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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

A tropical paradise of pristine beaches and magnificent natural wonders, the Seychelles inspire a sense of castaway seclusion and adventure. Located near the East African coast, just north of Madagascar, the Seychelles form an archipelago of 115 islands, scattered across the Indian Ocean. First settled by the French in 1770, the islands still feel undiscovered and only about 20 are inhabited. The Seychelles have no indigenous population and today they display a vibrant ethnic diversity – with the largest groups being of French, African, Indian and Chinese descent. A strong French Creole influence is evident in culture, custom and cuisine. The official languages are French and English, along with Seychellois Creole.

Protected land- and seascapes are home to unique-on-the-planet plant and marine life – with more than 1,000 recorded species of fish, a massive seabird colony, and the largest population of giant tortoises outside the Galapagos. Thrilling water sports and jungle exploration give a sense of Robinson Crusoe-style adventure and discovery. Of special note: the time zone of the Seychelles is just four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – causing minimal jet lag when arriving from European and Asian cities.

Time zone

GMT/UTC +4 (no DST)

Language(s) spoken

Creole

French

English

Electrical system

Local voltage is 240 volts 50 Hz.

Shopping hours

Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 noon

Please note that some shops close between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm on weekdays.

Working hours

Banks:
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Saturday 8:30 am to 11:00 am

Government offices:
Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Private companies:
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
(and occasionally on Saturday)

Time and distance to city centre

50 minutes' drive

Time and distance to shopping

50 minutes' drive

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Seasonal highlights

January

Seychelles Sailing Cup – This race is held under the authority of the Seychelles Yachting Association and is open to amateur and professional sailors on any type of sailing boat.

February

The Kavadi Festival – This annual festival is celebrated at the Hindu temple in Victoria. Members of Seychelles' Hindu community offer prayers and small pots of milk to Lord Murugan, the warrior deity of the hills, in return for his blessing.

Eco-Healing Seychelles Marathon – This event promotes healthier bodies and minds as competitors run through stunning scenery while breathing fresh, unpolluted air. In 2009, the marathon will take place on February 15 at Beau Vallon.

March

Fête de la Francophonie – This event features activities at various locations on the island of Mahé, including films, exhibitions and a craft bazaar.

April

Rotary Fishing Tournament – This weekend tournament hosted by the Marine Charter Association in Victoria features competitions in trolling and bottom fishing.

May-June

Seychelles International Festival of Classical Music – This festival features professional musicians, choristers and soloists from several countries. It runs from late May through early June and offers vocal and instrumental performances at various locations on the island of Mahé.

August

Feast of the Assumption of Mary – The largest celebration of this festival is held at the church on La Digue. Christians throughout Seychelles visit the smallest of the main islands to participate each year.

September

Mahé-Praslin Windsurfing Race – This event begins at Victoria Harbour on Mahé and ends on neighbouring Praslin following a race across the ocean that tests participants' skill, ability and endurance.

Tourism Week – During the last week of September, visitors can enjoy bands, moutya (dance) evenings and a variety of cultural events.

October

Festival Kreol – The largest and most important event in Seychelles, this festival usually takes place during the last week of October. With a variety of events held throughout Mahé, it offers visitors a taste of the colours, sounds, flavours and fragrances of one corner of the Creole world.

November

SUBIOS Underwater Film and Image Festival – This three-week festival features entertainment and activities throughout Mahé and Praslin, including screenings of underwater films and talks by diving experts from around the world.