Seychelles Holidays

Seychelles enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24 °C or rises above 32 °C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

During the north-west trade winds that visit between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots.

In January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and teasing the vibrant foliage into rainbows of colour.

The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas - particularly on south-eastern coasts and winds of 10-20 knots.

Basic Information

Language

There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

Currency

Seychelles Rupee (SR). It is recommended to take US Travellers Cheques. Credit cards are accepted in several restaurants, tourist shops and most hotels, but not everywhere. It is advised to exchange money within the banks, as hotels tend to give a worse exchange rate.

Electricity

240V 50Hz British-type plugs with 3 flat pins are used.

Banks

Many banks exist within Victoria in Mahé , in larger villages, and at the airport. Banks also exist on Praslin and La Digue. Most banks are only open in the mornings, but some also in the afternoon. General opening hours are: Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.

Getting Around

The main international airport for the Seychelles is located 6 miles south of Victoria on Mahé Island. All destinations can be reached on Mahé by coach and taxi. Car hire offices are also available at the airport but make sure you have a valid international E.U licence. Hiring a car is probably the best way to see the spectacular views of Mahé. Mini Mokes are the hire cars in the Seychelles, but take care as other drivers can be a bit of a danger.

On some of the other islands cars are kept to a minimum and the most preferred mode of transport is by bicycle or the conventional ox and cart. There are plenty of bicycles for hire on Praslin and La Digue, but you’ll be lucky to get hold of one on some of the other islands. A regular bus service operates daily on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue between 0530-1900.

To reach neighbouring islands in the Seychelles you can take the ferry or fly. Daily ferry services operate to a selection of islands. Air Seychelles offers regular domestic flights to Praslin, Frégate, Desroches, Bird and Denis Island. Charter flights to other islands are also run. Helicopter Seychelles offers a shuttle service to some of the islands.

Time Difference GMT +4 hours

Tipping

The service charge is usually included within the price of a meal, however for good service an extra tip of 5 - 10% can be given. It is polite to tip the room boy and porter upon departure.

Water

Tap water is chlorinated, but bottled water is advised.

Visas

Visas are not required for visitors to Seychelles, but you’ll need an onward ticket, booked accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay - a one month Visitor’s Permit (extendable on application) will be issued.

Tourist Information

www.seychelles.uk.com

Tourist Info

What makes it so special?

The Seychelles is an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is famous for its world-beating un-crowded, pristine beaches, some of which are framed by age-old granite boulders, and for its great diversity which rolls from lush forests down to the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth and offers superb opportunities for swimming, snorkelling or pure relaxation.

Where to Visit

Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where you can see the weird and wonderful coco de mer palm growing in their natural state - the other is nearby Curieuse Island. This valley’s Eden-like forest is World Heritage listed and the very sight of sunlight filtering through its fronds will make you go all poetic.

You’ll see several varieties of screw pine and latanier palms, and, if you’re very lucky, the Seychelles black parrot. If you’re going to visit the park, keep to the tracks, don’t take anything away and don’t leave anything behind - this is an incredibly fragile forest.

La Digue is home to Anse Source d’Argent, the iconic image of emerald waters, sugar-white sands and sea-smoothed granite rocks. It’s also the least developed of the main islands and life here still moves at the pace of an ox cart. It’s the sort of place you won’t want to leave.

Anse Lazio - the best beach on Praslin - in fact, one of the best in the country - is in the far north of the island. The beach has glorious white, soft sand, a few rounded granite boulders and a lively line-up of waves. The water is a magical turquoise colour. There’s also a sheltered area with great snorkelling at the end of the beach.