The Seychelles (or the Republic of Seychelles) is one of the heavenly places on the planet, where every tourist strives to get. Amazing nature, untouched by man and civilization, snow-white sand on the coast of the endless ocean, animals and birds that you will not meet in other countries - everything is so attractive that travelers choose this direction from many others and, once having been there, do not regret their choice.
Seychelles, general information
The Seychelles is a state of 115 islands, some of which were formed about 750 million years ago, and only 33 of them are inhabited.
The capital of the Seychelles is Victoria, located on the largest island of the archipelago, which is called Mahe. Here is located international Airport, and from here any trip to the Seychelles begins.
The population of this country speaks Creole, but there are three official languages: English, French and Seychellois Creole (a kind of French). People who work with tourists (such as hotel staff) are fluent in English.
Officially, in the Seychelles, more than 90% of the population are Christians, almost all of them are Catholics, but there are also Muslims, Baptists, and atheists.
Note! The time difference with Moscow is minus 1 hour.
Like the whole world, the Seychelles celebrate the same holidays: they meet New Year, celebrate Labor Day, national Independence Day and Liberation Day, Easter, but in addition to them, they organize festivals with pleasure and scope that tell about the diversity and originality of each region.
Victoria
Seychelles: where are they located
To easily answer the question, Seychelles is where, the map will help. These islands are located in Indian Ocean, not far from Maldives, Mauritius and Comoros.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Moscow to the Seychelles now, so you can only get there with a transfer, for example, fly through Paris, or choose a flight from Moscow to Qatar, Dubai or another city. Together with a transfer, the flight takes from 14 hours, tickets are not cheap, but purchased in advance, will cost much more democratically. All international planes land in Mahe. If the end point of the trip is not Mahe, the Seychelles will offer the services of domestic air carriers. How much does a ticket to the Seychelles cost - the estimated cost from Moscow to Mahe is 40,000 rubles *.
A tourist can travel between the islands by ferry (it arrives at the port on schedule), take a ticket for a helicopter or plane. From a bird's eye view, a wonderful picture opens up of the islands themselves and the waters of the Indian Ocean washing them.
Important! On the ferry, it is very seasick. It is worth taking a cure for seasickness on a trip.
Climate and weather in the Seychelles
Find right time year to fly to the Seychelles, it will not be difficult, because there she is always beautiful. There are practically no temperature drops, and even the division into two seasons is conditional, because it simply does not happen badly on these islands, and all of them are perfect for a luxurious vacation.
- The wet season (December-April) is the time of the year when precipitation falls on the islands in the form of short showers. The temperature of water and air during these months is approximately the same: + 28-30 ° С.
- The dry season (June-October) is also called the cold season, although the water temperature is almost equal to the air temperature and is +26-38 °C. The only negative of this season is the monsoons, which do not allow you to admire the smooth water and excite the ocean.
Interesting! Between the two seasons in the Seychelles there are two off-seasons, the first is in May, the second in October. These months are ideal for those who love impeccable relaxation - there is no rain, the winds do not excite the ocean.
But not only people are comfortable living in such a climate. The animals that inhabit the Seychelles did not choose this paradise for nothing. Most of them no one has ever met in other countries:
- giant turtles;
- birds of paradise;
- nightingale Bulbul;
- a variety of mollusks and crustaceans;
- chameleons;
- exotic fish (marlin, sailfish, shark, etc.)
No state in the world can afford to show such "inhabitants of the planet" or even one animal in the zoo, and they are on the paradise islands of the Seychelles.
The huge coral atoll on the planet Aldabra (Seychelles), consisting of four islands surrounding Mahe, is known not only for its size. It is home to the largest population of giant tortoises in the world - about 150 thousand. There are sea cows, sharks, frigatebirds and flamingos. A trip to this corner of the planet is not easy, not cheap, but travelers do not spare money and time for it.
Aldabra
Recreation and entertainment in the Seychelles
Remember the trip to the Seychelles, the time spent here will help such activities as swimming in the ocean waves itself, scuba diving, meeting sunrise and sunset on one of the most beautiful beaches, flying over the islands by plane or helicopter, going out on a yacht, riding giant turtles and much more that is not available to an ordinary tourist in another part of the world.
