tickets, when is the best time to vacation there and what islands and hotels are in the Seychelles. In general, my article is about how best to prepare for a trip to the Seychelles and what is worth seeing there for a holiday Seychelles remembered for a long time.

I will begin my story, of course, with a definition and brief description Seychelles, where they are located on the world map and what a vacation there is like.

Seychelles- This Island state(its full name is the Republic of Seychelles), located below the equator in the southern hemisphere in East Africa, in the western waters Indian Ocean, with a population of about 90 thousand people and a territory of only 455 km 2. According to the form of government, the country of Seychelles is a presidential republic, which gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976. The flag of Seychelles has 5 colors radiating from the lower left corner and was adopted on June 18, 1996.

basic information

Judging by where the Seychelles Islands are located on the map - slightly south of the equator, approximately 1600 km east of the African mainland, their belonging to Africa can be called very conditional, especially considering the unique animal world these islands. However, geographically the Seychelles is located closest to Africa, next to another famous island- Madagascar.

Seychelles on the map

Capital of Seychelles is the city of Victoria, the largest city in this country. It is located on the largest island of the Seychelles archipelago - Mahe (its area is 142 km 2). Seychelles International Airport is also located there, the runway of which is only 3 meters above sea level.

The territory of the Seychelles is formed by islands rising 4-8 meters above the ocean, which in the Seychelles are of two types: granite and coral. It is very easy to distinguish between them: people live and relax on granite (inhabited) ones, but coral ones, similar to, are mostly uninhabited and can only be visited as part of excursions.

Do you want to know how many islands there are in the Seychelles? Compared to other island states, there are not so many, only 115 islands. However, only 33 of them are inhabited. Moreover, most tourists relax in the best hotels, such as Four Seasons And Hilton Seychelles on the largest Seychelles islands - Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette - or on small and private islands with exclusive hotels - North, Fregate, Felicite, Denis and a number of other resorts.

The flora and fauna of the Seychelles includes a large percentage of endemics - birds, reptiles and plants that are found only on this archipelago of islands and nowhere else in the world. Seychelles palm trees grow here, the fruit of which weighs up to 20 kg and is considered the largest in the plant world. Rare species of birds also live - the Seychelles small black parrot and the bulbul nightingale.

Here is an interesting overview video about Seychelles:

It is important to know: For detailed background information about the Seychelles, see Wikipedia, and I will continue to share with you practical information about this country and holidays in it.

I would compare the Seychelles with Hawaii: there are also several large islands, each unique in its own way. Therefore, when preparing trips to Seychelles the most important thing is to choose the right island on which you will relax. If we compare it with the Maldives, then everything will be completely different, because it is not so important (in essence they are almost all the same) how to decide whether you want to relax.

Here are three of the best hotels in Seychelles:

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles 5* - real paradise lagoon and stunning ocean views. The hotel is conveniently located in the southwest of Mahe island in a separate cove of Petite Anse. From the airport it can be reached in just half an hour. Accommodation in spacious villas with expensive interiors and a swimming pool. It features two restaurants serving Creole and international cuisine, a hilltop spa with... panoramic views and the best yoga center in the Seychelles.
Price per room – from $1000 per day.
Book Four Seasons 5*

Raffles Seychelles 5*- relatively new hotel with a magnificent design of the rooms, an excellent sandy Takamaka beach without pebbles and an incredible level of staff. This truly fabulous place is located on the island of Praslin. It features romantic and family villas and apartments with superb interiors and a private pool, yoga room and kids club. For the convenience of guests, there are as many as 3 restaurants on site, which often host themed evenings. An ideal holiday destination in the Seychelles. They speak Russian at the hotel, there is a Russian manager.
Price per room – from $1100 per day.
Book Raffles 5* hotel

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa 5* is the only hotel on Silhouette Island. He's in the top best hotels in the Seychelles and is the wildest, which will especially appeal to nature and ocean lovers. The well-groomed hotel grounds are suitable for romantic and family vacation or a retreat in comfortable solitude. Everything is blooming all around, as if in paradise, and birds are singing, and the convenient beach is well suited for children. Among the staff there are very competent Russian-speaking people, not everyone will tell you about the island - a real nature reserve with a pure atmosphere and beautiful landscape. Complete relaxation is guaranteed!
Price per room – from $450 per day.
Book Hilton 5* hotel

Seychelles on the map

Legend on the map:

Burgundy color - airports and ferry piers of Seychelles;
Blue color - islands in the Seychelles;
Yellow color is the most famous beaches Seychelles;
Green color - Seychelles national parks.

Holidays in Seychelles

So, I told you the basic information about the Seychelles, and now let’s talk about what the Seychelles is like the best place for a beach and romantic holiday. It is no secret that the Seychelles constantly compete with the Maldives in these two prestigious categories, and tourists choose where it is better to relax - in the Seychelles or in the Maldives. And at the same time, the Seychelles is slightly ahead of its competitor as the best wedding destination for a vacation and honeymoon. general impressions and price for two.

If you don't know what the language is in Seychelles, then keep in mind that there are three official language- Seychellois Creole, French and English. All residents speak mainly Creole, which is a variety French. However, the staff in Seychelles hotels and the majority of those employed in the tourism sector speak English, because tourism accounts for about 30% of the country's GDP.

Why go to Seychelles

Romantic getaway and wedding. If you want to have a wedding there with Seychellois flair and live music, a honeymoon in luxurious surroundings, renew your vows for a family anniversary, a relaxing and expensive beach holiday with your loved one and lots of things to do at the same time beautiful photos. In general, every category of romantic getaway is available in the Seychelles;
Vacation with children . Families with children also love holidays in the Seychelles. Many hotels have children's clubs where your child will be engaged in interesting games with other little travelers, and will also be able to explore the Seychelles in an educational way with experienced mentors;
Go diving. Since the Seychelles has many coral islands and rich underwater life, the diving here is as five-star as in the Maldives. In addition, do not forget that everything in the Seychelles is unique: there are fish, birds and animals that are not found anywhere else on Earth. It is for this reason that experienced and novice divers come to the Seychelles and go scuba diving in one of the best places on the planet for this;
Trekking in nature and leisure . This category works best for me. I don't like to just relax on the beach and do nothing. At least for a long time. And I definitely need to go somewhere, see the beauty of the world around me, climb higher on the mountain. So, the Seychelles are just ideal in this regard: you come and relax for a couple of days on the beach, and then you can go trekking into the jungle, visit tea plantations, study the local flora and fauna, and visit small towns and villages. And when he was tired of exploring the world, he returned to the beach again. Moreover, the beaches here are truly heavenly!
Beach holiday. And finally, if you’re just tired of everything and want to have a great rest on secluded beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and you’ve already been to the Maldives, then why not visit the Seychelles this time?

