Beachcomber's Seychelles
Overview
Located in the azure waters of the Indian ocean, just over 2 hours flight from Mauritius, 2 ½ hours from Reunion island, 4 hours flight from Dubai and Johannesburg and 6 hours from Singapore, are the exotic islands of the Seychelles. Stretching from four to ten degrees south of the equator, and made up of over 100 islands, the Seychelles lies outside the cyclone belt, keeping the country safe from tropical storms, and resulting in year-round sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 25°c to 32°c.
These spectacular tropical islands are a mix of towering granite rocks, lush tropical forests, unexplored atolls fringed by teeming coral reefs and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches.
The Seychelles is a dream destination and has a variety of accommodation options available, however many do not live up to the quality and standards expected of international travellers. To ensure you enjoy your dream holiday, we have focused on selected five star resorts that offer the highest standards to ensure your holiday investment returns incredibly fond and treasured memories. One such highlight is the stunning Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, located on its own private island.
Weather
Whatever time of year you plan your visit you’re sure to have the opportunity to bask in warm equatorial sunshine. November to January are warmer months and can mean higher rainfall. Seychelles weather patterns are predominantly influenced by the two main trade winds which shift twice a year.
During the months of May to October the south-east trade wind blows, leading to relatively cooler, drier and windier conditions, peaking in July and August. The wind shifts in November into a pre-north west condition, when the temperature warms up and winds remain very light. The north-west trade winds occur from December to March, causing a slightly wetter season coupled with higher temperatures.
The changing trade winds mean it is very important to consider where you stay when choosing a holiday in the Seychelles. Resorts such as Sainte Anne Resort & Spa offer guests a year round holiday destination as the choice of beaches on both the east and west side of the islands ensures guests have protection from the winds.
Airlines
How do I get to the Seychelles?
Getting to the Seychelles is not the easiest but it is well worth the effort to view this stunning piece of paradise. The main possibilities to get to the Seychelles from Australia are as follows:
Via Reunion then on to Seychelles – flying Air Austral
Via Mauritius then on to Seychelles – flying Air Mauritius & Air Seychelles
Via Dubai then onto Seychelles – flying Emirates Airlines
Via South Africa then on to Seychelles – flying South African Airways & Air Seychelles
Via Singapore then onto Seychelles – flying Singapore Airlines or Qantas & Air Seychelles
Things to do
Seychelles is famous for having some of the best beaches in the world. It also offers an abundance of water activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and more. But this exotic destination offers more than just beaches with a variety of attractions on the various islands. A selection of tours is listed below.
The following tours operate from Mahe and Sainte Anne.
Mahé Tour
Experience the diversity and scenic beauty of Mahé in air-conditioned comfort, passing imposing granite peaks, verdant hillsides and golden-sanded beaches fringed by clear tropical waters. Begin with a tour of the capital, Victoria, and the picturesque charms of its ancient clock tower and colourful markets before arriving at the enchanting old Mission Lodge by way of a winding mountain road. This journey provides breathtaking panoramas of tropical vegetation, towering granite peaks and the azure ocean. Continue to Jardin du Roi, where the most delicate Creole dishes are prepared before ending the day in the traditional craft village where a collection of local arts, crafts and tropical wares are created.
La Digue - Full day
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of La Digue, Seychelles’ fourth largest island, where the rhythms of true island living still beat loud and where the bicycle and ox-cart are the main modes of transport.
Upon arrival at the picturesque island jetty, we will guide you - slowly - down the island’s rustic pathways to L’Union Estate where a magnificent old Creole house, restored copra mill and boat yard each recall a tradition of times gone by.
Nearby Anse Source d’Argent is counted among the finest – and certainly the most photographed – beaches in the world where imposing granite boulders and crystalline waters conspire with a beach of the finest sand to create a bather’s paradise. Then take time to enjoy a delicious Creole lunch in the warm and welcoming ambience of La Digue.
Bird watchers may even be fortunate enough to catch sight of the Paradise Fly Catcher, one of the world’s rarest birds, as it flits among the island’s verdant hillsides.
Vallee de Mai - Anse Lazio - Full day
Discover the timeless charms of Seychelles’ second largest island, home to the renowned Vallée de Mai, where the magnificent Coco-de-Mer, the world’s heaviest nut, grows on ancient palms in a primeval forest once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden.
Delve into this mysterious glade of towering palms, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the rare Seychelles Black parrot flits between unique species of endemic flora.
From here we will introduce you to the island’s most magnificent beaches, Anse Lazio, where magnificent boulders grace silver sands lapped by clear turquoise waters – the perfect spot for a refreshing dip or just a lazy, tropical afternoon.
Reef Safari
Depart on a short boat ride to Sainte Anne Marine Park, an amazing underwater ecosystem, where you can enjoy viewing marine life from a semi-submersible vessel. Guests can also experience feeding fish while snorkelling in the protected marine park allowing guests to get up close with the fascinating underwater world. Enjoy a mouth-watering buffet, prepared in traditional Seychellois style while relaxing in the sun. After lunch enjoy more snorkeling, relaxing on the beach or take a lazy afternoon snooze before returning to Mahe.