The two groupings of islands consist of the Inner and the Outer islands.

Of the 43 Inner islands, 3 of the major destinations or stepping stones to visit the surrounds are Mahe’, Praslin and La Digue.

Mahe’ hosts an International Airport at the Capital of Victoria and a Port and the majority of the population of about 72,000 persons. The 28 x 8km island is also the transportation hub to visits elsewhere in this vast area of many smaller islands. I0 large Resort Hotels and over 65 smaller Hotels, B&B’s and Self-catering businesses provide accommodation for many thousands of monthly visitors. Other services available in the three major islands are; Boat tours & hiring’s, Dive sites, fishing for ‘Big Game’, Scenic Drives, Walks and guided tours and Horse Riding or cycling.

Praslin is about 40km2 and is renown for its UNESCO – World Heritage Site, the ‘Valle’e de Mer’ where the unique and extra large, feminine,  ‘Coco de Mer’ fruit originates, and two of the ‘Top Ten Beaches of the World’! The history of harboring 18th Century Pirates and the founder by the French, ‘Duc de Praslin’ add spice to an already exotic location. A small port and airport offer access to the surrounding archipelago. Accommodation is catered for by over 50, large and small Hotels, Guest houses and self-catering enterprises. Other attractions are Art Galleries, Specialty Shops and Museum.

La Digue has a small population of only about 2,000 on the 10km2 island. It is home to some of the rarest and indigenous birds in the world, forests and exotic flora – almonds, vanilla, takamaka and coconuts and stunning beaches, diving and snorkeling opportunities. The small harbor offers a shuttle to surrounding islets and great fishing opportunities.

Outer Islands – the 72 are widespread – as far as 1,000km from Mahe’ and consist mainly of cays and outcrops. Alphonse and Desroches are the only two offering accommodation, sailing, fishing and diving – A sailing explorers dream.

Events – The monthly calendar is full of events and competitions during the cooler months from April to November. August 2009 has the Catholic Celebrations, Boat, Sail and Wind Surfing races, and Fishing Competitions. September has the Indian Religious Celebrations and Tourism Day. October has a Diving Competition and cultural – Festival Kreal. November hosts the great Marlin Tournament. December seems slumber time. January 2010 opens with a Marathon and February with a French cultural ‘Fete’, and a Rotary Fishing Competition. April introduces the Arts Festival of local visual delights. New, May, June and July activities are still to be announced. I can’t wait to hear – as these are some of the best (cooler) months to visit.

Whether you are looking for a romantic break away, a family holiday or even an adventure holiday – you have picked the right spot!

Where is it? :  The Seychelles are made up out of 115 islands North East of Madagascar in the warm Indian Ocean.

What is the Capiital City?: Mahe, the main island, is host to the world’s smallest capital in the world – Victoria.

What Language do they speak? :  English, French and Creole are the languages used in the Seychelles.

When to Go? :  The best time to visit the Seychelles is from March to May and September to November.  This period tends to be calmer and wind free, providing excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving conditions.

What to Take? :  Pack light summer clothing, take a hat and do not forget your sunblock.  It is not necessary to take snorkeling or diving equipment, because most hotels and resorts will rent it to you.  If you prefer you can take your own.  If you are a avid hiker, pack comfortable shoes to explore the wonderful nature trails. Some visitors take their fishing gear, but even that can be rented once you are there.

Where to Stay? :  The islands offer a wide range of different types of accommodation.  It really depends on your preference seeing that you can choose between large hotels, small hotels, self-catering bungalows, resorts, spa hotels and even a marina hotel.  Rates and ratings differ, but over all accommodation in the Seychelles tend to be on the expensive side.  It is necessary to budget for expensive meals and activities in addition to the high price you pay for your bed.  Some hotels offer all inclusive packages.  If you take your children along make sure that you choose a hotel with a children’s club.  (These hotels seem to be more expensive and there is only a handful…)

What to Do? :  There is so much to do in the Seychelles!  I will only list a short list of highlights:

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches and swimming in the warm water is often what most visitors enjoy most.
• Snorkeling and diving will open up a wonderful world of underwater beauty.
• Fishing, especially big game fishing is very popular.
• Sailing and other water sports are offered by the hotels.
• Shopping in Victoria’s craft market
• Visiting the clock tower in Victoria
• Island hop to get a feel of the different islands
• Visit the beautiful botanical gardens.  Vallee De Mai  Nature Reserve is also known as the Garden of Eden.
• St. Anne Marine National Park provides exquisite snorkeling opportunities.
• Anse Lazio was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and warrants a visit.
• Bird Island
• Go hunt for the burried treasure of Bel Ombre.
• On the island La Digue you will see vanilla flowers and an array of other wild flowers.  You can see the extremely rare Seychelles Magpie Robin and the Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher.
• In Praslin you can see the Vallee Mai and Coco de Mer Palm with the largest seed and leaves. You can see the extremely rare black parrot, bulbul and fruit pigeon.

This is truly paradise! You will find yourself lying on a beach and ask yourself how did you get to be so lucky. If you can afford paradise I would recommend that you go and go again.  Seychelles do not only offer beaches, but also nature that cannot be compared to anything else you have ever seen in your life…