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The Islands of Seychelles

The Islands of Seychelles

By Mark Johnson

The Seychelles islands are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, it’s always a good time to visit, although different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests.  Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and especially diving are superb during April/May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29 degrees and visibility is often 30 metres plus.

The ‘SUBIOS Underwater Festival’, showcases Seychelles’ extraordinary underwater world through a series of film shows, talks and competitions, while the 'Festival Kreol' (a week-long celebration of Creole heritage and traditions) is held in March and October respectively of each year.

The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held in January and the International Fishing Competition in March.  Further local fishing competitions are held throughout the year.

The diversity of the Seychelles landscape rushes up to greet you the moment your aircraft begins its descent and promises a long list of things to do.

Seychelles is famous for having some of the best beaches in the world, pristine and unspoilt.  Some are framed by age-old granite boulders.  Others offer powder-soft sands, turquoise waters and sublime opportunities for swimming, snorkelling or pure relaxation.

Scuba dive in an ocean of kaleidoscopic colours and swim alongside 40-foot long, plankton-eating whale sharks or skim the surface of the turquoise waters on water-skis, a kayak or a catamaran.

If the world’s best fly-fishing can’t tempt you, why not, from the comfort of the boat, enjoy unrivalled deep-sea fishing instead?   catch could include marlin, sailfish, green jobfish and skipjack tuna.

There are great opportunities for island-hopping between the 16 islands that currently offer accommodation.  These range from sumptuous 5-star resorts to rustic island lodges and cozy beachside bungalows.  On your way, you will discover such gems as the legendary Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco-de-Mer

 You will also find proud national monuments, beautiful Creole houses, artists’ studios, national reserves and marine parks, as well as breathtaking natural wonders above and beneath the waves.  Various excursions will introduce you to the pleasures of glass-bottom boating, or enjoying a choice of water sports. 

 There’s also golf, horse-riding and guided nature tours where to enjoy some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth.  Not forgetting the mellow Seychelles nightlife where you can take in a casino, some local bars and fine restaurants offering unforgettable Creole and international cuisine.

What sets Seychelles apart from so many other holiday destinations is its wide variety of islands -- each one with its own particular geography, character and history.  Whether you choose a day excursion to one of the many Inner granitic islands, or an extended stay on one of our exotic island hideaways, Seychelles has something exceptional to offer. 

Island hopping whether by boat, plane or helicopter promises a true sense of the islands’ diversity. Each has its own character: a timeless miniature world, flourishing in splendid isolation far from the hubbub of modern life.  Nature trails wind their way through granite peaks and lush mist forests, and hidden coves harbour secrets that few, if any, have discovered.

Experiencing more than one island during your stay is a must and will add a dimension to your holiday experience that you will never forget. 

Whatever your choice, a regular network of air and sea transport operating out of the principal island of Mahé will cater for most itineraries.  Ferry services, domestic flights and even helicopter transfers are also available on a daily basis to many of the islands. 

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