Seychelles - A vacation in the tropical heaven

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. However, here you will find two of the most extraordinary beaches of the Seychelles.

Anse Lazio overlooking Chevalier Bay on Praslin Island checks every box. Transparent waters lap an idyllic shoreline strewn with boulders. It is one of the most photogenic locations anywhere. Another jaw-dropper sits on Seychelles’ fourth-largest island, La Digue. Anse Source d’Argent Beach is a thin strip of blond sand backed by thick groves of palm trees. Granite boulders just into the sea, providing shade for marine life and thrilling snorkeling.

Island hopping is one of the most rewarding activities in Seychelles. Each inhabited island offers unique experiences. Fast ferries and private hire yachts connect the islands. Ferries are convenient, although a private catamaran is a luxurious way to explore the sublime surroundings. They each offer a different perspective on island life. Rainforests, mountains, bird colonies and plantations cater to diverse interests.

For example, a boat trip to Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands to see giant tortoises is a magical day trip from Praslin Island and the best way to meet Seychelles’ most famous residents.

Travellers who pack their hiking boots can head to Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers a vast swathe of Mahé. Hiking trails ascend the mountainous range, affording unrivalled panoramas and the chance to see tea plantations around the village of Danzil. Keep your eyes peeled for rare carnivorous Pitcher Plants.

There is no shortage of magnificent nature reserves and beautiful beaches. The UNESCO World Heritage Vallée de Mai National Park on Praslin is ideal for trekking. While birdwatchers will appreciate the birdlife on the scenic Silhouette Island, which can be reached by ferry.

The tiny capital city, Victoria, showcases colonial-era architecture. It is a charming town with colourful houses and markets that provide a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Seychelles. There is also a charming botanical garden and a small yet absorbing natural history museum.

Scuba-diving and snorkeling opportunities abound. Whether you are interested in exploring the colourful coral reefs or encountering exotic marine life, the Seychelles is a great destination for diving and snorkeling. The most abundant marine life is found around the six islands of the St Anne National Marine Park. The nation's first national park is home to the island's best-preserved coral reefs and is just 20 minutes by boat from Victoria. Despite thousands of different species of fish, you can also see turtles, dolphins and a variety of coral.

If you want to visit Aldabra Atoll, the largest raised coral atoll in the Indian Ocean and home of the Aldabra tortoise, a private cruise is essential. The remote outer island is home to over 200,000 tortoises: remarkable considering their numbers once dwindled to 15,000. The island is the place to see tiger sharks and manta rays, but options are limited, so book a cruise before traveling to Seychelles.

Sitting just below the equator in the southern hemisphere, Seychelles enjoys a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Peak season is May to November, during the Seychelles winter. However, most visitors prefer the months April, May, October and November. During this period, the climate is pleasant and relatively dry, and there are fewer tourists competing for the sunbeds. Local thermometers barely shift from winter to summer. Annual average temperatures are about 27°C (81°F), with temperatures changing just two or three degrees in either direction.

While peak season is perfectly timed for vacations from the northern hemisphere, winter escapees must contend with significant rainfall from October to April. The wettest month is January, with an average monthly precipitation of 379 mm (14.9 in.) Rainfall is heaviest on mountainous islands, like Mahé. Unsurprisingly, humidity is high, especially during the summer. And while the main islands are rarely affected, cyclone season arrives every December to March. The combination of monsoon rains, hotter days and heightened humidity makes the Seychelles summer marginally less appealing for visitors. Yet December and January still draw significant tourist numbers as people flee gloomy northern winters.

Swimming in glassy waters lapping idyllic beaches is the main attraction. Access to the waters can be affected by high and low tides and the seasons. In fact, several tiny islands become mere specks of sand during high tide. Some are predicted to be permanently submerged by rising sea levels. However, the rolling tides have less impact on the inhabited islands, and waters are always accessible from popular beaches. Use a reliable guide for current information.

Seychelles is so remote that few visitors plan to spend less than a week on the islands. With many smaller islands and nature reserves to explore, a two-week vacation will immerse you in island life while affording time to relax on beaches and discover the flourishing wildlife reserves.