Category Archives: Seychelles

Shopping in Seychelles: Five Popular Things to Shop in the Island

While Seychelles is a tourist destination drawing luxury travellers from across the globe to experience the best of beaches and adventures, shopping lovers can take back home an array Shopping in Seychellesof interesting things from here. If you are planning a holiday to the island anytime soon, do not forget to spare some time shopping these amazing souvenirs: Seychelles

Coco De Mer

One of the biggest nuts in the world, Coco De Mer is certainly the most iconic thing to buy in the island. Also known as sea nuts, these nuts are indeed hard to crack, and are conveniently available on Mahe and Praslin islands. You will have to take care of a few things while purchasing these nuts such as they must have holographic stickers and come with an official permit. You cannot leave the country with a coco de mer without proper certification; and if you do so, you may be charged a fine or possibly even sent to prison. The legal ones would be hollowed out, weighing around 5 KG.

Kreolor Jewellery and Craft

A major draw among jewellery lovers, Kreolor Jewellery and Craft is a popular jewellery and craft manufacturer in Seychelles selling jewellery designed using the skills of specially trained Seychellois goldsmiths and craftsmen. The company has five stores across Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. You can visit there and buy tastefully designed jewellery carrying true Seychelles spirit. You can also get your hands on exclusive crafts prepared using local materials at the stores.

Yi-King Essential Oils

Yi-King Essential Oils are the essential oils made from the finest Seychelles ingredients and loved by travellers from all over the world. These oils got their name from a French aroma therapist living on Mahe Island who created them. The oils have been created based on a person’s date of birth and are related to the eight master elements recognised by Chinese medicine including sky, wind, earth, mountain, water, thunder, fire and lake. You can purchase them from the top hotel spas in Seychelles including Denis Island Resort, Constance Lémuria, Constance Aphelia and the Hilton.

Black pearls

You cannot go back home from Seychelles without purchasing black pearls, one of the most beautiful things the island owns. These pearls from Black Pearl Ocean Farm located on the island of Praslin, close to the airport are a specialty of the island. The black pearls are not necessarily black; they range from a light silvery to very dark grey and they may also look pink, blue, green, lavender, copper, bronze or golden. They are priced according to their colour, lustre, shape, size, surface perfection and nacre thickness.

Takamaka Rum

Quite popular among rum lovers from different parts of the world, Takamaka Rum is one thing in the island for which you can seal the deal in an instant. It is amazing, local rum; particularly the dark spiced rum distilled, aged and blended in the Seychelles at the Trois Frères Distillery in Mahe Island. It is traditionally served as a post-meal drink in the island and much loved my local residents. You cannot miss to grab your hand on Takamaka Rum if you are out for food shopping in the island. You can also try here coco rum, white rum, extra dark and aged varieties.

Five of the Most Stunning Seychelles Beaches

Called “the island of love”, Seychelles is a true beach haven in the Indian Ocean with numerous beaches brimming with powdery sands, translucent warm waters and lush jungle landscapes. Beach bums can experience the best of sun, sand and surf amidst these sparkling beaches that are known for their aquatic delights and thrilling water sports opportunities.

Seychelles Beaches
Here are five of the most stunning Seychelles beaches you can explore:

Anse Intendance

The most unspoiled spot on Mahé Island, Anse Intendance is a beach haven with perfect turquoise water, powder-fine white sand, thickly-vegetated mountain backdrop and impressive granite formations. With some of the finest waves along the island, it is a perfect place for surfers. However, the beach is not protected by a reef and thus, does not make for an ideal swimming spot. One can stay at Banyan Tree, a five-star resort along Anse Intendance coastline to experience true glamour and luxury of the Seychelles.

Beau Vallon

Situated on the north coast of Mahé Island, Beau Vallon is one of the longest beaches here with a wide bay and calm, gentle waters. It is the most popular beach in the island offering wonderful diving and snorkelling opportunities due to its clear waters and coral reefs. Here many visitors are witnessed picnicking and playing music under takamaka trees. You can also explore a number of vendors selling Creole cuisine, drinks and clothing along the crescent-shaped coastline of the beach.

