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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 lush castaway sanctuary just north of Madagascar, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean near the East African coast. With no indigenous population, the islands are culturally diverse. The largest ethnic groups are those of French, African, Indian and Chinese descent. French and English are the official languages, along with Seychellois Creole, which is based on French.

First settled by the French in 1770, the Seychelles islands still feel undiscovered. Pristine, picturesque beaches make this a favoured destination for sun-lovers and nature enthusiasts. The islands are home to stunning marine life, with more than 1,000 recorded species of fish, as well as the largest population of Aldabra giant tortoises and one of the largest seabird colonies in the world.

Seychelles is known for its contribution to preserving the islands' distinct natural riches. The coco de mer is a species of palm that grows only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Nicknamed the love nut, its seed is the largest in the world and has become the country's most treasured symbol. Other unique species include the ancient jellyfish tree and the Wright's gardenia, which is found only on the Aride Island Special Reserve.

Seychelles is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aldabra, the world largest raised coral atoll, and Praslin's Vallée de Mai, once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is quietly secluded on the southwest coast of the main island of Mahé, yet remains conveniently close to the international airport and the capital, Victoria.

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.