Tour to the Seychelles or a trip on your own?

There are two simple ways to relax in the Seychelles:

Buy a ready-made tour to the Seychelles;
Organize your own vacation.

Both are expensive. But going to the Seychelles, nevertheless, is the best gift you can give. Unlike the Maldives, where today there is a large selection of hedgehogs, in the Seychelles budget holiday still underdeveloped. Yes and direct flight there is no flight from Moscow to the Seychelles yet, even the ubiquitous one does not fly there. So you will have to get there with a transfer, but it will be much more exotic and interesting, won’t it?

So, if you prefer to entrust your vacation to trusted travel companies and pay more for it, you can familiarize yourself with their offers and look at tours to the Seychelles for the dates you are interested in on the website.
And if you are like me, solo traveler , then all you need to do is buy cheap flights(on the Aviasales website), book hotels that suit you on Booking and check out online. That's all you need to go to the Seychelles yourself!

Map of Seychelles (from seychellesbookings.com)

Direct flights to the Seychelles from Russia have not yet been opened. Therefore, the best way to fly to the Seychelles from Moscow is to buy tickets with a transfer in one of Arab countries, for example, in the UAE or Turkey. Tourists also often choose a flight from Moscow to Seychelles with a short connection in Europe (usually via Serbia).

How long is the flight to Seychelles? It all depends on the choice of airline and the number of transfers. If you take inexpensive tickets Moscow - Seychelles at a price of 500-600 dollars, then the travel time will be from 18 to 24 hours. But air tickets to the Seychelles from Russia with a short connection in Dubai will cost more, $600-800 per person, and the entire flight will take only 13 hours.

It is important to know: If you want to fly to the Seychelles, keep in mind that the time difference with Moscow is only +1 hour, which is not so much. Remember to set your watch forward after landing in Seychelles so that it shows exact time in the Seychelles.

Upon arrival in the Seychelles, you arrive on the island of Mahe, in the center of which the Seychelles International Airport is located. Then tourists need to think about transfer to the hotel:

Vacationers on the island of Mahe can simply order a transfer: anywhere on the island can be reached in 30-40 minutes by bus from the hotel.
To Praslin Island You can fly from Mahe using domestic airlines - Air Seychelles or take a ferry. Many high-end five-star hotels offer private helicopter transfers from the airport directly to the hotel - usually starting from $600.
You can get to La Digue island by ferry from Mahe; the journey takes about 3 hours. Or use a combined method: first get to Praslin (by plane or ferry), and then take a ferry to La Digue (it takes only 20 minutes). This is convenient if you choose both islands for your vacation and live on each of them in turn.
To Silhouette Island tourists are brought exclusively by helicopter, since there are only two hotels there, one of which, Hilton, organizes this transfer.

To get to other private islands, like Providence, where Seychelles House 2 is filmed, hotel guests usually book a helicopter transfer. But some of them, for example, Fregate Island, can be reached by ferry. This is due to the fact that the Frigate is an important tourist destination and is interesting to many travelers from a historical point of view.

As I said, to have a great holiday in the Seychelles, first you need to choose an island, and then a hotel and a beach on it. For the most curious travelers, I recommend visiting all three main islands, especially if the number of days on your vacation allows it.

So how are they different? islands in Seychelles?

Mahe- this is the central and most big Island in the Seychelles, where the international airport and the capital Victoria are located. The city of Victoria itself is a small copy of London (after all, the Seychelles used to be an English colony) and at the same time competes with for the title of the smallest capital in the world. There are amazing beaches along the shores of Mahe, there are a lot of them - about 70 in total! Despite the fact that Mahe is a busy island, its western part is very quiet, and this is where the most prestigious and expensive hotels are located. Also on Mahe there is nature reserve — national park Seychelles Morne (Morne Seychellois National Park), in the middle of which there is the most high mountain in the Seychelles - Morne Blance (height 907 meters) and the jungle around. Among other things, Mahe also has tea plantations - a heritage of the British. Almost perfect island for relaxation - both beach and active, right?
Praslin — beautiful island, which is unique for its unusual palm trees, for which a national park was even organized here. It’s not for nothing that Seychelles was called a leader among honeymoon trips, because the coconuts of local palm trees look like a heart! So Praslin is the island of love in the Seychelles. The beaches here are as beautiful as those on the island of Mahe, but on Praslin they are quieter. At the same time, in small towns you can also find nightlife - bars and discos. Divers also come to Praslin who dream of exploring undersea world in local waters. So if you also dream of diving, be sure to include Praslin Island in your Seychelles itinerary.
La Digue- this is the smallest among the granite islands, and at the same time it has the most big rocks. If we continue to compare the islands, and call Mahe an island-city, and Praslin a small town, then La Digue is undoubtedly a village. At the same time, the village is cozy and fantastically beautiful. This is a way to break away from everything and everyone, live among tropical beauty, relax on snow-white beaches and relax in silence. It also has its own attractions, such as Eagle's Nest Mountain and Union Estate Park. It was also on the island of La Digue that the cult film “Goodbye Emmanuel” was once filmed, and there you can even see the preserved house of the planter from this movie. By the way, it will be important for budget travelers to know that on the island of La Digue hotel prices are significantly lower compared to other Seychelles islands, both the most expensive room categories and simpler accommodation.
Silhouette is a wild island in the Seychelles. Yes, after a village, you can call an island with only two hotels in the middle of the jungle wild. So if even the village atmosphere is too crowded, welcome to Silhouette, where there are very few people.

Sand and beautiful beaches in Seychelles

All beaches in Seychelles sandy and located in small coves (you will immediately notice their names in French - anse, which means bay). That is, if the name contains the words Ans, it means a bay, and therefore a beach. Another feature of the beaches in the Seychelles is that they are all municipal. That is, everyone can come and relax, even if you are staying in a five-star hotel.

