All Seychelles Seychelles

Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Inner Islands, and the international gateway to Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria.

The island is home to almost 90% of the total population (or approximately 72,200 people) reflecting Seychelles' diverse ethnicity and descent from African, Indian, Chinese and European populations, and is the seat of government and the chief centre of commerce.

Mahé is the transportation hub for island-hops and day excursions to neighbouring islands and all other islands within Seychelles. All scheduled domestic flights by Air Seychelles originate from Mahé to the serviced islands.

Seychelles International Airport or Aeroport de Pointe La Rue as it is known locally is located on the island of Mahé, Seychelles near the capital city of Victoria. It forms part of the Administrative districts of La pointe Larue (terminal area), Cascade/Providence (in the North) and Anse aux pins (in the south and military base). The airport is 11km south-east of the capital and is accessible by the Victoria - Providence Highway. There are frequent bus services from the bus station in Victoria, Taxi ranks outside the terminal available to all locations on Mahé Island and several tour operators coach services namely Creole Travel Services and Mason's travel which also links passengers to the ferry terminal at the Old Port (Vieux port) for inter-island ferry services and to the New Port (Nouveau port) for cruise holidays. A domestic terminal is located a short walking distance north of the International terminal and offers domestic inter-island flights with a peak of a departure every 10-15 minutes at busy times which corresponds with international arrivals/departures and every 30 minutes at other times.

Anse aux Pains is perfectly located on a stretch coastline along the south east coast of Mahé and has narrow beaches and shallow waters that lie close to the coastal road. It is very interesting to walk on the sand and rocky outcrops where you will discover all sorts of marine life trapped in rock pools at low tide.

Anse Royale is the second most popular as well as the longest beach of Mahé and it is considered more or less a stable beach and is well protected by a fringing reef from powerful waves. It is very good for swimming at high tide but not during low tide. The beach experiences choppy seas during the southeast trade wind season from May to October but has very calm conditions during the northwest monsoon. The small Ile Souris (Mouse Island) on the north side is within swimming distance and offers good snorkelling. On weekends Anse Royale is a very lively beach where many locals meet up for picnics and beach sports.

Anse Intendance is situated on Mahé island and it is the widest and most picturesque beach of Seychelles. While being a very popular beach for the local surfers because of the big swells throughout the year, it is also one of the few places on Mahe where turtles still nest. It also displays a massive reservoir of very fine sand, which is a good indicator of a very stable beach.

Takamaka is ideally located in a completely isolated and private area with no houses around. The quiet beach, with its 700 steps long, has very fine sand and is sheltered by pines and Takamaka trees. Large granite rocks separate Anse Takamaka into small pocket beaches, adding even more privacy to it. The beach lies in the Curieuse Marine National Park and is a very good snorkelling spot. While laying on the beach one can enjoy the close view of Curieuse Island.

The village of Baie Lazare was named after the 18th Century by the French explorer Lazare Picault, who landed there when he was sent to investigate the islands by the French government. The location of the neo-Gothic church of St Francis of Assisi provides a clear view.

Very popular with picnickers, Anse Soleil is a small and the most isolated beach in the south of Mahé. Anse Soleil is very much exposed to wave forces especially during the southeast monsoon from May to October. During the transition period between the two seasons the beach is covered extensively with seaweed due to the currents.

Anse a La Mouche is situated seventeen kilometers from the airport and twenty-five kilometers from Victoria, the capital city of Mahé. It offers a very good base to explore the rest of Mahé island, and the surrounding islands. Rent holiday lodgings directly from owners of chalet, bed and breakfast, cabin, home, and condo accommodations at Anse a La Mouche, Mahe, Seychelle.

Located on Mahé island, Anse Louis is about 500 metres long and is framed by large round granite rocks and a wide sandy beach which is sheltered by a few Takamaka trees. During the southeast monsoon from May to October the ocean can be rough. Corals on the north side of this small bay may make swimming difficult. In the south an impressive black granite mountain and the islet Ile Chauve Souris can be seen.

Anse Boileau is a quiet district on the south of the island of Mahé, in the Seychelles. Anse Boileau encapsulates the natural wonders of the Seychelles: it sits at the foot of a steep, very green mountain, it is on the shores of the Indian Ocean, and in its midst are streams, mini-forests, creeks, ponds, and an enchanting array of all that defines the Seychellois landscape. It is often described as a 'fishing village' because many of the local residents fish for a living; it has a school, a restaurant, a number of grocery shops, a health centre and a police station. It is a short distance away from Anse La Mouche, a popular tourist destination. Anse Boileau is so-called because of its many coves.

Anse Barbarons is about 1400 steps long and lies in a beautiful bay where large granite rocks frame the beach at both ends. It is sheltered by coconut palms, Takamaka trees and it is well known for being a windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking, jet ski, pedalos, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing spot. Ile aux Vachez and the green landscape of Mount Barbarons are within view of the beach. Occasional coral stones are scattered along the beach due to the nearby reef. During the southeast monsoon from May to October strong currents can make swimming dangerous. Flags at the hotel Le Méridien Barbarons at the north end of this beach indicate the swimming conditions.

Grand Anse is one of the three longest and widest beaches on Mahé. It is characterised by high energy waves and strong currents during most of the year and swimming is not recommended along most of the beach. The beach at low tide is probably the second widest beach on Mahé after Intendance, with its gently-sloped profile. The majority of the vegetation which includes most of the typical coastal vegetation types is largely intact and the beach remains popular with people who enjoy a good exercise or simply a late afternoon stroll to cool off after a hot day.

Port Glaud is an administrative district of Seychelles located on the northwestern coast of the island of Mahé. It is 25km² and has a population of 2174. The main village is Port Glaud. The district contains two marine parks; Baia Ternay & Port Launay. The offshore islands of Thérèse Island and Conception Island are part of Port Glaud District.