Of the nightlife, the Seychelles offer discos, clubs and casino games. Still, rest here is designed for the fact that for some time the tourist will belong to the world, to which civilization has practically not reached.
Seychelles Cuisine
On a note! Where the Seychelles are located, Creoles are surprisingly combined national traditions and French cuisine. Influence french cuisine felt in the presentation of dishes and a huge number of recipes using the same basic products.
The main product of the Seychelles is fish and seafood, which are cooked here both on the grill and in the oven.
National dishes are:
- stewed and fried bananas;
- fried eggplant Bringel;
- delirium broth (vegetable);
- Pwason ek diri - rice with fish;
- breadfruit chips;
- pancakes stuffed with fish, meat and fruits.
Usually all restaurants are located at hotels, the only thing that tourists complain about is the slowness of the waiters, but this is due to the mentality and lifestyle of the indigenous population of the Seychelles. Slowness and desire to enjoy every moment is transmitted to them.
Shopping in the Seychelles, currency in the Seychelles
There are no big shopping centers or malls, as in big cities that Europeans are used to, purchases here can be made in small shops, markets and shops at hotels. Almost all shops start working at 8 am and close at 5 pm. The biggest stores can be found on the major islands, and don't expect expensive luxury shopping.
Note! Even souvenir shops can close for lunch.
To make purchases, it is worth changing the currency to the local Seychelles rupee, and it is best to do this at ATMs, where the most favorable rate is. One Seychelles rupee in 2018 is equal to approximately 5 rubles.
They bring trinkets as a gift from here: bottles with colored sand, crafts of indigenous people, postcards and magnets.
You can also pay with a credit card at the hotel, but you should still find out about this in advance, before making a purchase.
Transport in the Seychelles
The local population moves around the islands on bicycles, ox carts, or on foot, but this type is not suitable for tourists. For active trips, it is worth renting a car, but you can also ride buses and taxis. Between the islands themselves, air communication (airplanes and helicopters) and water (ferries, boats) are available. Buses run only on the roads of large cities.
Communication in the Seychelles
Interesting! There are usually no problems with Internet access on the territory of the hotel. However, Wi-Fi is not always available in the rooms, and you will have to go to the lobby area to work. On remote islands, Internet access may even be paid. But even this can be treated with a degree of common sense.
Two operators provide cellular communications to the islands, and when buying their SIM card, you should familiarize yourself with the tariffs. Usually for two weeks the cost of Internet access is not high. To obtain such a card, you can go to any communication salon and present your passport.
Recommendations for tourists going to the Seychelles
A traveler going to the islands for the first time should take with him not only means for sunburn or from it, but also from mosquitoes and flies, as well as his foresight and caution. Marine life is not always safe, although it may look so, so you should not look for a shark in the depths of the sea or touch corals with your bare hands.
The electricity in the network here is higher than in Russia, 240V, and the sockets are not the same as ours, so you will need an adapter, but this is not a problem in hotels, you just need to ask the staff at the reception.
Important! Tipping in the Seychelles is not customary to give and ask, but a maid or porter will never refuse a few rupees, and in a restaurant, a tip of 10% can always win over people.
The Seychelles is not only an expensive vacation, but also a well-known offshore, a place where wealthy firms and large concerns do business.
Choosing the next tour, for example, the Seychelles, finding out where they are, what kind of country it is, you should not immediately cut it off your shoulder and pay for an expensive vacation, but sit comfortably in the tour operator’s chair and find out everything inside and out. Hotels here are not classified according to the international principle, but for a couple of weeks or even a month, this is still a house, and the coast on which it will be located will be washed by the Indian Ocean (sometimes calm, sometimes not). Such a choice should be approached most consciously.
*Prices are current as of August 2018.
Almost every inhabitant of the Earth dreams of relaxing at least once in his life in the Seychelles. Some can afford such a luxury, while others only have to imagine themselves lying on the coast of the Indian Ocean, since the Seychelles (prices for holidays start from one and a half thousand euros) are not affordable for all persons. But, of course, you can dream, because then why live ... Meanwhile, this part of the world is truly a paradise with pristine nature, fashionable resorts, gentle and warm beaches and a milky ocean that captivates the eye with its powerful and menacing view.
