Where is Seychelles? – The location
The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
It comprises 115 islands and is home to rich marine life with many endemic
species. The Seychelles has been ranked by National Geographic as one of the
top 20 islands in the world, and it has been described as “a paradise for
divers”.
Never-ending beaches are broken up by granite boulders
emerging from the earth. This makes this tropical beach holiday destination one
of the most picture-perfect destinations in the world. However, the Seychelles is
particularly known for the vast array of activities that the whole family can
enjoy.
Live out your tropical
island fantasy
Seychelles is a group of 115 islands and atolls situated
in the western Indian Ocean. It’s located in the southern part of Africa and
just east of Madagascar. The main island of Mahé has an area of 457 km², and
its several smaller islands make up the Seychelles archipelago. Some of these
islands and atolls are still uninhabited, and some of them are protected by
UNESCO. However, many of them have been converted into tourist resorts. The
country’s remarkable biodiversity is due primarily to its location between
Africa and Asia on one side and Madagascar on the other. This means that it is
home to species that are found nowhere else in the world – many are endemic
(those which are only found here).
The best beaches of Seychelles
Seychelles is a beautiful island country with beaches
on each island that have been awarded “Best Beach” awards by National
Geographic. One magical beach is Anse Lazio, situated on the north-western
coast of Praslin island. The beach itself is surrounded by palm and takamaka
trees, pearly white sand, and glassy waters.
The area forms part of a protected marine park
boasting a pristine paradise with a thriving coral reef just 200 metres
offshore. More so, the area is teeming with underwater life, from eels to
lionfish, and more, that can be seen when diving with a mask and snorkel. Also,
with no cars on this island, the only means of transportation is the bicycle. However,
exploring this beach is possible by yacht, making the experience even more
memorable.
The other magical beach of Seychelles
With several immaculate, unspoiled beaches in
Seychelles, every visitor − from those on honeymoon, or romantic couples, even to
families, are spoilt for choice. Besides the magic of Anse Lazio, visitors can
also explore Petite Anse on Mahé, which is an excellent location for families,
especially those wanting to snorkel or swim. Another beach on Praslin is Anse
Georgette, with its soft white sand. This is a public beach, but access is via
the nearby resort. Like many other beaches, accessing the beaches from the
water makes the visits easier. This is similar to the case of one of the most
photographed beaches in the world, Anse Source d’Argent, at La Digue. This
beach embodies a tropical paradise, with granite boulders, crystal clear
waters, and flawless white sand.
Explore the best diving spots
The natural coral reefs surrounding the islands are
home to thousands of species, including fish, molluscs, echinoderms (e.g.,
starfish), algae or seaweed (seaweeds), and green turtles which nest on beaches
around these islands during the summer months. More so, with its warm waters,
diving is possible all year round. One location stands out, that of Desroches
Island. Located 230 km away from the mainland, this island offers an underwater
paradise to be explored, such as the Desroches Drop, the Canyon, Airport Reef,
Big Cave, Mini Wall, and Secret Passage – all unforgettable experiences for
divers, and all dives under the supervision of a certified team of professional
divers.
However, you don’t need to dive to explore this
beautiful paradise − you can opt to snorkel instead of to dive. This means that
families and those who are not qualified divers can also enjoy the underwater
ocean life −from the brightly coloured coral and the sea turtles to the many
and varied tropical fish found in these waters. What makes snorkelling unique
is that even beginners can snorkel with manta rays and sailfish. It is best to conduct
these types of activities with a professional crew; nevertheless, the
experience will last forever.
Explore the endemic species
This archipelago of granite islands has developed
seemingly independently. There is a wide variety of endemic plants, such as
black ebony trees; and there are rare birds, including Cape Verde petrels which
live year-round on Seychelles; Aldabra tortoises roam freely here too!
The Seychelles giant tortoise, or the giant Aldabra
tortoise, is an herbivorous land animal that can weigh up to 450 kilograms and
measure 2 metres in length. Found on Aldabra Island, it is one of the animals
that is a must-see for any visitor to Seychelles.
The bottom line
The Seychelles is a unique destination that offers
something for everyone, from the adventurous to the more passive traveller. It
is an ideal place for those looking for relaxation and tranquillity. It also
provides plenty of adventure options, beautiful underwater diving spots, and
exciting activities like snorkelling and island hopping. To make your trip even
more unique, avoid the tourists, and gain easy access to the various beaches
and islands by travelling by water. You will have the flexibility to move
around whichever way you want, be it to relax or to enjoy various activities at
various destinations − all with a professional crew on board to assist
you.

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