Tourists who come to the Seychelles inexpensively are quite happy with this arrangement. Since sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach are free, you can book a cheaper hotel on the second line, and go to the beach of expensive hotels and not deny yourself anything.

Helpful advice: What to do if you want to relax on a beach where there are few people? There is a solution - choose a hotel away from settlements, then there will be no one to come to the beach except tourists.

Many beaches in the Seychelles are without waves, as the bays are surrounded by breakwaters and special fortifications. One of these beaches is the most popular and party place Beau Vallon Beach, which is located near the capital Victoria. This means that the Seychelles is ready for the arrival of families with children and those tourists who are not very good swimmers. But also places with good waves There are also surfing and diving spots - especially on the islands of Denis, Felicite, Alphonse and Silhouette.

Intendance Beach - the most beautiful in the Seychelles

Which beach to choose in Seychelles?

Do you need insurance in Seychelles?

Insurance in Seychelles will be necessary, especially if you plan to study active species sports And for everyone else who just wants to relax on the beach, just in case, it’s better to take care of their health and not leave it to chance. I also recommend purchasing health insurance if you are going on vacation with children.

Compared to the total cost of a holiday in the Seychelles, insurance is not at all expensive. However, if you need to use medicine in the Seychelles, it will greatly help in saving on medical care costs.

Don’t forget, Seychelles is Africa after all! But at the same time, you do not need to do any special vaccinations before the trip.

Visa to Seychelles

For tourists visa to Seychelles not required if the period of stay in the Seychelles does not exceed 30 days (as well as).

So if you are flying for two or three weeks, feel free to take your international passport and tickets, and at Pointe Larue International Airport (Mahe Island) upon arrival you will be given an entry stamp and - welcome to the Seychelles! All you have to do is go through customs.

By the way, before your flight, read the list of what you cannot bring to the Seychelles and what you cannot take out, as well as how much cash you can bring and take with you to the Seychelles.

Currency in Seychelles and what money to take with you

Official currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). There are 100 cents in 1 rupee. Banknotes in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees and coins of 1 and 5 rupees, as well as cents - 1, 5, 10 and 25 are in circulation.

Despite the fact that prices in the Seychelles are indicated in rupees, in the Seychelles you can officially pay with other money - American dollars and euros, which are used here on a par with the rupee. So you can take both dollars and euros with you to the Seychelles, but cash rubles must first be exchanged for foreign currency.

The exchange rate of the Seychelles rupee to the dollar is quite stable and does not change significantly. It averages 14 rupees per 1 US dollar. 1 rupee = 4 rubles, 1 euro = 16.5 rupees.
It is not difficult to exchange dollars for local currency. This can be done at the airport, in many ways. exchange offices in the city, bank branches or directly at your hotel.
It is important to know that the reverse exchange of money - from rupees to dollars or euros - is possible only if you have the original currency exchange receipt. So don't throw it away unless you plan to leave with Rs. Moreover, it is generally prohibited to export more than 2 thousand rupees per person from the country.
In hotels and restaurants it is better to pay for services by bank card. And in transport, small shops and cafes, cash is preferred - local rupees, dollars or euros.
Tipping in Seychelles is usually 10% and is already included in the bill. Unlike and, all taxes that must be paid for accommodation are usually immediately included in the prices shown in the hotel booking system. That is, this is the final price and there is no need to calculate anything additional and estimate how much more you will have to add.

When is the best time to fly to Seychelles - weather and seasons for holidays

Climate in Seychelles- tropical, but very soft. Temperatures fluctuate slightly between months throughout the year. We can say that the weather in the Seychelles is approximately the same all year round: average temperature the air during the day is +26..29°C, and the water temperature is +25..28°C. There are no strong winds, and rains occur much more often in winter than in summer.

Seasons in Seychelles not as pronounced as in Maldives. This is not to say that there is a time when you shouldn’t even think about flying to the Seychelles. You just have to keep in mind that during winter period From December to February there is more precipitation. Moreover, the rainiest month in the Seychelles is January, and in December and February there is also quite a lot of rainfall. Therefore, it is better not to travel to the Seychelles in winter. Although you can take a risk if you are not a big fan of going into the jungle or going on excursions to see nature. It rains in the mountainous regions of Mahe and Silhouette islands. In this, the Seychelles are similar to Hawaii. It may rain in the mountains, but the sun is on the beach. The rest of the year - spring, summer and autumn - the Seychelles is a great holiday!

Conventionally, the seasons in the Seychelles are usually divided into two:

hot from December to May, with rain from December to February;
cool - from June to November, when the air temperature is quite pleasant and there is little rain.

Thus, When is the best time to fly to Seychelles?? That's right, summer! But it is also possible in spring and autumn.

You may ask, but how? new year holidays, and is it really not worth going to the Seychelles in winter? You can take a chance and try to go, because the weather in the Seychelles at this time is generally not bad, but if you still want to guarantee yourself a 100% sunny vacation on the beach, then it is better to choose from December to March.

Transport and car rental in Seychelles

Seychelles is an island nation, but developed enough to cleverly arrange transport connection between their islands.

There are several ways to travel between the Seychelles islands using different transport:

Air Seychelles domestic aircraft allows you to fly between the two most large islands in the Seychelles - Mahe and Praslin. In addition, this company connects Seychelles with other islands and countries in the Indian Ocean - Madagascar and Mauritius, as well as mainland Africa - Tanzania, Kenya and others.
Public ferries They also go between the islands, and this type of transport is the cheapest in the Seychelles. In just an hour you can get from Mahe to Praslin. It will take another twenty minutes to swim between Praslin and La Digue. And in two hours you can get from Mahe to Fregate.
Helicopter is the most convenient way to get not only to private islands or Silhouette, but also right on the territory of the most prestigious hotels on all islands, including Mahe, there are equipped helipads.

Ground transportation on the islands:

Mahe and Praslin also have good local transport. There are clear and convenient routes ground transport with the option to buy an all-day pass for just 5 rupees (about 40 US cents). Buses run from early morning until the evening. There are also minibuses (minibuses) that connect Mahe International Airport with the capital Victoria.
A taxi in the Seychelles is also a great way to get to your hotel, go to the store or visit attractions, and it’s very inexpensive. Taxi pays according to the meter. Landing (or rather the first kilometer) costs 15 rupees, and then another 5 rupees are added for each subsequent one. For example, during the day you can get from the airport to the capital for only 75 rupees (at night it will be more expensive).