Vasco da Gama and the Admiral Islands
The first European person who visited the Seychelles was the notorious Vasco da Gama. He landed on this territory at the very beginning of the 16th century. In his honor, the Portuguese navigator named them the Admiral Islands. Land began to be used by travelers as a transit point on the way from Asia to Africa. But from time to time, pirates also visited the Seychelles.
For more than two centuries, this place officially belonged to no one. In addition, the majority of the then population of the planet did not even suspect where the Seychelles were located. It wasn't until 1756 that Nicolas Morpheus, a captain from France, laid the foundation for the first European settlement. Then he renamed the islands and gave them modern name. It glorifies the 15th Minister of Finance under King Louis, Jean Moreau Seychelles.
With the advent of the 18th century, Great Britain began to declare that it had every right to consider the mysterious piece of land as its territory. In order to have the full right to own the Seychelles, there was no armed conflict. The French side decided to capitulate to the British warships. For this, they asked for permission to give the French on the islands the privileged status of neutral citizens.
Seychelles modern history start in 1976. At this time, they acquired the status of an independent state.
Close to Madagascar
The Seychelles are located on an area of 405 km 2. The Seychelles archipelago consists of 155 islands. Of these, only 33 are inhabited. Large and small areas of land are in the Indian Ocean, a little south of the equator. The famous island of Madagascar is located 950 kilometers from them.
A variety of ancient secrets of pirates can be tried to discover where the island is located. The Seychelles are simply overflowing with unexplored lands where the foot of modern man has not set foot. Perhaps that is why tourists who come here feel like pioneers. They are enveloped by the feeling that they, like Magellan or Columbus, have found some new territory for the first time.
Royal Islands - royal capital
Where the Seychelles are located, everything should match their royal grandeur. The capital of the state bears the name of just such a name, which follows the monarchs. Victoria - this is the name of the main city of the archipelago, it is located on the island of Mahe. It is the only city on this stretch of land and the smallest capital in the world. It was founded by the same French in 1778. But the name of the settlement was given by the British. As you might guess, it was given in honor of their queen.
Victoria is the abode of green plants. Grow everywhere here coconut trees. The city is surrounded by numerous hills, on the slopes of which tropical rainforests grow.
The markets have made the capital famous throughout the Seychelles and beyond. Travelers may not know exactly where the island is (the Seychelles are numerous), but they are sure that they will not leave the capital empty-handed. And if you decide to visit this city, then in addition to the local markets, look into the workshop of Michael Adams, the village of artisans and the tea tavern.
Praslin
Praslin is the most famous and most visited island by tourists. The Seychelles can be proud of this "family member". This place is called the Island of Palms. The unique forest of the Vale de Mai is characterized by an abundance of rare palms growing exclusively in this part of the world. The most famous of them is Coco de Mer. Coconut palm, the fruits of which can reach 40 kilograms. These coconuts are a copy of the world famous female forms described by the immortal Rubens. This is a forest of prehistoric times, protected by the world community.
Going down the forest below, you can admire the orange trees. Wild pineapples, clove bushes and wild coffee also grow here. And only Praslin is inhabited by a black parrot, which should be both beware and admire at the same time. Such beauty is not easy to describe, all this must be seen.
Amazing and unique
It seems that the Seychelles islands were created by God in order to make the hearts of people tremble and bow before such an unsurpassed creation of nature. Arida Island proves that all this is true. This is the most amazing piece of the Seychelles archipelago. Here is the largest colony of terns, which can be observed from the granite rocks surrounding the area. Red-tailed and pink terns are considered bright representatives of this breed of birds. Jasmine Wright grows exclusively in this corner of the planet. Such splendor will forever remain in the memory of tourists.
By the way, many travelers have visited the Seychelles. And no one has ever said bad things about this area. When tourists try to talk about their excursion, they cannot find the right words to describe all the delights that nature has bestowed on this area. No one here ever feels bad. All negativity disappears as soon as you get off the plane.
