Category Archives: Seychelles

(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles has once again proven its allure as a premier travel destination by clinching eight awards at the World Travel Awards 2024 ceremony held in Dubaion May 6.

SNA presents the 8 awards Seychelles won at the ceremony.

Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination

The award for Seychelles is a testament to the island nation's natural beauty and captivating landscapes. Seychelles has two beaches that have made world rankings in the past.

Anse Source D'Agent, located in the southwest of La Digue, the third most populated island of Seychelles, and Anse Lazio, located on the northwest coast of Praslin Island, the second most populated island.

Indian Ocean's Leading Cruise Destination

The award shows the Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands is a destination with a commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality.

with its warm weather, tropical forests, white-sand beachesand turquoise watersis seen as the place to go on a cruise. For the cruise season 2023/2024, around 68,000 visitors came to the island nation.

Indian Ocean's Leading Cruise Port 2024

Port Victoria won the Indian Ocean's Leading Cruise Portonce again. For the cruise ship season 2023/2024, Port Victoria has welcomed around 38 vessels.

Indian Ocean's Leading Nature Destination

With Seychelles' unique biodiversity both on land and at sea and its endemic flora and fauna, the archipelago is an ideal destination for visitors who love to explore the outdoors and get up close to some endemic species.

Indian Ocean's Leading Cabin Crew 2024' and 'Indian Ocean's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2024'.

The accomplishment caps off a period of growth for Air Seychelles, the national airline that recently signed a codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines, to give the airline more flexibility in its connections and destination offers.

Indian Ocean's Leading Conference Hotel 2024

Eden Bleu Hotel on the man-made Eden Island, next to the main island of Mahe, was honoured as it combines an idyllic setting for business and leisure with the most advanced Seychelles conference and meetings facilities in the Indian Ocean.

Indian Ocean's Leading New Resort 2024,

The Waldorf Astoria Resort, part of the Hilton Group, located on Platte Island, blends elegant hospitality with an eco-conscious travel offering. The resort was also praised for showcasing Seychelles' commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality.

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Seychelles scoops 8 awards at the World Travel Awards in Dubai - Seychelles News Agency

Evolving geopolitics in the Indian Ocean continues to be analysed through the prism of great power politics. With the Indian Ocean emerging as a prominent strategic theatre shaping global geopolitics, several major powers have directed their attention towards the region. Major global powers have increasinglyaccorded priority to the Indian Ocean region given that it houses major shipping lanes facilitating free flow of trade, as well as marine resources. Naturally, the imperative to securitise the region has followed. This has prompted contest among major powers with critical strategic interests in the region. Major powers in the region like India, the United States (US), and China, with their substantial military capabilities bandwidth have naturally assumed salience in shaping the maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean.

However, it is important to shift the focus on small island states in the region to probe how these countries view the evolving geopolitical churns in the Indian Ocean. Firstly, a distinction needs to be drawn between small island countries and other major powers vis--vis their stakes in the maritime spaces in the Indian Ocean. While it is true that major powers have increasingly enhanced their stakes in the region by way of being engaged in the bourgeoning trade and security networks that flow through the region, their compulsions appear to be only strategic in nature. On the contrary, small island countries have stakes in the Indian Ocean by virtue of their locational presence. The strategic and security compulsions of small island countries are evidently shaped by their maritime identity. Therefore, they tend to be deeply impacted by the changing geopolitical equations in their maritime periphery. This further prompts the need to probe how small island states approach their maritime geography.

A distinction needs to be drawn between small island countries and other major powers vis--vis their stakes in the maritime spaces in the Indian Ocean. While it is true that major powers have increasingly enhanced their stakes in the region by way of being engaged in the bourgeoning trade and security networks that flow through the region, their compulsions appear to be only strategic in nature.

The Indian Ocean is currently witnessing a strategic competition for primacy among two big playersIndia and China. India continues to assert its geographical presence in the region as the basis for its engagement in the Indian Ocean by assuming an important role in shaping its maritime security and governance architecture. On the other hand, Chinas attempts to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean have been underway, particularly, engaging with small and developing island countries in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This coupled with the emergent geo-strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific presents both opportunities and dilemmas for small island countries to navigate their foreign policy and security objectives. In this context, Seychelles appears to stand out. With an archipelagic character of its geography, Seychelles is located strategically amidst the critical theatre of the Western Indian Ocean region.