Car rent- this is the most convenient way, how to see the island of Mahe or Praslin on your own. If you are planning to see nature or go to the mountains, then it is better to immediately take a four-wheel drive vehicle and be an experienced driver. Road traffic in the Seychelles, drive on the left, and the roads in the mountains are narrow and in some places look like serpentines.

To rent a car in the Seychelles, you will need an international driving license (IDP), and your driving experience must be more than 3 years.
There are not many gas stations in the Seychelles: only 6 gas stations on the island of Mahe and 2 more on Praslin. It is better to know their location in advance so as not to be left without gasoline when you rent a car in the Seychelles.
It is also worth remembering that the maximum permissible speed in the Seychelles is 65 km/h, and in the city it is generally only 45 km/h.

Bicycle rental will be most useful on La Digue Island. But on other islands you can also try to travel by bike, if you have experience and desire.

Diving, surfing - what to do in Seychelles

- this is interesting not only for those who already master this skill, but also for beginners who just want to try scuba diving. The Indian Ocean is a very beautiful place for scuba diving. In addition, near the Seychelles there are various unique fish and giant Aldabra turtles.

Visibility in the water near the Seychelles is up to 30 meters;
Best time for diving in the Seychelles - from September to October and April-May.

The best places for snorkeling are along the coast of the islands (the boat ride takes about 10-40 minutes). Don't miss the UNESCO-protected Aldabra Island and the site of the English tanker Ennerdale Rocks, where turtles and a variety of deep-sea fish now live. Other recommended dive spots are Mammel Island and Tropheus Rocks.

Surfing It is also popular in the Seychelles, especially on the islands of Mahe and Praslin.

Where to surf in Seychelles:

On the island of Mahe, the best beaches are Grand Anse, Beau Vallon and Anse Bougueville. In the west of the island the waves are more unpredictable, while in the east they are calmer;
On the island of Praslin, Anse Lazio beach is ideal;
On the island of Silhouette - Anse Lascar.

Beaches in the Seychelles for surfing by skill level:

Beaches for beginners in surfing: Beau Vallon and Carana (Mahe);
Beaches only for pros: Anse Bougainville, Anse Royale, Barbaron and Misfit Bay (Mahe);
Beaches for people of all skill levels: Anse Goulette (La Digue), Bel Ombre and Anse Intendance (Mahe).

Brief history and culture of Seychelles

History of the Seychelles closely related to European discoveries. There is practically no information left about the time that existed before the Europeans first landed in the Seychelles. Except that the Arab pirates used some islands (Silhouette, Frigate) for their base. Also, the Malays from Borneo could replenish their supplies of water and provisions in the Seychelles on their way to Madagascar.

But as for the written history of the Seychelles, it begins from the moment when great navigator Vasco da Gama sailed past them on his way to India at the very beginning of the 16th century (in 1502). For some time these were no man's lands, but the British first declared their territory of the Seychelles when, following in the footsteps of Vasco da Gama more than a century later (in 1609), they sailed to India and were caught in a storm. Seeing the land, the British landed in the Seychelles and immediately decided that this piece of paradise was now in the possession of the English crown. However, since resort islands were not in fashion then, it was not entirely clear how these lands in the middle of the ocean could be useful. And the British left them alone, but first they described them in detail.

Then, a little more than a century later, the French became interested in the islands and founded the first settlements there. They arrived in the Seychelles in 1756, looked around, and decided that, together with Mauritius, the Seychelles would make an excellent base for them (Mauritius is a source of sugar cane). Then they brought people here from Madagascar and East Africa, turning them into slaves. The name Seychelles did not appear immediately. The Seychelles Islands began to be called this way in the second half of the 18th century in honor of the French Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Sechelles.

During the wars with Napoleon, which took place not only on land, but also at sea (many remember Nelson's victory), battles also took place in the distant Indian Ocean. In 1794, Britain drove the French out of the Seychelles and began cultivating huge coconut palm plantations there with the help of slaves.

In 1814, the Seychelles became a colony of England under the Treaty of Paris. Life became better under the British. At least in the sense that in 1835 they finally abolished slavery. But at the same time, they began to encourage the import of hired workers - Arabs and Indians. It was necessary to work, and someone also had to conduct trade.

The independence of the Seychelles was declared quite late (compared to India), only in 1976, when the Seychelles became a Republic ruled by a president.

Interesting facts about Seychelles:

The history of the Seychelles is quite short compared to world history. Nevertheless, a tangle of events has formed an unusual historical cocktail here.

Despite the fact that most of the time the islands were owned by the British, the name of the country itself and all its objects is French.
The brought slaves mastered French culture. Now it is called Creole - that is, African and French, born from mixed marriages and a common household. Now here the language is Creole, that is, it seems to be similar to French, but not quite, the cuisine is Creole, the religion is Creole: all are Catholics, but with their own African flavor.
The fact that the British brought Arabs and Indians did not greatly affect the situation. Hindus, Arabs and other peoples in the Seychelles are in the minority. Their culture is officially recognized, but does not greatly influence general position cases, the absolute majority are still Creoles.

Attractions in Seychelles

The main attraction of the Seychelles is their fantastic nature, which is definitely worth watching. Since most tourists come here for beach holiday, then picturesque beaches on the islands for them - this is the best thing in the Seychelles. In general, the beaches here are also important attractions, and they are all different - rocky or sandy, with white or pink sand, with calm seas or high waves suitable for surfing. In general, if you have time and desire, you can personally visit many Seychelles beaches and see their unique diversity.

