There are great opportunities for island-hopping between the 16 islands that currently offer accommodation. These range from sumptuous 5-star resorts to rustic island lodges and cozy beachside bungalows. On your way, you will discover such gems as the legendary Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco-de-Mer. You will also find proud national monuments, beautiful Creole houses, artists' studios, national reserves and marine parks, as well as breathtaking natural wonders above and beneath the waves. Various excursions will introduce you to the pleasures of glass-bottom boating, or enjoying a choice of water sports. There's also golf, horse-riding and guided nature tours where to enjoy some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. Not forgetting the mellow Seychelles nightlife where you can take in a casino, some local bars and fine restaurants offering unforgettable Creole and international cuisine.

Radio
The AM services (national medium wave) and Paradise FM (the music station) are both operated by the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation. Radio France Internationale and the BBC World Service are also accessible.

Telephone – Landline
IDD is operative in Seychelles and the country code is 248.
24-hour services for telephone, fax and telegrams are provided by SEYTELS at
SEYTELS/Cable and Wireless Ltd. are located at Francis Rachel Street, Victoria and at Mahe. Phone Cards can also be purchased.

Telephone – Mobile
A few international mobile phone companies do offer roaming facilities in Seychelles

Internet
Internet cafes are found all over Mahe. In addition, the bigger hotels in Seychelles have facilities which enable their guests to operate temporary internet accounts.

Crime levels in Seychelles are low but you should take sensible precautions. Do not leave valuables in cars. Take care in isolated areas and also in more popular places such as Beau Vallon and the back streets of Victoria, especially after dark. Beaches, parked cars and accommodation are favourite targets for thieves.

MAKE SURE YOU RETAIN YOUR CURRENCY EXCHANGE RECEIPTS, IN ORDER TO FACILITATE RE-EXCHANGE ON DEPARTURE, AS IT IS ILLEGAL TO EXPORT MORE THAN 2000 RUPEES

Two opposing trade winds generally govern the weather pattern: the north-westerly trades blow from October to March when wind speeds average from 8 to 12 knots; and the brisker south-easterly trades blow from May to September with winds of between 10 to 20 knots, bringing the cooler and windier conditions ideal for sailing.

The periods of calm between the trades produce fairly warm and wind-free conditions throughout April and also in October. Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and especially diving are superb during April/May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30 metres plus.

The ‘SUBIOS Underwater Festival’, showcases Seychelles’ extraordinary underwater world through a series of film shows, talks and competitions, while the 'Festival Kreol' (a week-long celebration of Creole heritage and traditions) is held in October of each year.

The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held in January and the International Fishing Competition in November. Further local fishing competitions are held throughout the year.

The table below summarises the best times to visit Seychelles for different types of activities.