Aldabra Atoll
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is the world's largest atoll, composed of 13 islands with two distinct terraces at 4m/13ft and 8m/26ft above sea level. The central lagoon fills and empties twice a day through four channels, revealing mushroom shaped pinnacles known as champignons. The clear water is sometimes home to tiger sharks and manta rays.
Anse Lazio
Seychelles goes to Anse Lazio. Situated on the north west corner of Praslin in Bay Chevalier, it is a perfect crescent of soft, fine grained sand. The beach is relatively deep, from the fringe of Takamaka trees and palms to the waves of the warm Indian Ocean. To the right of the beach you'll see the craggy deserted Pointe Chevalier. Bounded on the other side by the curve of the island, you feel secluded. This is why year after year Anse Lazio is voted "the best beach in the world" by numerous travel publications and newspapers.
Victoria
Victoria (sometimes called Port Victoria) is the capital city of the Republic of Seychelles and is situated on the north-eastern side of Mahé island, which the main island of the archipelago. Attractions in the city include a clocktower modelled on that of Little Ben in London, England, the Courthouse, the Victoria Botanical Gardens, the Victoria National Museum of History, the Victoria Natural History Museum and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market.
La Digue
La Digue is the island where tourism meets the traditional way of life. The fourth largest island of the Seychelles group, La Digue is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands with palm fringed beaches, towering granite boulders and turquoise waters. Most of the tourist accommodation is situated on this island and you are only a short sail away from the larger island of Praslin.
Vallee de Mai
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley contains a prehistoric forest that contains 4,000 examples of the giant coco de mer fruit palm (unique to Seychelles), vanilla orchids, palmiste, latanier, splayed traveller's palm and Chinese fans. The trees form an overhead canopy, and large prehistoric boulders are strewn over the forest floor.
Transport
On the main islands of Mahé and Praslin getting around by bus is easy with designated bus stops on all routes. On Mahé the central bus depot is in Victoria and services the various districts between 0530hrs and 2200hrs, although services on most routes are less frequent after 1830hrs. Consult a detailed bus schedule, which can be obtained from the bus depot, for exact departure and arrival times.
Time Zone
Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of GMT, 3 hours ahead of British summer time and 2 hours ahead of European summer time.
Population
Today, the 81,000 strong Seychellois population continues to reflect its multi ethnic roots. Traditionally, the islands have attracted a broad diversity of peoples from the four corners of the earth that has included freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians.
Currency and credit cards
ATM facilities exist at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and at the airport on Mahé and Praslin. These machines provide cash in local currency; Seychelles Rupees (SCR). MasterCard / Access and Visa cards are widely accepted while Diners Club and American Express cards are honoured to a somewhat lesser extent.
Dress Code
Light clothing suitable for Seychelles' warm tropical climate is recommended and visitors should prepare themselves for the relatively hot, humid atmosphere. Also, for plenty of sun.
Safety and Security
Seychelles enjoys a low level of crime. Nevertheless, it is still advisable to take some routine precautions to ensure your personal safety and that of your possessions. Walking alone on isolated beaches, swimming alone or leaving yachts unlocked at their moorings is not advisable.