Exploring The Seychelles
Time needed in this country: 5-7 nights
Seychelles had been my dream for nearly 25 years, and it’s unreal I was able to check that dream off my list. The waters are the clearest most blue-green I’ve ever seen and the jungle fauna are so beautiful. It truly is like no other place on earth and we hope that you get to experience it for yourself.
The below information is a complete guide of the best places to stay, the top rated places to dine and drink, and all there is to see and do. We’ve also included transportation tips, as well as a summary of the history of this dream-like country!
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Where to Stay
Where you stay (both the resort and the island) is really dependent on the kind of experience you are looking to have. For example, we chose STORY (on Mahé) due to its amenities, as well as the villas they had available. However, it took tons of research for us to figure this out, which is something we don’t want others to go through. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of places to consider.
Anse Louis
Anantara Maia
We looked into staying here as the ratings and reviews are phenomenal. However, it was too far from everything we wanted to explore our first time there - it requires either a hour-long ferry transfer or expensive helicopter ride to get there. But the upside, you have your own private villa with private infinity pool, access to a 24-hour butler, 5-star meals (included and for a fee, can be customized), full-size Hermés toiletries, and one of the world’s best spas.
Bird Island
Bird Island
A self-catering island about 65 miles from Mahé (a 30-minute helicopter ride), the property is only 250 acres large! It’s highly protected as it’s a nesting site for sea turtles and many different species of birds. Each villa offers a private kitchen/lounge (there is a food shop on the property) and they are completely off the grid!
Cerf Island
South Point Villas Cerf Island
There are only four villas to choose from that can accommodate up to six people. And, because of its remote location, transportation to and from Mahé is free (for arrivals and departures only). Note that these are self-catering villas. The team at South Point provides a “starter meal pack” upon entry and can assist with grocery shopping and cooking if needed.
Denis Private Island
Denis Private Island
It’s remote, private, and 100% off the grid. However, in the absence of technology, there are 375 acres of land to explore. There are a total of 23 cottages and villas, a spa, and a culinary experience (included).
Des Roches Islands
Four Seasons Resort
They are the only resort on this small island boasting all suites and villas. It’s also a fantastic place to feed and interact with the giant tortoises! They have three bars and three restaurants, as well as in-room dining. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world on one of the most remote islands in the Seychelles. To get there, you need to fly into Mahé, then board a smaller plan to Des Roches (a 35-minute flight).
La Digue
Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel
A generationally family-owned resort, Le Nautique is 1.5 miles away from Mahé by boat and 30-minutes from Praslin. They offer only rooms at the resort, as well as one restaurant and bar. While they have a great history, it will leave you needing to leave the island to experience a variety of cuisine and activities.
Mahé
Constance EphÉlia
It overlooks Port Launay and is a 40-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport/ 30-minute drive from Victoria. It has five restaurants and sits on 120 hectares of private land. It’s family-friendly.
Four Seasons Resort
Located on Petite Anse side of Baie Lazare, the Four Seasons is a 35-minute drive from the airport. It offers suites and villas only, has 4 restaurants and two bars, as well as a fantastic spa. It’s a great place to relax if you’re looking to go off the grid with your family.
Kempinski Seychelles Resort
Located in southern Mahé in Baie Lazare (it’s 30 minutes from the airport), it’s a more affordable option if you’re on a budget. There are three restaurants and a bar, as well as a small spa.
L'Escale Resort Marina & Spa
A five-star resort on the marina, it is the only resort that can accommodate 19 super yachts. They offer 25 different rooms, suites, and villas and if you’re in their penthouse or villa, you not only get a private butler, but a private chef as well.
Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Located in southern Mahé in Baie Lazare (it’s 30 minutes from the airport), it’s a younger, hipper resort that only offers 41 rooms, suites, and villas. You have access to five restaurants and a spa, as well as direct access to the Anse Aux Poules Bleues – the Aquarium of Wonders. Finally, a “fun fact” - it was the former family home of Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri.