Few people know that the Seychelles consist of 113 coral and 42 granite islands. The latter are considered the most ancient landmasses on the planet. Aldabra Atoll is home to hundreds of thousands of huge turtles and millions of fish and birds.
The Seychelles should not be taken as part of Africa. They are not its territory in any way: be it political, cultural or geographical. They are separated both from this continent and from India. These are oceanic islands, just like the Maldives or Mauritius.
Flora and fauna
The Seychelles (located in the Indian Ocean) are overflowing with a huge number of endemic plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else but here. Strict environmental laws apply here. One-of-a-kind varieties of orchids, the aforementioned Coco de Mer palm, gyna jellyfish, as well as giant Aldabar tortoises, black parrots and many other unique representatives of the flora and fauna live on inhabited and uninhabited islands.
What to have for lunch
The cuisine of the Paradise Islands is a special part of the country's culture. And travelers tempted by various overseas dishes will undoubtedly appreciate it. The Seychelles, where almost a thousand species of various fish live in the ocean waters, cannot be imagined without such an exquisite meal. The most popular dishes are baked bourgeois fish, shark shatini, octopus cooked in coconut curry (zurit) and lobsters with lemon sauce.
Local cuisine was formed under the influence of traditional recipes of the islanders. But European, especially French, culinary experts also played an important role in the development of the Seychellois culinary art.
If you really have fun, then to the fullest
And each island will help in this as well as possible. The Seychelles at any time of the year delight local residents and visiting guests with their traditional and world-famous festivals. One of them is Creole. It takes place in October and lasts a whole week. During this time, the event showcases national Creole dances, fashion, art, music, cuisine and much, much more. Creole culture is revealed in all its versatility.
No less famous event - Subios. It is an annual celebration of underwater photography and cinema. During the day, guests have a chance to dive underwater and test themselves in this art form. With the onset of night, lectures begin, demonstrations of films and videos from famous figures in this field.
Visit the Seychelles and you will never regret it!
Seychelles is a lost and found paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean: 115 wonderful islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. The beaches here are like a selection: white sand, wide and secluded, the hotels also correspond to the paradise. All about the Seychelles: photos, tours, road and maps.
- Tours for May to the Seychelles
- Hot tours to the Seychelles
Wedding destination - it is in this section that the Seychelles invariably ranks in foreign guidebooks: all year round, happy newlywed moths flock to its idyllic landscapes. The Seychelles offer a very rare commodity in today's hectic world - absolute peace, solitude and a measured rhythm of life (if not the complete absence of it) - in a word, ideal conditions to start a life together. Paradise, frankly, is not cheap, on the other hand - there is also one wedding ... at least, few people are already planning the next wedding during their honeymoon.
Another category of local tourists is people who are in love with the sea: there are many exceptionally beautiful dive sites around the archipelago, and the coasts of its 115 islands are washed by waves for every surfer's taste. In addition, lovers of sea fishing, yachting and exclusive beach holiday without any frills. Is it necessary to add that all of them are at least very wealthy people?
Disadvantages of direction? Well, there is one ... although it's for someone like ... look at the prices - you'll find out.
Time difference with Moscow
1 hour
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
Climate
Tropical, very mild, without significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. It is never too cold or too hot here. The average annual air temperature is +26...+30 °C. Rather, for the sake of formality, it is still customary to distinguish between two seasons: conditionally hot (December-May) and conditionally cool (June-November), when monsoons blow. During the hot season, most of the annual precipitation falls, mainly on the mountainous islands of Mahe and Silhouette. January is considered the rainiest month. The rains are heavy but not long. See also: current weather forecast for the Seychelles for the next 10 days.
Visa and customs
Citizens of Russia arriving for a period not exceeding 30 days do not need a visa to the Seychelles. But despite the general “chocolate” and the safety of the destination, medical insurance will not hurt.
