Seychelles

The first traces of people on the Seychelles Islands belong to the Arabs. Ancient graves and rock inscriptions dating back to the 9th-10th centuries AD were found here. However, the Seychelles are considered fully discovered since 1502, when they were visited by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gamma. In 1756, the islands became the possession of France, but after the Napoleonic wars, the territory passed to the British. In 1976, as a result of many years of attempts, the country gained independence. Now it is a parliamentary republic headed by a president.

Paradise on earth is not only in the Maldives. Seychelles also amazes with its beauty: bright tropical greenery, beaches with white sand, palm trees hanging over the shore, bizarre rocks and azure water of the Indian Ocean . Beach holidays are not the only entertainment on the islands. Here you will also find immersion in nature and enjoyment of incredible landscapes. All that remains is to find and select an online tour to Seychelles and go on a dream trip. 

Some official data

Capital: Victoria.

Official language: French, Seychellois and English.

Currency: Seychelles Rupee.

Religion: Christianity (Catholicism, Anglicanism), Hinduism, Islam.

Search and selection of tours online to exotic Seychelles: reasons to buy a tour or a trip

Tourism in the country began to actively develop after the airport was built in 1971. Thanks to the mild climate, unique nature and beautiful beaches, it is now one of the main branches of the economy. The islands attract not only sunbathers. Active travelers can go on a weekend tour of the Seychelles and explore the mysterious tropics, conquer mountain peaks, go on a bike ride and much more.

Take a trip to the islands to:

• Enjoy pristine nature . Due to the island isolation, the country is home to many endemic species of animals and plants. You can admire the breathtaking views and get acquainted with representatives of the fauna just by walking, but it is better to go to the reserves. There are national parks both on land and at sea. Separately, I would like to highlight the botanical garden, where an amazing collection of exotic representatives of flora and fauna is collected.
• Get a tan under the soft tropical sun . The beaches here are the main attraction. They seem to have come straight from the pages of tourist catalogues. You can relax either on the shore with an equipped area and the necessary infrastructure, or find a wilder place and relax in solitude.
• Climb to the top of Morne Blanc . This is not only active entertainment, but also an opportunity to see a fascinating panorama of the islands. And seeing the sunset from the top is considered a must-do item on a trip to the Seychelles.
• Go to the open sea on a yacht or a boat . You can simply admire the views or go fishing.
• Go diving . The Seychelles will delight you with clear blue water, amazing underwater relief, coral reefs, cliffs, canyons and sunken ships.
• Visit the artisan village . It is a reconstruction of a colonial estate, with local artisans working in the workshops. Here you will immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere of the country and be able to buy souvenirs.
• See paintings by the state's top artist . Michael Adams's studio displays his paintings that capture the islands' vibrant natural beauty. The gallery also hosts cultural events dedicated to the artist.

The local dishes will be the highlight of the trip . Their recipes combine elements of Creole, Indian and African cuisines. There are many treats with fish and seafood, and the main dessert is a variety of fruits. By purchasing a tour to the Seychelles, you will give yourself a real paradise fairy tale that you will remember for a long time.

✔️ Types of entertainment by region

The Seychelles consists of 115 islands, and only 33 of them are inhabited. The most popular among tourists are:

• Mahe Island , where Victoria, the capital of the country, is located. Here you can see classic views of a colonial settlement with cozy streets and characteristic architecture. This largest island of the archipelago is also famous for its beaches.
• Islands of the archipelago: Praslin is famous for its endemic coconuts, the "coco de mer", which are shaped like a human heart; La Digue's views are striking with its powerful and unusual granite rocks, the majestic Nid d'Aigle mountain and the Union Estate Park with its colonial buildings.
• Island hotels that are loved by lovers of secluded relaxation. In such places, the concept of isolation from the rest of the world works. Here you will find real tropical relaxation, living in a separate bungalow among palm thickets and enjoying the gentle landscapes of the lagoon with white sand and azure waves.

✔️ Climate and seasons

The climate of Seychelles is another reason for travelers' love. It is tropical, the weather is mild, and the temperature hardly changes during the year and is around +26-30 °C. 

✔️ Currency

The national currency is the Seychelles rupee . You can exchange currency at a bank, airport, or special exchange point. You can only exchange money back if you have a certificate of the initial exchange. It is also more profitable to exchange traveler's checks in the Seychelles instead of cash. Many stores, souvenir shops, and hotels accept dollars, euros, and credit cards, mainly Visa and MasterCard/Access.

✔️ Major holidays

There are few national holidays in the country due to the short period of independence. Traditions and special days were greatly influenced by France, England and the Creoles who were brought to the islands as slaves. There are many exciting and large-scale festivals that tourists will find interesting to visit.

Patriotic celebrations:

• June 18 is National Day .
• June 29 is Independence Day .

On these dates, people celebrate the end of the British protectorate, the adoption of a new constitution, and the return of a multi-party system. The main events and public celebrations take place in the capital.

Religious holidays appeared here thanks to the English. Thus, local residents celebrate Christmas , Easter, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Corpus Christi Day.

The most interesting for travelers will be the various festivals:

• Creole Festival . The descendants of the Creole culture carefully preserve the traditions and special language of their ancestors. The event lasts a whole week, people dance and sing, give performances. You will be able to get acquainted with the creativity of local residents, see traditional costumes and taste unique dishes of local cuisine.
• Seychelles International Carnival , dedicated to the popularization of recreation and attraction of tourists to the African coast in the Indian Ocean region. The event is held by delegations from different countries of the world.
• The French Week and FetAfrik festivals will immerse you in the atmosphere of French and African cultures.
• The Subios festival will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the art of underwater photography.

✔️ Medicine

To enter the country, you need to get insurance. This is not only a mandatory requirement, but will also help you in an unforeseen health situation. It will also save you health expenses. If an insured event occurs, immediately contact the insurance company to agree on all the details.

✔️ Useful tips

In addition to standard advice, tourists should take into account the nuances and peculiarities of the country they are traveling to.

• Choose your swimming spots carefully - there may be sea urchins and coral fragments near the shore. Also, in some places, for greater safety, wear aqua shoes.
• Taxis are quite expensive here. Therefore, when hiring one for a long period, agree on the amount in advance. For short distances, the meter works.
• On Mahe, the best option for getting around is a rented car. There are water and air connections between the islands: ferries, planes and helicopters.
• Tips are almost always included in the bill, but if you want to give the maid or waiter a little more, you can give a few rupees.
• Take care of nature: do not touch animals, do not break off branches of plants, do not pick flowers. It is also forbidden to take corals and shells out of the water and collect shells on the shore.
• It is not recommended to exchange currency from hand to hand.
• Before taking a photo of a local resident, ask his permission.
• It is better to buy fruits and vegetables at markets - there is a much larger selection there.