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.
Mahe is the largest of the Seychelles islands and encompasses the country’s international airport as well as its capital, the surprisingly quiet and peaceful town of Victoria, home to roughly a third of the national population, as well as many good restaurants and entertainment venues. Mahe has a mountainous interior characterised by dense tropical forests and stony outcrops, while its coast is blessed with some 75-odd beautiful beaches. The best known of these is the idyllic, white-sand Beau Vallon, fringed by deep bays that offer excellent swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
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.
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.
Situated on the east coast of Praslin, the horseshoe-shaped bay of Baie Sainte Anne is framed by verdant hills and turquoise waters, creating a serene coastal village atmosphere. The name refers not only to the bay itself but also to the district that covers much of the island's eastern side. Serving as a gateway to stunning natural wonders and historical sites, Baie Sainte Anne serves as a base from which to explore the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the rare coco de mer palms, famous for their uniquely shaped seeds, and fragrant vanilla orchids. Visitors can look forward to winding trails, enjoy ferry trips to neighbouring islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or relax on pristine beaches. Once a centre for vanilla and copra production, the area retains a rich heritage, reflected in its laid-back charm and welcoming community.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park is just off the northeast coast of Mahe Island, located in the heart of Seychelles. It encompasses a collection of picturesque islands known for their pristine white-sand beaches, world-class snorkelling and diving spots, sumptuous Creole cuisine and extravagant hotels. The raw, unspoilt beauty of the environment draws many tourists annually. Sainte Anne Marine National Park forms a sanctuary to protect and sustain a unique concentration of underwater ecosystems. Visitors can discover the underwater coral garden wonderland and spot abundant marine life, such as many species of colourful tropical fish, manta rays and sea turtles hiding in the extensive seagrass meadows.
