Seychelles resorts description. The best resorts in the Seychelles. Do I need insurance in Seychelles

Today I am opening a new and long-awaited heading about Seychelles - a truly heavenly place on Earth and a tropical resort located at eastern shores Africa in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles is one of the most prestigious destinations for beach tourism, a place that will be appreciated not only by sunbathers, but also by fans of outdoor activities. The unique beauty of the Seychelles resorts attracts tourists from all over the world and travelers from Russia, who are happy to spend their long-awaited vacation in the Seychelles. So I will share everything I know about these incomparable islands: what kind of state this Seychelles is, where is it located, whether you need a visa for a visit, what language they speak, what money is used, how much to fly there and what prices on air tickets, when it is better to relax there and what islands and hotels are in the Seychelles. In general, my article is about how best to prepare for a trip to the Seychelles and what is worth seeing there so that your vacation in the Seychelles will be remembered for a long time.

I will begin my story, of course, with the definition and brief description Seychelles, where they are on the world map and what constitutes a vacation there.

Seychelles Is an island state (its full name is the Republic of Seychelles), located below the equator line in the southern hemisphere in East Africa, in the western water area Indian Ocean, with a population of about 90 thousand people and an area of ​​only 455 km 2. According to the form of government, the country of Seychelles is a presidential republic, which gained independence from Great Britain on June 29, 1976. The Seychelles flag has 5 colors radiating from the lower left corner and was approved on June 18, 1996.

basic information

Judging by where the Seychelles are located on the map - a little south of the equator, about 1600 km east of the African mainland, their affiliation to Africa can be called very conditional, especially given the unique animal world these islands. Nevertheless, the Seychelles are geographically located closest to Africa, next to another famous island - Madagascar.

Seychelles on the map

The capital of Seychelles is the city of Victoria, the largest city in this country. It is located on the largest island of the Seychelles archipelago - Mahe (its area is 142 km 2). There is also international Airport Seychelles with a runway just 3 meters above sea level.

The territory of the Seychelles is formed by the islands towering 4-8 meters above the ocean, which in the Seychelles are of two types: granite and coral. It is very simple to distinguish between them: people live and rest on granite (inhabited) ones, but coral, similar to, are mostly uninhabited and can only be visited as part of excursions.

Want to know how many islands there are in the Seychelles? Compared to other island states, there are not so many, only 115 islands. At the same time, only 33 of them are inhabited. Moreover, most of the tourists rest in the best hotels, such as Four seasons and Hilton seychelles on the largest Seychelles islands - Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette - or on small and private islands with exclusive hotels - North, Frigate, Felicite, Denis and a number of other resorts.

Flora and fauna of Seychelles has a large percentage of endemics - birds, reptiles and plants that are found only in this archipelago of islands and nowhere else in the world. Seychelles palms grow here, the fruit of which weighs up to 20 kg and is considered the largest in flora... And also rare species of birds live - Seychelles small black parrot and nightingale bulbul.

Here is an interesting overview video about the Seychelles:

It's important to know: For detailed background information about Seychelles, see Wikipedia, and I will continue to share with you practical information about this country and holidays in it.

I would compare Seychelles with Hawaii: there are also several large islands, each unique in its own way. Therefore, when preparing travel to Seychelles the most important thing is to choose the right island on which you will rest. If we compare it with the Maldives, then everything will be completely different, because it is not so important (in essence they are almost all the same) how to decide whether you want to relax.

Here are the top three hotels in the Seychelles:

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles 5 * - a real paradise lagoon and stunning ocean views. The hotel is conveniently located in the southwest of Mahe Island in a separate bay, Petit Anse. It can be reached from the airport in just half an hour. Accommodation in spacious villas with expensive interiors and a swimming pool. It features two restaurants serving Creole and international cuisine, a hilltop spa with panoramic views and the best yoga center in the Seychelles. Price per room - from $1000 per day. Book hotel Four Seasons 5 *

Raffles Seychelles 5 *- relatively new hotel with an excellent design of rooms, excellent sandy beach Takamaka without pebbles and with an incredible level of staff. This truly fabulous place is located on the island of Praslin. It offers romantic and family villas and apartments with superior interiors and a private pool, a yoga room and a kids club. For the convenience of guests, there are as many as 3 restaurants on site, which often host themed evenings. Ideal seats for a holiday in the Seychelles. The hotel speaks Russian, there is a Russian manager. Price per room - from $1100 per day. Book hotel Raffles 5 *

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa 5 * Is the only hotel on Silhouette Island. He is in the top best hotels in the Seychelles and is the wildest, which will especially appeal to lovers of nature and the ocean. The well-groomed area of ​​the hotel is suitable for a romantic and family vacation or a retreat in comfort. Everything is blooming around like in paradise, and birds are singing, and the comfortable beach is well suited for children. Among the staff there are very literate Russian-speaking people, they will not tell everything about the island - a real reserve with a clean atmosphere and beautiful landscape. Complete relaxation is guaranteed! Price per room - from $450 per day. Book a hotel Hilton 5 *

Seychelles on the map

Legend on the map:

• Burgundy - Seychelles airports and ferry piers;
• Blue - islands in the Seychelles;
• Yellow - the most famous beaches in Seychelles;
• Green - Seychelles National Parks.

Holidays in the Seychelles

So, I told you the basic information about the Seychelles, and now let's talk about what the Seychelles is like the best place for beach and romantic getaway... It is no secret that the Seychelles constantly compete with the Maldives in these two prestigious nominations, and tourists choose where it is better to relax - in the Seychelles or the Maldives. And at the same time, Seychelles slightly bypasses the competitor as the best wedding destination for holidays and honeymoons in terms of overall experience and price for two.

If you do not know what language in the Seychelles, then keep in mind that there are three official languages ​​in the Seychelles - Seychelles Creole, French and English. All residents speak mainly Creole, which is a form of French. However, the staff in Seychelles hotels and most of those employed in the tourism sector speak English, because tourism accounts for about 30% of the country's GDP.