STORY
We chose STORY for it’s reasonably-priced pool villas, access to the beach, and food options (see our video review below). We 100% recommend it but there are some things to think about when booking with them:
Check-in/check-out - They have a strict policy of check-in at 4pm and check out at 11am. Since flights tend to arrive and leave either early in the morning or late at night, it means you either wait for your room to be ready or you pay for an extra night. We got to STORY at 9:30am and weren’t allowed into our villa until 3:30pm. We did get full use of the facilities though.
Anytime dining (not so much) - There are no snacks… anywhere. Upon arrival, we had a plate of whole fruit in our room and a small mini bar with some nibbles but for one, we are both gluten-free, and two, it wouldn’t have been sufficient anyway. Make sure you travel with the snacks you’d like to have for your stay or walk down to the supermarket not too far away from the resort.
Cost - It is very expensive to dine there and with no options for snacks, you are forced to pay for over-priced meals. For example, dinner will commonly cost two people $157 per night (that is with a glass of wine and us sharing a salad and an entree). Unfortunately, this cost is due to the VAT at 15% and the service charge at 10%. My suggestion is to consider “full board” instead of the “half board” where only breakfast is included (which is what we did).
Villas de Jardin
Located on the hillsides of Port Glaud with only 7 villas, this is the smallest property of the bunch. Also, it’s more of a unique concept in that they are “self-catering” meaning there are no restaurants or bars to frequent. Instead, you must supply your own groceries and cook in your own kitchen.
Praslin
Constance Lemuria
A great resort for families, there are all sorts of activities for kids, as well as adults, to take advantage of (including the country’s only 18-hole golf course). It offers only suites and villas, 5 restaurants, and a spa.
Cote d'Or Footprints
Located on Cote d’Or Beach, they offer 12 luxury, beachfront, self-catering private chalets. Excursions include kayaking to St. Pierre Island (one of the most photographed islands in the world), interacting with giant tortoises, exploring their orchid garden, and a ton of water sports.
Hotel Raffles
15 minutes by plane or helicopter, Raffles offers legendary butler service in their private villas (which are the only accommodations at the resort). It has seven dining experiences and two bars. It’s one of the top-rated places by the more upscale guests that visit the Seychelles.
Round Island
JA Enchanted Island Resort
For a super-luxury experience, In the heart of Sainte Anne Marine National Park (15 minutes to Mahé by boat), this resort is the only resort on this super private island (fun fact: you can rent the whole island if you want). It boasts ten private pool villas, one hilltop villa and two hilltop lodge rooms. There are excursions, a spa, two restaurants, a bar, and in-room private dining.
Silhouette Island
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
They are the only resort on Silhouette Island (which is actually 93% National Park), offering only villas. Activities include hiking through a rainforest and snorkeling/diving at the Labriz Dive Center. Considering it’s remote, there are seven different dining concepts and a bar. We chose not to go with this one as the villas seemed only semi-private.
La Belle Tortue
While the Four Seasons is the only resort on the island, there are other kinds of accommodations, including La Belle Tortue. 45 minutes from Mahé (by boat), the lodge only accommodates 20 guests and offers a variety of rooms, suites, and villas to stay in. And while it may seem more “primitive” than a 5-star resort, it offers such an interesting culinary experience, catered to you.
Where to Dine & Drink
Much like the “where to stay” section, where you dine is going to be dependent on where you are staying and what you are in the mood to experience. Seychelles is largely creole, so a lot of seafood, but also a lot of chicken and veggies as well. Below are our recommendations, organized by islands that have public restaurants.
Eden Island
Marlin Bleu
Located at the Eden Bleu resort on Eden Island, they serve both breakfast and dinner, specializing in seafood for the latter. They are open from 5:30am - 10am for breakfast and 5pm - 10pm for dinner.
La Digue
Chez Jules
Located on Anse Banane, they serve authentic Creole cuisine. They are open from 9am - 8pm.