With a small population, Seychelles is naturally dependent on external actors for its economic and security interests. Due to the maritime character of its geography, Seychelles reliance on seaborne trade and security measures to mitigate challenges at sea account for its key priority areas. For this, Seychelles is dependent on external actors to maximise its interests. Interestingly, a great number of external actors are involved in Seychelles strategic thinking in pursuit of its economic and security interests. These include the US, France, the European Union, United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, and China. Multilaterally, Seychelles has an active presence in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The importance of Seychelles in broader geopolitical terms, however, has not remained confined as site for contestation among major powers.

Seychelles in the Western Indian Ocean

Source: Nations Online Project

However, moving beyond the dyad of geopolitics and great power contest, several other prominent maritime security challenges are noticeably important for a small island country like Seychelles. These primarily include non-traditional maritime security challenges such as maritime piracy and maritime threats posed by the rising challenge of climate change. It is important to note that for Seychelles such challenges are existential. As an island country, Seychelles is dependent on its maritime periphery for a number of critical facets of its security and national interest. These include important dimensions of security such as human security, energy security, food security. This has prompted Seychelles to place greater emphasis on Blue Economya concept that has gained currency as a maritime turn appears to be underway in global geopolitics. Island countries are located in the middle of the oceans with no territorial links with continental spaces. This requires them to rely on ocean-based economy.

Similarly, for Seychelles too, agendas of maritime security and governance are key for the fulfillment of their national interest. In this light, it would be helpful to analyse how Seychelles has sought to frame its maritime identity in pursuing its national interests in the domains of maritime security, governance, and balancing geopolitical contests in the Indian Ocean. It is widely accepted that small states often find themselves on a tightrope in the face of great power competition. However, in the case of Seychelles, a calibrated approach to navigate its strategic vulnerabilities is noticeable. Firstly, what are these strategic vulnerabilities? Scholars have noted that Seychelles is a victim of quadruple predicament, which involves having asymmetric power relations as a weaker party, deficiency of diplomatic personnel resulting from low population, inability to defend its expansive maritime periphery due to low military budget, and the lack of any significant institutional structure to seek security guarantee.

It is widely accepted that small states often find themselves on a tightrope in the face of great power competition. However, in the case of Seychelles, a calibrated approach to navigate its strategic vulnerabilities is noticeable.

The addressal of these dilemmas warrants dependency on external actors. As noted above, Seychelles is engaged with several external actors for the mitigation of major concerns to its national interest. However, the evolving geopolitical contest taking place in the Indian Ocean poses challenges for a small state like Seychelles. On one hand, Chinas continued efforts to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean has involved engaging with regional countries by providing economic aid. On the other hand, India, and likeminded countries have also pushed for greater engagement with small countries in the Indian Ocean to foster a secure, free, and open maritime space. Notably, there appears to be a remarkable continuity of measured calibration in the way Seychelles has navigated through the emergent geopolitical contest in the Indian Ocean in pursuing its national interest. Seychelles has been cautious of not aligning and relying on one side, which has provided it with greater agency to manoeuvre among various major players. Seychelles continues to maintain important economic and security links with India, China, and the US.

Theaddressal of these dilemmas warrants dependency on external actors. As noted above, Seychelles is engaged with several external actors for the mitigation of major concerns to its national interest. However, the evolving geopolitical contest taking place in the Indian Ocean poses challenges for a small state like Seychelles.

However, another important facet of Seychelles global engagement merits greater attention. Historically, the territory of Seychelles has been pivotal for blue water navies. During the early 2000s, Seychelles further gained prominence due to its strategic location in the aftermath of the growing piracy off the coast of Somalia. Its physical location amidst the vast maritime expanse of the Western Indian Ocean has leveraged its strategic prominence. Importantly, the Western Indian Ocean is critical for the free flow of global trade. This has resulted in various major players placing significant interest in the region. In this light, Seychelles has been able to garner critical attention from these major players.