Why go to Seychelles

• Romantic getaway and wedding... If you want to play there a wedding with a Seychelles flavor and live music, spend your honeymoon in a luxurious environment, renew your vows for a family anniversary, spend a quiet and expensive vacation on the beach with your loved one and do a lot beautiful photos... In general, any category of romantic getaway is available in the Seychelles;
• Vacation with children . Family people with children also fell in love with holidays in the Seychelles. Many hotels have children's clubs where your child will be busy with interesting games with other little travelers, and will also be able to explore the Seychelles in an informative way with experienced mentors;
• Diving... Since the Seychelles have many coral islands and rich underwater life, diving here is the same five-star as in the Maldives. In addition, do not forget that everything is unique in the Seychelles: there are fish, birds and animals that are not found anywhere else on Earth. This is why experienced and novice divers come to the Seychelles and go snorkeling in one of the best places on the planet for this;
• Trekking in nature and outdoor activities... This category is the most suitable for me. I don't like to just relax on the beach and do nothing. At least for a long time. And I definitely need to go somewhere, see the beauty of the surrounding world, climb higher up the mountain. So the Seychelles are just perfect in this regard: I came and rested for a couple of days on the beach, and then you can go to the jungle for trekking, visit tea plantations, study the local flora and fauna, visit small towns and villages. And when he got tired of knowing the world, he returned to the beach again. Moreover, the beaches here are truly heavenly!
• Beach vacation. And, finally, if you are just tired of everything and you want to have a great rest on secluded beaches and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and you have already been to the Maldives, then why not visit the Seychelles this time?

Tour to the Seychelles or a trip on your own?

There are two easy ways how to relax in the Seychelles:

• Buy a ready-made tour to the Seychelles;
• Organize your own vacation on your own.

Both are expensive. But going to the Seychelles is, nevertheless, the best gift one can give. Unlike the Maldives, where today there is a large selection, in the Seychelles budget vacation still underdeveloped. Yes and direct flight not yet from Moscow to the Seychelles, even the ubiquitous one does not fly there. So you will have to get there with a transfer, but it will be much more exotic and interesting, won't it?

• So, if you prefer to entrust your vacation to trusted travel companies and pay more for it, then you can familiarize yourself with their offers and see tours to the Seychelles for the dates you are interested in on the website.
• And if you, like me, solo traveler, then you just need to buy inexpensive air tickets (on the Aviasales website), book the hotels that suit you on the Booking and order online. That's all you need to travel to the Seychelles yourself!

Seychelles Map (from seychellesbookings.com)

Direct flights from Russia to the Seychelles have not yet been launched. Therefore, the best way to fly to the Seychelles from Moscow is to buy air tickets with a transfer in one of the Arab countries, for example, in the UAE or Turkey. Tourists also often take a flight from Moscow to Seychelles with a small connection in Europe (usually via Serbia).

How long to fly to Seychelles? It all depends on the choice of airline and the number of connections. If you take inexpensive tickets Moscow - Seychelles at a price of 500-600 dollars, then the travel time will be from 18 to 24 hours. But air tickets to the Seychelles from Russia with short docking in Dubai will cost more, 600-800 dollars per person, and the entire flight will take only 13 hours.

It's important to know: If you want to fly to the Seychelles, keep in mind that the time difference with Moscow is only +1 hour, which is not so much. After landing in Seychelles, remember to move your watch forward so that it reads exact time in the Seychelles.

Upon arrival in the Seychelles, you find yourself on the island of Mahe, in the center of which is the Seychelles International Airport. Then tourists need to think about transfer to the hotel:

• Vacationers on the island of Mahe can simply order a transfer: anywhere on the island can be reached in 30-40 minutes by bus from the hotel.
• To Praslin Island with Mahe you can fly with domestic airlines - Air seychelles or take a ferry. Many expensive five-star hotels organize a private helicopter transfer from the airport directly to the hotel - usually it costs from $ 600.
• The island of La Digue can be reached by ferry from Mahe, the journey time is about 3 hours. Or use the combined method: first get to Praslin (plane or ferry), and then take the ferry to La Digue (it takes only 20 minutes). It is convenient if you choose both islands for recreation and take turns living on each of them.
• To Silhouette Island tourists are brought exclusively by helicopter, since there are only two hotels, one of which, the Hilton, organizes this transfer.

To get to other private islands, such as Providence, where Dom-2 Seychelles is being rented, hotel guests usually order a helicopter transfer. But some of them, for example, Fregat Island, can be reached by ferry. This is due to the fact that Frigate is an important tourist destination and is interesting to many travelers from the point of view of history.

As I said, in order to have a great vacation in the Seychelles, first you need to choose an island, and then a hotel and a beach on it. For the most curious travelers, I recommend visiting all three main islands, especially if the number of days of your vacation allows you to do this.

So what is the difference islands in the Seychelles?

• Mahe Is the central and largest island in the Seychelles, where the international airport and the capital Victoria are located. At the same time, the city of Victoria itself is a small copy of London (after all, the Seychelles used to be an English colony) and at the same time competes with, for the title of the smallest capital in the world. There are awesome beaches along the banks of Mahe, there are a lot of them - only about 70! Despite the fact that Mahe is a lively island, its western part is very quiet, and it is here that the most prestigious and expensive hotels are located. There is also a nature reserve on Mahe - national park Seychelles Morne (Morne Seychellois National Park), in the middle of which is the most high mountain in the Seychelles - Morne Blance (907 meters) and the jungle around. Among other things, there are tea plantations on Mahe - the heritage of the British. Nearly perfect island for recreation - both beach and active, right?
• Praslin — beautiful island, which is unique for its unusual palm trees, for which a national park was even organized here. Seychelles was called the leader among honeymoon travel, because the coconuts of local palm trees are like a heart! So Praslin is the island of love in the Seychelles. The beaches are as beautiful as those on Mahe Island, but on Praslin they are quieter. At the same time, in small towns you can also find nightlife - bars and discos. And also divers who dream of exploring go to Praslin. underwater world in local waters. So if diving is your dream too, be sure to include Praslin Island in your Seychelles itinerary.
• La Digue- this is the smallest among the granite islands, and at the same time there are the largest rocks. If we continue to compare the islands, and call Mahe an island-city, and Praslin a small-town, then La Digue is undoubtedly a village. At the same time, the village is cozy and fantastically beautiful. This is a way to break away from everything and everyone, live among tropical beauty, relax on white beaches and relax in silence. There are also attractions here, such as Mount Eagle's Nest and Union Estate Park. And it was on the island of La Digue that the cult film Farewell Emmanuel was once filmed, and there you can even see the surviving planter's house from this movie. By the way, it will be important for budget travelers to know that hotel prices on La Digue island are much lower in comparison with other Seychelles islands, with both the most expensive room categories and simpler accommodation.
• Silhouette Is a wild island in the Seychelles. Yes, after the village you can call an island with only two hotels in the middle of the jungle - wild. So if even the rustic atmosphere is too crowded, welcome to Silhouette, where there are very few people.