Bel Ombre is situated on the north west coast of Mahé with its sandy beach where you can enjoy water-skiing, snorkeling, wind-surfing, scuba diving, para-gliding or simply swimming in the crystalline turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. In the evening ,you can spend time at the famous Bel ombre Beach hotel, which is just across the road or 2 km ahead lies other hotels, restaurants and famous Beau vallon casino.

Beau Vallon is a bay on the north western coast of Mahé in the Seychelles. Beau Vallon is a very frequented beach and is maybe the most popular beach on the island. It is known as a base for diving and snorkelling. Besides many smaller hotels it has three major ones - Le Meridien - Fisherman's Cove, the Berjaya Beau Vallon and the Coral Strand. Towards the north is also the newly renovated Northolme Hotel in the Glacis area. The Coral Strand has the island's only Indian Restaurant, Mahé.

Victoria is also called Port Victoria and it is the capital city of the Republic of Seychelles and the smallest capital city in the world. It is situated on the north-eastern side of Mahé Island, which is the main island of the archipelago. The city was first established as the seat of the British colonial government. With a population of 25,000, out of the population of 84 000, Victoria is served by the Seychelles International Airport. The principal exports of Victoria are vanilla, coconuts, coconut oil, tortoise shell, soap, and guano.

Mare Anglaise is nicely located on the north western side of Mahé Island, overlooking Beau Vallon, the most beautiful and popular beach and bay of Mahe that one can reach easily by foot. Only 25 minutes away by car to Mahé’s International Airport and 15 minutes to the capital of Seychelles, Victoria.

La Gogue is the Seychelles' only mountain lake and it is isolated and surrounded by tropical vegetation. It is located in the center of Mahe's northern most peninsulas and is accessible only by hiking trails.

Glacis is an administrative district of Seychelles located on the island of Mahé. Glacis is a district found in the north of Mahé. It has its own school, clinic, churches, police station and a five star hotel (Northolme) is found there.

Anse Etoile is situated on the north coast of Mahé. Manresa Hotel is situated there as well as the catholic church of St Anthony. It is a very peaceful place where each and everybody will be please to relax.

Providence is perfectly set on the east coast of Mahé Island. It provides one of the most splendid beaches of the island and offers a unique view over the turquoise lagoon in front of The Wharf Hotel and Marina.

Anse Major is perfectly located in the north coast of the island of Mahé which is also the main island of the Seychelles. Anse Major is surrounded by a tropical flora and a breathtaking ocean view.

Mont Fleuri is located in the north east of Mahé which is the main island of the Seychelles. It is situated at approximately 2km from Victoria and 4km from the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe La Rue.

Morne Seychellois National Park is the largest park in the Seychelles and was created in 1979. It covers a total surface area of 3,045 hectares, which is more than 20% of the area of Mahé. It is 10km in length and between 2km and 4km wide and equipped with a trail network covering more than 15km. A total of 12 different trails can be explored either by half or full day excursions. The highest peak of the Seychelles is situated there and it measures 2969 feet high and it is covered with hiking trails.

Baie Ternay is located on the North West Coast of Mahé Island which is also the main island of the Seychelles. The Marine Park at Bay Ternay is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The beach is relatively narrow and is little frequented due to its isolated position. The water there is shallow and the beach is characterised by extensive stretches of sea grass beds.

Anonyme Island is only a stone’s throw from the international airport on the main island of Mahé. The waters surrounding this tiny island are ideal for snorkelling and the isle commands spectacular views of sunsets and the other neighbouring inner islands. The island host rare species of trees such as bois noir (iron wood) as well as a magnificent banyan tree reputed to be more than 100 years old.

Conception Island lies only 2km northwest of Thérèse Island and about 2km northeast of the Mahé headland at Cap Matoopa. One of the largest of Mahé's satellites, Conception is hilly with a mountainous ridge running virtually its entire length. The island is 1km long, 600m wide, 131m high and covered in coconut trees.

Conception was exploited as a coconut plantation until the mid-1970's but has remained abandoned and uninhabited since then, its hilly aspect and lack of beach placing constraints on its development. The island has recently been created a wildlife reserve to protect its population of Seychelles white-eyed zosterops, a rare endemic species of bird. Other birds to be found on Conception include the Seychelles kestrel, Seychelles blue pigeon, malagasy turtle dove as well as such threatened endemic species as the skink, green gecko, bronze eye gecko and hawksbill turtle.

Discovered in 1742 by the famours explorer Lazare Picault, Sainte Anne was the first island to be settled by the early French settlers before taking up residency on Mahé. The island was later home to a commercial whaling station and World War II gun battery.

Sainte Anne, the largest island in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, lies 4km off the east coast of Mahé and in close proximity to its neighbours, Cerf Island, Round Island and Moyenne Island. Apart from its countless coconut palms, among which may be counted three Coco-de-Mer, cinnamon plants grow wild on the lush hillsides as do casuarinas and many of the same species of plants, trees and shrubs found on neighbouring islands. Sainte Anne is home to Beachcomber’s 5-star Sainte Anne Resort, an 87-villa property that opened in 2002.

This beautiful, 10 hectare island is awash with tales of concealed treasure and the ghosts who have remained to guard it, presumably arising from the time when it was a pirate haunt. There is no hotel accommodation offered on Moyenne, but excursions can be arranged through local ground handling operators. Some 6km east of Mahé and located within the Ste Anne Marine National Park, Moyenne is situated in close proximity to its neighbours, Round Island, Long Island and Ste Anne.