Source: Britannica

With the Indo-Pacific construct gaining currency, increasing involvement of major players in the Western Indian Ocean, and a return of piracy threats in the region, Seychelles has the opportunity to maximise its interests by playing an important role in shaping the maritime security architecture of the region by enhancing cooperation with major players. Given its location, and state of capabilities, Seychelles is well-placed to facilitate efforts for mitigating sea-borne challenges by enhancing cooperation with major players. However, for this, Seychelles needs to take up a balanced and calibrated approach and be careful of not getting trapped in the geopolitical contest that is underway in the Indian Ocean. Engaging with external actors by leveraging its maritime locations stands to best serve Seychelles national interests.

Sayantan Haldar is a Research Assistant at the Observer Research Foundation.

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Seychelles' calibrated approach towards maritime dependency - Observer Research Foundation

The airline, which ceased its operation to the island nation in May, will operate three weekly flights. (Tourism Seychelles)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - The resumption of flights by Aeroflotto Seychelles in October was discussed earlier this week in a meeting between Antony Derjacques, Minister for Transport, and a delegation of the airline led by the Ambassador of Russia to Seychelles, Artyom Kozhin.

The airline, which ceased its operation to the island nation in May, will operate three weekly flights.

According to the Ministry of Transport in a communique on Wednesday, during the meeting, Derjacques highlighted the important contributions made by Aeroflot in the economic recovery of Seychelles from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that since it resumed scheduled flights to Seychelles in 2021, Aeroflot has was consistent in its performance driving up tourist arrivals from Russia from under 15,000 in 2019 to more than 38,000 in 2023.

"As a result, Russia now stands in the top five of our tourist arrivals week on week. We are very pleased with this achievement. It is in this spirit and in recognition of its contribution to our socio-economic development that we are rallying the support of all stakeholders to ensure the smooth resumption of Aeroflot in Winter 2024,"said Derjacques.

On his side, Ambassador Kozhinemphasised the achievements made by Aeroflot since it resumed flights to Seychelles.

He said through this operation, the tourism profile of Seychelles has seen a significant hike in Russia, spurring demand for travel to the islands, and reiterated the remarkable numbers of tourist arrivals from Russia in 2023, which is the highest on record inovera decade.

Kozhin expressed appreciation for all the support extended to the airline in ensuring it can conduct flights to Seychelles as a testament of the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

The representatives from Aeroflot had an opportunity to brief the minister on some operational challenges they are facing.

Derjacques reassured the Russian delegation that through a multi-stakeholder approach, the government will find meaningful solutions to address any hurdles that they are facing.

He called for a cohesive and collaborative approach locally among key stakeholders to ensure the airline can resume the flights as planned later this year.

"We need to recognise the domino effect of Aeroflot's operation to Seychelles. Everyone in the country benefits either directly or indirectly. Henceforth, it is important that we work towards ensuring that we can achieve year-round service from the airline by creating the right conditions to facilitate their operation,"he added.

According to the latest visitor arrivals figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, there were 18,402 visitors from Russia in 2024, an increase of 3 percent from the figures of 2023. Russia is the third largest market for visitor arrivals.

Germany still leads with 29,149, a 40 percent increase from 2023, while France is second with 20,050, a decrease of 4 percent from last year.

Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, saw an increase of 3 percent in the total of visitors at 160,359 arrivals from January to June 12 in 2024 compared to 155,079 last year. However, for week 23 there has been a decrease of 15 percent compared to 2023. Only 4,267 visitors arrived in Seychelles in week 23 in 2024 compared to 5,001 last year.

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Aeroflot to resume flights to Seychelles in October 2024 - Seychelles News Agency

Gambia and Seychelles will battle for three points in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday. The Gambians have not been in action since falling to a 3-2 defeat to Cameroon in their final group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January.

All five goals were scored in the second half, with Karl Toko Ekambi and Christopher Wooh scoring either side of James Gomez's own goal to help the Indomitable Lions claim three points. Ablie Jallow and Omar Collie scored for Gambia but it was not enough as the Scorpions were eliminated in the group stage.

Seychelles, meanwhile, were last in action when they suffered a disappointing 5-0 defeat to Kenya in the World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. Michael Olunga scored a brace while Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango and Benson Omala scored a goal each in the rout.

Gambia's last game in the qualifiers came in a 2-0 home defeat to Ivory Coast.