Sandy and beautiful beaches in the Seychelles

Everything beaches in Seychelles sandy and located in small coves (you will immediately notice their names in French - anse, which means cove). That is, if the name contains the words Anse, it means a bay, and therefore a beach. Another feature of the beaches in the Seychelles is that they are all municipal. That is, everyone can come to rest, even if you settled in a five-star hotel.

Tourists who come to the Seychelles inexpensively are quite satisfied with this situation. Since sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach are free, you can book a cheaper hotel on the second line, and go to the beach of expensive hotels and not deny yourself anything.

Useful advice: What if you want to relax on a beach where there are few people? There is a way out - choose a hotel away from settlements, then there will be no one to come to the beach except for tourists.

Many beaches in the Seychelles are waveless, as the bays are surrounded by breakwaters and special fortifications. One of these beaches is the most popular and partying Beau Vallon Beach, which is located near the capital of Victoria. This means that the Seychelles is ready for the arrival of families with children and those tourists who do not swim very well. But also places with good waves surfing and diving spots are also available - especially on the islands of Denis, Felicite, Alphonse and Silhouette.

Intendance beach - the most beautiful in the Seychelles

Which beach to choose in the Seychelles?

Do I need insurance in Seychelles

Insurance in the Seychelles will be needed, especially if you plan to engage in active sports. And to everyone else who just wants to relax on the beach just in case it is better to take care of their health, and not leave it to chance. I also recommend buying health insurance if you are going on vacation with the kids.

Compared to the total cost of a holiday in the Seychelles, insurance is not expensive at all. However, if you have to use medicine in the Seychelles, it will greatly help in saving on medical care costs.

Don't forget, Seychelles is Africa after all! But at the same time, you do not need to do any special vaccinations before the trip.

Seychelles visa

For tourists Seychelles visa not required if the period of stay in the Seychelles does not exceed 30 days (as well as).

So if you are flying for two or three weeks, feel free to take your passport and tickets, and at the Pointe Larue International Airport (Mahe Island) upon arrival you will be stamped with an entry stamp and - welcome to the Seychelles! You just have to go through customs.

By the way, before the flight, check out the list of what you cannot bring to the Seychelles and what you cannot take out, as well as how much cash you can bring in and take out with you to the Seychelles.

Currency in Seychelles and what money to take with you

Official currency in Seychelles Is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). In 1 rupee - 100 cents. Bills in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees and coins of 1 and 5 rupees, as well as cents - 1, 5, 10 and 25 are used.

Despite the fact that prices in the Seychelles are indicated in rupees, in the territory of the Seychelles you can officially pay with other money - US dollars and euros, which are in circulation here along with the rupee. So you can take both dollars and euros with you to the Seychelles, but cash rubles must first be exchanged for currency.

• The exchange rate of the Seychelles rupee to the dollar is quite stable and does not change significantly. It averages Rs 14 per US dollar. 1 rupee = 4 rubles, 1 euro = 16.5 rupees.
• It is not difficult to exchange dollars for local currency. This can be done at the airport, at many exchange offices in the city, bank branches or right at your hotel.
• It is important to know that the reverse exchange of money - from rupees to dollars or euros - is only possible with the original currency exchange check. So don't throw it away unless you plan on leaving with rupees. Moreover, it is generally prohibited to export more than 2 thousand rupees per person from the country.
• It is better to pay for services in the hotel and restaurants by credit card. And in transport, small shops and cafes, cash is preferable - local rupees, dollars or euros.
• Tipping in Seychelles is usually 10% and is already included in the bill. Unlike and, all taxes that must be paid for accommodation are usually already immediately included in the prices that are shown in the hotel booking system. That is, this is the final price and there is no need to additionally count anything and figure out how much more will have to be added.

When is the best time to fly to the Seychelles - weather and seasons for holidays

Seychelles climate- tropical, at the same time very soft. The temperature during the year varies slightly from month to month. We can say that the weather in the Seychelles is approximately the same all year round: average temperature daytime air is + 26..29 ° С, and the water temperature is + 25..28 ° С. Strong winds no, but it rains in winter much more often than in summer.

Seychelles seasons not as pronounced as on Maldives... This is not to say that there is a time when you shouldn't even think about flying to the Seychelles. You just have to keep in mind that there is more rainfall during the winter period from December to February. At the same time, the rainiest month in the Seychelles is January, and quite a lot of precipitation also falls in December and February. Therefore, it is better not to go to the Seychelles in winter. Although you can take a chance if you are not a big fan of walking in the jungle or going on excursions to watch nature. It rains in the mountainous regions of the Mahe and Silhouette islands. In this, the Seychelles are similar to Hawaii. It may rain in the mountains, but the sun is on the beach. The rest of the year - spring, summer and autumn - the Seychelles has a great vacation!

Conventionally, the seasons in the Seychelles are usually divided into two:

• hot from December to May, with rains from December to February;
• cool - from June to November, when the temperature is quite pleasant and there is little rain.

