Seychelles Tourism Board
Seychelles
Why Visit the Seychelles Islands?
Quite simply, because Seychelles stands head and shoulders above many other island holiday destinations in terms of the sheer diversity our islands offer.
Our near-perfect climate and almost twelve hours of sunlight per day, (plus some of the most dazzling and famous beaches on the planet that regularly make it onto the international ‘best beaches hit-list’), conspires with the warmth of the Seychellois people and their welcoming island-style society where harmony is simply a way of life to make you feel instantly at home.
As you tune into the authentic island vibe and your spirit recalibrates with the rhythms of Nature, you will discover a diverse mix of islands spread before you like a banquet: tall, majestic granite islands slumbering, in some cases untouched, since the dawn of time and, also, remoter necklaces of low-lying coral islands, sand cays and atolls strung upon lines of ivory surf like priceless pearls.
Beyond the fascinating history that each island guards, many are home to some of the rarest species of flora & fauna on the planet – modern-day Noah’s Arks harbouring the treasures of Nature from a bygone time for the modern traveller to enjoy.
Seychelles’ grand diversity extends to its people who hail from the four corners of the world: European explorers; African slaves; British and French colonialists; Indian and Chinese traders; adventurers, pirates and seekers of fortune – each weaving the threads of their own distinct culture into the shining tapestry that is now the Seychelles nation.
The results of this magnificent fusion of people has produced a multi-faceted culture that includes wonderful examples of vernacular architecture; a mouth-watering cuisine that blends culinary traditions of both east and west; a vibrant arts scene that includes astonishing, island-inspired works of art; tantalising, hip-swaying dances; haunting poetry and prose and many other gems besides.
And, finally, something that cannot be replicated anywhere else: that unique feeling of having been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate intimately in a way of life like no other on earth.
The Seychelles Islands…another world.
A Banquet of Islands
The Seychelles Archipelago is a shimmering necklace of islands dotted between 4 and 10 degrees below the equator, lost since time immemorial in the immense azure of the Indian Ocean. No two islands of Seychelles are the same; each has its own distinct character and charms.
The Seychelles Islands are divided between a cluster of granite islands and their satellites which, together, form the main, Inner Island group representing the epicentre of Seychelles’ tourism industry.
Further afield, in an arc of remoter island groups that spreads south-west in the direction of the east coast of Africa, lie the surreally beautiful coral isles, sand cays and atolls of the five Outer Island groups – your destination for a vacation that is off-the-beaten-path, spectacularly beautiful and brim-full of once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Discover the islands here.
Journey into the Past Few Hundred Years of Seychelles’ History
Seychelles emerged as a relatively youthful nation, with its roots tracing back to 1770 when the islands were initially settled by the French. A small group comprising whites, Indians, and Africans established the first settlement. The islands remained under French control until Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Over time, Seychelles, with a modest start, grew to a population of 3,500 before being ceded to Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris.
Throughout this historical phase, Seychelles experienced the enlightened governance of figures like Pierre Poivre, the astute leadership of Governor Queau de Quinssy, and the profound impacts of the French Revolution.
Under British rule, Seychelles’ population reached approximately 7,000 by 1825, witnessing the establishment of significant estates producing coconut, food crops, cotton, and sugar cane. This era also marked the designation of Victoria as the capital, the exile of various colourful individuals from the Empire, the aftermath of the infamous Avalanche of 1862, and the economic challenges following the abolition of slavery.
Seychelles attained independence from Britain in 1976, transitioning into a republic within the Commonwealth. After a period of single-party rule led by Mr. France Albert René, a shift to a multiparty system was declared on December 4, 1991. The year 1993 witnessed the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections under a new constitution, resulting in President René’s victory. Subsequently, President René secured triumph in the 1998 and 2003 elections before passing the presidency to James Alix Michel in June 2004 and then to Danny Rollen Faure in 2016.
In a historic move, the Seychellois people elected a new political party, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa, with President Wavel Ramkalawan assuming office on October 25th, 2020, marking the first change in leadership since Independence.
Learn about historical sites & heritage locations here.
Flora & Fauna
The Seychelles Islands are shards cast into the ocean from the spectacular break-up of the ancient, super-continent of Pangea that eventually came to rest where we find them today – sanctuaries for super-rare species of flora & fauna many of which are found nowhere else on earth.
