Diving in the Seychelles
To visit the Seychelles and never dive to the depths of the ocean is an unforgivable mistake. Diving here is great: visibility in crystal clear water reaches 30 m, temperatures are very comfortable for diving. But the main thing is that at the bottom of the Indian Ocean it is almost more beautiful than on its coast. From the abundance of curiosities, eyes widen: either one of the 900 species of fish will swim, then a snow-white shell will sparkle with a polished surface, or coral of an unprecedented color will pinch your heel. And a meeting with a turtle, a manta ray or a white shark will be remembered for a lifetime. See JIBIN123 for Seychelles customs regulations and visa requirements.
Ennerdale Rocks is the site of the wreck of an English oil tanker. Today it rests at a depth of 30 m, becoming home to barracudas, groupers, eels and other deep-sea inhabitants.
Diving near most of the islands is best from September to October and from April to May. Almost all dive sites are located 10-40 minutes from the coast. The most magical place to dive is Aldabra Island, protected by UNESCO. Sharks often circle near La Digue, flocks of colorful fish flicker near Mamel Island, tuna and musketeer fish are found on Tropheus Rocks. The average cost of a dive is 710-850 SCR including equipment, the training course will cost 5300-7100 SCR.
Surfing
The best places for surfing are the islands of Mahe and Praslin. In the northwest of Mahe is the Grand Anse beach, the most popular among the “boarders”: the waves there reach two meters in height. Other beaches in Mahe suitable for surfing are Beau Vallon and Anse Bougainville. In general, the sea near the beaches of the eastern part of the island is calmer than in the west with its unpredictable weather.
On the beach of Anse Lascar, on the island of Silhouette, you can conquer the wave both in winter and in summer.
The best surfing season on the west coasts is from November to April, as the waves can be dangerous during the summer months. The most popular surf spot in the region is Anse Lazio beach on Praslin. In the east, it is more comfortable to tame the board from May to September: at this time, southeast winds create an ideal relief of the water surface. Anse Goulette, Bel Ombre and Anse Intendance are fun for surfers of all skill levels, Beau Vallon and Carana Beach are suitable for beginners, while Anse Bougainville, Anse Royale, Barbaron and Misfit Bay are only for the most confident pros. The average cost of a surf lesson with an instructor is 1200-1500 SCR, board rental will cost from 500 SCR per day.
George and Georgina, a pair of old turtles living on Cousin Island, often stalk tourists to scratch their necks.
Fishing
Sophisticated fishermen speak of the Seychelles with a breath. Here you can catch tuna, barracuda, tiger shark and mako shark. But the most coveted trophy is the blue swordfish or blue marlin, whose weight can exceed 400 kg. It is better to go fishing early in the morning in order to have time to dig up a worm, that is, to get to deep-sea places where you first need to catch small fish: it is on it that real prey is lured. The best period for fishing is from October to April.
On the map of an avid Seychellois fisherman, the points near the islands of Mahe, Praslin, Frigate, Silhouette, Alphonse and Bird are marked in red. If desired, you can order an expedition to remote areas: for example, to the Farquhar or Cosmoledo atolls. You will have to get to your destination by boat, designed for several people and rented at least for half a day, at least for a day. Prices depend on the level of comfort of the vessel: speedboats are rented for 20,000-50,000 SCR per day, the price includes a full set of equipment. A three-hour boat trip with a fishing rod will cost 3500 SCR. Everything that is caught by overwork will be turned into gastronomic masterpieces in a restaurant on the shore or right on board: there is nowhere tastier and fresher.
Wedding in the Seychelles
A wedding abroad is becoming more and more popular among newlyweds – for this solemn ceremony, couples choose some paradise tropical island, and the Seychelles, with their virgin nature, is perhaps the most suitable place for a romantic marriage. Ceremonies in the Seychelles are held on any day, except weekends and holidays, in the presence of a registrar and in accordance with the laws of the country.
Shopping
Large shopping centers and shops can only be found on Mahe. On the rest of the islands there are only small shops with polite owners. Shops are open from 8:00 to 17:00, on Saturdays – until 17:30. Some points, especially those owned by Indians, are open until late in the evening.
As a gift, you can buy a walnut “coco de mer” of a peculiar shape, liquor from it or models of sailboats made by local craftsmen. The assortment also includes the entire standard souvenir set in the form of T-shirts, hats, pareos and shells. The shops in the capital sell interesting pearl jewelry, and art galleries show paintings by local artists. Prices for souvenirs are higher here than in other countries, and bargaining is not welcome. In general, shopping on the islands is minimal – mainly souvenirs, coconuts and tans are brought from the Seychelles.
Coco de mer grows on Praslin Island, where it is best to buy it – the choice is wider, and prices are lower. Cost – from 200 USD, be sure to pay attention to the presence of an excise stamp. In general, all exported “natural” souvenirs must obtain permission. As a rule, it is issued if there is evidence of their acquisition in an official way – that is, a check.