Anse Lazio

Considered to be the best on Praslin Island by Lonely Planet, Anse Lazio is an ideal beach with gorgeous blue, clear waters and golden sands. It has one of the most romantic settings on the island appealing to honeymooners from different parts of the world. Ideally popular for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling, the beach makes for an amazing holiday spot with a picture-postcard scene. Besides, you would love to watch the sunrise here creating a magical aura that is a treat for sore eyes.

Anse Georgette

With an ideal mix of bright turquoise ocean surface, pristine white sands and tropical palm trees, Anse Georgette is considered to be second among the best beaches in Seychelles. Located right next to the Constance Lemuria Hotel, it is a small but sensational stretch of sand with lush green trees fringing its coastline. What makes this beach unique and special is it is a pure white sand stretch with no coral or rocks. Besides, the beach offers best snorkelling opportunities for water sports lovers.

Grand Anse

An imposing sand bay, Grand Anse is one of the three widest and longest beaches on the Mahé Island. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and features a background boasting lush green mountains. Visitors can take a relaxing walk along this long stretch of shoreline and delight in the beauty of the rolling waves. The beach has strong currents and no corals, making it an ideal haven for surfing. Swimming is not recommended along most of the beach; however, it is a perfect spot for experienced swimmers.

Discover the Many Charms of the Seychelles with these Wonderful Experiences

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The Seychelles is a tropical heaven in the Indian Ocean with more than 100 islands blessed with divine beaches fringed by translucent warm waters, isolated bays, terrific mountain areas and lush green spaces. Along with having a good time at the beaches of the country, travellers can have an exciting time enjoying the different unique activities here. Take a look!

Hike on the Mahe Island

Most of the inner islands of the Seychelles like the Mahe Island are made of granite. Enjoy amazing hikes on the Mahe Island and take in the stunning views of the natural beauty of the region. Mount Copolia, Anse Major Trail, Morne Blanc and Morne Seychellois are some major hiking spots here and will take you across cinnamon and rubber tree forests, mosses and ferns while presenting many thrilling experiences.

Kayak through the mangroves

The ideal way to explore the calm turquoise waters is to kayak through the mangroves across the islands. With so many islands in close proximity to each other, the Seychelles is a perfect sea kayaking destination for adventure seekers. North Island is one major kayaking destination here where families and couples can enjoy a gentle work-out, paddling in the light swell while taking delight in terrific views of the crystal clear waters all around.

Ride a horse

Tourists are seen enjoying a horseback ride on the stunning Seychelles beaches and through the captivating island forests all throughout the year. Turquoise Horse Trails, located on the west coast of Mahe Island, are extremely popular with the travellers, promising them a scenic ride through forest, mangrove marshes, and along the shores Barbarons and Grand Anse beaches.

Witness turtle nesting during daytime

You will be surprised to know that Seychelles is one of the very few places in the world where the Hawksbill turtles can be spotted nesting during the day. October and January are the two months to enjoy this scene in Seychelles. Come along with your whole family and witness these incredible events on North Island!

Enjoy Moutya dance

Moutya is a slow, traditional dance originated on the Seychelles among Creole slaves but is now celebrated all across the island. A number of hotels across the island offer Moutya nights where many traditional dancers perform this bare-feet cultural dance. The music, played usually with three goatskin drums of different sounds and sizes, during the dance performance is a wonderful treat to the senses as well!

Top Tourist Delights of the Seychelles

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A stunning coastal paradise comprising of around 115 palm shaped islands and adorned with pristine white-sand beaches, majestic cliffs and secluded coves, the Seychelles is truly a fascinating holiday destination. Located in the Indian Ocean, this beautiful archipelago is packed with numerous interesting attractions and indulgences. Here are the top lures of the country.

Beaches

Offering the best of sun, sand and surf, some of the beaches in the country are among the finest in the world. Great spots to enjoy sunbathing and different water sports, these magnificent beaches are major attractions among visitors to the Seychelles. Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Grand Anse, Anse Intendance, Petite Anse Kerlan, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos, Anse Marron and Beau Vallon are some of the most popular beaches on the island. While most of these beaches are well connected to the mainland, a few of them are accessible by boats and ships.