A former prison, Long Island is located in the midst of the Ste. Anne Marine Park close to Round and Moyenne Islands. This coconut palm-covered gem reaches an elevation of 90m, and features fabulous powder soft beaches and beautiful turquoise seas. Opening soon on the island will be the Shangri-La Resort and Spa which will consist of 55 villas, 32 one-bedroom villas, 7 two-bedroom villas, 5 four-suite villas and a presidential villa.

L’ilot Island is situated in the north of the Island of Mahé which is the main island of the Republic of Seychelles. The place is famous due its perfect position for snorkelling, scuba diving and picnics.

Praslin is the site of the fabulous Vallée de Mai, one of Seychelles’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island features truly exquisite beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, both appearing on the top-10 list of world’s best beaches in recent years.

Almost a century and a half later the visiting General Gordon (of Khartoum fame) became convinced that the Vallée de Mai was the original site of the Garden of Eden. This is where the legendary Coco-de-Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grows high on ancient palms in a primeval forest. The Vallée is host to six species of palm to be found only in Seychelles. Praslin stands at the forefront of Seychelles’ tourism industry with a strong tradition of hospitality and wide range of accommodation facilities. It also provides a base for excursions to neighbouring islands, some of which are important sanctuaries nurturing rare species of endemic flora and fauna.

Praslin Island Airport is located at Grand Anse on Praslin Island in the Seychelles. The airport is currently only serviced by Air Seychelles, who fly scheduled flights to Mahé and charters to the other islands off the Seychelles. And Grand Anse alongside Anse Kerlan forms the longest beach on Praslin Island, and is blessed by fine sands and a clear turquoise sea with granite rock at the edge.

Anse Kerlan, situated on Praslin is one of the longest beaches of the island and probably the best beach for swimming and to enjoy some water activities. On the bay of Anse Kerlan is the well known Lemuria Resort with its luxury accommodation and golf.

Anse Lazio is a beach situated in the north of Praslin Island, Seychelles, considered by Lonely Planet to be the best beach on Praslin, and one of the best in the archipelago. The beach's extremeties are marked by large granite boulders, and the coral reef that surrounds Anse Lazio gives rise to safe bathing and a suitable area for snorkelling.

Anse Georgette is located in the northern part of Praslin Island which is the second largest island of the Seychelles and is considered one of the best beaches in the entire archipelago, being covered by white sand and bordered by coral reefs, so it is a great spot for swimming and snorkelling. Tourists who are spending their vacations on Praslin Island enjoy foremost a truly relaxing atmosphere on gorgeous sandy beaches. Waters of Indian Ocean are very rich in marine life, so scuba diving in Seychelles is one of the most rewarding activities and for this reason to this archipelago travel many divers.

Anse Boudin from the northeast of Praslin is sheltered with Takamaka trees, palm and coconut trees on part of its beaches. This very fine sandy beach with crystal clear sea has as opposite large granite rocks dividing it from Anse Takamaka.

Anse Petite Cour is ideally located on the east coast of Praslin. The only ways to access Anse Petite Cour is by La Reserve Hotel entrance at or by boat. This picturesque beach is framed by large granite rocks and a few Takamaka trees in front of the crystalline turquoise sea. The white sand and the black granite mountain with green vegetation creates a very rich contrast, while on the horizon you can see the beautiful Curieuse Island.

Situated on the east side of Praslin Anse Volbert also known as Cote d'Or, lies in a large bay with some hotels and restaurant in the surroundings. A sandy beach with a fine sun all year round, Anse Volbert is the perfect area for sunbathing and water activities.

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is a nature park and UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 1983) located on the island of Praslin, Seychelles. It consists of a well-preserved palm forest made up of the endemic Coco de Mer species, as well as five other endemic species of palm. These palms have the largest seeds of any plant in the world. The trees' leaves grow up to 6 metres wide and 14 metres long. Also unique to the park is its wildlife, which includes endemic birds, mammals, crustaceans, snails, and reptiles.

Côte d'Or on the eastern side of Praslin is a dazzlingly white stretch of beach and the crystal clear sea. An excellent spot for swimming and water sports, where further out in the bay around Chauve Souris Island and St Pierre islet, the snorkeling is superb.

Anse Gouvernement lies in a bay next to Anse Volbert on the east of Praslin Island, with a clear and rich turquoise lagoon. On the beach, there is a clear view of some islets of this region.

Anse La Blague is situated on a secluded beach in south of Praslin island. It provide a unique view over the crystalline turquoise water of the Seychelles.

Anse Takamaka is blessed with a very beautiful beach which has featured in well known magazines and books, for its paradise look. From the beach there is a great view of Baie Lazare.

The jetty at Baie Ste Anne is the main entry point into Praslin. Baie Ste Anne is a busy working dockside in every sense of the word. The local buses stop here in both directions, therefore it is very easy to get to more or less anywhere on Praslin in half an hour or so. Most of the people who live there are scattered along the beach and away towards the hills.

Pointe Cabris is ideally located on one of the most secluded beach of the island of Praslin. It is set in a tropical forest and offers a splendid view over the blue lagoon of the Indian Ocean.

Anse Consolation is situated on the south coast of Praslin Island between Anse Bois de Rose and Anse Marie Louise. It is ideally set in front of the blue lagoon of the Indian Ocean.

Anse Bois de Rose has coral stone formations and granite rocks along the beach line. Anse Bois de Rose is a fishermen area with a sea rich in marine life and has two beaches, due to large granite rocks which has divided it.

With fine sand beaches, Anse St Sauveur is a wonderful spot which is quiet and almost deserted with few accommodations. And in this area, swimming is suitable only at high tide.

Cousin lies just off the southwest coast of its close neighbour Praslin, just next to its island neighbour Cousine. Cousin is one of nature's treasure troves where every year 250,000 birds nest, among them the Seychelles sunbird, red turtle dove and moor hen. There is a population of geckoes on the island, giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra and Cousin is also a favourite nesting site for hawksbill turtles.