Mahé
5 Spices
Located in Petite Anse, they serve international fusion dishes, inspired by the Creole culture and abroad. They are only open from 6pm - 11pm. If you have Celiac, the menu notes that even if a dish is marked gluten-free, it doesn’t mean it isn’t. You need to let the server know.
Cafe 74
Located in Victoria, they serve mainly cafe food and beverages. They are open from 7:30am - 6pm.
Curry Nation
Located near the airport, they serve authentic Indian and Sri Lankan dishes. They are open from 11am - 10pm.
Del Place
Located in Port Glaud, they serve authentic creole cuisine. They are open for lunch from noon-4pm and again for dinner from 6pm-11pm.
Eden
Located in the STORY resort, they serve a variety of food including grilled meats and seafood. They are open for dinner from 7pm - 10pm.
L’Escale
Offers international cuisine for all meals.
La Gaulette
Located in Baie Lazare, they serve authentic creole cuisine. They are open from 11:30am - 9pm.
La Perle Noire
Located on Beau Vallon, they serves international, Italian, and Creole cuisine. They are open from 6:30pm - 11pm
Le Gotha
Located in Victoria, they serve international cuisine, focused on seafood, pizza, and other dishes. They are open from 8am - 10pm.
Mahek
Located in Beau Vallon, they serve upscale indian fare. They are open from noon - 10pm.
Maison Marengo
Located in Craft Village Au Cap, they specialize in seafood. They are open from 11:30am - 9pm.
Maria’s Rock Cafe
Located near Baie Lazare, they serve quick creole cuisine - not gluten-free friendly! They are open from noon - 9pm.
Perry’s Grillz
They serve vegetarian and seafood creole meals. They are open from 2pm - 9pm.
Planters Bar & Lounge
Located on Baie Lazare in the Kempinski Hotel, they serve a wide variety of mainly creole food, but some international food as well. They are open from 8am - 10:30pm.
Taste of Italy
Located in the heart of downtown, they serve an extensive list of Italian food. Note that Gluten-free diners should avoid this place. They are open from 7:15am - 5pm.
Trader Vic’s
Located in the STORY resort, Trader Vic’s is named after the man who invented the Mai Tai, Victor Jules Bergeron. They serve Hawaiian fare and are open 6pm - 11pm.
Vasco’s
Vasco’s is a buffet restaurant located in the STORY resort. As part of our half board, breakfast was included, though dinner was not. While the food is great, the prices are high at about $157 for two, for dinner, with no wine included.
ZEZ
Located at the Four Seasons resort in Petit Anse, they serve Asian fare for dinner and an international breakfast, too. They are open from 7:30am - 10:00am for breakfast, and 6pm - 10:30pm for dinner.
Praslin Dine
Constance Lemuria restaurants
DIVA and The Nest are the top two recommendations. When you click on the link, scroll down on the home page until you get to the “Gastronomy” section.
CURIEUSE
Nestled in the Raffles Hotel, this restaurant focuses on Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Les Lauriers
Serves a variety of cuisines from all over the world for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Things to See & Do
Aldabra Atoll
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is the world's largest raised coral atoll. The central lagoon fills and empties twice a day through four channels, revealing mushroom-shaped pinnacles known as champignons. Tiger sharks and manta rays often prowl the shallow waters, while the atoll is home to thousands of birds, including the white-throated rail (the only flightless bird in the Indian Ocean). Also on view are lesser and great frigate birds, red-footed boobies, dimorphic egrets (found only here and in Madagascar), the Aldabra sacred ibis, greater flamingos, and the Malagasy kestrel. It’s also the habitat of 200,000 giant tortoises–five times as many as the Galapagos.
Visiting this remote island is challenging–you can only access the atoll by chartering a private boat, and you need to contact Seychelles Islands Foundation first to obtain permission.
