Tips for tourists
Seychelles is reputed to be one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. With more than half of our land area designated as Nature Reserves, we share our islands with some of the rarest endemic species of flora and fauna on the planet, including the Coco-de-Mer, Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, Giant Tortoise and one of the rarest plants on Earth, the Jellyfish Tree.
More recently, the islands have become a sanctuary of another kind – for tourists wishing to experience Seychelles’ pristine natural beauty, and enjoy the growing number of activities on offer: eco-tourism, romantic breaks, sailing, fishing, diving & snorkelling, and spa & wellness holidays. |
 Each year, whale sharks visit our shores attracting tourist who wish to snorkel with the largest fish in the world (PHOTO Marine Conservation Society Seychelles) |
  Photographs are a good way of sharing your holiday experiences with friends and family (PHOTO Elke Talma)  Turn the air con off when driving around the islands and save fuel (PHOTO Jacques Harter)  Constance Ephelia Resort sponsors a Wetland Awareness Field trip to Port Launay for members of the Wildlife Club, Seychelles (PHOTO Elke Talma)  View of Victoria from “Copolia” mountain trail, Sans Souci, on Mahé (PHOTO Elke Talma) |
While tourism brings many benefits to Seychelles, we must also be aware that Seychelles’ fragile natural environment is extremely vulnerable to increased human activity. S4S aims to inform and encourage tourist visiting our shores to become more environmentally responsible.
Help us manage our limited water resources by:
Conserve energy whenever possible by:
Most shops will accept locally produced glass bottles. You will be refunded SR2.00 per bottle. When shopping, choose a reusable bag over plastic ones.
As local facilities do not currently exist for the disposal of non-rechargeable batteries, please take your exhausted batteries home with you and dispose of them where such facilities exist. When out and about on the islands, protect the environment by taking only photos, and leaving only footprints. When visiting the island, try taking the bus or walking short distances. Use boats rather than planes for island hopping. You can hire a yacht with skipper to visit most of the inner islands and some of the outer islands. Specials permission may be required to land on some islands, particularly those with Five Star Resorts or those managed by the Island Development Company (IDC).
If you hire a car, cut your speed and enjoy the scenery. You should also open your windows and enjoy the fresh air, rather than use air conditioning. Why not ‘go local’ and try local food produce, rather than what is imported? Seychellois Creole cuisine features fresh fish and meats, a great choice of seasonal vegetables, fruits and desserts too. Buying local stimulates food production and promotes long-term self-reliance. Be sure to visit the local market for a vividly authentic experience of local culture.
When buying souvenirs, choose locally-produced art, sculpture and craft made by local craftspeople from sustainable local resources. Inquire of your hotel how they are helping the environment, by saving water, energy and reducing waste, and how they integrate with local communities. Learn more about what the Seychelles Government and Environmental NGOs are doing to protect the environment and how you can help. Your interest will encourage our tourism industry to become even “greener”! Make the most of the Seychelles’ wildlife, nature reserves and marine parks, mountain trails, secluded beaches, museums and natural wonders above and beneath the waves. Above all, treasure every moment of your Seychelles holiday and may you leave with the memories of a lifetime, sure in the knowledge that you will have played an important role in protecting this wonderful environment for future generations to enjoy.
Some of the places to visit on Mahé include:
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 Giant Tortoises roam free on Curieuse Island in the Curieuse Marine National Park (PHOTO Elke Talma) |
 Anse Lazio on Praslin is listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (PHOTO Christian Schleich) |
Some of the places to visit on Praslin include:
Other islands to visit:
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