In this way, when is the best time to fly to the Seychelles? That's right, in the summer! But it is also possible in spring and autumn.

You ask, how new year holidays, and is it really not worth going to the Seychelles in winter? You can take a chance and try to go, because the weather in the Seychelles at this time is generally good, but if you still want to guarantee yourself a 100% sunny vacation on the beach, then it is better to choose from December to March.

Transport and car rental in Seychelles

Seychelles is an island nation, but developed enough to intelligently arrange transport connection between their islands.

There are several ways to travel between the Seychelles using different types of transport:

• Domestic airlines Air Seychelles fly between the two largest islands in the Seychelles, Mahe and Praslin. In addition, this company connects the Seychelles with other islands and countries in the Indian Ocean - Madagascar and Mauritius, as well as mainland Africa - Tanzania, Kenya and others.
• Public ferries also go between the islands, and this type of transport in the Seychelles is the cheapest. In just an hour, you can get from Mahé to Praslin. It will take another twenty minutes to cross between Praslin and La Digue. And in two hours get from Mahe to Frigate.
• It is most convenient to get by helicopter not only to private islands or to Silhouette, but also directly on the territory of the most prestigious hotels on all islands, including Mahé, there are equipped helipads.

Land transport on the islands:

• Local transport is also well developed on Mahe and Praslin. There are clear and convenient ground transportation routes with the option to buy a full-day pass for as little as Rs 5 (about 40 US cents). Buses run from early morning until evening. There are also minibuses (minibuses) that connect Mahe International Airport with the capital of Victoria.
• Taxis in the Seychelles are also a great way to get to a hotel, shop or visit attractions, and at a very low cost. Taxis are paid by the meter. Landing (or rather the first kilometer) costs 15 rupees, and then another 5 rupees is added for each next one. For example, during the day you can get from the airport to the capital for only 75 rupees (it will be more expensive at night).

Car rent- this is the most convenient way to see the island of Mahe or Praslin on your own. If you are planning to see nature or a trip to the mountains, then it is better to immediately take an all-wheel drive car, and be an experienced driver at the same time. Road traffic in the Seychelles it is left-hand, and the roads in the mountains are narrow and in places like a serpentine.

• To rent a car in Seychelles, you will need an international license (IDL), and driving experience must be more than 3 years.
• There are not so many gas stations in the Seychelles: only 6 gas stations on Mahe Island and 2 more on Praslin. It is better to know their location in advance in order not to be left without gasoline when you rent a car in the Seychelles.
• It is also worth remembering the maximum permissible speed in the Seychelles - 65 km / h, and in the city in general it is only 45 km / h.

Bike rental will be most useful on the island of La Digue. But on other islands, you can also try to travel on a bike, if you have experience and desire.

Diving, surfing - things to do in the Seychelles

- it is interesting not only for those who already own this skill, but also for beginners who just want to try scuba diving. Indian Ocean - very a nice place for snorkeling. In addition, various unique fish and giant Aldabrian turtles are found near the Seychelles.

• The visibility in the water near the Seychelles is up to 30 meters;
• The best time for diving in the Seychelles - from September to October and April-May.

The best places for snorkeling are along the coast of the islands (ride by boat for about 10-40 minutes). Don't miss the UNESCO-protected Aldabra Island and the wreck of the English tanker Ennerdale Rocks, now home to turtles and a variety of deep-sea fish. Other recommended dive spots are Mammel Islands and Trofeus Rocks.

Surfing in the Seychelles is also popular, especially on the islands of Mahe and Praslin.

Where to surf in the Seychelles:

• On the island of Mahe, the best beaches are Grand Anse, Beau Vallon and Anse Bougueville. In the west of the island, the waves are more unpredictable, and in the east they are quieter;
• On the island of Praslin, Anse Lazio beach is ideal;
• On Silhouette Island - Anse Lascar.

Beaches in the Seychelles for surfing by skill level:

• Beaches for beginners in surfing: Beau Vallon and Karana (Mahe);
• Beaches only for pros: Anse Bougainville, Anse Royal, Barbaron and Misfit Bay (Mahe);
• Beaches for people of all skill levels: Anse Gulette (La Digue), Bel Ombre and Anse Intendance (Mahe).

Brief history and culture of Seychelles

Seychelles history closely related to European discoveries. There is practically no information left about the time that was until the moment when the Europeans first landed in the Seychelles. Except that the Arab pirates used some of the islands (Silhouette, Frigate) for their base. Also, Malays from Borneo could replenish water and food supplies in the Seychelles on their way to Madagascar.

But as for the written history of the Seychelles, it begins from the moment when the great navigator Vasco da Gama at the very beginning of the 16th century (in 1502) sailed past them on his way to India. For some time it was nobody's land, but the British first declared their territory of the Seychelles when they, already in the footsteps of Vasco da Gama more than a century later (in 1609), sailed to India and fell into a storm. Seeing the land, the British landed in the Seychelles and immediately decided that this piece of paradise land is now in the possession of the English crown. However, since resort islands then they were not in vogue, it was not entirely clear how these lands in the middle of the ocean could be useful. And the British left them alone, but first described them in detail.

Then a little more than a century later, the French became interested in the islands and founded the first settlements there. They arrived in the Seychelles in 1756, looked around, and decided that, together with Mauritius, the Seychelles would become an excellent base for them (Mauritius is a source of sugar cane). Then they brought here people from Madagascar and East Africa, turning them into slaves. The name Seychelles did not appear immediately. The Seychelles began to be called so in the second half of the 18th century in honor of the French finance minister, Jean Moreau de Sechelles.

During the wars with Napoleon, which took place not only on land, but also at sea (many remember Nelson's victory), battles were also fought in the distant Indian Ocean. In 1794, Britain drove the French out of the Seychelles and began to cultivate huge coconut plantations there with the help of slaves.

In 1814, the Seychelles became a colony of England under the Treaty of Paris. Life became better under the British. If only in the sense that in 1835 they finally abolished slavery. But at the same time, they began to encourage the import of hired workers - Arabs and Indians. It was necessary to work, and someone also had to conduct trade.