In the meantime, I will briefly tell you about the most interesting sights of the Seychelles:

Source d'Argent is the most photographed beach in the Seychelles. To be more precise, this is the most photographed beach in the whole world! It is located on the island of La Digue and is famous for its granite boulders. You've probably seen this photo on the Internet. It was precisely because of this photo that I learned about the Seychelles and wanted to go there.
Aldabra Island is one of the most famous outer Seychelles islands, which is located in a UNESCO protected region. It does not consist of granite, but coral, and is located geographically closer to Africa, next to the Comoros. The peculiarity of this island, in addition to its extraordinary lagoon where divers come to dive, is that Seychelles giant turtles live there - unique marine inhabitants. All in all, it's worth paying a pretty penny to see them in natural environment habitats and get to know them.
Bird Island, which is a half-hour flight from Mahe, is especially popular from May to September. From the name it is immediately clear that this island is the habitat of birds, black terns. In the summer (winter for the Southern Hemisphere) there are so many of them that you can become deaf from their conversations.
Curious Island, part of a national park in the Seychelles, is also home to giant tortoises. But, as far as I understand, they were transported there from Aldabra.
Cousin Island near Praslin is home to some endangered animals. The Seychelles is a unique place, and the animals here are endemic. And some of them, unfortunately, are on the verge of extinction.
Vallee de Mai is another Seychelles national park on the island of Praslin where you can admire sea palms and their coco de mer nuts. I love all palm trees very much and always find time to visit them unique places, like the California Palm Garden in Joshua Tree Park. I’ll definitely set aside an hour or two for sea palms in the Seychelles.
Victoria- this is the most Big City and the capital of Seychelles. Compared to world capitals, this town is quite small, but here you can see in detail how the British settled on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far from rainy London.

Here's what else you can do in the Seychelles, besides sightseeing:

Diving
Surfing
Fishing
Island tours
Trekking on Mahe and Silhouette. Why not?
Beaching is undoubtedly the most important point of the vacation program
Getting to know the local cuisine.

Holidays

Seychelles is a Catholic country. Therefore, the main holidays here are also Catholic, and their celebration is not much different from the usual European holidays.

Generally, holidays in Seychelles can be divided into two types:

Religious
Related to the independence of the Seychelles Republic from Great Britain (all of them occur in June).

Here are the days declared public holidays (national holidays) in the Seychelles:

New Year(January 1-2)
Good Friday
Easter
Labor Day (May 1)
Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (June 3)
Liberation Day (June 5)
national day(June 18) is the main holiday in the Seychelles.
Independence Day (June 29)
Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15)
All Saints' Day (November 1)
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (December 8)
Christmas (December 25)

Cuisine and restaurants

The cuisine in the Seychelles is special - Creole. What does it mean? Creole cuisine in the Seychelles took its island location and traditions as a basis, added European culinary delights (mostly French) on top and mixed it all with Indian spices. The result is an original tropical mix that all tourists should definitely try.

The basis of Creole cuisine is, of course, seafood. Rice, curry and coconuts are also constantly used. What do you think is the most common dish in the Seychelles? Of course, rice with fish. Not just, but with spices and coconut sauce.

And since there is quite a lot of fish caught in the Seychelles, there is also an abundance of fish dishes here. Anyone who loves seafood will not get bored in the Seychelles either - octopus, crabs, lobsters and so on. Moreover, when expensive hotels There are always European or other Asian restaurants. So it’s impossible to stay without pizza and sushi.

As for inexpensive food, the Indians always come to the rescue. If you want something local and colorful, you can always go to an Indian restaurant or buy food right on the street. It's inexpensive and adds interesting variety to your diet.

The locals like to drink different types fermented coconuts, sugar cane, mint infusions. And of course, they bring in wines - French and South African.

Tours to Seychelles and prices

Trip to Seychelles tour– this is quite an expensive pleasure, but almost every tourist can go there. The price of the tour depends on the cost of the flight, the luxury of the hotel and the distance of the island from the airport (transfer fee), as well as on your special preferences. Since there are practically no experienced tour operators in the Seychelles, it will take a very long time to book a trip to the Seychelles with them. It is much more convenient to organize your trip yourself, especially since it is not at all difficult. In this case Seychelles tour for two will cost much less since you will not pay a large commission to the travel agent.

Tour price to Seychelles strongly depends on the season (in the summer from June to August - high season and the highest prices, and on New Year it can be very expensive), as well as on your ability to save and desire to understand the features of a holiday in the Seychelles before starting your trip. Because you can immediately book the most expensive hotel and quickly spend all the money in a few days on expensive entertainment, as in the Heads and Tails Seychelles program. But it would be much more rational to calculate in advance the approximate budget of the tour to the Seychelles, taking into account your own wishes, choose good hotel on the beach or in nature, plan cultural program and visiting attractions to see as much as possible.

As an example, I will provide information about Seychelles price for two- airfare and double rooms in hotels, if you book a room yourself on the website Booking.com:

And here's how much they cost ready-made tours to the Seychelles with a flight from Moscow - price for two, including fuel surcharges and all surcharges (no meals, only breakfast or all inclusive):

Types of tours to the Seychelles	Price for two
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) – 3* hotel on Mahe island without meals	160 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) – 3* hotel on Mahe island, breakfast included	180 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) - 4* hotel on Praslin island, 2 meals a day	360 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (10 nights) – 4* hotel on Praslin island, all inclusive	500 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) - 5* hotel on Praslin island, breakfast only	650 thousand rubles
Tour to Seychelles (7 nights) – 5* hotel on Mahe island, all inclusive	1 million rubles
Tour to Seychelles (10 nights) – 5* hotel on Praslin island, all inclusive	1.4 million rubles.

What else you need to know about the Seychelles

The best hotels in the Seychelles, where Russians most often go, are the following:

On the island of Mahe - Kempinski Seychelles 5* and also Savoy Seychelles 5*
On the island of Praslin – Raffles Seychelles 5*
On the island of La Digue – Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa 4*
On Silhouette Island - Hilton Seychelles 5*

In general, Russians are not often found in the Seychelles, but some rich people here have their own villa, registered in a Seychelles offshore. A few years ago, when local authorities did not disclose information about company owners, many preferred to buy property in the Seychelles in order to optimize the payment of their taxes. However, now that all data has become open, keeping money in the Seychelles has ceased to be as profitable as it was before.

Detailed article about the organization independent travel to Seychelles. When is the best time to go to these islands, what weather to expect and what to do?

