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Suspended
in the Indian Ocean, literally thousands of miles from anywhere,
the Seychelles is a group of about 115 islands which lie about
1000 miles (1600km) off the coast of east Africa. The three central
islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. These islands are
carved out of granite, while the outlying islands are coral atolls.
Aside from palm-fringed beaches and superb snorkeling and diving,
there's also plenty of forest wilderness with an abundance of
wildlife.
The Seychelles offer the largest coral atolls in the world. The
granite islands which make up the main group Mahe, Praslin, La
Digue, Aride, Silhouette and Fregate. With over 900 species of
fish, 100 types of shells and 50 varieties of coral the Seychelles
are a divers paradise, with above average chance of seeing large
pelagics such as turtles, manta rays, marlin, and whale sharks.
With such an abundance of fish life and coral, snorkeling is available
in most of the anchorages.
Diving, particularly around the outlying islands is popular and
diving is offered both from dive centers on the islands or from
a hand full of liveaboards with good facilities.
The Seychelles has four marine national parks, and more than 150
species of tropical reef fish have been identified.
Dolphin and porpoise are common between the islands.
Water Temperature: 75 - 85 degrees
Visibility: 100 ft. + |
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Dive
Services
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Marine
Safaris
Tel: +27 (0) 12 991 7885
Fax 1: +27 (0) 86 671 9834
Fax 2: +27 (0) 83 118 654 1367
Cell: +27 (0) 83 654 1367
E-Mail: info@marinesafaris.co.za
Website: www.marinesafaris.co.za
Marine Safaris is a highly professional, service orientated Tour
Operator, based in South Africa, specializing in inbound and outbound
travel on the East Coast of Africa. We offer both land and sea
based packages for scuba diving, fly-fishing and game viewing. |
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Traveler
Tips
| General
Information |
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Area:
455.3 sq km (175 sq miles).
Population: 78,500 (1998).
Population Density: 169.8 per sq km.
Capital: Victoria (Mahé). Population: 70,000 (1998).
Geography: The Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400,000 sq
km (150,000 sq miles) of the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar
and contains 115 islands and islets. These fall into two
groups of markedly different appearance, stemming from their
distinct geologies:
Granitic: A dense cluster of 42 islands, the only mid-ocean
group in the world with a granite rock formation. Their
lush green vegetation is tropical in character, with a profusion
of coconut palms, bananas, mangoes, yams, breadfruit and
other tropical fruit. Indigenous forest exists on the higher
slopes, where cinnamon and tea are planted. All, including
the second largest, Praslin, are less than 65km (40 miles)
from Mahé.
Coralline: Isolated coral outcrops speckling a vast area
of the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the granitic group.
They rise only a few feet above sea level but are covered
with rich and dense vegetation due to fertilisation by copious
amounts of guano. There is no permanent population. Aldabra,
the largest atoll in the world, contains one third of all
Seychellois land and is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage
Site. The largest island in either group is Mahé,
lying 4°S of the equator. It is 27km (17 miles) long
by 8km (5 miles) wide and contains Victoria, the capital
and main port, and 90% of the population. Mahé is
typical of the Granitic Islands, being mountainous and covered
with jungle vegetation. Its highest point, indeed the highest
point in the Seychelles, is Morne Seychellois (905m/2970ft).
The isolated nature of the Seychelles has given rise to
the evolution of many unique species of flora and fauna,
including the coco-de-mer palm and unique varieties of orchid,
giant tortoise, gecko, chameleon and 'flying fox' (fruitbat).
National parks and reserves have been set up to protect
this heritage. The Seychellois are descended from a mixture
of French and British landowners, freed African slaves and
a small number of Indian and Chinese immigrants, creating
a unique culture.
Government: Republic since 1976. Gained independence from
the UK in 1975. Head of State and Government: President
France Albert René since 1977.
Language: The official languages are Creole, English and
French.
Religion: 92% Roman Catholic with Anglican, Seventh Day
Adventist, Muslim, Baha'i and other minorities.
Time: GMT + 3 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday
before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. British 3-pin plugs are
in use.
Communications:
Telephone, fax, telegram: SEYTELS offers a 24-hour service
for telegrams, telephones and faxes via SEYTELS/Cable &
Wireless Ltd, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé.
Phonecards are available. IDD is available. Country code:
248. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Network operators include
Cable & Wireless (website: www.cws.sc) and Telecom (Seychelles
Ltd.) (website: www.airtel.sc).
