|
The Seychelles has the highest percentage of total land area of any country
in the world set aside as a national park or nature reserve at nearly 50%.
|
|
There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites (Vallee de Mai & Aldabra). The Vallee de Mai
features the Coco de Mer palm, which has the largest leaf and seed in the plant kingdom and
is home to the rare Black Parrot. Aldabra is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and features
the world’s largest giant land tortoise colony, the world’s second largest Fregate bird nesting
colony, only island nesting site for the Pink Flamingo, and the only flightless bird in the Indian
Ocean. Aldabra is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the Hawksbill and Green Turtles.
|
|
The Seychelles is the only place in the world where the endangered Hawksbill Turtle nests in
the daylight hours. There are tagging programs to protect the species.
|
|
The Seychelles is the only mid-ocean granite islands in the world. The spectacular natural
beauty features the most stunning beaches in the world set against dramatic granite rock
formations. La Digue manifests this unique character of Seychelles.
|
|
Sailing is a great way to enjoy the island-hopping experience and is well defined in
Seychelles with crewed or bare boat yacht operations in the inner and outer islands.
|
|
Nature trails on Silhouette & Mahe highlight the diversity of Flora and Fauna.
|
|
The Amirantes & Cosmoledo Groups of islands in the Seychelles archipelago is the world’s
top fly-fishing destinations for Bonefish and Giant Trevally.
|
|
Numerous PADI five star scuba diving facilities are in operation in the Inner Islands
and in the Amirantes Group. Only 200 scuba divers per year visit the Outer Islands of Seychelles
by dedicated live aboard or expedition yacht. Whale Sharks frequent the Seychelles Inner Islands
on a regular basis and there is an ongoing tagging program with visitor participation for the
protection of the species. Protected Marine reserves are found in Mahe and Praslin & other
islands catering to diver and snorkeler. The SUBIOS underwater film festival is held once a year.
|
|
The island of Aride has been called the Seabird Citadel of the Indian Ocean and has some
of the largest seabird colonies in the world and largest of the Lesser Noddy.
|
|
Cousin Nature Reserve on Cousin Island has won ecotourism worldwide acclaim.
|
|
The Festival Kreol is held each October to celebrate the Seychelles Creole culture.
|
|
The new five-star resort development allows for luxurious accommodation in close proximity
to a pristine natural environment, with a focus toward eco-tourism. There are a number of
one-island one-resort properties winning international acclaim along with world class Spas.
|