Seychelles is paradise on earth. It is not for nothing that there is an opinion that it was here that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. The state consists of 115 islands of varying sizes of granite or coral origin. Only 33 of them are suitable for life. The islands that deserve the attention of tourists are:

Mahe – clean beaches, small bays, as well as vibrant nightlife in casinos and nightclubs. Main Island suitable for amateurs elite holiday.
Gigolo– coral reefs, ideal for diving.
Anonymous- quiet, quiet place, which preserved virgin nature. Suitable for relaxation.
La Digue– an island for tourists who want to escape from civilization. There are only trees, birds, animals and people around, moving on bicycles and carts drawn by oxen.

All the islands of Seychelles are revealed to the eye when flying by helicopter.

How to get to Seychelles yourself

The islands can only be reached by air. There are no direct flights from Russia yet, but travelers can choose their connecting point - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Frankfurt or Doha. And also determine the time spent in the transit zone. The wait can take from 45 minutes to 20 hours. Let me remind you that a long layover on the way to vacation is a good way to see new town. But the long transfer on the way back is unbearable. I really want to go home.

international Airport Pointe Larue is located on the island of Mahe, 9 kilometers from the capital, Victoria. Another airport is located on the island of Praslin, but it only accepts local flights. Ferries run between the islands, as well as schooners, replacing intercity buses.

You can find tickets to the Seychelles on the website.
If you don’t want to go yourself, you can look for last-minute tours. There is a list of verified companies at.

Planning a trip? That way!
We've got a few for you useful gifts. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

When is the best time to go to Seychelles?

It's eternal summer in the Seychelles. There are no floods, storms or multi-day downpours. But still, some climate features should be taken into account when planning an independent trip to the Seychelles. From now on, the islands have a dry climate. The wet season lasts from to.

The largest number of travelers is observed in the summer. attractive to surfers, because east coast the time of storms begins. In August, beach holidays predominate, the humidity subsides, and weather conditions are more easily tolerated by tourists.

You can swim in October, and fruit season begins. At the same time, the Creole Festival takes place. In November the humidity begins to rise, making it an unfavorable month for travel. It is recommended to plan spa or shopping tours, trips to the jungle. January-February are unfavorable for travel due to high humidity and heat. In spring, excursions to the jungle are recommended.

If you have not purchased tickets yet, then use the calendar low prices You can find the best deals by month. Click on the green blocks and you will see more information.

Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.

Aviasales - save up to 30% on purchasing air tickets.

Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.

Numbeo - look at the price order in the host country.

Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so as not to worry on the road.

AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

Why Seychelles is attractive for tourists

The Seychelles has islands to suit every taste. Entertainment in entertainment venues, relaxation in secluded places, wellness holidays, acquaintance with endemic species, birds, reptiles, animals, excursions to natural attractions and, of course, beach holidays - all this awaits tourists in East Africa. Favorite activities of vacationers:

Fishing.
For fishermen, the Seychelles are attractive all year round. During the dry season it is caught big fish, in wet conditions - volatile and deep-water.

.
The dry season is more suitable for snorkeling. The most popular objects to observe are: sea turtles. Breathtaking views near the St. Anne Islands, La Digue.

Diving.
Again, the dry season and November is the best time for scuba diving. The Seychelles has no shortage of diving centers.

Wedding ceremonies.
On the islands, newlyweds from different parts of the world seal themselves with marriage bonds. Ceremonies can be official, if recognized in the homeland of the couple, or symbolic.

Pros and cons of holidays in Seychelles

pros

The holiday does not require a visa;

Gorgeous beaches covered with white sand;

Excellent infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, entertainment, etc.;

Holidays on the islands are safe. At most, they can pull out a wallet in the capital;

There is a Russian restaurant on Eden Island that serves okroshka!

Minuses

Everything is very expensive, given the current state of the Russian economy;

Contact with unusual food often leads to poisoning;

On wild beaches there is a chance of puncturing your foot by stepping on sea urchin. Don't forget special shoes;

It is difficult, long and expensive to move between islands;

In restaurants, tips are large (up to 20%).

What currency to take to Seychelles

Take dollars with you. It is most profitable to exchange them. It is better to leave rubles and euros at home. Please note that currency trading is prohibited in the Seychelles, so change money only officially. For this you will need a passport. The most favorable rate on Mahe.

Where to eat in Seychelles

If there is somewhere heaven on earth, then this is the Seychelles. Warm sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, pristine snow-white sands, coconut palms with wide crowns, flawless blue sky - many people dream of indulging in carefree bliss on these islands. If you are also one of them, we advise you to carefully choose the time for your trip. In this article, Tour Calendar specialists will tell you why many tourists choose the period from May to October for a holiday in the Seychelles.

Tourist season in Seychelles

Seychelles is a real lifesaver for travel agencies and tourists who want to return to summer on any of the 365 days of the year. This is one of the few destinations in the world where you can go without fear of ruining your vacation in absolutely any season. Thanks to the establishment of offshore legislation, business tourism is also developed in the Seychelles. In recent years, the increase in the main flow of entry to these irresistibly beautiful atolls has been ensured by the French, Germans and Russians. The low season runs from November to March, while the high season peaks from May to September.

Beach season in the Seychelles

The swimming season in the Seychelles never ends, since the water temperature rarely drops below +26 degrees. The only obstacles to obtaining water bliss are occasional storms and heavy downpours, which are most likely from November to April. They don’t lose the relaxed nature of swimming in October and April, but in the summer the elements sometimes reward swimmers with “slaps in the face.” But your tan is not threatened by heavy clouds. In “our” winter, the water warms up to maximum levels of +28..+30°C. True, in conditions of heat and high humidity, swimming does not bring the desired pleasure.

Surfing and windsurfing season

115 atolls are lapped by turquoise waves to suit every surfer's taste. Best season to tame water element- this is the period from May to September when south-east winds blow and high waves are observed. Although here it is no less important what spot you go to. For example, on Anse Grande beach on the island of Mahe, the season is considered to be from November to April.

Diving season

The waters of the Seychelles archipelago can be compared to a giant aquarium with vibrant and diverse marine flora and fauna. The underwater world of the islands amazes even the most experienced explorers of the ocean depths. The diving here is some of the most spectacular in the world. The best time for diving is from April to May and from September to October, when visibility under water is maximum, there are no storms, and the coral world of the Indian Ocean is presented in all its glory. The most popular dive sites are Aldabra Atoll, Farquhar Archipelago and Recife Island. All divers need to be aware of the dangers of encountering sharks. To avoid it, you should swim and dive only in places specially designated for these purposes.

