In this page:
Entry Requirements |
Organising Your Trip |
Visiting |
Living Conditions |
Eating |
Paying |
Speaking |
Useful Resources
Visiting
Different Forms of Tourism
- Historical
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Some of the main historical sites in Seychelles include the Victoria Clock Tower, a famous landmark built in 1903 in honor of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee; the Mission Lodge, a former school for freed slaves which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape; and the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique flora and fauna.
- Cultural
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Seychelles has various museums, including the National Museum of Seychelles, which offers visitors a chance to learn about the country's natural history, geology, and cultural heritage; the Natural History Museum, which focuses on the islands' unique flora and fauna; the Seychelles People's History Museum, which provides insight into the country's social and political history. Other museums include the Ecomuseum, which offers a glimpse into traditional island life, and the Domaine de Val des Près Craft Village, which showcases the traditional crafts of the Seychelles.
- Nature
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One of the most notable parks is the Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers over 20% of the island of Mahé and is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including the endemic Seychelles Scops Owl. Another important park is the Praslin National Park, which protects the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm and many other rare plant and animal species. There are also several smaller nature reserves on the islands, including the Cousin Island Special Reserve and the Aride Island Nature Reserve, which are home to important seabird nesting sites and unique marine habitats.
- Religious
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There are several important religious sites on the islands, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the largest church in Seychelles. Other notable religious sites include the St. Paul's Cathedral, the St. Anne's Church, and the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, which is the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles.
- Thermal
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Seychelles is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean and as such is not known for its geothermal activity. However, there are SPA centres in several hotels and resorts.
- Beach
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Some of the most popular tourist beaches include Anse Source d'Argent, located on the island of La Digue, which is known for its giant boulders and picturesque coves. Another popular beach is Beau Vallon on the island of Mahé, which is one of the longest and most well-developed beaches in Seychelles, offering a range of water sports and other activities. Anse Lazio on Praslin Island is also a must-visit, with its turquoise waters and spectacular granite formations. Other notable beaches include Anse Intendance, Petite Anse, and Grand Anse, all of which offer breathtaking scenery.
- Winter Sports
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Due to its climate, no winter sports can be performed in Seychelles.
- Outdoor Activities
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Outdoor activities in the country are generally linked to the sea. Most hotels in Seychelles offer very accessible activities such as pedalo, kayak, stand-up paddle, and glass-bottom boat. Kitesurfing and diving are also very popular, as well as fishing tours. The surfing season in Seychelles is from April to October when the waves are waist to shoulder high, and bigger swells are less frequent.
- Shopping
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One of the most popular shopping destinations is the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria, where visitors can find a wide range of local products such as fresh fruits, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Another popular spot is the Craft Village at Domaine de Val des Près, which features local artisans selling handcrafted items such as jewelry, textiles, and pottery. For those looking for high-end shopping, there are several shopping centers such as the Eden Plaza Mall and the Victoria House of Style.
Living Conditions
Time Difference and Climate
- Time and Time Difference
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It is %T:%M %A In Victoria (GMT+4)
- Summer Time Period
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Seychelles summer season which starts in November and lasts until April. However, being located near the equator, Seychelles experiences a tropical climate throughout the year.
Map of the Time Zone
- Type of Climate
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The Seychelles experiences a tropical climate that is consistently hot throughout the year. The period between November and March is characterized by a rainy and humid season resulting from the northwest monsoon, while the dry and relatively cooler season occurs from June to September, when the southeast trade winds dominate. Typically, tropical rains manifest as either thunderstorms or downpours, with the former occurring in the afternoon during the humid and rainy season, and at night in the dry season when they are short-lived but frequent.
July and August have an average daily temperature of about 26°C (79°F), while January records 27°C (81°F), and March, April, and May, which are the hottest months, record an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). The temperature variation is minimal throughout both the day and the year, with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 33°C (91°F) and nighttime temperatures hardly dropping below 22°C (72°F).
- Hotel reservation websites
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Seychelles Meteorological Authority
AccuWeather
Average Annual Temperatures and Rainfall
Eating
- Food Specialties
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Seychelles has a unique cuisine that reflects its diverse cultural influences, including African, Indian, Chinese, and European. Some of the culinary specialties of Seychelles include:
- Fish dishes: with the abundance of fresh seafood available in Seychelles, fish dishes are a staple of the cuisine. Some popular fish dishes include grilled fish, octopus curry, and fish curry
- coconut dishes: Coconuts are a key ingredient in many Seychellois dishes, and are used to make everything from coconut milk to coconut chutney. Some popular coconut dishes include coconut curry and coconut bread
- Rougaille: it is a tomato-based sauce that is used as a base for many Seychellois dishes. It is made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, and can be served with meat, fish, or vegetables
- Ladob: Ladob is a dessert made with ripe plantains, sweet potatoes, and cassava cooked in coconut milk and sugar. It is often served with rice and is a popular dessert during festive occasions
- Chatini: a condiment made with chili, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It is often served as a side dish or used as a dip for snacks
- curries: Seychelles has a rich tradition of curries, influenced by its Indian and African heritage. Some popular curries include chicken curry, beef curry, and vegetable curry
- Tru lu lu crabs: huge crabs with a unique sauce
- Tek Tek shells: boiled, fried shells with different sauces.
- Drinks
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The main drinks in Seychelles reflect its tropical climate and cultural influences. These include:
- Coconut water: it is available fresh from the coconut, and is also sold in packaged form
- Fruit juices: Seychelles has an abundance of tropical fruits, and fruit juices are popular. Some popular fruit juices include pineapple, guava, mango, and passion fruit
- Takamaka rum: a locally produced rum made from sugar cane that comes in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, coconut, and cinnamon
- Seybrew beer: a locally produced light and refreshing beer that is perfect for hot tropical days
- Tea: a popular beverage in Seychelles, and is often served with sugar and milk. Seychelles produces its own tea, which is grown in the highlands of the main island of Mahé
- La digue coconut toddy: a local specialty that is made from the sap of the coconut tree. It is a mildly alcoholic drink that is slightly sweet and sour in taste.
- Dietary Restrictions
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Pork is considered taboo in Seychelles by some members of the Muslim and Seventh-day Adventist communities.
Sea turtles and giant clams are protected in Seychelles, and it is illegal to hunt or consume them. Fruit bats and sharks are not consumed as food due to cultural beliefs (especially Hindus).
Paying
- Domestic Currency
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Seychelles Rupee
- ISO Code
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SCR
- To Obtain Domestic Currency
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ATMs are available in Seychelles, and most accept international credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.
Foreign currency can be exchanged for Seychelles rupees (SCR) at authorized currency exchange outlets, banks, and hotels in Seychelles.
- Possible Means of Payment
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Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Seychelles accept major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. Traveler's cheques are still accepted at some locations in Seychelles, but they are becoming less popular.
It's important to note that Seychelles is a cash-based society, and many establishments, especially smaller ones, do not accept credit cards. Occasionally GBP, EUR and USD may be used when paying in tourist areas, but the locals prefer the local currency and the exchange rate will not be very favourable.
Speaking
- Official Language
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English, French, Seselwa Creole French.
- Other Languages Spoken
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None
- Business Language
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English
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Latest Update: May 2024