The loss left them in fifth spot in Group F on zero points after two games. Seychelles are bottom of the standings, also on zero points.

Gambia have made a poor start to the qualifiers and are six points off the top two. Their form heading into this game has not been good.

Seychelles, for their part, have been even poorer, having also failed to register their first points of the campaign. The Pirates are yet to find the back of the net, conceding 14 goals in just two games.

Neither of the two sides partook in the last international window. Gambia are the booked home side but the game takes place in Morocco, depriving them of home support. We expect a goalless draw.

Prediction: Gambia 0-0 Seychelles

Tip 1 - Result: Draw

Tip 2 - Both teams to score: No

Tip 3 - Under 2.5 goals

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Gambia vs Seychelles Prediction and Betting Tips | June 8th 2024 - Sportskeeda

Seychelles' Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, has expressed his strong support for Emirates Airline's announcement to introduce four weekly flights between Dubai and Madagascar, with a stopover in Mahe, Seychelles, starting September 3.

Emirates announced on June 7 that it will launch flights to Madagascar in September and the flights will operate via a linked service with Seychelles.

According to a press communique from the Ministry if Transport on Monday, Derjacques highlighted the significance of this new routeand said, "The introduction of these flights marks a substantial advancement in our efforts to boost trade, commerce, and tourism. This development is poised to enhance Seychelles' connectivity with key markets, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange."

Derjacques also emphasised the importance of this initiative in the context of South-South cooperation in aviation. He said, "By linking Seychelles with Dubai and Madagascar, we are not only enhancing our own strategic position but also strengthening the ties between developing nations. This cooperation is crucial for mutual growth and development, paving the way for more collaborative efforts in the future."

The new Emirates flight route is anticipated to position Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean,as a pivotal travel and trade hub within the region, offering enhanced opportunities for the business and tourism sectors.

The Ministry of Transport of Seychelles said it is dedicated to improving the nation's transport infrastructure and services, aiming for sustainable growth and development within the sector. Through strategic collaborations and innovative initiatives, the ministry seeks to enhance connectivity and accessibility, benefiting both local communities and international visitors, according to the press statement.

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Seychelles expresses support for Emirates flight to Madagascar with stopover on Mahe Island - Seychelles News Agency

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Peggy Vidot, Minister for Health, and Flavien Joubert, Minister forAgriculture, Climate Change and Energy. (Seychelles News Agency)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy have signed an agreement to work together on the establishment of a national One Health platform aimed at making the identification of potential diseases in Seychelles more effective.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two ministries is described as a commitment to integrated approaches to human, environmental and animal health.

"This MoU will create the platform for both parties to work closer together, where it can now be a more structured collaboration, which will allow us to share resources, being physical resources and human resources towards a common goal," said Rodney Philo, the chief animal health and livestock officer.

Philo explained that research shows that 85 percent of diseases come from animals and therefore by working together, it will allow quicker decision-making for necessary action to take place.

"The inseparable links between agriculture, nutrition and health, those between health and climate change, those between health and bio-security, the growing health threats at the centre of animal and human ecosystems and the challenges to be met in terms of antimicrobial resistance, all require a common approach to which we are committed today, clearly and resolutely," said the Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, in her address, during the signing ceremony, which took place the Savoy Resort and Spa, Beau Vallon, on Friday.

She added that "Collaboration between our two ministries to safeguard human health, animal health and environmental health, means safeguarding our survival as a nation."

The Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy, Flavien Joubert said that the MoU signing is an important step towards strengthening the One Health approach.

"By working together, we more effectively address complex health challenges and protect the health of humans and animals...The One Health approach recognises the interdependence of human, animal and environmental health and highlights the need for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to addressing health challenges," he added.

The SEGAOne Health network is the health arm of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in matters of public health, animal health and environmental health.

It brings together more than 400 health professionals from ministerial departments of member states, reference training and research institutions in the region, and benefits from a strong partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA).

It has been supported since 2009 by the French Development Agency (AFD) via RSIE projects. In complementarity with the implementation of the third phase (RSIE3), the European Union (EU) also supports the SEGA One Health network through a new project, RSIE4, implemented by the IOC since December 2020.

