Seychelles : Profile

Facts

(Nov. 2009) Due to the presence of Warships countering the Somali pirate menace, pirate attacks are now happening further east and are putting the Seychelles definitely in the danger zone.
The Seychelles number over 100 islands, some granite, others coral atolls including one of the world's largest atolls, Aldabra. This is now a world heritage site and permission to visit it must be obtained in Mahé. Having been uninhabited by man until 200 years ago, the islands are rich in unique wildlife, such as the giant land tortoise, many species of birds, strange plants such as the giant Coco de Mer, and untouched forests.
Mahé, La Digue and Praslin have all been developed for foreign visitors to enjoy these natural advantages, but the number of tourists is kept controlled.
The anchorages at La Digue and Praslin Islands are particularly striking and one of the chief attractions on the latter is Baie St Anne, with its thousands of Coco de Mer palms, some of them reputedly 800 years old.
The strict controls imposed on cruising yachts in the early 1990s have been gradually lifted and formalities are no longer so complicated, although some restrictions remain in force. Most of these are meant to protect this truly unique environment.
With the increase in the number of cruising yachts visiting the Seychelles and also because some charter boats are based there, facilities are steadily improving. All repair services are concentrated in Victoria, where there are several boatyards with slipways. Two new marinas have opened on Mahe, as bases for charter operations but with facilities available to visiting yachts.
There are also limited facilities on Praslin and La Digue.

The climate is tropical, but outside of the cyclone belt. Temperatures average 75-86°F (24-30°C). The NW monsoon lasts from November to April, while from March it is hotter and the winds are lighter until the SE monsoon sets in from May to October.

Weather forecasts are available by calling Seychelles Radio (Coast Station) on VHF channel 16 (working channel 26).