Aride Island
The northernmost of the Granitic Seychelles, Aride Island Nature Reserve is the breeding ground for 18 species of seabirds, including frigate birds, red-tailed tropicbirds, and the world's largest colonies of lesser noddy and roseate terns. You will also find the highest density of lizards anywhere on earth, as well as several endemic species of flowers - Wright's gardenia, or bois citron, is unique to this island. Most hotels on Praslin Island can organize day trips to Aride, but note that the island is often closed to visitors from May through September due to rough surf. Visits by helicopter can also be arranged.
Cachée Island
To the south of Cerf Island lies the tiny islet of Ile Cachée (Hidden Island in English). At low tide, it is even possible to walk to the island in just one minute along the sandbanks. The island also attracts treasure hunters, as it’s rumored French sailors, 200 years ago, hid the French fleet's treasure here.
Cousin Island (Day Trip)
One tiny bird is responsible for the preservation of Cousin Island - the rare Seychelles warbler. Established in 1968 to protect this rare species (as well as many other birds), it’s also the most important nesting site in the entire western Indian Ocean for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. The island lies about 1.25 miles from Praslin Island, and you can get there through local tour operators. Once you arrive on the island, one of the reserve's wardens will take you on an approximately 75-minute tour, sharing details about the island's unique ecology.
Curieuse Island
Isolated from the rest of the main islands, Curieuse Island is filled with sun-kissed beaches and rich nature, but what separates this island from the rest is its colony of adorable giant tortoises. These friendly, fascinating creatures are part of a breeding program at Curieuse Island, and lucky visitors can watch, interact, and witness how these wonderful animals are being conserved. It also used to be a leper colony of which some ruins from that time can be seen, along with the abandoned doctor’s building. Note that it’s a day trip from Praslin, which means it’s quite a trek from Mahé.
La Digue
Anse Coco Beach
This beach is one of the most secluded beaches in La Digue and is surrounded by abandoned buildings.
Anse Source D'Argent
The hallmark to Anse Source D’Argent’s fame lies in its one-of-a-kind display of impressive boulders that lie around the perimeter of the sandy bay. Note that it is devoid of any restaurants or other establishments when visiting. Nearby is the L'Union Estate, where your admission includes a tour through this old copra factory and vanilla plantation.
Mahé
TIP: To make the most out of this island, consider hiring a private tour guide!
Anse Intendance
Unanimously considered one of the Seychelles’ finest beaches, it boasts crystal clear cerulean water, grand granite rocks, dense greenery, and immaculately soft sand. The beach is home to the Banyan Tree Resort and therefore, is largely visited by guests from the hotel. Except for the resort, and a small beach bar, there are no other guesthouses or restaurants located nearby.
Baie Lazare
The village of Baie Lazare was named after 18th-century French explorer Lazare Picault who landed here when the French government sent him to explore the islands. One of the area's main tourist attractions is the neo-Gothic Baie Lazare Church, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, which provides a panoramic view of the area.
Bel Air Cemetery
Built near the end of the 18th century, as the French colonial period in the Seychelles' history drew to a close, it’s one of the oldest sites in the Seychelles. According to sites, some famous historical people are buried there.
Beau Vallon Beach
The most popular beach on Mahé with views of Silhouette Island - the first island discovered (by accident) in the 1600s. It’s a public beach, though accessible for STORY, Chateau Elysium, Coral Strand Hotel, and the Savoy. It’s a beautiful beach with soft white sand, some crabs, and a lot of bleached coral.
Copolia Trail
The Copolia Trail will take you through unique tropical flora and fauna, as you make your way to an unforgettable 360-degree view of Victoria, the nation’s capital. It’s a 2-mile, roundtrip hike.
Freedom Square
Perhaps one of the most historic places in the Seychelles, you can still see remnants of colonial times, of which the clock tower is the most famous. Erected in 1903, it was modeled on Little Ben, a small version of Big Ben in London.
Grand Anse
One of the most popularly photographed beaches in Mahé, it’s worth a trip there. However, they do advise you not to swim in the waters between April - October and the currents are particularly strong.