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Seychelles working towards One Health platform for humans and animals - Seychelles News Agency

Swimmer Felicity Passon is one of the athletes on the Olympic Scholarship and qualified for the last Olympic Games in Tokyo. (Seychelles Nation)

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Seychelles will have at least three participants in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris from July 26 to August 24 according to a top official.

So far no athletes from Seychelles have qualified for the Games but the island nation will compete as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will issue invitations to ensure that every nation can be represented at the games.

The secretary general of the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA), Alain Alcindor, told reporters, "In athletics, one athlete will be invited, unlike before when it was two."

He explained the Seychelles Athletics Federation will have three events they can apply to participate in; 100m sprint, 800m and the marathon.

Two athletes will be invited in the swimming competition, a male and a female, and "this already guarantees that we will have at least three athletes at the games." said Alcindor.

He said that late last year, "we were asked to submit the names of the athletes that we believe could be invited based on their 2023 performance, which is called a universality place, and we have applied for mainly the athletes that are on the Olympic scholarships."

Alcindor explained that not all disciplines will accept the universality place and that includes swimming and athletics, since they will receive an invite through their federations.

According to SOCGA, there are five Seychellois athletes on the Olympic Scholarship and they are swimmer Felicity Passon, sprinters Ned Azemia and Sharry Dodin, boxer Shain Boniface and sailor Dean Mathiot.

Alcindor explained that more places could become available as there are times when countries decide not to send their athletes to the games even if they have qualified. When this happens, spots remain open and the IOC redistributes it to other nations.

Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1980 after it set up a National Olympic Committee in 1979 now the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (SOCGA).

In the last competition in Tokyo, Japan, five Seychellois took part. Two athletes qualified for a spot - sailor Rodney Govinden and swimmer Felicity Passon.

SwimmerSimon Bachmann wasinvited in view of his performance and participation in high level competitions.

Ned Azemia made hissecond appearance in the Games after his debut in the 2016 Rio Olympic in which he competed in the 400-metre hurdles while judokaNantenaina Finesse, made hisOlympic debut by invitation.

Paris 2024 will feature the debut of breakdancing as an Olympic event and will be the final Olympic Games held during the presidency of IOC President Thomas Bach. The Games will be the first to feature an identical number of athletes between men and women.

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Seychelles to send 3 sportspeople to Olympics in Paris - Seychelles News Agency

Seychelles' authorities are offering a reward of SCR 100,000 ($7,425) to anyone having credible information on the recent suspected gas attacks and pledge to investigate the incidents.

The Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka, made the statement when answering an urgent question by Wallace Cosgrow, a proportionate member of the United Seychelles party in the National Assembly.

Since Monday, April 8, an unknown substance in gaseous form has affected people in contact with it at several primary and secondary schools and the staff of the judiciary, also closing down the parliament.

Fonseka passed on a message from President Wavel Ramkalawan, who has been on an overseas mission since April 10 - attending the United Nations Ocean Decade conference in Barcelona, Spain, and the Our Ocean conference in Greece.

"He feels for those who have been affected, especially the children who have breathed in the unknown substance and have fallen ill," said Fonseka.

He added that the President has pledged to do everything to ensure that the authorities get to the bottom of the situation.

"There are no agencies that use chemicals in their operations such as Seypec, PUC and who have reported having an accidental discharge," said Fonseka.

He added that none of the agencies were operating in the areas where the incidents occurred and initially the authorities believed that "the marine sediments found in lagoons could be responsible for releasing a gas called balsamic methane."

"We are now treating this as a criminal case, and after the two incidents of yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday) all indications point to criminality. I also want to inform the National Assembly that the police is intensifying its work on all levels," said the minister.

Fonseka asked people to be vigilant as such attacks are mainly aimed at spreading fear.

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In the latest figures presented by the Minister, 353 people, both children and adults reported their respective health centres.

"They are experiencing symptoms of headaches, itching and stomach pains among others," explained Fonseka and added that the "Beau Vallon and Bel Eau school incidents have forced us to look into other areas."

Meanwhile, in a press release statement on Wednesday, United Seychelles (US) said it is truly disgraceful that children are deliberately being targetted.

"We, the United Seychelles Party, firmly believe that every individual has the right to live in a safe and secure environment, free from harm and fear and It is truly disheartening to witness such acts of malice, especially when they target educational institutions and workplaces," said United Seychelles.

