Recently, many tourists from Russia have begun to travel to the Seychelles, and this is not surprising, because there is so much exotic stuff there that you won’t find everywhere on the mainland.
These islands are located in the Indian Ocean and are not very close, or rather, very far from the mainland.
These islands are poorly visible on the map and are therefore outlined in red.
Seychelles as a geographical object are located in the Indian Ocean. To be more precise, northeast of the island Madagascar. Geographically, this is considered East Africa. This island archipelago is often simply called Seychelles.
It should be noted that on these islands there is also a state with the same name - the Republic of Seychelles / Republic of Seychelles.
View from space, from satellite -
We can find the Seychelles islands on the world map according to the following characteristics: they are located in the western part of the Indian Ocean, slightly south of the equator, north of Madagascar and approximately 1600 km east of the African continent.
They are famous for their unique nature, in particular the Seychelles palm tree, which grows only on these islands, as well as the island of birds, where many migratory birds fly.
The Seychelles Islands are located in the Indian Ocean. If you see the traditional map of March, where the American continent is on the left and the Eurasian continent on the right, then the Indian Ocean is in the lower right quarter. Can you find the African continent? To the right of it, the landmark is the island of Madagascar, all the dots above it are the Seychelles Islands.
The Seychelles Islands are located in the northern Indian Ocean. The red dot indicates their approximate position on the world map.
Here is a detailed description and coordinates of the islands:
It is always warm here, thanks to the special climatic conditions. Nature is rich and diverse. Plants grow there and birds live, which are found only here. Another difference between Seychelles is that the coastal beaches have the whitest sand and the most crystal clear water, striking in its transparency. Many people want to visit here.
You need to look for islands in the Indian Ocean, more precisely in the western part, south of the equator, east of Africa. At first, it is easier to find the island of Madagascar on the map, because it is much larger than any of all 115 Seychelles islands combined. So the Seychelles on the map will be located north of this island, that is, you need to look for them on the map above Madagascar.
This wonderful country received its name in 1756 in honor of the French statesman and political figure - Jean Moreau de Sechelles. At that time, the Seychelles belonged to the French East India Company.
Where are the Seychelles Islands on the map?
This is an island state in the Indian Ocean, located south of the equator, one thousand six hundred kilometers east of the African mainland, northeast of Madagascar. You can see in detail and find out where the Seychelles are on the map below.
The area of the state is small - 455 km?. The largest island is Mahe. There is also an international airport there. In total, the state includes 115 islands, but most of the islands are coral, and there are only a few large ones with paradise resorts. These are islands such as Praslin, Silhouette, La Digue and others. All of them are distant from Fr. Mahe at 50-70 km.
The official language of the state is Creole. However, English and French are also spoken. The state currency is the Seychelles rupee. One rupee is equal to one hundred cents. According to 2009 data, the population of the paradise state is about 90 thousand people, which is 193 people per square meter.
The climate on these paradise islands is subequatorial maritime. The weather here is beautiful all year round (26-28 °C) - bright sun, light breeze, which, thanks to the ocean, contributes to the absence of heat. In general, everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
Nature in Seychelles
Due to the long-term island isolation in the country's flora, there are a lot of different animals, reptiles, birds, and plants found on this archipelago. In the interior of the large islands, unique forests have been preserved, in which rare species of palm trees, ferns, and ramps grow. On the small coral islands, the flora has long been replaced by coconut palms due to the drought brought by the monsoons.
One of the main natural attractions of the archipelago is the Seychelles palm tree. Its fruit can weigh up to 20 kg, being by far the largest fruit in the plant world. On the island of Praslin there is a wonderful park “Vallée de Mai”, where you can see a whole grove of such palm trees.
You can also see giant turtles in the Seychelles. Some of them can reach a weight of 250 kg and live up to 150 years. There are also many rare birds, such as the black cockatoo and the bulbul nightingale.
Even more photos can be found by looking at the article. If you want to visit this country on a working visit, then you need to know. Have a good trip!
The Seychelles is a collection of more than 150 islands, the largest is the island of Mahe (according to other sources - Aldabra). The administrative center of the archipelago is the city of Victoria, the total area of the islands is 450 square kilometers. Of the 150, only 33 islands are inhabited. The Seychelles is famous for its picturesque landscapes and amazing lagoons with a truly fabulous underwater world.