Settled since a mere 250 years and with today’s tiny population of barely 100,000 people, Seychelles’ magnificent islands are only now awakening from their slumber of ages as one of the finest examples of a natural Noah’s Ark, and one of the great biodiversity hotspots of our planet.
Visionary conservation laws in place since decades have ensured that over half of Seychelles’ landmass of only 450 km² has been set aside as nature reserves and marine parks while our wide network of walks & trails will allow hikers of all ages a fascinating window onto not only the surreal beauty of the archipelago, but also its fragile and mesmerising ecosystems.
The grand diversity of the Seychelles Islands includes no less than two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the fabulous Vallée de Mai, home to the equally enigmatic Coco-de-Mer that takes the precise form of the female pelvis and also Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.
The islands’ treasure trove of natural wonders includes a spectacular assortment of endemic and indigenous species. Here alone on earth will you find the Jellyfish Tree, the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, the world’s smallest frog, heaviest land tortoise, the Indian Ocean’s only flightless bird as well as some of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the world boasting 13 species and 17 subspecies that occur here and only here. Other native reptiles include the freshwater terrapin, Seychelles tiger chameleon and several species of skink and gecko. The fruit bat and sheath-tailed bat are the only mammals native to Seychelles while fascinating insects include the endemic grasshopper, five types of endemic stick insect and the tenebrionid beetle only found on Frégate Island.
Beneath the waves, it is much the same story where the exciting contrasts between the granite and coral reefs with their dizzying displays of reef fish, turtle, ray, shark and pelagics beckon to novice and experienced divers alike in places where as many as 800 different species have been spotted on just one dive!
Be sure to tick off sightings of these fascinating and rare flora & fauna during your stay;
Bare-legged Scops Owl, once thought to have become extinct.
Seychelles Blue Pigeon
Seychelles Bulbul
Carnivorous Pitcher plant
Coco-de-mer
Jellyfish tree
Tiny Seychelles Tree Frog
A Blueprint for Sustainable Living
Seychelles is a shining example of sustainable living and eco-conscious tourism.
Today, Seychelles’ ecological integrity remains intact thanks to its geographical position and isolation, providing the visitor with unique natural experiences of raw nature while each individual island harbours its own unique eco-treasure, awaiting discovery.
Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other conservation bodies are very active throughout Seychelles’ conservation sectors, working hard to integrate sustainability practices in order to safeguard the rich biodiversity and culture of the islands in a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, academia and NGOs.
Seychelles is not just a dream destination for travellers seeking sun, sand, and sea. It’s also a beacon of hope for the sustainable tourism movement. At the forefront of this movement is Sustainable Seychelles, a pioneering initiative founded under the Tourism Department of Seychelles. This program is not only changing the way tourists experience this breathtaking archipelago but also leading the charge in conserving its natural wonders for generations to come.
A day in Seychelles can be both enchanting and sustainable. By choosing eco-conscious accommodations, participating in responsible activities, supporting local communities, and respecting the natural environment, you can help preserve the unparalleled beauty of this island nation for generations to come. So, when you plan your trip to Seychelles, remember that embracing sustainability is not just an option but an essential part of the Seychelles experience.
A Model for Religious Harmony
One relationship that the Seychelles community definitely draws strength from is the one with God. There is nothing more changeable in the world than religious differences and with that said in Seychelles alone, religion is a culture in itself and a very harmonious one at that given the numerous diversly imported dominations of worship saturated in one place. It is not unusual to observe joint religious public walks where Seychellois will unquestionably wear their traditional Sunday best to mass and other district festivities to socialise.
For the world’s smallest capital, Victoria, Mahe of Seychelles, is where you will find a Roman Catholic and Anglican cathedral, a Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a mosque, a Hindu Temple and halls of worship for several other denominations. All religions live in harmony, and it is common to witness traditional public walks jointly organised by several religions.
Seychelles’ Unique Wonders
The Seychelles Islands are unique time capsules, and many have come from far to escape to what is memorably known as another world!
Like all the many wonders of the world, Seychelles is no exception and has its own! There are countless unique wonders in Seychelles. The ones listed here are a selected few of the most unique to guide you in narrowing down your search. On top of any list of natural wonders of the Seychelles you will find.