TIP: For a guided hike, click here.
Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
The Jardin de Roi continues the tradition of the historic spice garden that was located in Anse Royale until the 1700s, when it was destroyed by a fire. For those who love nature, this 25-hectare estate is well-worth a visit, and houses plants such as cinnammon, vanilla, cloves, and nutmeg. Mango and orange trees, as well as other endemic species, can be found here too, along with numerous giant tortoises. The garden's restaurant also serves up Creole dishes to enjoy, with many of the ingredients coming from the garden itself.
Kot Man-Ya Exotic Garden
In this exotic flower garden, you can experience another unique side of the Seychelles. The site was opened in 2008, and is now home to over 200 kinds of tropical plants and orchids, as well as a number of animal species, such as giant tortoises, sunbirds, and guinea pigs. Groups of visitors are advised to make a reservation in advance.
Morne Blanc Trail
A little more difficult than your average trail in the Seychelles, this trail is an uninterrupted uphill climb along Morne Blanc mountain that spans a grueling 2 miles (one way). You climb through lush forests, a tea plantation, moss-covered rocks and jackfruit trees, Morne Blanc should only be attempted by the moderately fit. Once hikers reach the pinnacle of the mountain, they will be rewarded with exquisite wide-ranging views of the Indian Ocean and the Seychelles’ many islands and atolls.
TIP: For a guided hike, click here.
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Established almost a century ago, the gardens encompass 15 acres of native and exotic plants as well as flying foxes, giant tortoises, and an orchid garden.
SeyTe Factory
Unbelievably, tea was only introduced to the Seychelles in the 1960s and it’s now the most popular drink after water. In the hills of Morne Blanc, in the district of Port Glaud on Mahé, it offers visitors 20-minute tours to see how traditional methods of withering, rolling, fermentation, firing, sifting and grading are used. Samples can be sipped and purchased afterwards in the Tea Tavern — the vanilla is an island favorite. It’s only open on select days, so best to book a tour with a local operator.
Takamaka Rum Distillery
The d’Offay brothers (Richard and Bernard) founded Takamaka 20 years ago and it has since become part of the archipelago’s identity. The distillery on the 18th-century La Plaine St Andre estate produces a handful of tipples blended with local spices and fruit extracts, but by far the best are the easy-drinking coconut rum and amber-hued eight-year-old St André, aged in American oak barrels. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the distillery and gardens with a tasting on weekdays.
Tempio Hindu
This famous temple has stood over Victoria for 250 years! It was built when the first Indians made their way across the archipelago and has been impressing visitors ever since.
Victoria Market
Built in 1840 and later renovated in 1999, Victoria Market is a great example of blending the old and new Seychellois way of life. It’s always been great place to buy local fruit, vegetables, spices and fish. The market is open between 4am-5pm, Monday to Saturday. Stocks of fish, fruit and vegetables obviously dwindle throughout the day so it’s better to visit earlier if you’re visiting to shop for food. Of course, the earlier the better for the freshness of the fish too. It’s busiest on a Saturday so keep this in mind if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Expect to spend between 20 minutes to an hour and a half here; partly depending on how long you can stomach the smell of fish and how much you stop, talk and learn from the locals.
Moyenne Island
With an area of only 0.6 miles, visitors to this dot-sized flora and fauna sanctuary will get to witness animals and plants only found in the Seychelles. Moyenne Island is a popular day trip from Mahé, not only for its unique collection of greenery, but also for its renowned underwater life – which includes colorful fish, distinctive corals, and rays. In addition, the hiking trail leads past old sailor graves, a small church, old ruins left by the island's first settlers, and two beautiful beaches - Coral Cove and Pirate's Cove. There are also around 100 giant tortoises living on the island, and, until 2012, world-famous hermit Brendon Grimshaw also lived there.