Import and export of foreign and local currencies is not limited, the allowable limit for the transport of local is 2000 SCR. 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco are allowed duty-free; 2 liters of alcohol with a strength of more than 16% and 2 liters less strong drinks; 200 ml perfume. The importation of other goods is limited to 3,000 SCR per person. When transporting musical instruments, sports equipment and portable electrical appliances, you will have to pay a special deposit (on the way back, the money will be returned - unless, of course, the listed items leave the country with the traveler). Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Pets are placed in quarantine (14-180 days) and are allowed in the Seychelles only if they have an international veterinary certificate issued no earlier than a month before arrival. It is forbidden to import weapons (including pneumatic and for spearfishing), vegetables, fruits, plants, birds, tea, non-canned meat and meat products, as well as medicines and drugs. The export of shells, corals, tortoise shell products and coco de mer nuts is prohibited without special permission.
Systems tax free not in the Seychelles.
How to get to the Seychelles
Entertainment and attractions
The historical "excursion" in the Seychelles is present in minimal quantities - and, by and large, it is not needed. All the main attractions here are exclusively natural: snow-white (and in some places even pale pink!) beaches, the purest water, unique tropical nature, multi-colored marble stones and a stunning underwater world. Service in hotels, bungalows and lodges is always on the level. Aborigines are nice and friendly. Sunsets are fantastic, waves (where there are no strong currents) are invariably gentle. And also a fantastic (and this is not an artistic exaggeration) underwater world.
reserves
Cousin Island, a nature reserve since 1968, is located 2 km from Praslin Island. It is home to several endangered animal species and a nesting site for seabirds and turtles. Two of whom, old George and Georgina, live here and often follow tourists in the hope of scratching their necks.
Bird Island can be reached in half an hour by plane from Mahe Island. The island is known as home to approximately 1.5 million black terns that live here from May to September. The giant tortoise Esmeralda also lives here (they say that she is already over 150 years old). Curieuse Island, named after the ship that discovered it in 1768, is famous for its large colony of giant tortoises and dense thickets. tropical plants. There is also a national marine park here.
Arid Island is located just 15 km from Praslin. In 1973, it was bought for the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature by Christopher Cadbury, an English "chocolate" tycoon. The island serves as a major gathering place for seabirds throughout the region and is home to the world's largest colonies of pink terns, lesser fulmars and red-tailed tropicbirds.
St. Anna Marine National Park consists of 6 small islands. A tour of them begins with a trip on a glass-bottomed boat, which allows you to observe the colorful life of coral reefs. Then the path goes to the island of Moyen, which is privately owned by a certain Mr. Grimshaw, long time living here still trying to find pirate treasure. You can explore the island, see pirate graves and historical ruins (and try to score Mr. Grimshaw's bucks by finding the infamous treasure).
10 things to do in the Seychelles
- Do nothing, do nothing and do nothing again on the secluded white sand beaches of the Seychelles archipelago.
- Dive into the captivating underwater world off the coast of the Seychelles.
- Appreciate the delights of Creole cuisine - and not necessarily the stew from bat, for example, fish with rice - a miracle how good!
- Try to find pirate treasure on Moyen Island.
- Walk around the capital of the island of Victoria and look at one of the two traffic lights in the whole country.
- Fly in a helicopter over the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean.
- Fish for tuna, secretly hoping to catch blue marlin.
- Take a chance - and combine legal marriage under the approving whisper of the ocean.
- Join the proud fraternity of the "dosochnikov" on the beach of Grand Anse.
- Take a “coco de mer” walnut with you to your homeland so that there is something to remember in the long Russian winter.
Night life
Fans of vibrant nightlife may be disappointed: all local entertainment is represented by a couple of discos and casinos. There are only three casinos on the island of Mahe: at the Plantation Club Hotel, Berjaya Beau Vallon and a recently opened, but already the best casino in Victoria. With clubs - the same problem. They are far from numerous and often uninteresting. Pleasant exceptions: the Lovant Club in the center of Victoria, the Katiolo disco, which looks like Uncle Tom's hut and a rural disco of the 80s and 90s, a very small 369 Club and Barrel (or simply Barrel) ) is a cheap and fun place, mostly with a local audience. Praslin Island has a casino at the Lemuria Resort.