Curieuse lies just off the north-western coast of its close neighbour Praslin and is now a reserve managed by the Seychelles Centre for Marine Technology - Marine Parks Authority. Aside from Praslin, Curieuse is the only other island where the Coco-der-mer grows naturally, and also boasts an endemic vine and eight different species of mangrove. No accommodation is offered on this island, but excursions can be arranged through local ground handling operators.

One of several islands in the bay of Côte d'Or on Praslin, this tiny islet with its granite profile interspersed with coconut palms has come, over the years, to represent the quintessential Seychelles island, appearing in numerous advertisment campaigns, posters and evocative photographs.

Once home to a number of Coco-de-mer that grew naturally on the island, Saint Pierre lies approximately 1.5km from Pte. Zanguilles on Praslin's fabulous Côte d'Or beach. Saint Pierre is a firm favourite with swimmers, snorkellers and yachtsmen for whom the island provides the ideal backdrop to a spectacular Seychelles sunset.

Chauve Souris is a private island only a few hundred metres from the dream beach of Côte d’Or at Anse Volbert on Praslin, which at low tide is merely a walk away. The Chauve Souris Club is the ideal place for an intimate and secluded vacation, with five luxury rooms suspended between sea and sky amid granite rocks and lush tropical vegetation.

Having been declared nature sanctuary years ago, Round Island and Serpent Island are situated rather far out in the Ocean and out of bounds for regular visitors. Being so remote, their fauna and flora is a veritable treasure trove for botanists and zoologists; featuring a rare boa on Round Island and the only native tarantula to the Mascarenes on Serpent Island. It is unknown how they got there, as there are no such species on all other islands, but theories of continental drifts have been raised by scientists.

Cousine offers an exclusive island experience with complete privacy found in very few other places on earth. The Island is a private nature reserve, home to five of the Seychelles endemic birds such as the Seychelles magpie robin and Seychelles brush warbler, as well as a variety of endemic fauna and spectacular marine life. The island was once a coconut plantation but is now home to a superb resort that offers an exceptional experience within a private nature reserve four individual Old French Colonial style villas.

Anse Source d'Argent is the second best beach of the Seychelles Islands and is also one of the most popular with gigantic granite boulders which are famous for their unusual curves and sandy beaches. The ideal spot for snorkelling and sun bathing. The calm waters make it perfect for the little ones.

Anse Source d'Argent which is located on La Digue Island Seychelles was voted numerous times the “Best Beaches in the World”. Photographs all around the world made it their holiday post card and this tropical haven of peace. Well known travel magazines as well as travel programs describe it as the Garden of Eden.

L’Union is situated in the west of La Digue. If you want to take a step in time, you’ll have to visit L’Union Estate and see the traditional copra mill and kiln (kalorifer). You’ll also have the privilege to watch the antics of the estate’s population of giant land tortoises or stroll around the majestic Plantation House framed by giant granite boulders in landscaped gardens, or enjoy horse riding. L’Union is also home to “Source d’Argent” which is one of the most pristine and most photographed beaches in Seychelles and all around the world.

Anse la Reunion is an attractive long and curving sandy beach offering fine views of the neighbouring island of Praslin. The crystalline turquoise lagoon is suitable for snorkelling, swimming and other aquatic activities for all ages.

La Passe is the main Village of La Digue Island and it is the main landing area for all boats. The Tourist Office is located there as well as the Post Office and the Police Office. The island’s silver-sanded beaches give way to the schooner’s berth on the quaint La Passe jetty, where it nestles between traditional fishing boats and sleek sailing yachts.

Anse Severe is a quiet spot, the ideal place for lovers. It is well suited for sunbathing and swimming. A never busy beach, Anse Severe enables peaceful relaxation with the sound of waves.

Anse Patates is situated on the northern coast of La Digue and is close to Patatran Village and borders the longer beach of Anse Gaulettes. Being blessed with soft white sand and calm seas, it is said to be the ideal spot for both swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise and rich lagoon of Seychelles.

The islands of Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur are commonly referred to as 'The Sisters Islands.'

Situated 6km northeast of neighbouring La Digue and in close proximity to Félicité and to Ile Cocos, these two islands are a popular venue for excursions on account of their spectacular ocean panoramas and the excellent opportunities they offer for trekking and picnicking. These islands are also famous for snorkelling and diving in waters where the marine life is prolific. The hotel Château de Feuilles on Praslin manages the islands.

The islands of Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur are commonly referred to as 'The Sisters Islands.'

Situated 6km northeast of neighbouring La Digue and in close proximity to Félicité and to Ile Cocos, these two islands are a popular venue for excursions on account of their spectacular ocean panoramas and the excellent opportunities they offer for trekking and picnicking. These islands are also famous for snorkelling and diving in waters where the marine life is prolific. The hotel Château de Feuilles on Praslin manages the islands.

Often used on the cover of Seychelles brochures, Coco Island or Ile Cocos can be found 7km north of La Digue and lies in close proximity to La Digue's other neighbours, Félicité and the Sisters Islands. It has been a marine park since 1996 and is a spectacular spot for snorkelling and diving and a popular venue for day excursions from both Praslin and La Digue. No accommodation is offered on this island.

Marianne is a small granitic uninhabited island which is frequently visited by tourists. It is located 3.8km east south east of Félicité Island and was a former coconut plantation in the past. The southern tip of Marianne is known as a world-class diving spot. There are a few species of gecko on Marianne, including the La Digue day gecko (Phelsuma sundbergi ladiguensis) and Phelsuma astriata semicarinata. Reportedly, the rare Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone corvina) is occasionally spotted on the island. Also, it was once home to the extinct Seychelles Chestnut-sided White-eye.