We booked our day excursion to both Moyenne and Cerf Islands through Ocean Blue Travel (see the video above for our experience). They provide you transfers to/from the excursion place, the all-day boat charter to travel out to the islands (it’s a glass bottom boat), a chance to snorkel around some of the reefs, explore Moyenne Island (including feeding the giant tortoises), and a Creole BBQ at Cerf Island (video review below). We highly recommend this tour!
Praslin
Anse Georgette
Located near the L’Emuria resort, this beach looks virtually untouched by humans and is a great way to relax in peace.
Anse Lazio
One of the most photographed beaches in the world can be a challenge to get to! Those staying on the island tend to take a bus that drops them off at the bottom of a large hill, of which they have to walk up and over to get to. If you hire a driver for the day, you’ll get direct access to the beach mere feet from it. The beach is a stunning combination of soft white sand, glistening azure waters, and picturesque red boulders. But, it does get busy! Visitors looking to sunbathe in relative peace should head down to Anse Lazio early in the morning.
Anse Volbert
The most popular beach on Praslin, though quiet and relaxing with shops and restaurants right along the outskirts/fringe.
We made about a 30 minute stop there to check out the shops and grab some snacks from across the road. There are a lot of boat and scuba diving rental kiosks there and it felt a little too public (not relaxing) as some of the other beaches we saw on Praslin. According to our tour guide, this was the more popular side of the island to stay on.
Black Pearl Farm
In what is the Indian Ocean's only pearl farm, visitors can see rows of clams which produce the beautiful pearls themselves, observe how the pearls are then processed, and finally buy the finished product in the accompanying shop.
Vallée De Mai
Known as the “Garden of Eden”, the Vallée De Mai is the best place for visitors to get lost in the Seychelles’ enchanting flora and fauna. Serving as an intriguing nature reserve with an array of unique fruits, flowers, and birds, the Vallée De Mai is also home to more than 4,000 original species of palm trees, preserved in a way that almost retains its original state. Also, it’s a great place to learn about coco de mar, a palm tree that, according to locals, found its origins under the sea.
Since we had booked a Praslin private tour (through Ocean Blue Travel ), we only had an hour there, which unless you’re up for learning about every tree and bird, and are more or less there to hike, then that’s perfect. We did the central trail, to south trail, to central and got back in less than an hour. It’s a fantastic workout with some really beautiful jungle scenery. The size of the Coco Mer is unreal!
Sainte Anne Marine Island
Departing from Victoria, just 3 miles off the coast of Mahé is the Ste. Anne Marine Island - the oldest marine reserve in the Seychelles, named for its largest island, Sainte Anne. Besides this island and the surrounding lagoon, the park is home to Moyenne Island, Round Island, Long Island, Cerf Island, Ile Cachée, and shallow ocean waters. In total, the park covers 5.6 sq. miles, and consists mostly of coral reef.
Silhouette Island
In a marine park almost 19 miles off Mahé's west coast, Silhouette Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It's the only other island in the Seychelles, besides Mahé, with a mist forest, which cloaks the 731-meter peak of Mont Dauban. And, while there, don’t forget to visit the Dauban family mausoleum who owned the island until the 1860s.
How to Get Around
The best guide to understand transportation in, between, and around the islands can be found here.
Flying into seychelles - don’t forget your visa!
It was a huge surprise for us to learn that we needed a visa to get into Seychelles, when just weeks before, it wasn’t necessary. We learned this surprise while at the airport in Amsterdam. What once required a small form when you arrived there is now a much longer electronic form that requires quite a bit of information, as well as paying a fee - some of the highest we’ve seen. We recommend obtaining your visa at least a week ahead, because ours cost €160 to expedite it within an hour.
In-island travel
Mahe - From what we’ve seen, driving a car in Mahe is a huge challenge, given they drive on the left side of the road with a lot of roundabouts and a lot of crazy traffic. Taxis are very expensive and while the bus system works well (from what we have heard), they aren’t air-conditioned. Putting it simply, if you’re new to getting around, hire tour guides for the day to see what you want to see but otherwise, walk where you can and enjoy your resort.
