From
Muno our Small Ship Cruise Specialist
Is it possible to visit the Seychelles without breaking the bank?
It is true that there is an abundance of fancy resorts in the Seychelles that come with a hefty price tag with many hotel rooms at over $1000 a night – and with some ultra-expensive hotels offering lavish rooms for $15,000 a night. Whilst meals in tourist restaurants average at $100 a head for a 3-course meal with wine, there are ways to experience this piece of paradise without breaking the bank. The best way to budget for this bucket-list trip is to simply experience the Small Ship Island hopping Cruise with all delicious meals, snacks, and most excursions included throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty breakfast that will set you up for the day, in your hotel or onboard your luxury cruise whilst island hopping. Sample the delicious Seychellois dishes that are available on the beach promenades and close to the main hotels – typically curries made with fish, chicken, beef, or vegetables, served with rice and salad.
Apart from natural beauty and wildlife, what other activities are there?
The Seychelles is a unique and remote archipelago of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa with pristine turquoise water and white-sand beaches, which are undoubtedly its main attraction. However, there are a multitude of diverse activities and experiences on offer – from world-class diving, opulent wellness and spa resorts, fishing in the pristine waters or even golfing in the warm, tropical climate. Whilst on a small ship cruise, guests will be offered a myriad of experiences – from scenic coastal drives, exploring picturesque fishing villages and dense forests to a visit to L’Union Estate on La Digue. This includes a visit to a charming old Creole house and coconut factory – with the bonus of a memorable and rather bumpy ride on a traditional ox cart!
What is the significance of the famous Coco de Mer palm?
The Valle de Mai, on Praslin Island, also known as the Garden of Eden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the quirky, extremely rare, and distinctive Coco de Mer – the largest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom, which has become the symbol of the Seychelles. It weighs anywhere between 15 and 30 kilos and for centuries was thought to have originated from a tree beneath the ocean. This coconut is unique in that it is in the exact same form of a female pelvis! It has separate male and female plants that can take up to 50 years to reach sexual maturity. Shrouded in folklore and legends, the legendary palm is found growing naturally on two of Seychelles’ islands – Praslin and Curieuse. With only about 8,000 of these mature trees in existence, the plant is now endangered, so it is unsurprising that this unique seed is being sold on eBay today for around $3000 a piece! Go and experience it first-hand, growing in the wild whilst on your Seychelles tour.
How large and old are the giant tortoises?
Only found in the Galapagos and Seychelles, these extraordinary and enormous reptiles, known as Aldabra giant tortoises, grow up to four feet (122 cm) long and weigh as much as 770 lbs (350 kilos.) They’ve survived in the Seychelles because their populations were isolated, protecting them against and harsh predators. You will spot numerous giant tortoises in the wild, whilst touring two of the uninhabited islands during the small ship cruise – Curieuse, which is home to over 300 and the idyllic Moyenne Island. They follow a mainly herbivore diet of grasses and stems and occasionally insects and even other dead tortoises. Many live to over 100 years old and currently, the oldest named ‘Jonathan’ is 184 years old to date! Enjoying quality time with these majestic creatures will live long in your memory.
Are mosquitoes an issue in the Seychelles?
Mosquitoes are not a problem in general whilst visiting the Seychelles, for the vast majority of visitors. However, depending on the time of year of your visit, you may be greeted by a few, on Cousin Island, also known as ‘Bird Island.’ This is a must-visit nature reserve, situated just off the coast of Praslin Island and one of the eco-friendliest places on planet earth – an absolute heaven for nature lovers. The granite island is a safe refuge for countless rich birds and in particular the ‘Seychelles Warbler,’ a small local songbird that is nearly extinct. We would recommend that you come prepared when setting foot on the island, with ample mosquito repellent or better still, lightweight clothing to keep the little mozzies away from your skin!
