The Seychelles are home to a fantastic array of animal and plant life - many of the species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Seychelles are a collection of paradisical tropical islands, and there are some great sites for divers and snorklers at the surrounding coral reefs.
Seychelles
Victoria (70.000)
455 km2
English and French are the official languages.
Catholicism
79.326 (2000)
Republic
The Seychelles Archipelago covers an area of 400.000km2 north east of Madagascar in The Indian Ocean. The Seychelles consists of in all 115 islands and small isles. There is a large geological difference between the islands because their underground structure is made up either of granite or of coral. The vegetation consists of banana and coconut palm trees, mango trees, yams, and other tropical fruits - as well as jungle area.
When to visit the Seychelles depends on what you want to do there. If you want to go diving it is best to go between March and April and again between September and November. If you want to go wind surfing you should leave in May and October, because the trade wind is not at its highest.
Lonely Planet Mauritius, Reunion & Seychelles
Travel Guide Seychelles
Visitor's Guide to Comoros and Seychelles
Insight Guides Mauritius and Seychelles
Journey Through Seychelles
Seychelles rupi (SRe). 1SRe = 100 cents.
It is possible to find an Internet café in the capital Victoria.
Tips of 5-10% are usually already included in the price for porters, drivers, hotels, restaurants, and receptionists. The bill at all hotels and restaurants includes a service fee that you are at liberty to pay.
When it is 12:00 in the UK (summer time) it is 15:00 on Seychelles.
When it is 12:00 in the UK (winter time) it is 16:00 on Seychelles.
In the Seychelles the following weight and measure schemes are used:
Temperature: Celsius
Length: metre
Weight: kilo
Cubic content: litre
If you avoid taking pictures of the police and in the airport you should not have any problems on the islands.
It is hazardous to your health to drink the tapwater in the Seychelles. You should always buy bottled water.
In the Seychelles the following power source is used:
240 Volts/AC, 50 Hz
The inhabitants of the Seychelles are very friendly and forthcoming, and they always shake hands in greeting. You should not bathe nude or topless on the beaches.
Banks are open from 8:30 to 14:30 (Monday - Friday), and from 8:30 to 11:00 (Saturday).
Shops are open from 8:00 to 17:00 (Monday - Friday), and from 8:00 to 12:00 (Saturday).
The Seychelles's Creole kitchen is inspired by Chinese, French, African, British, and Indian traditional cuisine. The food is gently spiced and many dishes contain coconut milk. The local beer is called Seabrew and is brewed in accordance with German tapping traditions. On the islands you can also get a number of good imported wines.
The islands are not suitable for the disabled. Even though tourism has existed on Seychelles for many years nothing has been done to improve conditions for the disabled in the island's hotels or public places.
New Years Day, January 1st
Workers Day, May 1st
Liberation Day, June 5th
Independence day, June 29th
The Conception of The Virgin Mary, August 15th
All Saints Day, November 1st
The Conception of Christ, December 8th
Christmas Day, December 25th
Alternating Holidays
Good Friday, Easter and Easter Monday, March or April
It is forbidden to camp in the Seychelles.
There are many good hotels on the islands that are nicely situated on the beautiful beaches. There are only 4500 beds on the island, so it is a good idea to make a reservation.
There is only one Bed & Breakfast in the capital, Victoria. Furthermore there are a number of pleasant guesthouses on all the islands where it is rather cheap to spend the night.
There are no youth hostels in the Seychelles.
It the past few years many apartment buildings have been popping up in the Seychelles. They are equipped with kitchens so you can prepare your own food.
There are routinely scheduled airline departures between Praslin, Frégate, Desroches, Bird, and Denis Island. Air Seychelles charters planes if you want to go to the other islands.
There are buses running on Mahé and Praslin. The Bus system on Mahé is extensive and can get you out to the far corners of the island. The bus system on Praslin on the other hand is limited.
There are no trains in the Seychelles.
There are taxis on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. They drive by set prices determined by the government.
There are good car rental options in the Seychelles. You just have to be aware that the drivers here drive like maniacs.
Schooners sail regularly between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. If you want to sail to the other islands you will have to charter a boat.
Mini Moke
A mini moke is a jeep-like car that is covered by a tarpaulin with windows. They can be rented on most of the islands, and even though they often have small mechanical faults they are the best form of transport for the conditions in the Seychelles. Furthermore there are helicopters which fly between the islands. A good way to get around is by renting a bicycle.