But on the islands throughout the year there are many festivals and sporting events, the most famous among them are the Great Regatta and the Festival of Creole Culture.
Holidays and events in Seychelles
The main public holidays in the Seychelles fall on the first month of summer. June 5 - Liberation Day in honor of the coming to power of the socialists, 29 - Independence Day: in 1976, the islands got out of British control and officially became a republic. The brightest in the summer series is National Reconciliation Day on June 18 in honor of the adoption of the Constitution with magnificent parades in the capital, music shows and flower exhibitions.
At the Praslin Culinary Festival in September, among other treats, you can taste coco de mer cocktails, ostrich stew and other exotics.
The New Year is celebrated with a tropical flavor: palm trees are decorated instead of Christmas trees, flowers are hung instead of electric garlands, but dances, fireworks and feasts are international traditions. They also love festivals in the Seychelles: in the spring they hold the March Carnival, which attracts thousands of tourists, and the French Week with concerts, exhibitions and craft fairs. In May, a sailing regatta takes place, in June - Mind Body Spirit, which promotes healthy lifestyle life. The festival of Creole culture is a chance to get acquainted with the ancient customs of the islanders, the fishing festival on La Digue is an occasion to compete with the locals in the art of fishing.
The Seychelles are 115 islands of incredible beauty located in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. This is a place of absolute peace, solitude and measured life. This is an idyll. Perhaps that is why the Seychelles - favorite place newlyweds from all over the world who come here on their honeymoon. If you do not yet know where the Seychelles are located on the world map, you can consider them below.
The Seychelles archipelago is located outside the zone of cyclones, so there is always peace and grace and only 2 climates: dry and wet. The Seychelles are perhaps the most unhurried people, they are not in a hurry, but relax relaxed against the backdrop of lush thickets of hibiscus, ginger and coconut palms.
Mahe Island and Victoria
The islands were discovered by the famous navigator Vasca da Gama, when he walked along the Great Silk Road to India in 1502 through the Cape of Good Hope. Mahe is one of the three largest islands of the Seychelles (27 km long and 12 wide). Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is located on the island of Mahe, and it used to be called Port Royal. The capital began to be called Victoria when the Seychelles came under the control of England, and so it remained Victoria forever. Although a small town is the smallest capital on Earth (population 25 thousand), but construction there has long been prohibited: in an effort to limit the boundaries of the city, the state takes care of its ecology.
The main attractions of the capital:
- local history museum;
- St Paul's Cathedral;
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception;
- Indian temple;
- center of applied arts and crafts;
- Botanical garden Mont Fleuri (near the city, in the valley).
The cultural life of Mahe is concentrated south of the capital, on east coast. Here it is interesting to visit the Creole Institute, which studies Creole culture and language. The Seychelles is the only country where Creole is recognized as the official language. If you visit the archipelago in October, you can see the annual Creole festival at the end of the month with national dances, fashion shows and exhibitions.
Botanical Garden
The main exhibit is Lodoicea - the famous Seychelles palm tree with huge fruits in the form of appetizing female thighs. This is coco de mer - a sea coconut weighing more than 20 kg, shaped like a human heart. In May Valley national park Seychelles, grows 7000 sea coconut palms. The tree reaches a height of 30 meters and lives for several hundred years! Fruits with a very hard and thick shell ripen for 10 years; in ancient times, ships from Europe were specially equipped for them. The fruit is expensive, about $ 100, and it can only be exported outside the country with special permission.
Also, tourists visit the Black Pearl farm with interest, the main profile of which is pearl mining.
Located next to Victoria, Intendanse Bay is famous for its wonderful coral sand beaches, modern hotels with excellent service, trendy restaurants, bars and discos.
Praslin: coconut island
Praslin is only considered the second largest island in the archipelago, but in fact it is tiny: it can be walked around in an hour. However, many tourists come here, since Praslin is the location of the famous Seychelles beaches of Côte d'Or and Anse Lazio. In addition, it is here that lovers of solitude stop to rest: they have at their disposal the wild beaches of Anse Georgette and Anse Consolation.