The independence of Seychelles was declared rather late (compared to India), only in 1976, when the Seychelles became a Republic ruled by the President.

Interesting Seychelles Facts:

The history of the Seychelles is rather short in comparison with world history. Nevertheless, the tangle of events formed an unusual historical cocktail here.

• Despite the fact that most of the time the islands were owned by the British, the name of the country itself and all its objects are French.
• The slaves brought in mastered French culture. Now it is called Creole - that is, African and French, born of mixed marriages and a common economy. Now the language here is Creole, that is, it seems to be similar to French, but not quite, Creole cuisine, religion and that Creole: all Catholics, but with their own African flavor.
• The fact that the British brought in Arabs and Indians did not make much of a difference. Hindus, Arabs and other peoples in the Seychelles are in the minority. Their culture is officially recognized, but does not greatly affect general position cases, the absolute majority are still Creole.

Attractions in the Seychelles

The main attraction of the Seychelles- this is their fantastic nature, which is definitely worth seeing. Since most of the tourists come here for the sake of beach holiday, then the picturesque beaches on the islands for them are the best in the Seychelles. In general, the beaches here are also important attractions, and they are all different - rocky or sandy, with white sand or pink, with calm sea or high waves suitable for surfing. In general, if you have the time and desire, you can personally visit many beaches of the Seychelles and be convinced of their unique diversity.

In the meantime, I will briefly tell you about the most interesting sights of the Seychelles:

• Source d'Arzhan Is the most photographed beach in the Seychelles. More precisely, this is the most photographed beach in the whole world! It is found on the island of La Digue and is famous for its granite boulders. You've probably seen this photo on the internet. It was precisely because of this photograph that I learned about the Seychelles and wanted to go there.
• Aldabra island- This is one of the most famous outer Seychelles, which is located in a region specially protected by UNESCO. It does not consist of granite, but coral, and is geographically closer to Africa, next to the Comoros. The peculiarity of this island, in addition to its extraordinary lagoon, where divers come to dive, is that the Seychelles giant turtles live there - unique Marine life... In general, it is worth paying a tidy sum to see them in their natural habitat and get to know them.
• Bird island, which is a half hour flight from Mahé, is especially popular from May to September. From the name it is immediately clear that this island is the abode of birds, black terns. In the summer (winter for the Southern Hemisphere) there are so many of them that you can become deaf from their conversations.
• Curieuse island, which is part of the Seychelles National Park, is also home to giant tortoises. But as far as I understand, they were transported there from Aldabra.
• Kuzin Island near Praslin is home to some endangered animals. The Seychelles is a unique place, and the animals here are endemic. And here are some of them, unfortunately, are on the verge of extinction.
• Vallee de Mee Is another Seychelles National Park on Praslin Island, where you can admire the sea palms and their coco de mer nuts. I really love all the palm trees and I always find time to visit such unique places like the California Palm Garden at Joshua Tree Park. So for the sea palms in the Seychelles, I will definitely allocate an hour or two.
• Victoria Is the most Big City and the capital of Seychelles. Compared to the world's capitals, this town is quite small, but here you can see in detail how the British settled on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, far from rainy London.

Here are some other things to do in the Seychelles besides sightseeing:

• Diving
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Island tours
• Trekking on Mahe and Silhouette. Why not?
• Beaching is undoubtedly the most important point of the rest program.
• Acquaintance with local cuisine.

Holidays

Seychelles is a Catholic country. Therefore, the main holidays here are also Catholic, and their celebration does not differ much from the usual European holidays.

Generally, holidays in the Seychelles can be divided into two types:

1. Religious
2. Associated with the independence of the Seychelles Republic from Great Britain (all of them occur in June).

The following days are declared public holidays in the Seychelles (national holidays):

• New Year(January 1-2)
• Good Friday
• Easter
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (June 3)
• Liberation Day (June 5)
• National day(June 18) is the main holiday in the Seychelles.
• Independence Day (June 29)
• Dormition of the Virgin (15 August)
• All Saints Day (November 1)
• Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (December 8)
• Christmas (December 25)

Cuisine and restaurants

The Seychelles cuisine has its own special - Creole. What does it mean? Creole cuisine in the Seychelles took the insular position and traditions as a basis, added European culinary delights (mostly French) on top and mixed it all with Indian spices. The result is an original tropical mix, which should definitely be tasted by all tourists.

The basis of Creole cuisine is, of course, seafood. Also, rice, curry and coconuts are constantly used. What do you think is the most common dish in the Seychelles? Of course, rice with fish. Yes, not just, but with spices and coconut sauce.

And since there are quite a lot of fish in the Seychelles, fish dishes are also in abundance here. Those who love seafood will not get bored in the Seychelles either - octopuses, crabs, lobsters and so on. Besides, expensive hotels always have European or other Asian restaurants. So it's impossible to stay without pizza and sushi.

As for inexpensive food, the Indians, as always, help out. If you want something local, colorful, you can always go to an Indian restaurant or buy food right on the street. It is inexpensive and adds an interesting variety to the diet.

Of the drinks, the locals love different types fermented coconuts, sugar cane, mint infusions. And of course, wines are imported - French and South African.

Tours to Seychelles and prices

Trip to tour seychelles Is a rather expensive pleasure, but almost every tourist can go there. The price of the tour depends on the cost of the flight, the luxury of the hotel and the distance of the island from the airport (transfer fees), as well as your special preferences. Since there are practically no experienced tour operators in the Seychelles, a trip to the Seychelles will have to be done with them for a very long time. It is much more convenient to organize your trip on your own, especially since it is not at all difficult. In this case tour to the Seychelles for two will cost significantly less as you will not pay a large commission to the travel agent.