Silhouette is Seychelles' third largest island, lying 30km off Mahé's western coast and in close proximity to North Island. Silhouette’s verdant, mountainous profile dominates the view from Mahé’s Beau Vallon beach. The Arabs used Silhouette as a base for their dhows, probably as early as the 9th century, a fact attested to by the ruins of Arab tombs at Anse Lascars.

Silhouette, together with North Island, was the very first Seychelles' island to be seen by the ships of the Sharpeigh expedition of 1609. It would have to wait until the early 19th century for a permanent settlement. Protected by the Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles, Silhouette remains an untouched, living museum of natural history featuring many unique species of plants and trees. Silhouette’s primitive beauty is the ideal backdrop for hikers and walkers wishing to penetrate the mysteries of an island once reputed to be the home of the notorious pirate, Hodoul, whose hidden treasure may well lie there still. The Island’s 12 room lodge was replaced by the 5 star hotel Labriz Silhouette.

North island was one of the very first Seychelles islands to be visited in a 1609 expedition under Captain Alexander Sharpeigh who found the island to have excellent coconuts as well as a thriving population of giant land tortoises. Widely regarded as one of Seychelles' most fertile islands, until recently. North lies only a few kilometres north of Silhouette and is the smaller of two visible in the distance from the beach at Beau Vallon on Mahé.

In 2003 Wilderness Safaris opened an 11-chalet, five-star resort on the island targeting the luxury eco-tourism market, promising visitors interaction with the island’s biodiversity at the same time offering a high standard of barefoot luxury. The management is remaking the island into a wildlife sanctuary it dubs the “Noah’s Ark” project, a long-term plan to rehabilitate the island’s habitats to what it was before the introduction of human settlement, and to introduce endangered flora and fauna on the island to help preserve some of Seychelles’ precious endemic species. The resort also taps into the abundance of fresh fish and produce on and around the island for almost all of its cuisine, and a “no menu” concept allows guests to personally interact with the head chef for a custom-made culinary experience tailored to their specific tastes.

Aride, perhaps the most unspoiled of all the islands, is situated 10km north of Praslin and is known as the ‘seabird citadel’ of the Indian Ocean. The island became protected as a reserve in 1967, and since 1973 when it was purchased by Christopher Cadbury for what is now the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, seabird numbers have multiplied and five endemic land birds have now returned after having been wiped out with the introduction of man.

Aride’s seabirds include the world's only hilltop colony of sooty terns, the only breeding sites among the granitic islands for the red-tailed tropic bird and roseate tern and the world's largest colony of lesser noddies. Aride also boasts one of the densest population of lizards on earth and a unique flora, being the only natural home to one of Seychelles' rarest endemic plants, Wright's gardenia, as well as to a species of 'peponium' that might also be endemic only to Aride.

In 2004, management was passed to the Island Conversation Society (ICS), which opened a new conservation centre to support some of the longest continuous scientific monitoring programs in Seychelles. No accommodation is available, but Aride is open to day visitors 3 days a week (Sun, Mon, Wed). Excursions can be booked through Praslin hotels, boat owners and ground handling operators.

Bird, Seychelles’ most northerly island is 100km or a 30-minute flight north of Mahé. The island was once known as Ile aux Vaches because of the dugongs (sea cows) that thrived there. During the period of the southeast trade winds (May-September), Bird is colonised by more than a million sooty terns that each lay their eggs on their own exclusive square foot of territory. Bird also hosts populations of lesser noddies and fairy terns as well as white-tailed tropic birds, fodies, plovers and wimbrels.

Bird, Seychelles’ most northerly island is 100km or a 30-minute flight north of Mahé. In the early 1970's, Bird turned to tourism, and with several conservation programmes in place, the Bird Island Lodge stands at the forefront of eco-tourism in Seychelles. Twenty-four comfortable bungalows, excellent beaches, a reputation for good cuisine and a convivial atmosphere complement great opportunities for snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and nature watching. Twenty-four comfortable bungalows, excellent beaches, a reputation for good cuisine and a convivial atmosphere complement great opportunities for snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and nature watching.

Denis lies 95km north of Victoria, Mahé and 45km from Bird Island, making it one of the most northerly of all the Seychelles' islands. For fishermen it is ideally situated for deep-sea fishing expeditions on the nearby edge of the Seychelles’ bank where marlin, sailfish, barracuda, wahoo, dorado and tuna will thrill novice and seasoned fisherman alike. The island is the recent beneficiary of a successful project to introduce endangered species of birdlife.

In 1975 the island was purchased by Pierre Burkhardt, a French paper magnate who ran the island as a successful lodge with the marketing slogan “the island at the edge of the world.” The island was sold to Mason's Travel, one of Seychelles’ first local ground handling operators, in the mid ‘90s.

Denis offers excellent nature walks as well as the facilities of tennis, diving, windsurfing, canoeing and of course sunbathing on its gleaming white beaches and its 5-star 25-chalet lodge is the perfect honeymoon getaway offering seclusion in comfort and with excellent gourmet cuisine.

Félicité is located 4km from its neighbour La Digue and in close proximity to other La Digue satellites such as the Sisters Islands, Mariannne and Ile Cocos.

This picturesque and steep granitic island was a coconut plantation up to the 1970s and supported a population of some 50 people. In the late 19th century, Félicité was home to the Sultan of Perak, one of Seychelles’ most colourful exiles, who spent five years on the island before moving to Mahé. Until recently, the island was home to an up-market lodge offering an exclusive island experience to the likes of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Now, Per Aquum, the internationally renowned resort and spa company is launching a project on the island which will feature 35 ocean-facing villas, the world’s only rock wine cave, spa and wide choice of restaurants, bars and boutiques. 28 cutting-edge, hilltop residences will also be for sale on the island through Per Aquum Residences.