Praslin's natural attraction is the coco de mer, a sea coconut weighing more than 20 kg and shaped like a human heart. There are 7,000 sea coconut palms in the "May Valley", Seychelles National Park. Also, tourists visit the Black Pearl farm with interest, the main profile of which is pearl mining.
Praslin has three diving centers - Octopus, Bleu Marine and Whitetip Divers, offering dives near coral reefs near the islands of the entire archipelago.
Not far from Praslin there is the island of Curieuse, where it is very interesting to visit a marine reserve and a giant tortoise farm with an excursion.
Silhouette: total privacy
Silhouette Island is one of the three largest islands of the Seychelles archipelago. White beaches, blue ocean, dense coastal thickets, flowers, birds - this is the world that will environment for every tourist who came here to spend their holidays here. Accommodation is possible in the only Silhuette Island Lodge 5 * hotel on the island. Resort guests can expect a luxurious vacation in seclusion in the bosom of tropical nature.
La Digue pink beaches
The beautiful tiny island of La Digue is also one of the most "tourist" Seychelles. Ringing silence, pink beaches of Grand Anse, Petit Anse and Anse Coco, Union Estate Park - these are all the advantages of La Digue, but it is precisely for this peaceful calm on the ocean that tourists from all over the world love this island so much.
The popular dive sites of La Digue, including Channel Rock, White Bank, Grand Ser, West Sister Rock, Ave Maria, Coral Garden, allow exotic lovers to swim in the labyrinths of coral atolls and admire the underwater inhabitants to their heart's content (large barracuda, gray shark, etc.).
Deniz: exciting diving
An island two kilometers long, Deniz is extremely popular with diving fans. It has all the conditions for deep-sea diving, which opens up a completely different world for tourists. Especially all divers like to watch sea turtles, as well as engage in deep sea fishing. The local Denis Island Lodge 4 * hotel provides accommodation for tourists with any budget, since resort guests are provided with bungalows of different categories.
Sainte-Anne: honeymoon island
The considerable territory of the island of Sainte-Anne allows you to competently organize areas of complete privacy, which is why newlyweds and couples in love come here so willingly. Villas and chalets of different price levels increase the opportunities for those who want to relax in comfortable conditions without serious damage to their wallets. The island also has a hotel that is deservedly recognized as the best in the archipelago - this is the Sainte Anne Resort, and although it is very expensive to stay, the hotel is never empty. On Sainte-Anne, in addition to romantic youth, many divers of all ages rest: they are baited rare species fish and incredible beauty of corals in coastal waters.
Sainte Anne Island
Island hotels
An attractive feature of the Seychelles is the presence of islands on which only one single luxury hotel has been built. Comfortable service relieves tourists from all domestic worries, and they completely surrender to a serene rest, literally dissolving in nature and experiencing boundless delight from merging with the outside world.
One of these islands is Bird. It is perfect for those who are looking for isolation from outside world at least for a while and plans to live on the shores of a turquoise lagoon, in palm thickets. On Byrd there is only the Bird Island Lodge 4 * hotel with attendants, and no one else. The feeling of solitude is supported by the absence of all signs of civilization - TVs, the Internet, telephones (up to air conditioners).
If you also dream of relaxing on the ocean coast, forgetting about everything in the world and enjoying freedom, buy a tour to the Seychelles! Give yourself bright world tropical nature.
Where should a Russian tourist go? Seychelles is one of the most popular destinations. Many of our citizens can already find them on the world map. You do not need a visa to visit this country, and the trip itself promises to be very exciting. Here are the main facts about this wonderful place.
general information
Visa regime for Russia
For Russians, visiting the Seychelles does not require a visa (for up to 30 days). To enter the country, you need a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of the intended departure, an air ticket back, as well as proof of solvency at the rate of 50 US dollars per day.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to pay a tourist tax of $40. Children can enter the Seychelles only accompanied by their parents. If one of them is traveling, then a power of attorney is needed from the second.
Customs
The customs legislation of the state does not restrict the import and export of currency. You can not enter the country with weapons (including pneumatic), fruits and vegetables, meat products. Particularly strict policy of the authorities regarding the importation of drugs. Warnings are posted in the arrivals halls of airports for tourists - if someone tries to import drugs, he faces a prison term of up to 30 years.
