Seychelles Diving Holidays: An Overview

What species can I expect to see in the Seychelles?

Thanks to its marvellous marine environment, the Seychelles offers brilliant diving. With its iconic granite rocks as an underwater backdrop and pristine coral reefs filled with exotic fish, what's not to love? Look out for hawksbill and green sea turtles as well as the occasional dolphin. Wrecks, including the famous Ennerdale, are home to eels, barracudas and a number of sharks. The Seychelles' calm waters usually mean good visibility and warm temperatures.

Above the watery world, more than half of the Seychelles is designated as nature reserves, so there's no shortage of trails winding through lush vegetation to explore. You'll have the chance to spot millions of sea birds, endemic species and even giant tortoises (the Aldabra atoll is home to the world's largest population).

What types of diving can I do in the Seychelles?

Diving for all levels is possible in the Seychelles. Whether you're just looking to dip your toe in with a Discover Scuba Dive, or fancy something more full-on like drift or wreck diving, there's a spot in the Seychelles to cater for your wants. The Inner Islands (Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue) are incredible for fans of underwater topography, while the Outer Islands (Alphonse, Astove and Cosmoledo) are famed for their vibrant reefs and the pelagic species which call them home.

What to pack for diving in the Seychelles?

Most diving centres will provide you with the basic equipment needed to safely enjoy the beautiful deep blue. That doesn't mean you can't also bring some of your own gear along to feel a little more comfortable. Here's what we'd recommend packing for a diving holiday in the Seychelles:

• A mask and snorkel
• Fins
• A dive computer
• Delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) and Reel
• Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
• Reef-safe sunscreen

Is diving in the Seychelles suitable for beginners?

Yes, there are plenty of spots in the Seychelles that are good for beginners. The calm waters paired with very high levels of visibility make it a great spot for those trying scuba diving for the first time. There are a number of shallow dive sites, along with a host of experienced instructors to help you find your way underwater.

The large granite boulders peppering the waters across the Seychelles serve as a natural barrier to the more extreme currents from the Indian Ocean. This keeps the waters tranquil and means that first-timers can explore locales like Mahe, Desroches and Alphonse without getting out of their depth.

What level of dive qualification will I need in the Seychelles?

A PADI Open Water Diving certification (or equivalent) is generally required when you plunge into the azure waters of the Seychelles. Some of the more challenging dive sites may even require an Advanced Open Water certification. When diving in the Outer Islands, for example, advanced certifications are a great benefit, allowing you to dive deeper, take in the fast currents and enjoy drift diving. Some dive sites might also expect you to have completed a certain number of dives, usually sitting between 30 and 50. Don't worry if you have none of these qualifications - you'll have the opportunity to earn them while visiting the Seychelles.

Whether it be basking in the sun on secluded beaches, diving with schools of colourful fish over lush coral gardens, cruising over cerulean seas or island hopping to your heart's content, the Seychelles offers something for everyone, year-round.

Mahe Island is considered the gateway to the 115-island-strong archipelago, and is home to the country's capital, Victoria, a plethora of bustling markets, the rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and scenic beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. If off-grid adventure calls? Head 700 miles off the south coast of Mahe to the Aldabra Group for the most remote diving, where marine life has been untouched (and thriving) for centuries.

Praslin is a haven for explorers, home to the ancient Vallee de Mai and its endemic coco de mer. Make sure to spend some time at the legendary beaches of Lazio, Georgette and La Digue, arguably one of the Seychelles' - and the world's - most photogenic beaches. Embark on an adventure into the cloud forest on untamed Silhouette Island or head to the avian paradise of Bird Island (the clue's in the name), where you can also see tropical fish, dolphins and whales in the crystalline Indian Ocean.

What is the Seychelles famous for?

The Seychelles' pristine sands and gin-clear turquoise waters are world-famous (and rightly so). Paradisiacal beaches like Lazio, Source d'Argent and Georgette offer the chance to relax and unwind as well as try a variety of watersports. Aside from the wonders of diving and snorkelling, you can also paddleboard, windsurf and kayak.

This idyllic island nation is also renowned for its rich biodiversity. The Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which, alongside its endemic palms, is home to utterly one-of-a-kind species like the Seychelles black parrot, bronze geckos, Praslin sooglossid frog and the Seychelles chameleon.