Tour price to Seychelles strongly depends on the season (in summer from June to August - the high season and the highest prices, and it can be very expensive for the New Year), as well as on your ability to save money and your desire to understand the peculiarities of rest in the Seychelles before the start of the trip. Because you can immediately book the most expensive hotel and quickly spend all the money in a few days on expensive entertainment as in the program Heads and Tails of Seychelles. But it would be much more rational to calculate in advance the approximate budget of the tour to the Seychelles, taking into account your own wishes, choose good hotel on the beach or in nature, plan cultural program and sightseeing to get the most out of it.

For example, I will give information about Seychelles price for two- the cost of air tickets and double rooms in hotels, if you book a room yourself on the website Booking.com:

But how much are ready-made tours to the Seychelles with a flight from Moscow - the price for two, taking into account fuel surcharges and all surcharges (no meals, only breakfasts or all inclusive):

What else you need to know about Seychelles

The best hotels in the Seychelles, where Russians most often go, are the following:

• On the island of Mahe - Kempinski Seychelles 5 * and also Savoy Seychelles 5 *
• On the island of Praslin - Raffles Seychelles 5 *
• On the island of La Digue - Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort & Spa 4 *
• On Silhouette Island - Hilton Seychelles 5 *

In general, Russians are not often found in the Seychelles, but some wealthy people here have their own villa, registered in the Seychelles offshore. A few years ago, when local authorities did not disclose information about the owners of companies, many preferred to buy real estate in the Seychelles in order to optimize the payment of their taxes. However, now that all the data has become open, keeping money in the Seychelles has ceased to be as profitable as it used to be.

In the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar (950 km) and slightly south of the equator, is located paradise on Earth - Seychelles. This republic occupies 115 islands, but only 33 of them are inhabited.

The Seychelles have the richest nature, almost half of the land is occupied by national parks and nature reserves... Clear ocean waters and endless beaches with pinkish sand will amaze even the most sophisticated tourists with their beauty.

The best resorts seychelles can please with a varied rest. It will be equally comfortable here for lovers of soaking up the beach, and for adherents of diving, and for lovers of extreme sports (paragliders and hang gliders are at their service) and connoisseurs of natural beauty (they can take a trip on a yacht to uninhabited islands).

Seychelles is definitely made for lovers. Many local hotels specialize in hosting weddings and many couples from all over the world have chosen this place to start their family life.

The most central islands of the republic (La Digue, Praslin, Mahe) are granite, while the remote islands are mostly coral. The capital of the state, Victoria, is located on Mahe.

Beach vacation

The best beach in the republic Anse lazio is located in the northwest of Praslin Island. It is characterized by large boulders and such white sand that you will not find anywhere else. The beach is always crowded and extremely popular with tourists. Even the inhabitants of the neighboring islands prefer to rest on it.

Another very beautiful beach- Beau vallon(located on the island of Mahe). It always boils night life, at the services of tourists - various entertainment (including water). There are never high waves on this beach - it is protected by reefs.

It is impossible not to mention one more beach on Mahe (south-west of the island) - Anse Intendanse... It is located on the territory of the bay of the same name and is a sandy arc stretching for half a kilometer and bordered by coconut palms. From the shore, you can admire the beautiful view of the mountains, which are covered with colorful plants.

Rest for divers

Most popular with island divers Des Roches and Mahe... The current is not very strong in these areas, clear waters, bizarre colorful corals, many tropical fish, molluscs, crustaceans, you can also meet here with larger inhabitants of the ocean - turtles and white sharks.

The most sustainable resort

This is Kuzin Island. It is located west of Praslin. Its area is only 25 sq. kilometers. This resort is a true reserve of untouched nature. Tourists are brought here by helicopter. It has become a tradition that every person who settled in local hotel, must plant at least one tree.

Whichever vacation you choose best resorts The Seychelles will cater to all tastes.

You can get from one island to another by helicopter, schooner or ferry. Inside the islands role public transport carry out teams of oxen with their own numbers (similar to those of a car). Here you can also rent a car, but a bicycle is still more in demand.

The pristine beauty of nature attracts art workers to these places. Films about Tarzan and Robinson Crusoe, “Farewell to Emmanuelle”, “Blue Lagoon” were shot here.

Lovers of secluded relaxation can settle on an island-hotel remote from the rest of the resorts, which has its own private beach... Service on the islands deserves the highest praise.

After visiting the Seychelles, you will certainly want to bring home a memorable souvenir. But keep in mind that you cannot export turtle products, sea shells and corals from the country.

Have you dreamed of visiting a fairy tale? Then fly to the Seychelles!

Where can I find cheap tours?

It is better to search for profitable tours through a service that compares prices of more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest deals. We do it ourselves and are extremely happy 🙂

We tell you about the features of recreation in the Seychelles in 2020. Find out about the weather, beaches, tour prices, tickets, hotels, food and entertainment. How are weddings celebrated on the islands? Can you save money while traveling?

Exchange rate: 1 Seychelles rupee (SCR) ≈ 5 RUB.

When is the holiday season in the Seychelles

Thanks to the warm tropical climate, the Seychelles is a pleasure to relax all year round. The weather is good, and there are no sudden changes in temperature. Sea water is heated to +26 ... + 28 ° С, and the average air temperature is +25 ... + 32 ° С with a humidity of 80%.

Tourists come to tropical islands any month. However, according to reviews, the best time to relax in the Seychelles is considered a dry season with june on September and a calm off-season - May and October... Least of all tourists during the wet season - with November on April.

Seychelles Monthly Weather:

Seychelles beaches map

The best beaches and islands

Mahe Island is home to the most popular Beau Vallon beach... It is 3 km long and is covered with white soft sand. Along the coast there is a chain of shops, cafes, and several diving centers. According to reviews, this a good place for family holidays in the Seychelles and activities aquatic species sports.

Surfers love Anse Intendance- a beach in the southwest of Mahe. The coast in this part of the island is not covered by a coral reef, therefore big waves and breakers. A picturesque and comfortable beach on the island of La Digue - Anse Coconut, and on the island of Praslin - Anse Lazio.

Mahe Island beaches

The most expensive beach in the Seychelles is located on a small island Frigate... The service here is affordable only for very wealthy tourists. A forest grows along the beach strip, the shade of which saves holidaymakers from the heat.

