Category: TOP ARTICLES
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Sailing the Seychelles
Are you dreaming of a cruise on a sailing yacht in the Seychelles?
Before choosing which monohull or catamaran you are going to sail, you are definitely questioning the best time to discover these islands paradisiac.
The Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands and islets, some of which are preserved from all human activity. Located in the Indian Ocean, just over 7,800 kilometers from France, about 9 hours of flight. The Seychelles Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with air temperatures well above 20 ° C throughout the year, and water temperatures varying between 27 ° C and 30 ° C. The Seychelles is a very popular navigation area, which has the advantage of not being on the road of cyclones.
Climate in the Seychelles
The influence of the monsoons on Seychelles’ weather is far from negligible and there are two distinct seasons: a cooler and dryer season, called “austral winter”, which runs from May to October and a wetter season, marked by torrential rains of short duration, between November and April. During the rainy season, temperatures are higher, and the atmosphere is particularly humid, under the influence of the north-west trade winds. During the cool season, it is the southeast trade winds blowing, making the temperatures more bearable, 22 ° C on average. These southeast monsoon trade winds can blow strong and make the sailing conditions tricky, with rough seas.
When to sail?
There is no really bad time to sail on a sailing yacht in Seychelles, but the off-season from March to May, and from September to November is often appreciated as the islands are less crowded, deserted beaches and sailing becomes even more enjoyable. Everything depends on your interests: Botanic lovers will prefer to go to Seychelles in January or February, while dive enthusiasts will find their happiness with even more clear seabed and a particularly calm ocean between October and March .
The good period for renting a sailboat in the Seychelles archipelago is most certainly May, October, as well as at the beginning or end of trade winds.
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Accommodation in Seychelles
A trip to the Seychelles is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique tropical ambience. Unique in its own way and appreciated for its heavenly charm, the archipelago has many attractions that open their doors to visitors from all corners of the globe. Also, we must admit that the tourists who go there never fail to visit the tourist sites that are the Bicentennial monument and the splendid Eustache Sarde’s House. On the other hand, a trip in this country of the Indian Ocean is also an opportunity to admire dream beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Domaine de La Reserve: Unique!
As an integral part of the Seychelles archipelago, the Domaine de la Reserve is a true haven of peace for travelers who wish to live memorable moments. With unparalleled land features, lush vegetation and exceptional wildlife – this corner of the Seychelles remains unique and exceptional. Moreover, located to the north of Praslin, it holds a major asset in terms of accessibility. The area also features luxurious facilities and holidaymakers will surely spend unforgettable moments there.
Seychelles: The place to be!
Seychelles promises backpackers a variety of activities to do. On the island of Praslin, there is quite a lot to see and enjoy. From the Vallee de May to its various beaches – You will have a whole lot to discover while staying on the island of Praslin. For their part, those who prefer sea activities – you will have the opportunity to do some good diving or even some big game fishing. In the meantime, the curious never hesitate to do some snorkeling in order to admire a typically rich aquatic biodiversity.
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Visit Praslin: Rent a car!
If you want to make the most of your holidays in the Seychelles island, you are advised to rent a car. With the latter, you will not know any limits in all your travels, which will enable you to fully enjoy the paradisiacal landscapes that is found on the island of Praslin.
The island of Praslin: Between nature and relaxation
The island of Praslin, the second island of the Seychelles in area, represents by itself a corner of paradise. Located 15 minutes by plane from Mahé (or 2 hours by boat), it benefits from a totally exotic natural setting: beaches of white sand, coconut palms and a unique atmosphere of relaxation. The watchword once on the spot: enjoy!
When fauna and flora subjugate you…
The island of Praslin is not only paradisiacal landscapes, an ideal quality of life and holiday complexes with an intimate atmosphere, it is also a real place of life where wild fauna and flora coexist. Your eyes of vacationers will delight at this so attractive and lush nature. On site, you can observe very rare and protected species of birds, such as the Seychelles black parrot. A little further south of the island, the Praslin National Park, includes a magnificent palm forest. Diving enthusiasts are not to be outdone either: the coral reefs of the coasts, of very ancient formation, represent a real feast for the eyes. The numerous diving centers will make you discover this part of the island, safely!