Internet/E-mail: ISPs include Atlas Ltd (e-mail: atlas@seychelles.net).
Postal: The main post office is in Victoria. Airmail collections
are at 1500 weekdays and 1200 Saturdays; Post office hours:
Mon-Fri 0800-1500; Sat 0800-1200.
Press: English-language newspapers include The Seychelles
Nation (morning daily except on Sundays), The People (monthly,
published by the Seychelles Progressive Front) and Seychelles
Review (monthly news review). |
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AIR:
The Seychelles' national airline is Air Seychelles (HM).
Other airlines flying to the Seychelles include British
Airways, Air France, Air Mauritius, Air Europe, Kenya Airways
and Aeroflot.
Approximate flight times: From Mahé to London is
13 hours 20 minutes and to New York is 20 hours and 40 minutes
(via London).
International airport: Mahé Island (SEZ) (Seychelles
International) is 10km (6 miles) southeast from Victoria
(travel time - 20 minutes). Some coach services are provided
by agents and taxis are available. Airport facilities include
an outgoing duty-free shop (available 24hrs prior to each
international departure and 20 mins prior to arrival in
arrival concourse), banking and currency exchange facilities
(Mon-Fri 0830-1230; Sat 0830-1200), car hire and restaurant/bar
(0800 until the last flight).
Departure tax: US$40 or equivalent, payable in foreign currency
or by credit card (local currency is not accepted). Children
under 12 years of age and transit passengers on a short
stopover who have not gone through immigration formalities
are exempt.
SEA: Cruise and cargo ships call at Mahé but there
are no scheduled passenger services. |
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| Entry |
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Passport |
Visa |
Return
Ticket Required |
| Australian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| British |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Japanese |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Other
EU |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
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PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for duration of intended stay required by
all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) Passengers holding onward or return ticket (if not onward
or return ticket must be purchased on arrival).
(b) Proof of sufficient funds and organised accommodation
for the duration of the stay.
A visitor's permit, valid initially for duration of intended
stay, is issued on arrival, subject to possession of a and
b as above; alternatively a deposit may be made by 'security'
bond in lieu. The permit may be renewed for 3 months at
no extra cost, and then at a cost of an additional SRs200
every 3 months to a maximum of 1 year, provided the applicant
holds a valid open return ticket. For further information,
contact the nearest Seychelles Tourist Office.
Transit: Passengers in transit must have tickets with reserved
seats for their onward journey.
Immigration Division, 2nd Floor, Independence House, Victoria,
Mahé, Seychelles (tel: 611 110; fax: 225 035; e-mail:
immig@seychelles.net). |
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| Misc.
Info. |
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CUSTOMS
REGULATIONS: The Seychelles customs authorities may
enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import
to or export from the Seychelles of items such as firearms,
spear-fishing equipment, and fruits and vegetables. Warm-blooded
animals must undergo a minimum quarantine period of six
months.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens should avoid crowds,
political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain
security awareness at all times. It is dangerous to swim
alone at isolated beaches, especially after dark, due to
strong currents.
CRIME INFORMATION: Petty crime is a problem. Violent
crime against tourists is rare. Travelers who keep valuables
in hotel safes and who close and lock hotel windows at night,
even while the room is occupied, are less likely to be at
risk.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in the Seychelles
are limited, especially in the isolated islands where doctors
are often unavailable.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not
always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and
Medicaid programs do not provide for payment of medical
services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may
face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm
whether your policy applies overseas, including provision
for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious
medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical
evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands
of dollars. Please ascertain whether payment will be made
to the overseas hospital or doctor, or if you will be reimbursed
later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies
also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for
disposition of remains in the event of death.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that
differ significantly from those in the United States. The
information below concerning the Seychelles is provided
for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
In the Seychelles, one drives on the left side of the street.
Roads are generally well maintained, but they are narrow
and winding. Drivers should exercise caution due to a lack
of shoulders and inadequate street lighting. Speed limits
range from 25 to 50 miles an hour. Drivers and front seat
passengers are required to wear seat belts. There are no
laws regarding child safety seats.
Public transportation by bus is good, but tends to be crowded
during rush hours, and usually requires several transfers
to reach a desired destination. Taxis are also available.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Fair
For specific information concerning Seychelles driving permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please
contact the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism via e-mail
at dgtmtca@seychelles.net or the Seychelles Tourism
Marketing Authority via e-mail
at seychelles@aspureasitgets.com. |
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1994 - 2008
Operators' Rates/Services Subject to Change
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