Learn more here.
Powdery White Sands & Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
Every beach is pristine and abundant with sunshine, but no beach is the same! Seychelles’ beaches rank among the world’s top strands with some of the most popular found along main hotel concentrations – the majority of which are villa-style with wooden pathways connecting to the beach.
Each island boasts its unspoiled beaches, providing the perfect backdrop for peaceful picnics, sunbathing and sunset strolls. Whether you choose a long-stretched beach lined with wild coconut trees, a half-moon beach with smooth boulders, or a picturesque lagoon, Seychelles offers coastal wonders to satisfy every beach lover’s preference.
As a beach lover, you can explore hidden nooks along the coastline, and depending on the island, some beaches may require a short hike for access.
Explore Seychelles’ beaches from island to island here.
Viva la Kreol!
The term « Creole » encompasses various meanings, including a person of mixed European and black descent, a language formed from the contact of two languages, and a descriptor for the culture of Creole countries.
Distinguishing between Creole and Pidgin, Creoles are native languages that evolved from Pidgins, which are makeshift languages arising from the necessity of communication between speakers of different languages. Seychelles is one of many Creole-speaking countries, including Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, and others.
The Creole language in Seychelles, known as ‘Kreol Seselwa,’ originated as a French-based Creole but has evolved with influences from other languages. Despite being officially recognized in 1891 and introduced into schools in 1982, there was a lingering stigma regarding its perceived inferiority. The Creole Institute and Seychelles, however, have taken steps to value and protect the language, including the compilation of a new Creole dictionary.
Seychelles proudly promotes its Creole language and culture through initiatives like the Creole Festival and the Creole Institute. Islanders are enthusiastic about sharing their culture, and foreigners often pick up basic Seychellois Creole phrases easily, thanks to the phonetic writing of the words. Visitors are encouraged to learn essential phrases for a more immersive experience in Seychelles.
Find out more about Seychelles’ mother tongue here!
Kreole Rendez Vous Seychelles
The expectations of today’s tourists have evolved, with a preference for immersive and experiential holidays over traditional beach vacations. In response, Seychelles Tourism introduced the Kreol Rendezvous program in mid-2023, transitioning it into a prominent brand offering diverse cultural experiences.
The initiative includes activities like farm visits, artists’ workshops, and cooking lessons to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Seychellois culture. Inspired by the ‘Experience Seychelles’ campaign, ‘Kreol Rendezvous’ has gained recognition from the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization, attracting interest from visitors seeking elevated island experiences.
The Tourism Minister emphasizes the program’s strategic value in promoting sustainable tourism and aims to enhance tourism offerings, visitor satisfaction, and overall tourism earnings. The collaborative effort involves various departments, and despite limited resources, widespread collaboration with districts and inhabitants is crucial for running activities and positioning Seychelles as a unique destination eager to share its culture.
Explore Seychelles’ culture here.
A Nation’s Gastronomy Is Its Most Influential Ambassador
Seychelles’ Creole cuisine, shaped by a diverse history of French, Indian, Chinese, and African influences, reflects a unique blend of flavours and techniques. Originally settled in the mid-1700s, the Seychellois adapted to their island surroundings by creatively using fruits as vegetables. Over the years, a culinary melting pot has given rise to a grand symphony of tastes and textures, showcased in a tantalizing array of salads, main courses, and desserts.
The backdrop of Seychelles’ natural beauty enhances the dining experience, elevating it beyond typical « foodie » expectations. Culinary gems can be found not only in top international hotels but also in smaller Seychellois establishments, offering a diverse range of international cuisines. Beachside restaurants provide a unique, feet-in-the-sand experience, aligning visitors with the island lifestyle.
Seychelles takes pride in its culinary heritage, featuring local delicacies like boudin, BBQ’d fish, cassava chips, and desserts such as almond nougats. Night bazaars and hidden spots offer opportunities to explore these flavours, and local fermented brews add to the cultural experience. The richness of Seychelles’ Creole cuisine, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a compelling destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Serandipians Partners
- Six Senses Zil Pasyon
- North Island
- Raffles Seychelles
- Alphonse Island
- Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
