An archipelago of 115 islands, some coral and some granite, 40 of which are inhabited. Birds, rare flowers, stunning beaches, and a tropical rainforest climate. Where are you? The Seychelles, the smallest (population-wise) African country, located hundreds of miles east of Kenya, northeast of Madagascar. The Seychelles has had a long history of diverse immigrant population (there is no indigenous population), including British rule until 1976. A free education system since 1981 has ensured a high literacy rate for the entire population.

 

The Seychelles is a global leader in sustainable tourism. So on your trip to the Seychelles, what should you see and do – and eat? Here are our top 7 tips:

 

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Tobi87, adapted by Wandering Educators

 

It’s all about beaches, on islands.

 

The beautiful beach of "Anse Cocos", La Digue, Seychelles. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Tobi87

 

The best beaches are scattered across the archipelago. You might consider:

 

La Digue Island

There are some famous rock beaches here. Don’t worry – these are silky white sand beaches, sometimes littered with enormous boulders! Try hitting Anse Source D’Argent, the most famous beach in the Seychelles, or Petite Anse.

 

Anse Source D’Argent. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Martin 120

 

Mahé

The best beach on this island is Anse Major (only reached by foot or boat!). It’s a white-sand beach, and local tourist police can watch your belongings. You can also visit Beau Vallon (there are lifeguards at this beach), Anse Intendance (one of the most unspoiled beaches in the archipelago), and Anse Takamaka.

 

Beau Vallon. Photo Wikimedia Commons: welcomematt22

 

Anse Intendance. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Masibogasi

 

Anse Takamaka. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Tobi87

 

Praslin

Visit Anse Georgette (take a boat taxi from Anse Volbert) or Anse Lazio, which features smooth, calm, shallow waters surrounded by enormous boulders.

 

Anse Georgette. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Sunshine Lady

 

Anse Lazio. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Tobi87

 

Of course, ANY island will feature great beaches – it’s just a matter of discovering them!

 

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Pedro Ocejo

 

Water sports

As you can imagine with any tropical archipelago, water sports are rampant. You can boat, fish, scuba, snorkel, swim, canoe, kayak, windsurf, sail, and more. IF you can bring yourself to leave the beach...

 

Poissons chirurgiens by Olivier GRYSON, on Flickr creative commons

 

Silhouette Island by David Stanley, on Flickr creative commons

 

Shop

The capital of the Seychelles is Victoria, located on Mahé Island. And, 90% of the population lives on this island. So if you’re into shopping, you can definitely do it here. Get your start at the Sir Selwyn Clark Market, where you can buy fresh fish, fruits, veggies, and spices, as well as peruse shops selling locally handcrafted items (including a gorgeous sarong!). Open every day, busiest on Saturdays.

 

Colorful sarongs, Victoria Market. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Tribalninja

 

 

 

Plants

As you might imagine in the Seychelles, the plant life here is incredibly lush – and diverse. If you’re on Mahé, be sure to visit the Victoria Botanical Gardens (500 species of plants!), including the Coco de Mer Palm, a double coconut which only grows in the Seychelles. You can also see plenty of wildlife here, including giant tortoises. On Praslin Island, be sure to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). On many of the islands, you can hire a local guide to explore, or rent bikes, or take a hike.

 

Vallée de Mai Nature Park. Photo Wikimedia commons: Dreizung

 

Closeup of an Aldabra tortoise in the Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens at Victoria, Seychelles. Photo flickr creative commons: David Stanley

 

Female coco de mer. Photo Wikimedia commons

 

Birds

The Seychelles is a bird-watchers dream! While you’re at Vallée de Mai, be sure to look for the rare (and endemic) Seychelles Black Parrot. You can also look for the endangered Seychelles paradise-flycatcher, and visit Aride Island, where Christopher Cadbury (yes, chocolate) established a nature reserve, which has more bird species than all the other islands put together.

 

A Seychelles Paradise-flycatcher taken at La Veuve Special Réserve (La Digue, Seychelles). Photo Wikimedia commons: Hubris.nemesis

 

Get active

You can rock climb, hike, zipline, and walk if you want to get off the beach. But really? Just kidding! There is more to life than beaches… Be sure to hike the Morne Seychellois National Park (Mahé , and make a stop at the tea factory there.

 

Morne Seychellois National Park by David Stanley, on Flickr creative commons

 

Eat

Ah yes, I’ve saved the best for last. Cuisine in the Seychelles revolves, as you might imagine, around seafood – it’s fresh! The local cuisine has a variety of influences, including British, French, Indian, Chinese, and African, resulting in a local sort of Creole flavor. Local spices include tamarind, ginger, lemongrass, and curries. Look for plenty of coconut additions, as well as fresh fruit. Things to watch out for (and decide if you want to partake) include rousettes (fruit bats), shark chutney, and ladob (sweet potatoes and plantain, boiled in coconut milk, and server either sweet with sugar and vanilla, or savory with salted fish).

 

Bazar Labrin by David Stanley, on Flickr creative commons

 

Details:

 

The weather

The weather is remarkable all year round. However, please note there is a rainy season - December and January have the wettest climate, and February-May will boast the highest humidity. Most people plan their visits between June and September.

 

Flying in

The international Airport is located on Mahé Island

 

Getting around

Most people take Cat Cocos (a catamaran) or the Interisland Ferry Services (also catamaran). You can also take a small plane to island hop.

 

plane for island hopping the Seychelles, by tiarescott, on Flickr creative commons

 

What to pack

Sunscreen!
Very light clothing – items that dry easily
Bathing suits
Small daypack for trips
Water shoes/sandals (like Tevas)
Hat
Sunglasses
Camera, batteries, memory cards
Mosquito spray

 

 

Ready to go? What will you do first?