The party added "It is truly astounding that, despite the presence of numerous security apparatuses in the country, the culprits are still able to operate with impunity. We sincerely hope that the individuals responsible for these heinous acts will be apprehended and brought to justice the soonest."

"We demand that the authorities in Seychelles take immediate and decisive action to bring the culprits responsible for these atrocious deeds to justice, we strongly urge the government to implement effective measures in order to put an end to these acts of terror," said United Seychelles.

Furthermore, the Seychelles Inter-Faith Council's (SIFCO) managing committee issued a statement also expressing concern over the incidents.

"We are concerned because the incident is causing fear among the population especially school children. We hope and pray that all concerned can bring the situation to its finality soon, " said SIFCO.

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Seychelles' Authorities Offering Reward for Info On Suspected Gas Attacks - AllAfrica - Top Africa News

As ratification of the High Seas Treaty picks up the pace, Seychelles has become the first African nation and the third globally to ratify the historic ocean agreement. Seychelles ratified the treaty through a majority vote last week at its National Assembly. For the High Seas Treaty to enter into force, another 57 countries will need to sign and ratify it.

While presenting the treaty to the legislatures, the Leader of Government Business Bernard Georges said that the legal framework's main purpose is to take stewardship of the worlds oceans, care for and protect the marine environment as well as maintain the integrity of undersea ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

As a legally binding instrument of the United Nations, the High Seas Treaty will place 30 percent of the worlds oceans into protected areas, helping to protect marine resources in parts of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty was formally adopted by governments in June last year and opened for state signatures on September 20.

As a small island developing nation in the India Ocean, Seychelles stands to benefit from the implementation of the treaty. Fisheries represents the second most important economic sector in the country after tourism. Unfortunately, the IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing menace - especially from commercial foreign-owned fleets - have seen significant reduction of fish stocks.

Two thirds of fish stock being fished in seas beyond the national jurisdictions, are being done in a non-sustainable way, and if a decision is not taken quickly, many fish stocks will crash and lead to food insecurities in many countries, added Bernard Georges. This would be damaging toa country like Seychelles, where over 90 percent of the territory is ocean.

To stem the threat, Seychelles was among the first countries in 2017 to join the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FTI), a global partnership that seeks to make fisheries management more transparent and inclusive. By ratifying the High Seas Treaty, it will hopefully act as a bulwark against multiple illicit maritime activities facing the country.

In the recent past, Seychelles have built a reputation as a staunch champion of ocean conservation. As of 2020, it was among the first countries in the world to fulfill the pledge of protecting 30 percent of its marine waters, through a debt-for-nature swap deal facilitated by the U.S based NGO The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This means over 154,000 square miles of Seychelles waters, an area twice the size of Great Britain, is designated as marine protected area (MPA).

Top image: Yellowfin tuna caught in the Seychelles (Seychelles Nation / CC BY 4.0)

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High Seas Treaty Will Help Defend Small Island Nations' Fisheries - The Maritime Executive

When is the best time to visit Seychelles?

The best time to visit the Seychelles is in the transitional months, which include April, May, October and November. The temperatures are milder, with the humid northwest trade winds changing to the cooler southwest tradewinds, so the weather conditions are perfect. There are fewer crowds during these transitional periods so you won't have to fight your way to the beachside chairs.

The months with the highest levels of rainfall are December and January. January tends to be the rainiest, with about 300mm of rain throughout the month. However, the rain tends to be short and heavy, so there will be plenty of bursts of sunshine during your trip.

Its always scuba diving time in the Seychelles, but unsurprisingly, the best conditions are in the transitional months, when the seas are calm and visibility is high. You can expect to spot butterflyfishes, spotted eagle rays and even green sea turtles.

A young green turtle

Both island getaways offer stunning scenery and a relaxing holiday experience, but it depends on what type of holiday you want. The Maldives is a hotspot for romantic trips, with all-inclusive resorts setting the bar high for a luxury holiday, and while there are plenty of luxury stays in the Seychelles, it is definitely an adventure lover's dream.

First published on CNT US

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The best time to visit the Seychelles - Cond Nast Traveller India