Renowned for dazzling white-sand beaches, dramatic glacis rock formations, warm crystal clear waters and lush tropical vegetation, the Seychelles remains a magical honeymoon destination for newlyweds.
Official name Republic of the Seychelles
Location Indian Ocean about 1600km east of Kenya and north-east of the island of Madagascar.
Area 455 sq km
Population 82,000
Capital city Victoria (population 71,500)
Government Republic since 1976; gained independence from the UK in 1975
Language Creole, English and French.
Useful phrases Try these Creole phrases: Bonzour – ‘hello’; Orecwar – ‘goodbye’; koman sava – ‘How are you?’; Mon byen mersi – ‘I'm fine thanks’; Mersi –‘thanks’; Silvouple – ‘please’; wi – ‘yes’; Non – ‘no’.
Climate The Seychelles experiences a hot tropical climate year-round, that is governed by the trade winds with an annual temperature range between a high of 31°C (87°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F), with humidity around 80 per cent.
The southeast trade winds blow regularly from May to November, and this is the most pleasant time of the year.
July and August are the driest months. The rainy season lasts from mid-November until mid-February, and while downpours can be heavy, they rarely last long. December and January are the wettest months.
More about Seychelles weather…
Currency Seychelles rupee (SCR)
Time Zone Six hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time; four hours behind Australian Western Standard Time; GMT/UTC +4 hours
Electricity 240 volts, 50hz; English-style three pin plugs
Religions Mainly Roman Catholic with Muslim, Baha’i and other minorities
Dialling code +248
Tipping Not obligatory as a service charge of between 5 and 10 per cent is included for most services. However, if service is exceptional then a small tip is warmly welcomed.
Local etiquette Visitors are requested not to offend local sensibilities. Topless bathing is accepted on many, but not all, beaches. Swimwear should only be worn on the beaches. Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting and a gift is acceptable if invited to someone’s home.
Tip Hats and sunscreen are a must and sneakers or sandals are advisable for walking and swimming around coral. If you cut yourself on coral pour lemon or lime juice over the wound to relieve the pain, or use hydrogen peroxide.
Did you know? Creole is a language adapted from 17th century French.
Getting around There are paved roads only on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue (elsewhere the roads are sand tracks). Buses and taxis are cheap and abundant on these islands. Hire car is available. Traffic drives on the left. Bicycles are also available for hire.
Between islands: Air Seychelles (www.airseychelles.com) operates an efficient network of scheduled and charter flights within the Seychelles. Flying is also the only way to reach the more remote islands.
The route between Mahé and Praslin sees around 20 scheduled return flights a day, just a 20-minute hop.
Zil Air offers helicopter and fixed wing flights between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue as well as resort islands.
A fast catamaran ferry service operates between Mahé and Praslin and private schooners provide frequent inter-island connections between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Water taxis link La Digue to Praslin (15 minutes). Or you can travel to Mahé by ferry (one hour 20 minutes).
More about getting around the Seychelles…
Latest update: Seychelles facts: 12 July, 2024
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