Beachcomber 
Location:
The
Seychelles consist of an archipelago of about 100 islands in the Indian
Ocean northeast of Madagascar. The principal islands are Mahé (55
sq mi; 142 sq km), Praslin (15 sq mi; 38 sq km), and La Digue (4 sq
mi; 10 sq km). The Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches groups are included
in the territory of the republic.
Government
Climate:
Seychelles is constantly hot and humid, with an average annual temperature of 84°F (29°C), and the average sea temperature is the same, seldom dropping below 81°F (27°C). The heat is usually tempered by sea breezes. The islands lay outside of the hurricane belt, so storms are rare, but tropical rains fall during January and February. It is easy to escape the showers, though, because it can be sunny on one side of an island while it rains on the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to go
The Seychelles is located slightly south of the equator in the tropics and is
not affected by cyclones. The weather is generally warm and humid throughout
the year. November to March is the warmest period and as such, brings higher
humidity and rain.
How to get there?
More and more airlines are flying to the Seychelles, so it’s worth checking
with your travel agent to see the best options available. There are flights
from Australia via Mauritius with Air Mauritius, or options via Singapore or
Africa. Emirates Airlines also flies from Australia to Seychelles via Dubai.
The Seychelles is only 2 hours north of Mauritius, 6 hours from Singapore and
4 hours south of Dubai making it an excellent option for a double destination
holiday.
Air Seychelles runs regular flights from Mahe to Praslin, Fregate and Denis Island while a helicopter transfer is required to exclusive North Island. Ferries run regularly between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Sainte Anne is only a 15 minute boat transfer from Mahe and a regular shuttle operates between the two islands.
What is the time difference? Local time is GMT +4.
What should i know about the local currency?
The Seychelles currency is the Rupee (SR), divided into 100
cents with notes in denominations of 10, 25, 50 and 100. The country's
foreign exchange regulations require visitors to pay for all services
provided by hotels, guesthouses and self-catering enterprises in major
foreign currency notes. International currency can also be used to
pay for car hire, entrance fees to parks and reserves, scuba diving
and boat charter. Taxis and restaurant bills (not connected to hotels)
are payable in foreign or Seychelles Rupees. Rupees can only be used
in local shops, markets, and bars. Credit cards are widely welcomed
throughout the Seychelles. Money can be exchanged at banks and the
airport on Mahé, or at hotels. To change Rupees back into foreign
currency on departure requires the official receipt from the initial
transaction.
What are the health requirements?
No vaccinations are required for entry, but immunisation against hepatitis
A and typhoid are highly recommended. Medical facilities on the islands are
limited, but there is a government hospital in Victoria and some private
clinics. Medical insurance with full evacuation cover is necessary.
Visitors are advised to bring their own medication to avert the risk of travellers' diarrhoea, as well as sun block and insect repellent, local supplies being erratic and costly.
Tap water meets World Health Organisation standards, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available.
Following recent flooding it is advised that visitors take precautions against mosquito bites (risk of dengue fever) and to avoid walking barefoot (Leptospirosis). Fruit and vegetables should be peeled and meat well-cooked before being eaten
We recommend you visit Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) for more travel tips to the Seychelles.