Rent a car on the island of Praslin
You have certainly understood, the island of Praslin abounds with a very large number of natural beauties which only need to be visited. Your way of travel turns out to be a strategic choice as it greatly influences your vacation and the time you need to visit the entire island, or at least the places that interest you the most.
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Hotel in the Seychelles: Honeymoon
The king of the holidays remains the honeymoon. Moreover, the honeymoon is considered as important as marriage itself. We must remember this moment as something unique. The Seychelles remains one of the best detination with its intimate resorts, endless romantic beaches, covered with fine sand, turquoise water that hides colorful reefs and fish of all sizes … Enjoy a journey memory for life.
Reasons to choose Seychelles as a honeymoon destination
When one hears about a place that is the “Paradise on earth” one can think that it is subjective but Seychelles have transformed the etiquette of paradise in the true sense of the word, because the Seychelles is a destination that can satisfy the most demanding desires of the most extravagant travelers. Lush vegetation, a multitude of free-ranging exotic birds, the habitat of giant turtles and pristine beaches that seem unreal.
If you are looking for:
-White paradisiacal beaches, among the most beautiful pus in the world
-An Endless Summer
-Being close to Equator, the Seychelles enjoy a constant temperature of about 30 degrees throughout the year
-A wide range of activities, whether it is water sports or hiking or cycling
-A unique fauna and flora, underwater or on land,
The Seychelles is the place to be.
Exoticism in the Seychelles
Since there has been no mass tourism therefore you can enjoy virgin places, a high-end infrastructure and the seductive Creole cuisine. Why does time pass quickly in Paradise? There is no shortage of museums, shopping centers, terraces, nightclubs, restaurants, golf courses or aquariums.
Seychelles is either a stay in Mahé or a combined stay Mahé and Praslin.
Have a great honeymoon in the Seychelles!
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Most beautiful Seychelles islands
To help you choose where to navigate in this vast archipelago, we have grouped the most beautiful islands to discover during a cruise. Whatever your type of boat, you can easily reach these islands to enjoy their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and specially to relax and rejuvenate. Otherwise, there really is no bad time to navigate while on holiday in the Seychelles. However, think about the periods between March and May and between September and November if you want to enjoy tranquility, the travelers being fewer in Seychelles between these months.
Saint Anne
Anchor on Mahe Island and find yourself in Sainte Anne to discover its remarkable protected marine park, a natural and cultural treasure of Seychelles. Colorful fish, dolphins, sea turtles … you will love your appointment with the many species that inhabit this giant aquarium.
Praslin
Drop anchor at Anse Lazio to find yourself on one of the most famous beaches of the Seychelles. Enjoy your stop-over to venture inland and explore the magnificent Vallée de Mai, a forest of giant palms housing the famous Coco de Mer and endemic animals.
La Digue
Despite its small size, the island of La Digue is home to many natural wonders such as Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You will remain speechless at his coves decorated with white sand lined with rocks and beautiful coconut trees. Otherwise you can also enjoy on the windward coast, beaches of Grande Anse and Petite Anse. These will seduce you with the quietness and big waves that caress.
Back on Mahé
End your cruise with your starting place: the island of Mahe. There you will discover the charm of Victoria, the capital, and take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs at the market. And like all the Seychelles islands, you cannot leave without taking advantage of its beautiful beaches like Anse Soleil, or Beau Vallon with its many shops, hotels and bars.
Have fun in the Seychelles!
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Must Do in the Seychelles
Stunning and unspoiled, the Seychelles star in countless tropical island fantasies. Beautiful boulder-strewn beaches, virgin jungles, thriving coral reefs, and UNESCO-listed nature reserves are just some of the many attractions of the archipelago’s 115 coral and granite islands, which are the peaks of a vast underwater plateau.
Play Robinson Crusoe
The coastline was not always devoted to relaxation and water sports. Coves sheltered from currents, b will delight more than one, especially those who wants to enjoy the virgin areas of the islands. The plantations were never far away. At Anse La Blague once stood a cinnamon oil distillery that disappeared. In the distance, La Digue, Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur draw a dream horizon.
From Anse Lazio to Côte D’or(Gold Coast)
A one hour trail connects Anse Lazio to Gold Coast. Between these two postcard beaches – rocky water coves for the first, large bay with calm waters festooned with white sand for the second – vegetation covers the coast beautifully. Drink water to stay hydrated and use sunscreen with high SPF, because the sun can be strong there.