Praslin - It’s much easier to rent a car on this island. Taking the bus can be useful, but they do not stop right at most places you’d want to see and there are very long wait times as well. If you have the means, hire a driver for the day.
All other islands - It is recommended to rent a bike.
Inter-island travel
Cat Coco Ferry is the only inter-island ferry that takes you from Mahe, to Praslin, to La Digue and back. Some things to note before booking:
You are on open ocean for at least an hour. If you’re prone to motion sickness, either take medication before you go or just don’t go. There were a few sick passengers
We were economy, upper deck and there is a nice breeze from there, but it does get hot! Whatever side you see shade on, take that side, whether coming or going, it doesn’t matter. We hear business class is air conditioned.
Some people have complained about boarding being like a cattle call - it’s a ferry and they transfer a lot of people!
Bring snacks and drinks - there are no options on the ferry.
If you are looking to travel to any other island for day exploring, contact a tour company, such as Ocean Blue Travel, to do so. If you’re looking to get transport to your hotel on any other island, check with the hotel for options.
Taxis
If you’re staying on Mahe, we highly recommend Henderson Taxi. Kenneth, owner of Henderson Taxi, is one of the nicest people we’ve met on Mahe! Email him ahead of time to book your ride to/from the airport or for taking a tour of Mahe. It’s €55 from the airport to Beau Vallon.
Currency
ATMs - The main bank is Barclays, and while ATMs are plentiful, many bank cards from other countries will not work on the islands. You will get only Seychelles rupees if you withdraw cash from such machines. Also, you might get hit with serious bank fees. Oddly enough, the rupees you will get from ATMs are somewhat useless. You can use them in certain shops and restaurants or for transport by bus or taxi, but not for much else.
Currency Exchange - If exchanging currencies, do it at a bank, authorised money dealers, or with your hotel cashier. It is a criminal offence to change money with any person or business other than those authorised to do so and who are mentioned above.
Euro vs. USD - The Euro is the most widely-accepted foreign currency, and you will see prices listed in both Euros and US dollars. Also, you can bargain down prices if you use euros in certain places, like small hotels. The United States Dollar is also acceptable, but not as favoured as the Euro.
Safety
There has always been a lot of concern about safety in African countries. Our taxi driver said that crime is very low on the islands, though there are some drugs and the only thing you need to worry about is leaving your things while taking a dip at a public beach. We’ve seen a couple of local children stay firmly on the beach while trying to sell their wares but even so, they aren’t pushy and won’t come up to you unless prompted.
A History Summary
The pre-colonization period of civilization is unknown.
March 15, 1503 - Vasco da Gama was crossing from India to East Africa, and sighted what was Silhouette Island and the next day, Desroches Island. The granitic islands began to appear on Portuguese charts as the “Seven Sisters”.
1608 - 1609 - A trading fleet of the English East India Company set sail for India. Lost in a storm, the Ascension's crew saw "high land" on January 19, 1609 and headed for it. When they anchored, they found an uninhabited island with enough sustenance resources to replenish their stores. They tried to tell the British of the islands, but no one really listened.
November 21, 1742 - The Elisabeth and the Charles anchored off Mahé at Anse Boileau. There, they found a land of plenty. In fact, Picault named the island “Ile d'Abondance” (Island of Abundance). He mapped it out, went back to France, and they sent him back to do it again (poor effort the first time around). In the process of doing so, he renamed the main island “Mahé” (in honor of his patron Mahé de La Bourdonnais).
1754 - The Seven Years' War between England and France began, reminding the authorities on Mauritius about the islands. Two ships were sent to claim them, commanded by Corneille Nicholas Morphey. He renamed the largest island “Isle de Séchelles” in honour of Viscount Jean Moreau de Séchelles, Minister of Finance during the reign of Louis XV (later Anglicised as Seychelles). This name was later used for the island group, while “Mahé” was again used for the largest granitic island.