It is impossible to export (if there are no official certificates) some types of marine flora and fauna.
Geology
The geology of the country is represented by two types of landscape - granite (these, in particular, include largest island Mahe) and coral. The bulk of the population lives on the granite islands. In the central regions of some of them there are forests where palm trees, ferns, and pandanus grow. In the coastal zone, there are mainly coconut palms and artificial plantations. by the way, they are also located mainly on the granite part of the archipelago.
Coral islands are atolls, their height above the level of ocean waters is 4-8 meters. They are arid, because coral limestones almost do not retain air moisture. Of the flora here, mainly only coconut palms.
Unique fauna
Lives in the Seychelles a large number of endemic bird species. The reason for this is their rather long dwelling in isolation relative to other world ecosystems. Among the most recognizable birds of the Seychelles is the frigatebird. Its wingspan is up to 3 meters, it can stay in the air without interruption for up to 7 days in a row!
On the Island of Birds, the most different types birds arriving in winter from other parts of the world. Another attraction of the island is the giant tortoises. Some individuals weigh up to 250 kg.
History
And how did the world know about the existence of a paradise on earth called the Seychelles? Where they are and what they are, sailors from Portugal told at the beginning of the 16th century. Then the archipelago was practically uninhabited. Over the following centuries, the islands were only occasionally visited by sea pirates.
First settlements appeared there in the middle of the 18th century - on the islands of Mahe and Praslin. They were founded by settlers from France, who began to grow certain types of crops here. These lands got their name in honor of Moreau de Sechelles, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country. The colonists brought slaves here from Africa. At the end of the 18th century, the military seizure of the archipelago was carried out by Britain, which some time later began to stimulate the settlement of the territory by immigrants from India. At the end of the 19th century, the Chinese began to settle in the Seychelles with British colony Mauritius, and in the early 20th century by immigrants from Arabia. In 1976, the Seychelles gained independence from Great Britain, and in 1977, the party of Frans-Albert René came to power, following the ideology of Marxism. In 1993, democratic transformations took place in the country.
State structure
Seychelles is a country with a republican form of government. The President and Prime Minister are elected by the people for a term of 5 years. Each of the representatives of the executive branch may hold up to three terms in a row. The main legislative body is the Parliament, where 34 deputies sit (25 are elected directly by citizens, 9 - from parties).
The largest political associations are the Progressive Front, the National Party.
Army of the Seychelles represented ground forces, maritime patrol, and national guard. Service - on a contract basis. The state budget spends about 3% on the needs of the army.
Economy
The basis of the Seychelles economy is tourism (70% of foreign exchange earnings, 30% of employees), fishing (the basis of export is frozen and canned fish). little developed Agriculture(The main crops are coconuts, cinnamon, sweet potatoes, bananas. Poultry is bred in households.
culture
The place of interweaving of cultures of the whole world is the Seychelles, where there are examples of the heritage of the national color of Europeans (French, British), Africans, Indians, residents of Madagascar. Women are especially revered on the islands - many play a leading role in managing the household, in family accounting, and in raising children. The role of men in family life is sometimes secondary. In some families, the rule is practiced: the more a man earns, the more rights he has.
In the Seychelles, it is customary to leave a tip of 10%, give small amounts to maids. Taxis are usually metered, but tips are also welcome (especially if the trip is long).
It is illegal to export some household items of the indigenous people of the Seychelles (for example, spears for catching fish).
Strong winds and cyclones bypass the Seychelles. Mahe Island, however, is characterized by frequent heavy rains, so when planning a visit, you can grab an umbrella.
The main part of the archipelago is coral formations (133, with a total of 155).
The granitic islands of the Seychelles are considered the most ancient of the existing ones on Earth.
Aldabra Island, which is recognized by many geologists as the largest in the archipelago, is under the protection of UNESCO.
The main area of the Seychelles is occupied by the National Park.
The administrative center - the city of Victoria, is considered one of the smallest capitals.
Citizens of the Republic of Seychelles often travel to other countries, despite the local beauty and wonderful climate.