Meet Mr Durand
Near St. Anne Praslin Bay port, you will unearth the curious shop and meet Albert Durand, sculptor and painter on wood. Colorful fish and turtles, keychain or ship models provide fans a wide selection of souvenirs. Take the initiative to exchange and understand the intricacies of the trade. The artisan gladly share a moment with you.
Say Hello to Turtles on Union Estate
Union Estate in the nineteenth century was prosperous area. Nanti a coconut grove, a mill, a vanilla plantation, a shipyard and even a cemetery, it produces copra (coconut) exported for manufacture of margarine, soaps and other raw materials of cosmetics. If the gold of colonization have receded, coconut oil factory persists and vanilla are still exploited. A museum occupies the house of the planter, describing the life of the Rassool Hossen family who landed one morning in Mauritius. Not far away, one can observe a breeding Aldabra tortoises closely.
Have fun in the Seychelles!
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Why visit Mahé?
Although the island seems less typical and more “international” than its neighbors Praslin and La Digue, which have preserved a certain charm, Mahe is well worth a visit and is a perfect transition before returning home.
To stroll the streets of Victoria …
With a population of “only” 27,000 inhabitants, quietly visit, walk and take full advantage of this beautiful capital… It is swept away by the excitement of the market, you can stroll to shops and boutiques and taste delicious local specialties in its many restaurants …
At the exit of the city, go up the road to join the beautiful Beau Vallon Bay. This is the most touristic area of the island and the only site where you can enjoy motorized water sports.
To go on an adventure in the National Park Morne Seychellois.
A stay in Mahé offers multiple possibilities, the ideal is to rent a car or take day trips to explore the island. Nicknamed the “Island of Abundance” Mahé has a very lush vegetation and high terrain with the Morne Seychellois, located in the northwestern tip which rises to over 900 meters. Hiking enthusiasts will find their happiness.
To walk along the pristine beaches of the west coast.
It is on this coast, wilder and authentic, that extend from north to south, that you will come across the most beautiful beaches. A few steps from the National Park, the beach unveils its clear waters full of small tropical fish.
Along the coastal road from Port Launay to the wonderful Anse Takamaka and Anse Intendance, the fun is endless. A wonderful parade along the coastline with coves of white sand, sometimes deserted, are things you can discover while having a trip on the western coast of this beautiful island of the Seychelles.
Enjoy your trip on Mahe in the Seychelles!
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Vallée de Mai
To join the Vallée de Mai, renting a car is a must. Vallée de Mai is in the heart of the Praslin National Park in the center of the island. This is an exceptional plant sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There grows several endemic palms of the Seychelles, including the “coco de mer”. The fruit of the coconut palm, which grows only on the female coconut is nicknamed “coconut-buttock” because of its suggestive shape. As for male coconut, it also has a structure that is of suggestive form nicknamed “coco-willy!” This is the only place in the world where the coco de mer grows wild.
COCO DE MER
Coco de Mer is endemic to the Seychelles and is the largest, heaviest and most suggestive of coconut. In fact, it consists of two lobes shapes reminiscent of the buttocks. The coco de mer palm lives between 200-400 years. During the first 15 years, it has no trunk but only leaves that can reach 14 meters long. The male palm tree can reach 30 m high and 24 m female palm. The sea coconut puts 6-7 years to mature.
Fauna and Floral of the Seychelles
Other plants on the island includes the Latanier, Latanier Leaf, the Latanier Millipede, the Palmiste, the Pandanus, the Vacoas Parasol, the Brown Vacoas, Jacquier, the Bois Rouge, The Capucin, Vanilla, the Philolendron, the capillary and many other plant species … Some of these plants exist only here (six endemic palms, Bois Rouge, etc.). You can see them all while following the trails of the garden. The trails are very well marked and several panels provide explanations on the exceptional and varied flora of the valley.
There are also many birds, including Black Parrot, the Boulboul Gros Bec, Blue Pigeon, the Sunbird, the Kestrel, the Swiftlet and many other species … We can also meet the Bat, Crabs, Snails, Dragonfly, Frog and 5 endemic reptiles. These animals are in total freedom, observing them can be difficult.