Complete guide to the beaches of the Seychelles

Prices for tours to Seychelles in 2020

How much does a vacation in the Seychelles cost? Tour prices are high in the high season of 2020. A trip for two lasting 10 days with a flight from Moscow and accommodation in a 2 * hotel will cost 158 ​​thousand rubles. Tour with accommodation in a 3 * hotel - 160 thousand rubles, in a 4 * hotel - 178 thousand rubles, and in a 5 * hotel - 183 thousand rubles.

The program all inclusive on the islands they offer only 4 * and 5 * hotels, but there are not many of them. Vacation prices "all inclusive" in the Seychelles in 2020, prohibitively high - from 340 thousand rubles in high season for 7 days. Tours with full board meals are cheaper, but still expensive - from 200 thousand rubles to 4 * and 5 * hotels.

It is not surprising that the majority of tourists choose packages with accommodation without meals, with breakfast, or stay in hotels where there is a "meal in the room" option.

Hotel prices

Holidays in the Seychelles are not affordable for everyone. Hotel prices are 2-2.5 times higher than in the resorts of the Mediterranean or Egypt.

The cost of a standard room for two in high season for popular resorts, in $:

Ticket prices

Holidays in the Seychelles in 2020 turn out to be expensive not only because of expensive accommodation, but also high prices for flights. During the peak season, air tickets from Moscow to Mahe Island and back for one cost from 36 thousand rubles. For a flight to the island of Praslin, they pay even more - from 39 thousand rubles.

Food prices in Seychelles in 2020

Average bill for breakfast and lunch in a budget cafe for two is 600 SCR. For this money, tourists are served a dish of meat or fish with rice, vegetables and a drink. For dinner at an inexpensive restaurant, excluding the cost of alcohol, you pay 1200-2000 SCR. A McDonald's Big Mac set costs 210 SCR, ordering a couple of sandwiches, two bowls of soup and drinks per room - 500-700 SCR.

Food prices in Seychelles in 2020:

• a portion of freshly prepared fish from street vendors - 50-60 SCR;
• octopus salad - 60-100 SCR;
• main dish in a restaurant - 300-500 SCR;
• pizza - 160 SCR;
• Coconut nougat - 80-100 SCR;
• a cup of cappuccino - 50 SCR;
• a glass of wine - 150-200 SCR;
• Coca-Cola, 0.33 L - 20 SCR;
• ice cream - 15-20 SCR.

Octopus salad

Food in the Seychelles is expensive because only a small fraction of the land island nation suitable for reference Agriculture... It is a little more profitable to buy in the markets. Food prices in shops in Seychelles:

• bread - 12-15 SCR;
• rice, 1 kg - 25 SCR;
• a pack of pasta - 12 SCR;
• eggs - 40 SCR;
• condensed milk - 25 SCR;
• milk, 1 l - 30 SCR;
• yogurt - 7 SCR;
• fish, 1 kg - from 60 SCR;
• cheese, 1 kg - 196 SCR;
• sausage, 1 kg - from 50 SCR;
• chicken, 1 kg - 85 SCR;
• vegetables, 1 kg - 30-80 SCR;
• potatoes - 25-30 SCR;
• bananas - 40 SCR;
• papaya, 1 kg - 50 SCR;
• lime, 1 kg - 35-40 SCR;
• can of coffee, 0.2 kg - from 100 SCR;
• bottled water - 20 SCR.

At the fish market in the Seychelles

Alcohol prices in Seychelles:

• local beer, 0.5 l - 20-30 SCR;
• imported beer, 0.33 l - 30-40 SCR;
• bottle of wine - from 100 SCR;
• rum - 300 SCR;
• whiskey - 550 SCR.

SeyBrew Island Beer

Prices for excursions and entertainment

Entertainment programs are offered in travel agencies and directly in hotels. According to reviews, while vacationing in the Seychelles, tourists are happy to make evening cruises, go on sea fishing and neighboring islands... Vacationers are in demand:

• Mahe Bus Tour - 780 STC;
• air travel to Bird Island - 3600 STC;
• St. Anne Marine National Park - 1320 STC;
• Praslin Island by ferry - 1700 STC.

Those who are partial to active rest, choose:

• sea ​​safari - 1700 STC;
• fishing for half a day - 7700 STC;
• flight over the islands by helicopter - from 5000 SCR.

Snorkeling and diving... Holidays in the Seychelles cannot be imagined without scuba diving. According to tourists, snorkeling here is slightly inferior to the Maldives, but the islands and picturesque coral reefs are considered some of the best places in the world for divers. Visibility exceeds 30 m, more than 900 species of fish and fifty species of coral live in the ocean.

The annual monsoons affect the quality and clarity of the water, which is why diving is rarely done in the Seychelles during the wet season. The best time for diving is April, May and the first half of autumn.

The most popular dive sites in the Seychelles are the Aldabra Islands, Silhouette and the Marianna Shark Site near La Digue Island. In addition, divers love Dragon's Teeth, Blanchiseusse, Malgache Bank, Recife Island and the Trompeuse and Biter underwater cliffs.

The best places for snorkeling in the Seychelles, according to reviews, are Sainte Anne National Marine Park, Anse Sunset Beach and Anse Royale Beach on Mahe.

Approximate prices for snorkeling and diving in the Seychelles in 2020:

• private dive - 850 SCR;
• package of 5 dives - 3900 SCR;
• night diving - 1000 SCR;
• rent a boat for snorkeling for half a day - 7000 SCR.

Wedding and honeymoon in Seychelles

The tropical islands are perfect for weddings and romantic getaways for two. You can choose a symbolic wedding or formal registration. Honeymooners love the seaside celebrations with exotic flowers, romantic candlelit dinners, live concerts under the palm trees and pleasant spa treatments.

Newlyweds prefer to stay in small hotels on the coast, where there are no large crowds of people. Many people choose cozy guesthouses near picturesque beaches.

Prices. Exit wedding ceremony or a wedding at a hotel costs from 60 thousand rubles. The price depends on the venue, hotel, date and included services.

