Did you say Seychelles?
- thetooshaz
- Jan 7, 2017
- 4 min read
Seychelles has forever been on my bucket-list. I mean, do you blame me?
So my birthday was coming up and I just wanted to spoil myself, because why the hell not? I really needed an escape and a little adventure; so Seychelles it was! I yearned to finally see this place, so I booked myself a 5-day trip, the weekend of my birthday.
How to get there
I flew via Air Seychelles, a direct flight from Abu Dhabi airport (you can jump on a shuttle if you are based in Dubai). The flight takes around 5 hours, perfect for a quick getaway!
The people
The people were so warm and welcoming and a great plus was that the majority of locals speak English. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re missing out on hidden gems when travelling with a communication barrier!
Things to do and places to see
I crammed in as much as possible during the course of 5 days so that I could fully immerse myself into this majestic paradise and see as much as I could possibly see in such a short timeframe.
1. Diving and Snorkelling – Seychelles is famous for its oceanic life, unbelievably clear waters and white sands. Baie Ternay Marine National Park is the common place for divers and snorkelers. Lucky me, I actually got to see a massive beautiful stingray swim by, I am not even kidding when I say massive, I actually couldn’t believe my eyes for a second!
2. Beautiful Beaches – It’s true that the beaches are immaculate; covered with powdered white sand, crystal clear blue waters, with an uninhabited island feel to it. I rented a car for two days so that I could have the freedom to explore the island as much as possible and beach hop, of course I got lost a few times, but hey, what’s an adventure without getting lost? Here are a few beaches I’d recommend you see:
And the list can go on and on, but these are the top 5 in my opinion.
3. Restaurants – If you are a fan of seafood, then you are in luck because seafood is everywhere and you can only imagine how fresh it is. The island is also renowned for its array of freshly picked fruits, which I am sure you would agree is the best platter to have when laying in the sun. It is also very common for locals to grow their own spices, fruits and plants which they use for medicinal purposes.
Here are a few restaurants I would recommend:
Trader Vic’s, as usual, great food and great vibe
Eden Island is a beautiful manmade island with a selection of coffee shops and restaurants for you to choose from, it’s the view that you have to see!
If you are looking for a nice romantic dinner while listening to the sound of the waves, La Scala is the place
Another great restaurant right by the beach is Coral Asia, amazing for the Japanese food fans
4. Waterfalls – There are quite a few different waterfalls but I got the chance to visit Port Glaud waterfall – it’s a 10-15-minute walk from Port Glaud Church. You have to pass a big gate/fence, then it’s quite tricky to walk the trail to the waterfall, but there are some locals that will offer to guide you (they may request a tip)! It’s quite a small waterfall but definitely very beautiful and replenishing!
FACTS
If you are planning to visit La Digue and Praslin, then be aware that boats do not operate to these islands on a Sunday
Drivers seat is on the right hand side (I am used to driving on the left)
Only drive if you have a lot of experience because the roads are pretty narrow and dark in the evening
Car rentals cost approximately $50 per day
Boat tour costs vary, but you can get some pretty good bargains from salesmen which usually approach people on the beach
Don’t be alarmed when you see bats, I am saying this because of course I freaked out until I found out that they are harmless fruit bats
TIPS
Visa Requirements
Seychelles actually has no visa requirements for all nationals but keep the address of where you are staying and the duration of your stay handy because you will be asked at passport control. I had all of my details saved on my phone (so reliant on technology these days) and then my phone inconveniently ran out of battery. So might be an idea to save the details the traditional way.
Vaccinations No vaccinations are required but it is recommended that you take the yellow fever shot.
Weather
My trip was apparently during rainy season, but it only rained twice. Seychelles is definitely a destination that needs a lot of sunshine - it wouldn’t be the same experience without it! The country is blessed with tropical sun throughout the year but of course, being a tropical country, you can get random showers.
Now that I have been to Seychelles and I have seen the true beauty of the island with my own eyes, I can confidently agree that the hype is more than justified. “Seychelles is a paradise on earth”. If you’ve only seen pictures, then please go experience it for yourself, you will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for an adventure, solo break, family or a romantic getaway, then Seychelles is definitely the place to be!
Comments