Where are the Seychelles Islands?
The Seychelles are scattered in the Indian Ocean closer to the equator. The archipelago is located slightly west of Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, and the closest island to it is Madagascar. The chain of Seychelles islands stretches from the coast of the African continent.
What attracts tourists to the Seychelles?
Why do many tourists seek to relax in the Seychelles?
- comfortable climate all year round;
- picturesque views of the surrounding nature;
- magnificent beaches;
- excellent service;
- a huge variety of sea activities: fishing, yachting, surfing and;
- The Seychelles has amazing flora and fauna.
When is the best time to go on holiday to the Seychelles?
- Winter. In winter, the Seychelles receives little rainfall, mainly in the evenings. But the moisture quickly evaporates and not a trace remains of the rain. At sunset, the water in the sea is warm, but there is a stuffiness in the air that disappears in the morning.
- Spring. At this time, the island becomes much drier, clear weather sets in at dawn, and plants begin to bloom profusely. The rainy season ends in March, but little rain falls at night. There may be winds, but by May the weather will stabilize.
- Summer. June in the Seychelles begins with storms, attracting surfers from all over the world. But on land it is relatively dry and cool, the evening sea close muffles the sweltering heat of the day. The best time to relax on the beach is after a hot afternoon.
- Autumn. This season is the period of the new rainy season; in September there may be heavy rains. But there is still not much cloudy weather here in the autumn; in October the precipitation disappears, and the most fertile time for a comfortable rest for travelers begins.
Weather in the Seychelles by months and water temperature: table
The best months for vacation are December, May and October.
Holidays and festivals in Seychelles
- Creole Festival. It takes place every year in October and is accompanied by national songs and dances. This is a musical event that attracts creative people from all over the planet.
- Fishing tournament. Participants of the event are fishermen who prefer to catch sea fish with spoons. The festival begins at night and ends before sunset. The prize is the caught fish and traditional prizes.
- Deepavali. This festival is dedicated to the goddess of fortune Lakshmi and its celebration means that joy and happiness will soon come to your home. If you believe the legend, a person who worships this Indian goddess will soon achieve recognition and success.
- Seychelles Carnival. This holiday is second in scale only to the famous Brazilian carnival. The three-day celebration in the Seychelles is accompanied by bright colors, songs and fancy dress.
- Sailing regatta. This is a maritime competition in which everyone, professionals and amateurs, participates. The regatta lasts for eight days and takes place in the autumn.
How to get to the Seychelles?
Tourists wishing to visit the Seychelles for a period of a month do not require a visa; they only need a foreign passport and a return air ticket.
There are two ways to get to the Seychelles:
- European airlines (from Moscow, fly first to Rome, Milan or London);
- Through Asia.
Note: a service fee upon arrival of forty dollars.
But there is no direct flight from Moscow to the Seychelles.
Estimated prices for air travel from Moscow to Mahe
Prices are valid for 2016 based on two round trips:
- Etihad Airways: price - from 45,000 rubles, with a transfer in Abu Dhabi, travel time - 25 hours
- Emirates: price - from 60,000 rubles, with a transfer in Dubai, travel time - 20 hours 20 minutes
- Air Berlin: price - from 65,000 rubles, with two transfers in Munich and Abu Dhabi, travel time - 21 hours 25 minutes
- Air Seychelles: price - from 65,000 rubles, with two transfers in Belgrade and Abu Dhabi, travel time - 2 days 3 hours
Useful information for tourists
- Transport. Driving in the Seychelles is on the left. The roads on the islands are not in the best condition, so to get around it is recommended to rent a bicycle or take a taxi. Although you can also get to the beaches by bus.
- Vaccinations. Doctors recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A before traveling to the Seychelles, since there is a risk of contracting this disease on this archipelago.
- Shopping. The Seychelles Islands are home to many souvenir shops and craft shops. From here you can bring back bright T-shirts and poreos, crafts made from shells, jewelry made from pearls and coral, and even paintings by local artists as souvenirs.
- Water. The water in the Seychelles is considered safe to drink, but it is best not to drink it from the tap. It is best to buy bottled mineral or bottled water.
- Tips. Employees of restaurants, cafes and bars must leave a tip of ten percent of the total amount. The same applies to hotel maids.