1763 - France lost control of both Mauritius and the Seychelles to the royal authorities. The new intendant of Mauritius, Pierre Poivre, was determined to break the Dutch monopoly of the lucrative spice trade and thought Mahé would be the perfect place for cultivation of them.
1768 - Nicolas Dufresne arranged a commercial venture, sending ships to collect timber and tortoises from the Seychelles. The following year, the navigators Rochon and Grenier proved that a faster route to India could safely be taken, via the Seychelles, and thus the importance of the islands' strategic position was realized.
1770 - 15 white colonists, seven slaves, five Indians and one black woman settled on St. Anne in the hopes of being able to establish a colony. When they realized there was no fresh produce available to sustain themselves, they requested aid and it fell on deaf ears so they left.
1771 - Poivre sent Antoine Gillot to Seychelles to establish a spice garden of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and pepper plants.
1788 - Mauritius sent a settlement commander, Jean Baptiste Philogene de Malavois, to ensure no Brits could colonize the islands (they were hovering around them in their ships). It’s then that he drew up 30 decrees to protect the timber and tortoises, and in future, only sound farming techniques and careful husbanding of resources would be tolerated.
1790 - As a result of the French Revolution, the settlers formed a Colonial Assembly and decided they would run the colony themselves. Their constitution state that the land in Seychelles should only go to the children of existing colonists, who should disperse the colony's produce as they choose, not as Mauritius dictated. They also deemed the abolition of slavery impossible because they believed that without free labor, the colony could not survive.
1794 - Seychelles was surrendered to Britain as French pirates were in abundance and Britain felt there was no way for the inhabitants of the islands to defend themselves, if needed. Though, they did not take over the island, merely offered support in order to keep the trade route free and clear. Thus, the colonists were able to live as they wanted to.
1835 - Slavery was completely abolished as the plantations were already in decline, their soils exhausted by years of cultivation without investment in renewing fertility. Some planters took their slaves and left while the liberated slaves were left with no land, oftentimes squatting on the estates they had tended in bondage. Since there were no exports and no money to pay for new infrastructure, the colony entered a period of stagnation.
1861 - 1874 - Planters realized they could grow coconuts with less labor and more profit than the traditional crops of cotton, sugar, rice, and maize. Soon, they also had a source of virtually free labor once again. The British took their anti-slavery stance seriously, and operated patrols along the East African coast, raiding Arab dhows transporting slaves to the Middle East. Slaves liberated south of the Equator were brought to Seychelles and apprenticed to plantation owners. They worked the land in return for rations and wages
1879 - Business licenses were granted to a pharmacist, two auctioneers, five retailers, four liquor stores, a notary, an attorney, a jeweler, and a watchmaker.
1903 - Seychelles became a Crown Colony when Governor, Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott, took office. It was then the colony acquired a botanical garden and a clock tower in the heart of Victoria. The French language and culture remained dominant, however. But, just as with many British colonies (such as Australia), Seychelles became home to many exiled political prisoners.
WWI - Seychelles began to suffer. Ships could not bring in essential goods, nor take away exports. Wages fell and prices soared by 150 percent. Many turned to crime and the prisons were beyond full. They felt neglected by Britain and demanded more accurate representation. In addition, the Governor drafted many reforms to help the lower classes be able to afford to live, but many of them weren’t enacted until WWII.
1964 - The Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP) was formed for the purpose of shifting to independence from Britain. In contrast, the Seychelles Democratic Party (SDP) fought against this, citing that a closer integration with Britain would mean better quality of life for all inhabitants.
1976 - The Commonwealth freed the country from their control.
1981 - Things took a “slight” turn when the country experienced a failed coup, which was said to be over a pro-American leader wanting to grant the US access to their base. Four years later, the SPUP instituted a number of reforms, including universal access to education and healthcare, as well as environmental reforms, which caused the Seychelles to develop rapidly, to the point that it became the most developed country in Africa on the Human Development Index.
1990s - Today - The Seychelles government is still maturing and evolving.
