This isolated island paradise offers fine beaches and warm weather. As a result of their extraordinary, isolated history, the Seychelles are also rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else on the planet. No less than 81 species are unique survivors from the luxuriant tropical forests that covered the islands until humanity's belated arrival two centuries ago. Outstanding amongst these is the sea coconut.
The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, consisting of more than 100 islands of which 83 are named and 46 are permanently uninhabited. Mahe is the principal island comprising of 142 sq km, with the islands of
Praslin,
La Digue and Silhouette being the next important. Situated about 1,600 km off the east coast of Africa, Mahe extends 27 km north to south and 11 km east to west and has a coastline of 127 km.
The Seychelles are also a major attraction for birdwatchers on the islands - among them that most beautiful of seabirds, the fairy tern.
Relax on Mahe’s numerous powdery white sandy beaches (there are almost 70 beaches on
Mahe Island alone) while enjoying its lush vegetation, rising through plantations of coconut palms and cinnamon to forested peaks that afford unparalleled views of neighboring islands.
You can go water skiing, wind surfing, sailing, fishing and scuba diving. The diving is particularly good: there are sea cliffs, tunnels and caves – and, of course, multitudes of fish of many different species. The clear water of the Seychelles makes conditions perfect for underwater photography.
Please note that beaches and parked cars are favorite targets for petty thieves.