Sights of the Seychelles
Moe Beach (Beau Vallon). This picturesque beach is considered one of the most popular among tourists. There are clean places, clear water and picturesque sunsets. It is suitable for a family holiday and for romantic couples in love.
Morne National Park. This Seychelles nature reserve is located near the capital of the archipelago, Victoria, and is of volcanic origin. There are many picturesque paths and paths, flowering parks.
Mount Morne Blanc. This majestic peak is located on the main island of Mahe and attracts tourists with beautiful views. There is a convenient observation deck and places for picnics and family recreation.
Bird Island. You can enjoy the birdlife in the Seychelles all year round. But the best place to do this is on the island: Mahe. It is truly an amazing sight when hordes of birds nest on a small island, you need to see it with your own eyes.
Crafts Village. An interesting place that attracts many tourists. Here you can see ancient huts where antiques are still preserved. Today, artisans work in the village making souvenirs from those times.
Clock tower. This architectural monument of the Seychelles was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. The tower is made in the shape of a cone and is equipped with an observation deck, which offers a gorgeous view of the surrounding area.
Moyen Island. This is a popular island among travelers. It is a natural reserve. According to legend, pirate treasures are buried here.
Farquhar Atoll. It is a paradise for lovers of scuba diving and fishing.
Workshop. Featured here are the works of artist Michael Adams - a famous painter of the Seychelles. He conveys in detail the picturesque beauty of Seychelles
Where should a Russian tourist go? Among the increasingly popular destinations is the Seychelles. Many of our citizens can already find them on the world map. To visit this country you do not need a visa, and the trip itself promises to be very exciting. Here are the basic facts about this wonderful place.
general information
Visa regime for Russia
For Russians, visiting the Seychelles does not require a visa (for up to 30 days). To enter the country, you need a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of intended departure, a return air ticket, as well as proof of solvency at the rate of 50 US dollars per day.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to pay a tourist tax of $40. Children can only enter Seychelles if accompanied by their parents. If one of them is traveling, then a power of attorney is needed from the second.
Customs
The customs legislation of the state does not restrict the import and export of currency. You cannot enter the country with weapons (including pneumatic weapons), fruits and vegetables, and meat products. Particularly strict policy of the authorities regarding the import of drugs. Warnings are posted in the arrival halls of airports for tourists - if someone tries to import drugs, he faces a prison term of up to 30 years.
Certain species of marine flora and fauna cannot be exported (unless there are official certificates).
Geology
The geology of the country is represented by two types of landscape - granite (the largest island of Mahe is one of these) and coral. The bulk of the population lives on the granite islands. In the central regions of some of them there are forests where palm trees, ferns, and pandanuses grow. The coastal zone contains mainly coconut palms and artificial plantings. By the way, they are also located mainly on the granite part of the archipelago.
Coral islands are atolls, their height above the ocean water level is 4-8 meters. They are arid because coral limestones almost do not retain air moisture. The only flora here is coconut palms.
Unique fauna
The Seychelles is home to a large number of endemic bird species. The reason for this is their rather long existence in isolation relative to other world ecosystems. Among the most recognizable birds of the Seychelles is the frigate bird. Its wingspan is up to 3 meters and can stay in the air without a break for up to 7 days in a row!
On Bird Island, a variety of bird species, arriving in winter from other parts of the world, gather for nesting. Another attraction of the island is the giant turtles. Some individuals weigh up to 250 kg.
Story
How did the world know about the existence of a paradise on earth called the Seychelles? Where they are and what they are, sailors from Portugal told us back in the early 16th century. At that time the archipelago was practically uninhabited. Over the next centuries, sea pirates only occasionally visited the islands.
The first settlements appeared there in the mid-18th century - on the islands of Mahe and Praslin. They were founded by immigrants from France, who began to grow some types of agricultural crops here. These lands received their name in honor of Moreau de Sechelle, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The colonists brought slaves here from Africa. At the end of the 18th century, the military seizure of the archipelago was carried out by Britain, which some time later began to stimulate the settlement of the territory by immigrants from India. At the end of the 19th century, Chinese from the British colony of Mauritius began to settle in the Seychelles, and at the beginning of the 20th century, immigrants from Arabia began to settle. In 1976, the Seychelles gained independence from Great Britain, and in 1977, the party of France-Albert Rene, which followed the ideology of Marxism, came to power. In 1993, democratic changes took place in the country.