Best time for excursions

Almost all the attractions in the Seychelles are natural: marine national parks, equatorial forests, luxurious beaches and fantastic sunsets. Inspecting them is not an end in itself, but only a pleasant addition to the main idle rest. So we can conclude that the excursion season is year-round.

Fishing season

If you are not indifferent to fishing, rest assured that it is great in the Seychelles! Fishing Even professional athletes practice in the Seychelles. The confluence of warm equatorial currents creates a wonderful environment for the reproduction of plankton, which is the main food for most ocean inhabitants. Therefore, as a catch, you can get an incredible number of incredible trophies of record sizes. The fishing season lasts all year round, but each fish has its own productive season. So, blue marlin “goes” better from October to March; tuna and barracuda - from June to September; bonefish, trevally, majori, swordfish - from November to May. Seasons are also distinguished by types of fishing. Deep sea fishing is good throughout the year, and casting, fly and bottom fishing reward enthusiasts from late fall through late spring.

Season to watch sea turtles

The Seychelles is famous for its rich wildlife. From November to March, giant sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Many of them are found only in these latitudes.

Birding season

On the northernmost island of the Seychelles archipelago, Berd, migratory birds make the pass in October-November and April-May. This is a very good time to observe many species of birds. You will probably not see such a concentration of birds as here in any corner of the planet.

Wedding season

Seychelles is the No. 1 “wedding destination” among newlyweds and young spouses who want to spend their honeymoon unforgettably. Pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes, air saturated with romance and the Seychelles’ isolation from the outside world give them a special appeal and charm. The secluded tranquility and bliss offered by the islands, complete with comfort and first-class service, is a rare commodity in our busy world. This is probably why newlyweds are arriving in an endless stream to these heavenly lands. By the way, in the Seychelles you can not only have an unforgettable holiday with your soulmate, but also hold a wedding ceremony. Few people know that marriages concluded here are recognized as valid in almost all countries of the world, including in the Russian Federation. The certificate will have the same legal force if you got married in a regular district registry office. The most popular, and therefore most expensive, season is from May to October. But this does not mean at all that the Seychelles is empty during the rest of the year. Although showers fall on the archipelago, they do not last long and are always replaced by bright sunshine.

It's time for holidays and festivals

Seychelles is a relatively young state, but it has no shortage of holidays. The most important are: January 1 and 2 - New Year, May 1 - Labor Day, June 5 - Liberation Day, June 18 - National Reconciliation Day, June 29 - Independence Day, August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, November 1 - All Day Saints, December 8 - Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, December 25 - Christmas. Not last place Easter also plays an important role in the lives of local islanders. Every year the date of this bright holiday falls on a different Sunday in March, April or May. If we talk about festivals, among the most large-scale ones I would like to highlight the Mind Body Spirit health festival (second half of June), Creole Culture Week (end of October), fishing tournament on the high seas "La Digue Offshore Tournament", French Week (in the 20s dates of March), International Carnival and Cultural Bazaars (April).

Climate in Seychelles

Seychelles is located in a tropical climatic zone. Due to its proximity to the equator, temperature fluctuations throughout the year are insignificant. But for the sake of formality, it is still customary to distinguish between 2 seasons: wet hot (from December to May) and dry cold (from June to November). It should be borne in mind that in recent years, due to global climatic processes, the boundaries of the seasons are gradually blurring, so this distinction is very conditional. But, one way or another, being well removed from the formation zones of weather cyclones, the Seychelles can boast of one of the calmest climates in these latitudes.

Seychelles in spring

In March and April, the dominance of humid northwest trade winds continues, bringing heavy showers and clouds to the islands. True, it should be noted that the amount of precipitation is no longer as large as in the winter months, and closer to May it becomes completely insignificant. As a rule, rains fall in the dark and do not last long, so they do not cause any particular inconvenience to your vacation. At the beginning of spring, strong gusty winds cannot be ruled out, provoking the formation of storms on the ocean. This, of course, is not at all beneficial for tourists. But the winds prevent the heat from stagnating over the Edenic landscapes. Usually in May the weather stabilizes, and a fertile time begins, opening up wide scope for vacation activities.

Temperature and weather in the Seychelles in spring

Seychelles in summer

The summer (according to our calculations) months represent the height of the dry and conditionally “cold” season, when wet trade winds give way to cool southeast monsoons. Relative humidity is slowly returning to an acceptable level, making high temperatures quite easily tolerated even by the most susceptible people. The absence of heat does not mean that it is impossible to burn in the sun. The level of insolation on clear days (and most of them in summer) is extremely high, so if you do not want to get burned, do not forget to regularly use sunscreen, preferably with a high SPF factor. As for the sea, in June the monsoons are just coming into their own, so they don’t disturb the water surface much. But in July and August the ocean is often rough.

Temperature and weather in Seychelles in summer

Seychelles is a lost and found paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean: 115 wonderful islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. The beaches here are perfect: white sand, wide and secluded; the hotels also correspond to paradise. Everything about Seychelles: photos, tours, road and maps.

Tours for May Worldwide
Last minute tours Worldwide

Wedding destination - it is in this category that the Seychelles invariably appear in foreign guidebooks: happy newlyweds flock to its idyllic landscapes all year round. The Seychelles offer a very rare commodity in today's hectic world - absolute peace, solitude and a measured rhythm of life (if not the complete absence of it) - in a word, ideal conditions for starting a life together. Paradise, let's face it, is not cheap, but on the other hand, there is only one wedding... at least, few people are already planning their next wedding during their honeymoon.

Another category of local tourists are people who are in love with the sea: there are many exceptionally beautiful dive sites around the archipelago, and the coasts of its 115 islands are washed by waves for every surfer’s taste. In addition, lovers of sea fishing, yachting and exclusive beach holidays without any frills come here. Need I add that they are all at least very wealthy people?

Disadvantages of the direction? Well, there is one... although this is for someone... look at the price lists and you will find out.