Activities

Be it zip lining through the dense forests, rock climbing in the granite peaks, scuba diving in the marine parks, swimming with the whales, deep sea fishing, wind surfing or paragliding, the island has it all when it comes to thrill and adventure! Diving schools and training institutes can be located in different parts of the country.

Festivals

Celebrating the Creole culture and other traditions, the many festivals in the country are great times to experience and enjoy the local customs and practices. Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria, Semaine de la Francophonie, Holy Week, Round Table Beau Vallon Regatta, La Digue Festival, SUBIOS Underwater Festival and Creole Festival are some of the most well known celebrations in the country. Music and cultural shows, dance performances, art exhibitions, float parades, yacht races and feasts are common during most of the festivals. Independence Day, celebrated on 29th June, is celebrated with much pomp and show across the island.

Food

A perfect fusion of African, French, Chinese, Indian and Mediterranean flavours and cooking methods, the Seychellois cuisine is an attraction in itself! Dominated by chillies, coconut milk and breadfruit, food on the island is much loved by the tourists. A variety of fish and seafood, including tuna, bonito, sea bass, red snapper, barracuda, king mackerel, gilthead, lobster and squid, is commonly prepared and loved by the people here. Octopus curry, smoked fish salad, satini reken, saffron rice, bat curry, Bouillon brede, Kat-kat banane, Satini rekin and Soupe de tectec are the must try delicacies on the island. As far as the drinks are concerned, palm wine calou, bakka rum and beers like Seybrew and Eku are most popular. While numerous fine dining restaurants can be found in all parts of the country, especially the major cities, having your meals at the beach shacks or street side eateries is a unique experience that remains unmatched.

Shopping

Whether its spices, crafts, souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery or tea, the Seychelles has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. The shops here offer a wide collection of goods and products both locally manufactured and imported.  Woven baskets, tablemats, ornaments, straw hats, batik work, ornaments, model boats, trinkets, seashells, tortoise shells, coco-de-mer nuts, coconut oil-scented bath soaps, scented products and ceramic pottery are some of the stuff that is loved by tourist who looking for souvenirs. Although there are not many big malls here, there are several street side shops from where you could purchase all these things. Victoria Market and Sir Selwyn Clarke Market are the top spots to buy these items at reasonable prices.

Wildlife

The Seychelles is rich in marine life and wildlife. Home to different fragile ecosystems and rich in biodiversity, the island nation is truly a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Around 75 different types of endemic plant species and over 25 species of aldabra group can be found here. Arnold’s giant tortoise, Seychelles giant tortoise, Seychelles fody, Seychelles scops owl, frigate birds, freshwater crabs, geckos, Madagascar girdled lizard and coconut crab are a few of the many birds and animals found here. Morne Seychellois National Park, Praslin National Park, Baie Ternay Marine National Park and Ile Coco Marine National Park are the famous national parks on the island.

A Few Must-have Experiences at Praslin Island, Seychelles

About 25 miles north of Mahé, the capital of Seychelles, lies the spectacular Praslin Island.

Seychelles

Blessed with many natural and man-made marvels, the island is a fascinating tourist destination that draws holidaymakers from far and wide.

Seychelless

Be it sparkling white beaches, enchanting forests, lofty mountains or exotic marine life – Praslin Island is simply a beauty to behold. We’ve compiled a list of some must-have experiences at the destination.

Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is one of Seychelles’ only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other being the isolated Aldabra Atoll. While the nature reserve is famous for its dense Coco-de-Mer forests and the endangered Seychelles Black Parrot, there are plenty of other exciting things too. You can enjoy camping, fishing and canoeing in this stunningly beautiful forest. The reserve is home to exotic wildlife and hence is big draw for wildlife buffs and shutterbugs alike.

Try Deep Sea Diving

Considered one of the best diving sites in the Seychelles, Praslin Island is famous for its colourful marine life. Take a diving excursion to spot the rare and endangered marine species such as reef sharks, sting rays and turtles. Though there are more than 15 diving sites to choose from, one of the most popular spots is Côte d’Or. The various hotels and resorts at Praslin Island arrange half as well as full day diving trips to the place.