Frégate was a popular pirate haunt during the latter part of the 17th century and stories persist of treasure hidden somewhere on its 280 hectares. The island is situated approximately 55km from Mahé and is the most distant of the granitic Inner Island group.

Frégate features a luxurious five-star eco-lodge offering the optimum in comfort and amenities that has become a favourite hideaway for Hollywood stars, with deluxe villas right on the foreshore to ensure each has a million-dollar sea view. Meanwhile guests are encouraged to engage themselves in the island’s many conservation projects, run by ecologists charged with keeping the island naturally pristine. This island microcosm measuring some 2 square km is home to no less than fifty species of birds, among which is the rare Seychelles magpie robin, and also hosts the world’s only population of the giant tenebrionid beetle as well as numerous giant tortoises.

The helipad of Banyan Tree Hotel is situated at Anse Intendance in the south of Mahé Island which forms part of the inner islands. Anse Intendance is famous because of its widest and most picturesque beach of the Seychelles.

Bird Island Helipad is situated in the north of Mahé island at approximately 100km and 30 minutes flight of Mahé. The Island is well known because of its Bird Watching spots and for its eco tourism concept. Moreover, comfortable accommodation and pristine beaches made the reputation of this splendid island

Cerf Island helipad is situated at 4km from east coast of Mahé island and it is also its closest neighbouring island. The island offers excellent swimming and snorkelling as well as memorable sunbathing on several great beaches.

The helipad of Chateau de Feuilles is situated on the south coast of Praslin island at Pointe Cabris which is famous because of the luxury hotel of Chateau de Feuilles which is a member of the prestigious hotel chain of Relais & Chateaux.

Cousine Island helipad is located at about 6km from the north west of Praslin island. The island offers a wildlife sanctuary and an exclusive island experience with complete privacy which is available in very few other places on earth.

The Dawn Dew Helipad is situated in the south east coast of Praslin island at Cote d’Or which is well known for being the ideal spot for a memorable holiday.

The Helipad of Denis Island is situated at 95km in the north of Mahé island and 45km from Bird island. It is one of the most northerly island of the Seychelles. Denis Island is the host to various sea and land birds. A 5 star accommodation is available there and it is well known for being a honeymoon getaway.

Frégate Island Helipad is located at 50km east of Mahé. It is the most distant of the granitic Inner Island group. Frégate is a private island and it provides 16 luxurious private villas for a peaceful holiday in the tropics.

The Helipad of La Digue Island is situated in the north of the island at La Passe. La Digue is one of the fourth biggest island of the Seychelles and is located at 50km from Mahé. La Digue offers a variety of accommodation for visitors and its picturesque satellite are perfect for snorkelling and diving.

The Helipad of Constance Lémuria Resort is located in the north of Praslin island at Anse Kerlan. The island is situated at 45km north east of Mahé island. Constance Lémuria Resort is a 5 star hotel which offers luxury accommodations, a spectacular 18 hole golf course and fine gastronomy.

North Island Helipad is a small granitic island situated in the north of Mahé and at 5km from Silhouette Island. The 11 private villas of North Island provides one of the luxurious accommodation of the Seychelles.

The helipad of Round Island is situated in the south of Praslin Island in the bay of Baie Ste Anne. Round Island features beaches and coves with memorable swimming. A leisurely stroll around the island takes approximately 15 minutes.

Silhouette Island Helipad is located at 30km north west of Mahé and it is close to North Island. Silhouette was the one of the first island of the Seychelles to be seen by the ships of the Sharpeigh expedition of 1609.

The Helipad of Ste Anne Resort is situated on the island of Ste Anne in the north east of Mahé. Ste Anne Resort is part of the Beachcomber group. The Hotel offers luxurious accommodations which are all sea facing and offering total intimacy to every guest.

The Helicopter Service at Seychelles International Airport is situated at Pointe La Rue in the east coast of Mahé which is the main island of the Seychelles.

The Harbour of Mahé island is situated in the north east coast of the island at Victoria which is the capital city of the Republic of Seychelles. Victoria is said to be one of the smallest capital in the world and in less than one day it can be explored by foot.

The Helipad of Praslin Island is located in the North West coast of Praslin at Grand Anse. Praslin is at 45km from Mahé which is the main island of the Seychelles.

Praslin Harbour is situated in the south coast of the island of Praslin at Baie Ste Anne which is a very busy working dock.

La Digue Island Helipad is situated at La Passe which is the main village of La Digue Island and it is also the main landing area for all boats.

The Harbour of La Digue Island is located on the North West coast of the island at La Passe. The island is well known for its biodiversity which features the black paradise flycatcher which is one of the rarest birds on earth. The island provides a wide range of accommodation for tourists who decide to have their vacation in this unique peaceful environment.

Plantation Club Hotel Helipad is situated in the south of the island of Mahé at Baie Lazare. The place is very well known for its splendid lagoon and the white sandy beach in front of the Hotel.

Cap Lazare is a small creole style village that been built above the beach and it features lodges thatched palm leaves. It is situated on the island of Mahé. Cap Lazare is a very magical and enchanted place which is ideally located in the south of the island of Mahé, overlooking a private and secluded beach and a logoon of crystalline turquoise water. The reserve is the perfect setting for weddings and incentives.

Mont Fleuri is located in the north east of Mahé which is the main island of the Seychelles. It is situated at approximately 2km from Victoria and 4km from the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe La Rue.

Aldabra Atoll, situated 1,150km southwest of Mahé, is the largest raised coral atoll in the world, comprising more than a dozen islands bordering a lagoon so vast the whole of Mahé could fit inside its perimeter. Aldabra’s exceptional and pristine condition has earned it the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of two such sites in Seychelles.