Practical information
Vallée de Mai is open daily from 8 am to 17:30 and access costs EUR 22 / person. It is relatively expensive, but it’s for a good cause (the preservation and maintenance of the national park). Vallée de Mai is managed since 1989 by the Seychelles Island Foundation. It manages and protects wildlife and wild flora of the Seychelles. To date, it manages the Aldabra Atoll and the Valley of Mai. At the visitor center is a snack bar, a shop, an information center and toilets.
Have a nice stroll in Vallee De Mai!
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Scuba diving and snorkeling in Seychelles
Snorkeling and diving in the Seychelles, is to discover the shimmering world of corals, sea anemones and tropical fish. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are the favorite conditions for the turtles and manta rays, which are numerous in the Seychelles archipelago. To snorkel in unforgettable sites, choose a cruise in the Seychelles.
Ye shall cast anchor in the National Marine Park of Saint Anne. Thread fins, mask and snorkel. Enjoy snorkeling from your catamaran.Seychelles Water is so clear that one can easily see up to 10-20 m depth. Your
Waters of the Seychelles
Through the translucent waves, the wrasse, the picassos and sea angels dangle their bright colors. Snorkeling can be practiced by everyone, adults and children. Do not forget however that the wind sometimes blows in the Seychelles archipelago. To practice scuba diving in the best conditions, the ideal seasons are spring and autumn in the Seychelles.
Diving centers are located in the favorite hotels of the islands – Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette, Fregate and Denis Island in the Inner Islands. Alphonse and Desroches Island in the Outer Islands.In Seychelles, diving is done safely in centers affiliated to international diving federations.
Diving in the Seychelles
You must remember to bring a medical certificate of fitness to dive. The granitic islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette and Frigate) offer resplendent soft corals reefs. In these shimmering waters, beware of the stonefish which is poisonous. Wear overalls and diving booties to protect you. Turtles, sharks and manta rays are easy to observe in the Seychelles. They are found near coral islands (Denis Island or DesrochesIsland).
Seychelles archipelago’s sharks are not dangerous. They aregenerally tiger sharks and gray sharks. In Seychelles, we can either dive from the shore or from the boats. Most dive centers offer different diving programs at depths generally between 10 and 18m, without exceeding 30m.
For novice divers, these centers also teach diving with highly skilled professional instructors. The success of these introductory course is endorsed by PADI Brevet. Similarly, advanced courses for experienced divers are also organized.
Enjoy your dives in the Seychelles!
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Art and culture in Seychelles
Traveling in the Seychelles archipelago
While traveling in the Seychelles, you will discover a culture with varied accents. From Mahe to La Digue, via Praslin, the Creole houses and splendid villages of Seychelles will amaze you. Most are covered with a palm roof or corrugated iron.
The old colonial houses are must visits during holidays in the in the Seychelles.These are the Domaine de Val des Prés and Le Jardin du Roi on Mahe, or the Union Estate on La Digue.In the Seychelles archipelago, the villas of the hotels often offer traditional architecture. Seychelles woods, like coconut and takamaka, are used for decoration.
Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Souvenirs in the Seychelles are typical and numerous. Spices, vanilla and coconut oil evoke the scents of the Seychelles archipelago and the flavors of Creole cuisine.
In Mahe, the shopping streets of the capital Victoria is full of shops where you can buy tropical jams, tea, shells, t-shirts, hats and woven baskets. But the iconic memory of the Seychelles archipelago remains the coco fess. The coco de mer nuts with its naturally rounded shapes is offered as is, or carved and decorated with seeds.
When buying coco fess, ask a sales certificate to leave the Seychelles with it. At Domaine de Val des Pres, the craft village Mahé has many objects of the Seychelles archipelago, ship models of which, carried out meticulously. From one island to another the Seychelles culture is expressed through music, diverse backgrounds.
Sega and African moutia are created via the vibration of their drums and banging their maravannes (coconut full of seeds). The rhythms of music in the Seychelles also have their roots in old French tunes. Dances of the past, like the waltz and polka were adapted by popular singers of the Seychelles archipelago.
The hotels offer regular musical evenings to beat time on the Creole rhythms. At Mahe, but also in other islands of the Seychelles. For a stay in gaiety!
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