Cities and resorts of the Seychelles

Time difference from Moscow

1 hour

with Kaliningrad

with Samara

with Yekaterinburg

with Omsk

with Krasnoyarsk

with Irkutsk

with Yakutsk

with Vladivostok

from Severo-Kurilsk

with Kamchatka

Climate

Tropical, very mild, without significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. It is never too cold or too hot here. Average annual temperature air +26...+30 °C. Rather, for the sake of formality, it is still customary to distinguish between two seasons: a conventionally hot one (December-May) and a conventionally cool one (June-November), when the monsoons blow. During the hot season, most of the year's precipitation falls, mainly on the mountainous islands of Mahe and Silhouette. The rainiest month is January. The rains are heavy but short-lived. See also: current weather forecast for the Seychelles for the next 10 days.

Maps of Seychelles

Visa and customs

Russian citizens arriving for a period not exceeding 30 days do not require a visa to the Seychelles. But despite the general “chocolate” and safety of the destination, medical insurance will not hurt.

The import and export of foreign and local currencies is not limited; the permissible limit for the transportation of local currencies is 2000 SCR. 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco are allowed duty free; 2 liters of alcohol with a strength of more than 16% and 2 liters of less strong drinks; 200 ml of perfume. The import of other goods is limited to SCR 3,000 per person. When transporting musical instruments, sports equipment and portable electrical appliances, you will have to pay a special deposit (on the way back the money will be returned - if, of course, the listed items leave the country with the traveler). Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Pets are quarantined (14-180 days) and are allowed into the Seychelles only if they have an international veterinary certificate issued no earlier than a month before arrival. The import of weapons (including pneumatic and spearfishing), vegetables, fruits, plants, birds, tea, non-canned meat and meat products, as well as medicines and drugs is prohibited. The export of shells, corals, tortoiseshell products and coco-de-mer nuts without special permission is prohibited.

Systems Tax free not in Seychelles.

How to get to Seychelles

Entertainment and attractions

The historical “excursion” in the Seychelles is present in minimal quantities - and, by and large, it is not needed. All the main attractions here are exclusively natural: snow-white (and in some places even soft pink!) beaches, clear water, unique tropical nature, colorful marble stones and a stunning underwater world. Service in hotels, bungalows and lodges is always at the same level. The Aborigines are nice and friendly. The sunsets are fantastic, the waves (where there are no strong currents) are invariably gentle. And also a fantastic (and this is not an artistic exaggeration) underwater world.

Reserves

Cousin Island, a nature reserve since 1968, is 2 km from Praslin Island. It is home to several endangered species and a nesting site for seabirds and turtles. Two of which, old George and Georgina, live here and often follow tourists in the hope of getting their necks scratched.

Bird Island can be reached in half an hour by plane from Mahe Island. The island is known as home to approximately 1.5 million black terns, which live here from May to September. The giant tortoise Esmeralda also lives here (they say she is already over 150 years old). Curieuse Island, named after the ship that discovered it in 1768, is known for its large colony of giant tortoises and dense thickets of tropical plants. There is also a national marine park here.

Arid Island is located just 15 km from Praslin. In 1973, it was purchased for the Royal Conservation Society by Christopher Cadbury, an English chocolate magnate. The island serves as a major gathering place for seabirds throughout the region and is home to the world's largest colonies of roseate terns, little fulmars and red-tailed tropical birds.

St. Anna Marine National Park consists of 6 small islands. A tour of them begins with a trip on a boat with a transparent bottom, which allows you to observe the colorful life of coral reefs. Next, the path goes to the island of Moyen, which is privately owned by a certain Mr. Grimshaw, who has lived here for a long time and is still trying to find pirate treasures. You can explore the island, see pirate graves and historical ruins (and try to fill Mr. Grimshaw's buckets by finding the notorious treasure).

10 things to do in Seychelles

Do nothing, do nothing and do nothing again on the secluded white sandy beaches of the Seychelles archipelago.
Dive into the captivating underwater world off the coast of Seychelles.
Appreciate the delights of Creole cuisine - and not necessarily bat stew, for example, fish with rice - how wonderful it is!
Try to find pirate treasure on Moyen Island.
Take a walk around the capital of Victoria Island and look at one of the two traffic lights in the entire country.
Fly in a helicopter over the turquoise surface of the Indian Ocean.
Fish for tuna, secretly hoping to catch a blue marlin.
Take a risk and get legally married to the approving whisper of the ocean.
Join the proud fraternity of “boarders” on Grand Anse beach.
Take a coco-de-mer nut with you to your homeland so that you have something to remember during the long Russian winter.

Night life

Stormy lovers nightlife You may be disappointed: all local entertainment is represented by a couple of discos and a casino. There are only three casinos on the island of Mahe: at the Plantation Club hotel, Berjaya Beau Vallon and a recently opened one that has already become the best casino in Victoria. It's the same problem with clubs. They are far from numerous and often uninteresting. Pleasant exceptions: “Lovant Club” in the center of Victoria, the “Katiolo” disco, which looks like “Uncle Tom’s Hut” and a rural disco of the 80-90s, the very small “Club 369” and “Barrel” (or simply “Barrel” ) - a cheap and cheerful establishment, mainly with a local audience. On the island of Praslin there is a casino at the Lemuria Resort.

But the islands host many festivals and sporting events throughout the year, the most famous among them being the Grand Regatta and the Festival of Creole Culture.

Holidays and events in Seychelles

Main public holidays in the Seychelles fall in the first month of summer. June 5 - Liberation Day in honor of the socialists coming to power, June 29 - Independence Day: in 1976, the islands left British control and officially became a republic. The brightest of the summer series is the Day of National Reconciliation on June 18 in honor of the adoption of the Constitution with magnificent parades in the capital, music shows and flower exhibitions.

At the September culinary festival on Praslin, among other treats, you can taste coco-de-mer cocktails, ostrich stew and other exotic dishes.

The New Year is celebrated with a tropical flavor: palm trees are decorated instead of Christmas trees, flowers are hung instead of electric garlands, but dancing, fireworks and feasts are international traditions. The Seychelles also love festivals: in the spring they hold the March Carnival, which attracts thousands of tourists, and French Week with concerts, exhibitions and craft fairs. A sailing regatta takes place in May, and Mind Body Spirit, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, takes place in June. The festival of Creole culture is a chance to get acquainted with the ancient customs of the islanders; the fishing festival on La Digue is an opportunity to compete with the locals in the art of fish hunting.

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