The atoll’s islands nurture a vast array of both unique flora and fauna as well as the world’s largest population of 150,000 giant tortoises, and its lagoon boasts the most vibrant marine life of the entire archipelago. First given its name by Arab seafarers, the atoll’s harsh, sun-baked environment and the fast-flowing waters of its lagoon typically kept all but the most intrepid explorers at bay. But there has been a tiny permanent settlement on the island since 1874, made up chiefly of contract labourers from Mahé engaged at different times in fishing, mining guano and producing coprah for sale on the mainland.

The Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF) now supervises the island and strict regulations governing the island’s accessibility are in force to protect its fragile ecosystem. A small research station affords accredited scientists the opportunity to study the atoll's biodiversity, but there is no hotel accommodation on the island. Yacht charters are available, however.

Some 1,045km southwest of Mahé and 120km from Aldabra, the atoll of Cosmoledo comprises a ring of nine main islets surrounding an inner lagoon roughly 16km long and 11km wide at the widest point. The sea around Cosmoledo is particularly rich in fish while the atoll itself is home to large colonies of frigate birds, terns and boobies. This hauntingly beautiful atoll is also a nesting site for green turtles.

Astove Island is located 1,045km southwest of Mahé and 160km west southwest of Aldabra. It is one of the most southerly links in Seychelles’ chain of islands. The atoll is encircled by a coral reef and features a shallow lagoon. Astove is a turtle nesting site and offers the experienced diver extraordinary diving opportunities along the sheer walls of its spectacular coral rampart. Astove also has an airstrip and is serviced by aircraft from Mahé on a charter basis.

The island of Assumption lies 1,140km south west of Mahé, some 40km west southwest of Aldabra, and is nearly 7km long and 2.5km wide. There is little activity on the island although an airstrip was built in 1990 with aircraft from Mahé serving the island on a charter basis, chiefly for scientists visiting neighbouring Aldabra. Assumption is a nesting site for turtles and its surrounding waters, accessible mainly by chartered yacht, are excellent for diving.

Remire Island, also known as Eagle, lies approximately 245km south west of Mahé at the northern extremity of the Amirantes Bank.

This charming island surrounded by fish-rich waters was once the home of the American Wendy Veevers-Cater who spent some years on the island with her family before the tiny islet came under the management of the government’s Island Development Company (IDC).

The island was once much prized for its guano deposits and much of this compacted manure was mined after World War I together with the casuarina trees that gave the small island a picturesque profile. After the Veevers-Cater experiment in settling the island, IDC stationed a handful of workers there to keep the island clean, tend the coconut plantation and to maintain a small number of chalets.

Part of the Amirantes Group, D’Arros is situated 255km southwest of Mahé and some 45km west of Desroches. Together with the adjoining atoll of St Joseph, D’Arros forms part of a private estate with a lagoon of exceptional beauty.

The island hosts a number of colonies of sea birds such as frigates, fairy terns, crested terns, tropic birds and lesser noddies. There is a small population of giant land tortoises and the island is often visited by sea turtles during the nesting season. Purchased by Prince Shahram Pahlavi-nia of Iran in 1975, D’Arros was reserved for the exclusive use of his family and friends until 1998, when it was once again sold to another private party.

Of all the islands in the Amirantes Group, Desroches is the closest to Mahé (230km southwest) and the only island in the group offering accommodation. This coral island measures 5km long and 1.5km wide, boasting 14km of immaculate beaches that fringe a lush grove of coconut palms interspersed by casuarina trees.

Desroches was named after a former French governor of Mauritius, and like many of Seychelles’ islands, was once a prosperous coconut plantation. The island and its exclusive Desroches Island Resort are serviced by air from Mahé in a flight-time of approximately 50 minutes, and offers spectacular opportunities for deep sea fishing, fly-fishing and diving.

Saint Joseph Atoll comprises the islands Saint Joseph, Fouquet, Ressource, Ile Varres, Petit Carcassaye, Grand Carcassaye, Benjamin, Banc Ferrari, Chien, Banc de Sable, Banc Cocos, Ile Paul and Pelican. Saint Joseph Island itself comprises a land area of 1000 acres and is the largest island in the group. The Saint Joseph Atoll, 250km southwest of Mahé, is situated in close physical proximity to D'Arros Island and the two have always shared a closely tied fortune.

Saint Joseph, like d'Arros, was once a thriving coconut plantation, interspersed with such trees as casuarina, bois mapu, cassant, and bois blanc. It traditionally housed a small population of contract workers from its neighbour who, over the years, have been engaged in the coprah (refined coconut flesh) industry and also in fishing.

The atoll’s lagoon is home to a massive population of sting rays and a healthy number of turtles. Giant blue mud crabs migrate from the depths of the lagoon onto the surrounding flats with the high tides. Bone fish abound as do grouper, lobster and several species of coral fish. Oysters grow in profusion on the coral walls and in the weed beds that cover much of the lagoon's surface. There is a large colony of frigate birds and numbers of blue heron, crested terns, wimbrels and plovers.

Poivre was named after the Intendant of Mauritius, Pierre Poivre, who was instrumental in introducing spices from the far east into Seychelles. Poivre is one of the oldest coconut plantations in the outer islands and this was the main source of income of a succession of individuals who either leased or owned Poivre.

Some 270km southwest of Mahé and 40km to the south of D’Arros lies Poivre Atoll, famous for its attractive semi-lagoon and also for its deep-sea fishing. The two islands that comprise Poivre atoll, Poivre and Ile du Sud, are very different in nature and separated from one another by a semi-There is a population of blue heron, chinese heron, greater frigate birds, whimbrels and fodys as well as lesser noddies and fairy terns. Poivre is a nesting site for hawksbill and green turtle.