Try your Luck at Casino des Iles

Like to try your hand at gambling? Head to the famous Casino des Iles and enjoy gaming and other nightlife revelries. The place is a popular tourist spot, with its casinos, clubs and restaurants offering unending fun after sunset. The minimum age limit is 18 years, and the casino tables operate daily between 20:30 and 03:00.  The Tante Mimi Restaurant here serves delectable Creole cuisine.

Spend a day at Anse Lazio beach

No words can do justice to the surreal charms of Anse Lazio beach. Ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio is a haven for solitude seekers and romantics. Take in the breathtaking views of the white powdery sands, turquoise waters and surrounding green landscapes. You can also enjoy some water sports to complete you fun-filled day at this famous beach on Praslin Island.

Some Fascinating Scuba-diving Sites in the Seychelles

Scores of divers flock to the Seychelles throughout the year. Fascinating diving sites, featuring a wonderful marine biodiversity, are scattered throughout this Indian Ocean nation. From the thick coral reef in the shallow waters along the Therese Island to the huge stingrays and reef sharks off the Shark Bank – the Seychelles promises many alluring sights and experiences for diving enthusiasts. This blog reveals some of the best spots to experience the underwater thrills of the Seychelles.

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The Fisherman’s Cove Reef

The calm and balmy waters off the Fisherman’s Cove Reef on Mahé Island harbour plenty of tropical fish, beautiful coral formations, giant Hawksbill turtles, and several other big pelagic species. It’s a popular diving site among both novice divers as well as pros. Excellent underwater visibility, ranging from 15 to 30 meters, makes the excursion a memorable affair.

L’ilot

If you want good diving sans the crowds, then L‘ilot Island is the place to be. The crystal clear waters with massive granite boulders, amazing marine life and spectacular coral reefs set the scene here. The island is also renowned for night dives. Coloured pelagic fish, Spanish dancers and gorgonians and shrimps are commonly spotted.

Shark Bank

This revered diving site is situated about 8kms northwest of Mahé and boasts a great marine biodiversity in the Seychelles. While diving at Shark Bay, you have the chance to see amazing coral formations, which are frequented by schools of barracuda and jack fish. Massive eagles, Stingray, reef shark, and whale sharks are some of the other popular aqua species that you may encounter here. The underwater visibility is excellent (up to 30 metres on a clear day). To reach Shark Bank, you need to take a ferry ride from Mahé Island.

Brissaire Rocks

Brissaire Rocks is famous for long distance diving and the waters are full of colourful aquatic life. You can see schools of barracuda, horse-eye jacks, sting rays and napoleons swarming over the reefs, which are dense, thick and colourful. The granite formations here are fantastic for spotting green turtles and sting rays. Depending on the season, visitors may see whale sharks as well.

Important Things Holidaymakers Need To Know before Visiting the Seychelles

seychellessSo you’ve finally decided to explore the astounding charms of the Seychelles. However, before you finalise your itinerary, it’s imperative to know certain things about the island nation for planning a perfect holiday. Here, we have presented a short travel guide for people planning to visit the Seychelles.

When to Go

seychellesBlessed with a year-round warm, tropical climate, the Seychelles can be visited any time of the year. The temperatures usually range from 24°C to 32°C, with no extreme winters or summers. The scenery is breathtaking all year-round, but if you plan to try scuba-diving or snorkelling in Seychelles, then the best time to visit would be the months of April to May and October to December. The water temperature during these seasons reaches up to 29°C, while the visibility remains above 30 meters.

How to Go

With a number of reputed airlines including Air Seychelles operating regular flights (indirect) between London Heathrow and Mahé (the main island of Seychelles), reaching this Indian Ocean destination is no hassle for Britons. Besides, British passport holders don’t need visas to visit the Seychelles. The passport must be valid for the proposed duration of the stay.

