If someone came up with a list of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, the Seychelles would probably account for five of them. Some of the best and most famous ones are Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka and Anse Soleil (magic sunsets) on Mahe; Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette and Petite Anse Kerlan on Praslin; and Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue, which may rank as the most stunning beach in the world, at least in the modeling business.
If you want to escape scantily clad Parisian supermodels spoiling the view, take a walk from here to the wild Grand'Anse which isn't sheltered by a coral reef and has crashing surf. Anse Cocos is another dream come true and usually deserted. If money is no object, book a luxury resort on Denis, Silhouette, Desroches or North Island.
Fishing
Deep-sea fishing is a major attraction in the Seychelles, and apart from Curieuse, Ile Cocos, Port Launay/Baie Ternay and Ste. Anne Marine national parks, you can fish everywhere without a license or training.
Among the game fish in the surrounding water are tuna, trevally, swordfish, barracuda, milkfish, sailfish, pompano, wahoo and marlin. The Seychelles are reputed to be the best place for bonefishing in the world.
The big-game season runs September—May. Spear fishing is supposed to be illegal, but wealthy Middle Eastern and Russian visitors seem to ignore the ban with impunity.
If you want to rent a boat with a skipper, check out the list of fishing operators at http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/fishing_operators.php.
Golf
The Seychelles only have one golf course with 18 holes, but it's certainly one of the most beautiful in the world. The Lemuria Resort Golf Course (phone 281-281; http://www.lemuriaresort.com) is on Praslin island, and its fairways border pristine secluded snow-white beaches. While playing, you will walk across a jungle and coconut plantations.
Another golf course with nine holes is located at the former Reef Hotel at the west couast of Mahe.
Hiking & Walking
Hiking is the best way to explore the tropical nature of the islands. You'll find deserted beaches and great lookout points. Check out the hiking guides "Nature Trails," published by the tourism authority of the Seychelles, which describe the local fauna and flora of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. You can often find the brochures in the Tourist Information Office in the Independence House in Victoria, Mahe.
On Mahe, the Morne Seychellois National Park is a must. Notice that the tracks may be overgrown and difficult to walk after heavy rains. Never go alone. For difficult tracks, hire a local guide and remember that night falls a half-hour after sunset in the tropics.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is offered on Mahe and La Digue. Try Utegangar Riding Center (phone 712-355), which offers the unique experience of galloping on Grand'Anse beach, or Cliff Ladouceur (phone 234-480).
Scuba & Snorkeling
The best time for snorkeling is April-May and October-November when the waters are calm and crystal clear. From June-September, beaches on the north eastern bay of Mahe are sheltered from the prevailing winds. When the weather is calm try the seldom-visited Anse la Blague on Praslin, which is absolutely gorgeous.
On La Digue, all beaches in the slipstream of Praslin are good for snorkeling year-round.
Scuba diving conditions in the Seychelles are excellent, although marine life has been affected by coral bleach. Many hotels have their own diving bases. On Mage, Cerf Island Explorer runs diving excursions into the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, which is good for diving year-round.
Surfing
Surfing conditions in the Seychelles depend on season and location. Beau Vallon Bay on Mahe is perfect for beginners May-October. Grand'Anse on Praslin has good conditions June-September, Anse Volbert November-March. Grand'Anse on La Digue has perfect wind conditions June-September.
Shopping
Good buys include colorful sarongs and batiks, paintings, model ships, sculpture and pottery by local artists; gold and pearl jewelry made in Mahe and Praslin; and woven coconut palm hats and mats. Other purchases to check out include spices, island tea, local music CDs, bright T-shirts, picture books, island perfumes and Coco d'Amour, a tropical Seychelles liqueur in a bottle the shape of the
coco de mer.
Stamp collectors should visit the Seychelles Philatelic Bureau in the main post office in Victoria.
The market in Victoria, Mahe, is a must-see. Camion Hall in Albert Street is the major arts-and-crafts center of the Seychelles. Check out Ray's Music Room, also in Albert St., for a wide selection of Creole music.
On Praslin, visit the George Camille Art Gallery in Anse Volbert to check out the beautiful paintings inspired by the beaury and nature of the islands. On La Digue, Barbara Jensen Studio in Anse Reunion is worth a look.
Shopping Hours: Approximately Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday 8 am-noon. Kiosks, small grocery stores and some tourist shops keep later hours.
Local Tours
The islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digueour all have tour companies that can deal with anything from a cruise tour to an individual itinerary, day or half-day sightseeing tours, interisland flights, and boat and deep-sea fishing trips. Three with good reputations are Mason's Travel, Creole Travel Services (phone 248-280-100, http://www.creoletravelservices.com) and 7 Degrees South (phone 248-322-682, http://www.7south.net), all with head offices in Victoria on Mahe.
Day By Day
Don't go to the Seychelles for a short visit—it's so remote and so beautiful that, once you arrive, you should allow yourself a minimum of 10 days. Try to see at least two islands.
Day 1—Arrive Mahe.
Day 2—Sightseeing in Victoria and the Morne Seychellois National Park.
Day 3—Tour South Mahe, including a stop at Intendance beach.
Day 4—Ste. Anne Marine National Park boat tour.
Days 5-7—Praslin Island. Include a tour of the Vallee de Mai and a day at Anse Lazio.
Day 8—Ferry to La Digue Island.
Day 9—La Digue Island.
Day 10—Fly back to Mahe and depart.
If this itinerary seems rushed, swap out a day from Mahe with La Digue. Also, if time permits, add one more day on Praslin and two or three days each on Denis Island (if you're going deep-sea fishing) and Bird and Fregate islands (if you're going bird-watching). Even if you're not a bird lover, spend at least one night on Bird Island. It's quite an experience to see and hear (and smell) so many birds in one spot.