Nearly every scenic beach on the planet comes with a local wedding agent. (Photo: Pexels / pixabay.com)

Tips on how to save money on your holiday in Seychelles in 2020

• If you are interested in surfing or diving, buy tours to low season- so cheaper.
• Accommodation on the islands is designed for high-income tourists. It is most expensive to live on small resort islands. On the large islands the choice of hotels, guesthouses and apartments is more. Book your non-Seychelles holiday home in advance.
• Exchange currency upon arrival - the best rate at the airport. There are few places on the islands that accept bank cards and all settlement is done in cash in Seychelles SCR rupees.
• Take care of insurance in advance, because medical services on the islands are expensive.
• There are few pharmacies in the Seychelles, so take the necessary medicines with you. Don't forget your tanning products too!

• Don't buy an excursion to Victoria - just go there on your own. Look into the beautiful Botanical Garden- 82 SCR, go to Central Market, admire the Hindu Temple and Clock Tower. Tickets for the Natural History Museum and the National History Museum are both SCR 14 each.
• Don't waste your money on souvenirs and turtle shell jewelry. By customs regulations they will not be allowed to leave the islands.
• In beach restaurants, food prices are overpriced. If you don't want to overpay, grab cheap and high-quality food in street tents or dine in small take away cafes.
• There is a good range of products at STC Supermarket in Victoria.

Detailed essay on travel to the Seychelles

First photo: unsplash.com / @necone.

There are still places on the Earth map where you can quite feel like Robinson. Only not by the Robinson who built a house from palm leaves and ate pasture, but by New Robinson. People who bought tours to Seychelles, usually it is not a shipwreck wave that endures, but, on the contrary, a wave of success. New Robinsons, guests of the Seychelles-hotels, bring Fridays, as well as Mondays and Tuesdays with them, from expensive suburbs, and Moscow. Tours to the Seychelles provide a unique opportunity to fully experience the exclusivity and solitude. Holidays in Seychelles feel like you are on the very edge of the Earth, and the beach ends in eternity.

The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 islands... This, three tiny coral islands 500 kilometers from big island Mahé, Denis island, tiny, only 25 hectares, islet of Cousin, Aldabra island 1126 kilometers from Mahé, a private hotel-island Frigate. Each of the islands is completely unique. The most beautiful beach in the Indian Ocean, Anse Lazio, is located on Praslin. The island of La Digue is home to the world's largest turtles and coconut plantations. It was here that one of the "Emmanuelles" was filmed. Mahe is the largest and noisiest island in the archipelago. The center of life here is the capital of the country, the town of Victoria. A movie about Tarazan and Robinson Crusoe was filmed here. On the island-hotel Fregat, no more than 40 people can rest at the same time, because the size of the island is only 3 square kilometers. There are a total of 16 luxury villas on the island. All villas are built in Thai style, antique or handmade furniture, layouts and furnishings by renowned designers. Even on such a small island, if you wish, you can never run into neighbors. Each villa has its own Garden of Eden, its own deserted beach and a telescope to gaze at the stars. The main commandment here is not to violate privacy.

Seychelles Tours from Moscow can be purchased with a flight through Doha with Qatar Airwas or by Emirates with landing in. The cost of resting on the islands is quite high. Because you have to pay dearly for such a pleasure! However, last minute tours and Special offers from tour operators are found even in this unique direction.

A bit of history

The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean, four degrees south of the equator. Forty years ago, the fabulous Seychelles to the East of the African continent, not far from the islands and were still owned by the British colonialists. Then this reserve of primitive nature, inhabited by a few Creoles, was visited by only 800 tourists a year. A scattering of islands with a fertile climate, coral reefs, an abundance of rare birds, outlandish birds, Creole cuisine and miniature, cozy hotels - no higher coconut tree... In recent years, more than one hundred thousand people choose a vacation in the Seychelles every year. Now the islands are confidently vying for the title of the Garden of Eden with the neighboring

If there is heaven on earth, then it is the Seychelles. Seychelles has a completely unique nature, a the purest waters The Indian Ocean attracts tourists from all over the world. The islands offer a varied vacation: both amateurs soak up the rays of the warm sun, and extreme lovers, who do not think for a moment without movement, will be equally happy here. But where is the best place to relax in the Seychelles?

Beach vacation

Praslin Island is the best place for a beach holiday in Seychelles. The most popular beach is located on the northwestern edge of the island. The sand here is absolutely white, and the territory itself has a natural fence in the form of huge boulders.

Another equally beautiful place is the Beau Vallon beach, located on the island of Mahe. This place has an active nightlife. Beau Vallon is protected by reefs, so the waters of the Indian Ocean are always calm here.

It is impossible not to mention one more place - Anse Intendanse beach. It represents a half-kilometer sandy arc, bordered by tall palm trees. From here you can admire the breathtaking views of the mountain peaks covered with lush tropical greenery.

Diving

The most popular islands among those who like to dive into the underwater world are the islands of Mahe and Des Rochis. Due to the fact that there are no strong currents in the coastal waters, you can leisurely admire the bizarre coral gardens, where myriads of tropical fish are hiding. Here you can often see the larger inhabitants of the ocean - huge turtles, slowly swimming about their business, and white sharks.

Eco-friendly rest

The small island of Kuzin, located near the island of Praslin, is a real nature reserve, untouched by human hands. Guests are transported to this natural paradise by helicopter. Traditionally, every tourist visiting the island has to plant a tree.

Secluded relaxation

Where is the best place to relax in the Seychelles all alone? If you crave just such a secluded holiday, then you can settle in one of the small island hotels. You will have your own private beach and, of course, first-class service.

It is not at all necessary to stay in a certain place in the Seychelles. You can just travel between the islands. This can be done by flying local helicopters, schooners or ferries. Tourists travel around the islands on a completely unique type of transport: ox sleds with their own numbers. There is a car rental service, so you can drive around the island with a breeze. Still, the most popular form of transport is a bicycle.