What food should I try in the Seychelles?

Thanks to the Seychelles' remote location, a number of different cultures have left their gastronomic mark. African, European and Asian influences have created a vibrant Creole cuisine that tantalises the taste buds. Here are some of the best dishes to try:

• Shark chutney. This one is perfect for adventurous eaters. Shark meat is boiled and mashed, then mixed with lime, fried onion, turmeric and bilimbi (a local fruit). It's served alongside a bed of rice.
• Bouyon Bred (fish soup). This clear broth consists of boiled moringa leaves and fried fish. You can eat the soup on its own or pair it with rice.
• Kari Bernik (limpet curry). Limpets (similar to barnacles in taste and texture) are cooked with coconut milk, aubergine and local masala or curry powder. This one has a pungent taste, and it does take some getting used to - but it's a must-try for the full Seychelles experience.
• Cassava cake. The perfect dessert to end your meal. Cassava (a starchy root vegetable) is cooked with milk, sugar and vanilla extract, and topped with ground coconut.

Do you need to tip in the Seychelles?

Tipping isn't a requirement when visiting the Seychelles, although it's always nice to show your gratitude for excellent service. A tip of 10-15% goes a long way.

What is the climate of the Seychelles like?

The Seychelles has a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures hovering between a balmy 24°C and 31°C. However, there are different seasons to be aware of.

Like elsewhere in this part of the world, instead of the traditional four seasons, the Seychelles only has two - the wet and the dry seasons. The former (when monsoons can sometimes occur) takes place between December and early April. From late April into May, the dry season begins, running until November.

Where is the Seychelles?

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, sitting 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa (the continent it belongs to). Nearby countries and territories include the Maldives, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, the French overseas departments of Mayotte and Reunion to the south, and the Chagos Archipelago in the east.

What plugs do they use in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles uses a Type G plug, which is the same as in the UK. These consist of three rectangular pins in a triangle shape and operate on a 240V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency.

What is the capital city of the Seychelles?

Victoria is the capital city of the Seychelles. Found on the north-east side of Mahe, this city has a total population of 26,450 people. It might not sound like much, but that's over 20% of the country's total population of around 121,355. There's plenty to discover here, from the botanical gardens to its two museums, a clock tower modelled after Little Ben, and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

What language do they speak in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles has three official languages: French, English and Creole. Most people speak Creole as their first language, but you can get by speaking either English or some basic French.

What is the time difference in the Seychelles?

The Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT. The clocks don't change here, as daylight saving time has never been adopted.

What currency do they use in the Seychelles?

The official currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee, which is divided into 100 cents. Euros and USD are widely accepted and many establishments (including hotels, car hire and excursion services) charge in these currencies.

Credit cards, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are common payment methods and can be used in most hotels and restaurants. Rupees may be needed for transactions in smaller restaurants or shops. ATMs can be found on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Can you drink the tap water in the Seychelles?

Tap water in the Seychelles is technically safe to drink, but it's often chlorinated, so you might want to stick to bottled water instead. You won't need to avoid ice or salads, however, as this will be washed in water without germs.

How long is the flight to the Seychelles?

A direct flight to the Seychelles lasts around eight or nine hours if you're travelling from Europe. This will take longer for those coming from North America. Sometimes direct flights aren't possible, so it might take even longer.

Do I need a visa to visit the Seychelles?

Before arriving in the Seychelles, all visitors must have a travel authorisation (which can be applied for up to 10 days before arrival), as well as valid travel and health insurance. Approved accommodation and a return ticket are also mandatory for entry.

When you arrive, you'll be given a three-month visitor visa, but you can apply for extensions of three further months, and up to 12 months in total. Make sure to apply for extensions well before your current visa expires.

What are the other entry requirements for the Seychelles?

To enter the Seychelles, your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay. You should also be aware of the strict rules regarding any goods brought to or taken out of the country. You must declare anything that might be taxed or subject to duty fees.

What vaccines are needed to enter the Seychelles?

A yellow fever vaccination (and a certificate as proof) is mandatory for anyone visiting the Seychelles.