Things to Keep in Mind

  1. The local language is Seychellois Creole. However, English and French are also widely spoken.
  2. The Seychelles is one of the safest travel destinations. The people are warm and friendly. However, it’s good to stay vigilant and take care of one’s belongings, especially at crowded places. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  3. The local currency is Seychelles Rupees. One British Pound is equal to around 22 Seychelles Rupees.
  4.  Mahé is the national capital of the Seychelles and boasts most facilities typical of a big city, including an international airport, plenty of hotels, restaurants, bank ATMs, car rentals and more.

Popular options for getting around the island of Mahé include buses, cabs and taxis. To travel from one island to the other, tourists can take a ferry. Self drive cars are also available for hire. However, make sure that you are experienced in driving on the narrow and winding mountainous roads.

Three of the Most Spectacular Hiking and Walking Trails in Seychelles

For those with a penchant for the adrenaline rush, the Seychelles has many unanticipated surprises waiting to be unravelled. Apart from an unending string of beaches that offer a plethora of water sports, the island nation in the Indian Ocean has many exciting treks passing through some of the most incredible facets of nature. Next time when you board flights for a Seychelles holiday, add any of these trekking trails in your itinerary and relish an adventure of a lifetime!

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The Morne Seychellois National Park

Brimming with an array of natural wonders, ranging from lush woodlands to virtually deserted dunes, the Morne Seychellois National Park is a true delight for trekkers. There are different day hiking and walking trails that promise various enthralling experiences – witness exotic flora & fauna on Glacic to Anse Etoile route, camp along the rocky coastline while trekking from Danzil to Anse Major or see the fantastic historic section of Victoria on Victoria/Beau Vallon route. The best thing is that some of the trails here are short enough for a weekend trip!

Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve

One of the richest tropical forests in the world, Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve is pretty impressive. People who spend on flights and holiday deals get to see the rare Coco de Mer palm trees and many endangered species of birds including the black parrot. The nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allures a fair share of travellers who book tickets for Seychelles holidays.

La Passe to Grand Anse  

La-Passe-to-Grand-Anse

Either on foot or by bicycle, the trek allows you to enjoy stunning oceanic views, along with various French colonial era houses and woodlands. Winter is the best time for this excursion. The cool and dry weather allows you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this wonderful pass. Avoid the rainy season, December and January, as the weather tends to be very humid and sticky. At any other time of the year, the spectacular beauty of Grand Anse beach makes it worth the effort and money spent on travel tickets and holiday package!

Seychelles Holidays: An Adventurous Experience Awaits All!

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Seychelles, a popular Indian Ocean holiday destination brims with glittering beaches, turquoise seas and incredible weather; all of this is enough to encourage travellers to seek tickets on flights to the nation. Seychelles has for long been a top destination for explorers and adventurers, throughout the globe. The island-nation offers a distinct adventure break, filled with discovery, action and wildlife. Here are some of the most popular adventurous activities in the country that never cease to impress international holidaymakers disembarking flights in Seychelles!

The Waters…

The most celebrated highlight of Seychelles is its incredible shoreline and deep, clear waters that cast a magical spell over one and all. The shoreline allows the travellers to relish a plethora of water activities available across popular islands including Mahé, Praslin and Silhouette. The diving and snorkelling scene of the island is one of the biggest draws among both locals and visitors. Travellers can even dive into the clear, colourful underwater nature reserve of the Seychelles’s tropical reefs and see large stretches of coral alongside tropical fish, rare shells and sea turtles. Moreover, yachting and canoeing in Seychelles are two unique activities that allow travellers to explore the hidden islets and coves situated closer to seashore. Travellers may even try their hands at fishing.

The Land…

Most of the islands in Seychelles are dotted with rare flora and fauna, which collectively makes the destination a popular stopover among nature lovers. The idyllic surroundings of this archipelago promise a new and exciting adventure, every day. Holidaymakers may spend few days island-hopping in Seychelles. This is an interesting way to explore some of the uninhabited parts of the country. Hire a taxi-boat and visit some of the places across the different islands and grab the opportunity to interact with the locals. Further, Seychelles is blessed with an extensive network of hiking and walking trails, which usually pass through the unspoilt regions of the nation. Keen vacationers may try cycling or take a horse-ride along the coastline, which surely makes for an exciting voyage filled with fun and discovery!