Dotting the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is renowned for its tailor-made romantic getaways, adventure opportunities, and breath-taking natural beauty. This exceptionally picturesque archipelago is comprised of 115 coral and granite islands. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, visiting the lively capital city of Victoria, and exploring the colourful coral underwater wonderlands encircling the islands. Other major highlights include abundant wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and nesting sea turtles, indigenous plant life, and a host of tropical birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll.
Dotting the Indian Ocean, Praslin Island is the second largest of the Seychelles’ islands and boasts a tranquil, laidback atmosphere. Stretching for almost 40 square kilometres, the island landscape features lush tropical jungle, fringed by pristine world-famous beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. According to local legend, the island served as a pirate hideout throughout the 18th century, and today it is a popular resort holiday destination. Praslin is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve with its groves of ancient coco de mer palms which produce the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. Popular activities include: turtle and tortoise spotting, snorkelling, diving and boating.
As previously described
This picture-perfect island is part of the Seychelles Archipelago featuring ox-cart taxis, a verdant interior, calm aquamarine bays and stunningly beautiful beaches strewn with massive boulders; it is an utterly idyllic holiday destination. Historically, La Digue was settled by French colonists in the late 18th century, and remnants of its colonial past, such as the L'Union Estate with its traditional plantation house and vanilla fields, are still evident. La Digue has retained a charming old-world atmosphere and a strong Creole identity, with traditions and ceremonies still a focal point of the island’s culture. Major attractions include the gorgeous Anse Source d'Argent beach and the Veuve Nature Reserve, home to the elusive black paradise flycatcher, of which there are only a couple of hundred left on earth.
Set seven kilometres north of La Digue Island, the Seychelles Coco Island has been said to offer the best snorkelling opportunities in the country. Crystal clear water, gorgeous coral and bright fish decorate the exquisite underwater landscape. Above water, the air is often calm and balmy, creating a tropical paradise for nature lovers. Near the beach, there is less coral, but there are just as many fish. Tours usually include a stop at neighbouring Sister Island, where visitors can indulge in a traditional Creole barbeque lunch, explore a coconut plantation, and relax on the sands.
The northernmost granitic island of Seychelles, Aride Island is a nature reserve known as the best seabird island in the western Indian Ocean. See what life was like on these islands 250 years ago, before human settlement: Aride is a wild paradise of lush greenery, white beaches and spectacular, thriving wildlife. The island is inhabited by ten species of seabirds, including the endemic Magpie Robins, Fodies, and many more. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles lay eggs here, and dolphins frolic just off the coast. Extending 200 metres offshore, the reserve encompasses stunningly beautiful coral reef, home to over 400 species of fish, Whale Sharks, and even the enthralling flying fish. Plants grow on Aride Island which exist nowhere else on earth. Swim in the turquoise waters, and take a guided hike along the island. Children can meet animals up close.
As previously described
Set against a towering mountain carpeted in lush vegetation and bounded by the Marine National Park of Mahe, Sainte Anne is the largest island of the Seychelles Island chain. Travellers seeking an idyllic tropical getaway complete with palm-lined sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters should look no further than the exquisite island of Sainte Anne. The island is home to a single luxury resort located on its southwestern point as well as a tiny nearby village. This absence of development has allowed the island to remain a peaceful sanctuary filled with natural flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on one of Sainte Anne's six beautiful beaches, snorkelling or diving in the colourful underwater world or exploring the numerous hiking paths on offer.