State structure
Seychelles is a country with a republican form of government. The President and Prime Minister are elected by the people for a term of 5 years. Each representative of the executive branch can hold his position for up to three consecutive terms. The main legislative body is the Parliament, where 34 deputies sit (25 are elected directly by citizens, 9 from parties).
The largest political associations are the Progressive Front, the National Party.
The Seychelles army is represented by ground forces, maritime patrol, and the national guard. Service is on a contract basis. The state budget spends about 3% on the needs of the army.
Economy
The basis of the Seychelles economy is tourism (70% of foreign exchange earnings, 30% of employment), fishing (the basis of exports is frozen and canned fish). Agriculture is slightly developed (the main crops are coconuts, cinnamon, sweet potatoes, bananas. Poultry is raised in households.
Culture
The place where cultures from all over the world are intertwined is the Seychelles, where there are examples of the heritage of the national color of Europeans (French, British), Africans, Indians, and residents of Madagascar. Women are especially revered on the islands - many play a leading role in managing the household, keeping family accounts, and raising children. The role of men in family life is sometimes secondary. Some families practice the rule: the more a man earns, the more rights he has.
In the Seychelles, it is customary to tip 10% and give small amounts to maids. Taxi payments are usually paid by meter, but tips are also welcome (especially if the trip is long).
It is illegal to export some household items of the indigenous people of Seychelles (for example, spears for fishing).
Strong winds and cyclones avoid the Seychelles. Mahe Island, however, is characterized by frequent heavy rains, so when planning a visit, you can take an umbrella.
The main part of the archipelago is coral formations (133, out of a total of 155).
The granite islands of the Seychelles are considered the oldest existing on Earth.
Aldabra Island, considered by many geologists to be the largest in the archipelago, is protected by UNESCO.
The main area of Seychelles is occupied by the National Park.
The administrative center is the city of Victoria, considered one of the smallest capitals.
Citizens of the Republic of Seychelles often travel to other countries, despite the local beauty and wonderful climate.
Many tourists, when planning a tour to the Seychelles, are interested in what country awaits them during their vacation. So, Seychelles is officially called the “Republic of Seychelles” (in French - République des Seychelles, in English - Republic of Seychelles, in Seychelles - Repiblik Sesel). You are about to visit an island state that has 115 islands. According to their origin, the islands are divided into granite and coral (atolls). This fabulous country is located in the western part of the Indian Ocean, several degrees south of the equator. Approximately 1600 km in an easterly direction separate the islands from the African continent.
The area occupied by the Seychelles is approximately 455 km². If you are looking for the largest island, then it is Mahe, occupying 142 km². It is here that the capital city of Victoria is located, at whose international airport planes land, including flights from Russia. Speaking about other islands popular with tourists, one cannot help but recall Praslin, Silhouette, La Digue, and Berd. According to data for 2010, the population of the state is about 88 thousand people.
The religious composition of the Seychelles is relatively uniform. More than 90% of the population professes Catholicism, 8% Protestantism. There are two official languages recognized in the Seychelles - English and French. Despite this, most of the local population speaks a Creole dialect, which arose from French mixed with English and the Malagasy dialect.
The national currency is the Seychelles rupee (SR). The official exchange rate to the dollar is approximately 5.5SR per US dollar. Foreign currency exchange is carried out at bank branches, as well as on the territory of most hotels. However, it is worth considering that hotels often issue bills in dollars or euros, so it is not advisable to change a lot of local currency.
What can be said about local cuisine is that it was formed as a result of a mixture of different cultural and national traditions. Creole cuisine is dominated by various seafood dishes, as well as dishes prepared from fresh fish with the addition of coconuts and curry.
Perhaps the title of the most popular Seychelles dish deserves pwason ek diri, which is fish with rice, and the most common dishes are tektek soup, octopus, banana kat-kat, fish in all its forms, breadfruit, stewed in a special way, stew bat, giramon puree, shark shatini. All this is complemented by boiled cassava, coconut nougat, candied bilimbi, and stewed Saint-Jacques banana. There is no need to be afraid of such exoticism, because European cuisine is also available in abundance here.