Platte Island, 140km due south of Mahé, is low and flat with an encircling reef containing a lagoon. Known for its rich fish life, Platte has an airstrip and is occasionally serviced by Island Development Company (IDC) aircraft from Mahé.

The island, a low and wooded sand cay, is about 1250 meters long north-south, with a width from 250m in the south to 550m in the north, with a land area of 0.65km². The island is bisected by a 900-meter-airfield that follow the long north-south axis. There is a small settlement on the western shore with the manager's house and a few guest cottages to the northwest. Barrier reefs, over which the sea breaks heavily, extend 5km north, about 0.8km east, and 2.4km south of the island, making it a pseudo-atoll. Within the barrier reefs, the lagoon is quite smooth, and landing is safe and easy. A submerged reef rim extends 12km west and 18km south of the island, obviously the remnants of a sunken atoll, creating a complex of almost 25km in length north-south and 14km in width east-west and covering an area of roughly 270km².

There are two passages through the reef on the northwest side, available for small vessels with local knowledge only. La Perle Reef lies at the southwestern end of the reef rim, about 10km southwest of Platte Island. Depths of less than four meters can exist on this reef where breakers have been observed.

The island of Coetivy is situated more than 290km away from the main island, Mahe and its crystal clear waters cannot carry any pollutant neither shrimp disease, except from its own farm. The elongated shape of the island makes it possible to pump sea water from one side and discharge on the other side. The island has her own hatchery with a capacity of 50 million post larvae per year.

The island also has a complete processing plant, where shrimps are processed and frozen within hours after harvesting. In august 1995, a shrimp feed factory was set up to produce fresher and better quality feeds. The first shrimps grown completely on this feed are now harvested and are showing both faster growth and reduced feed conversions. The quality of the feed also made it possible to keep high density ponds.

Alphonse, the principal island of the Alphonse Group, is a small triangular island barely 1.2km wide, sheltered by a spectacular coral reef.

Located 400km southwest of Mahé, Alphonse was initially developed around the coconut industry and was also mined for guano (decomposed bird droppings). The island remains an important nesting ground for turtles and colonies of sea birds. Alphonse is one of the few among Seychelles’ outer islands to offer accommodation in 25 luxury bungalows and 5 executive suites. The island provides excellent opportunities for fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing, and diving in virgin waters. Alphonse is serviced by air from the main island of Mahé in a flight time of one hour.

Bijoutier Island is a circular 2-acre island, set like a gemstone as if to crown the beauty of the lagoon. It occupies a place of pride within the crystalline turquoise water. It is fringed with beach shrubs and coconut palms.

A walk around the island will take all minutes. The island which has never been inhabited, boasts a variety of wildlife that includes colonies of frigate birds, turtles, giant blue mud-crabs as well as, now, a world renowned population of bone-fish. Excursions to Bijoutier can be made from Alphonse.

Saint François is a low-lying, v-shaped, flat reef cay with a fringe of coconut palms, separated from its larger neighbour, Alphonse, by a narrow but deep canal.

The island itself only formed relatively recently and is not mature, and its poor topsoil has placed limitations on its development. The island once supported a population of a handful of men engaged in harvesting coconuts but the plantation was never productive. The sand flats surrounding Saint François today offer what is widely considered to be the best bone-fishing in the world, for fly-fishing guests staying at the nearby Alphonse Island Lodge.

The Farquhar Atoll comprises the islands Ile du Nord, Ile du Sud, Manaha Nord, Manaha Milieu, Manaha Sud, Goëlettes, Lapin, Ile du Milieu, Depose and Bancs de Sable.

This group lies a little over 700km from Mahé and is made up of the atolls of Farquhar and Providence together with the island of St Pierre. Beautiful lagoons within the atolls offer secure anchorages from the sometimes-stormy seas that surround them. There is no accommodation on the islands of the Farquhar Group. Farquhar, Seychelles’ most southerly outpost, has an airstrip and is serviced by aircraft from Mahé on a charter basis.

The Providence Atoll comprises of the islands of Providence, St Pierre and Cerf Island. Providence Atoll occupies an extensive bank of shallow water well known for its profusion of fish. Cerf Island, a true coconut island with an almost cartoon-like fringe of green palms, lies at the southern end of the Providence bank.

St. Pierre, some 32km west of Providence, is a small, raised coral island occupying its own small submarine bank and is a popular roost and breeding site for sea-birds.

St Pierre Island is located at 704km from Mahé. The island is nearly circular with a land area of 1.68km². St Pierre has a sloping seabed on the exposed south east coast and a steep on the northwest. St Pierre Island is virtually inaccessible from the sea.

Seychelles International Airport or Aeroport de Pointe La Rue as it is known locally is located on the island of Mahé, Seychelles near the capital city of Victoria. It forms part of the Administrative districts of La pointe Larue (terminal area), Cascade/Providence (in the North) and Anse aux pins (in the south and military base). The airport is 11km south-east of the capital and is accessible by the Victoria - Providence Highway. There are frequent bus services from the bus station in Victoria, Taxi ranks outside the terminal available to all locations on Mahé Island and several tour operators coach services namely Creole Travel Services and Mason's travel which also links passengers to the ferry terminal at the Old Port (Vieux port) for inter-island ferry services and to the New Port (Nouveau port) for cruise holidays. A domestic terminal is located a short walking distance north of the International terminal and offers domestic inter-island flights with a peak of a departure every 10-15 minutes at busy times which corresponds with international arrivals/departures and every 30 minutes at other times.

The Helipad of the 5 star accommodation “Four Seasons Resort” is located in the south of the island of Mahé at Baie Lazare which overlooks a pristine beach and a splendid blue lagoon